Chicago's Navy Pier, with its recognizable Ferris wheel, stretches out onto Lake Michigan. Stroll across Navy Pier is one of the cool things to do in Chicago. As you walk the length of the pier, you may take advantage of the many cute boutique stores, delicious restaurants, gardens, temporary exhibitions, and historic sights. It's one of the nicest things to do in Chicago if you want some downtime; it's just over 100 years old.

Additionally, the Navy Pier has some fantastic fireworks displays during the summer. Here is a timetable for their fireworks displays. Also, make a reservation at the 3 Arts Club Cafe for a delicious and utterly memorable meal. The cuisine is very great, and it's beautiful. It typically takes 27 minutes to finish and is regarded as being simple.

Excellent for both walking and hiking, this trail. Dogs are permitted, but they must be leashed. Except for Thanksgiving and Christmas, Navy Pier is open every day of the year, and during the summer, it is almost never empty. Navy Pier also hosts Winter Wonderfest in December in an effort to draw tourists during Chicago's icy winters, when it can be bone-chillingly cold on the lakefront.

Location: 600 E. Grand Avenue; Chicago

The most recognizable and fascinating green area in Chicago is Millennium Park, which is situated beside Lake Michigan. Walking in this park is considered one of the cool things to do in Chicago. Its location in the center of Chicago's downtown and year-round availability of entertainment, relaxation, and pleasure make Millennium Park amazing. Summertime in Chicago is extremely pleasurable due to the abundance of music, dancing, art, sunshine, greenery, and other outdoor activities.

The park, which was initially constructed for, you guessed it, the millennium, serves as the venue for several events that take place all year long. Let's check the calendar of future concerts and activities if you're visiting; they're often rather good. Attend one of the performances performed on the Great Lawn and Jay Pritzker Pavilion locations to immerse yourself in some culture.

If you prefer something else, try hitting a few balls at the renowned Wrigley Stadium. Don't forget to visit The Crown Fountain for a combination of tech and waterpark-style entertainment! Walking along the Chase Promenade, you'll get to the huge bean (technically known as Cloud Gate).

Location: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602, US

If you enjoy modern art, seeing the Cloud Gate is undoubtedly among the greatest things to do in Chicago. Anish Kapoor, a British artist of Indian descent, created Cloud Gate, affectionately known as "The Bean." It is a stunning and striking mirrored sculpture.

The Cloud Gate, which is part of Millennium Park, is not only amazing to look at but has grown to be a really iconic symbol of Chicago. You must arrive early in the morning if you want to escape the congestion in this area. Nevertheless, a few extra visitors don't ruin the experience, and it's always worthwhile to go see. The reflective surface of the Bean was modeled after liquid mercury.

The sensation of Millennium Park is wonderfully captured by its gleaming exterior, which reflects the visitors passing around the park, the lights of Michigan Avenue, the nearby cityscape, and the surrounding greenery. The polished surface's interactive qualities include inviting people to touch it and look at their own reflections.

Location: Millennium Park, 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602,

The stunning Art Institute of Chicago is located in Grant Park. This amazing organization was founded in 1879, making it one of the oldest (and biggest) art museums in the whole US! Make sure you set up a few hours (or days) to see it all because there are over 300,000 distinct items to view. If you love art, it's undoubtedly among the top things to do in Chicago.

Given that, if art isn't your thing, you might want to avoid this location. Lou Mitchell's is a fantastic place to eat breakfast in Chicago (on Jackson Boulevard). It is really delicious and will get you in the mood for a day of sightseeing. The Renzo Piano-designed Modern Wing, the museum's most significant extension in its 130-year existence, was finished in 2009.

The 264,000 square foot Modern Wing, which has the most up-to-date green museum technologies, is devoted to modern and contemporary art, photography, architecture, and design, as well as innovative museum teaching facilities. The Art Institute hosts daily lectures, gallery visits, and special performances in addition to mounting around forty special exhibits each year and showcasing its permanent collection.

Location: 111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Chicago is home to one of the most well-known retail districts in the world. The city's greatest high-end shopping may be found on Michigan Avenue's Magnificent Mile. Within a few blocks, you may visit well-known brands, large department shops, expansive malls, upscale boutiques, and more. Additionally, there are several award-winning restaurants where you may refuel before going shopping.

The Magnificent Mile is the place to go if you want to find a wide variety of stores, foreign food, live entertainment, and some of the city's most stunning natural and architectural landmarks. It is after all likely one of Chicago's most well-known neighborhoods.

The Mile is a 13-block section of Michigan Avenue that runs from the Chicago River's edge to Oak Street. The Magnificent Mile is a must-visit for anybody in Chicago with more than 275 restaurants, 460 retailers, 60 hotels, and a variety of amazing attractions. Check into the Talbott Hotel, which has beautiful rooms, for a fantastic spot to stay. In addition, the John Hancock Building is close by.

Location: Chicago

When considering things to do in a significant international metropolis, an aquarium may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but Chicago's Shedd Aquarium should not be missed! With more than 8000 aquatic animals on display, it is the cool things to do in Chicago.

Shedd also concentrates on educating, promoting, and showcasing the best approaches to safeguard marine habitats and improve the state of the seas. It's interesting to note that Shedd was the first inland aquarium to have permanent saltwater displays, with salt water transported to Chicago by train tank wagons directly from the Key West waters. Additionally, visit Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe for some of the best pancakes in the city.

You are connected to their wild counterparts—and the conservation studies of Shedd scientists—by discovering vibrant corals and strong sharks. Shedd Aquarium is starting an audacious, energizing, and urgent project—a transformational Centennial Commitment that will hasten everyone's access to and connection with nature and amplify ways to care for, conserve, and take action to ensure an equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future for people and aquatic life.

Location: 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60605, US

In the heart of Chicago's downtown, on North Michigan Avenue, stands the enormous skyscraper known as The John Hancock Center. The 1,127-foot (344-meter) tall, 100-story structure is one of the city's most recognizable skyscrapers. Oh, and don't forget to visit 360 CHICAGO, a magnificent observation deck located on the 94th level of the structure, for amazing views of the city, Lake Michigan, and the Magnificent Mile.

It's especially wonderful around sunset or when there is very little fog. It is quite wonderful when the observation deck is occasionally actually above the clouds. Jerry Wolman, the project's owner, came up with the idea in late 1964. When it was finished, it would rank as the second-tallest structure in the whole globe. The John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company provided funding for the undertaking.

Due to a defect in an avant-garde technical technique for pouring concrete in phases, which was found when the structure was 20 floors high, the tower's construction was halted in 1967. Separate from its observatory, 875 North Michigan Avenue contains a dining establishment called the Signature Room on its 95th floor, and a companion bar called the Signature Lounge on its 96th floor.

Location: 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, US

The Willis Tower, once known as the Sears Tower and still often known by that name, is another well-known skyscraper in downtown Chicago. This 108-story structure is the highest in Chicago and is 1,451 feet (442 m) tall. The top floor provides breathtaking views. The Willis Tower's observation deck, known as the Skydeck, has The Ledge, a very spooky glass ledge and box where you may stand to watch the city below. Vertigo sufferers, however, beware!

The Ledge's glass floors hang off the side of the building, so it might be best to avoid the sight. A vacation to Chicago wouldn't be complete without stopping by The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago to the top of the highest structure in the Western Hemisphere! During your ascent to the 103rd level, you can treat yourself to a "one-stop Chicago" experience.

Let's get to see the most breathtaking view, which is 1,353 feet straight down, along with 360-degree vistas stretching up to 50 miles and 4 states! It's an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experience offered by the glass balconies that stretch 4.3 feet outside of the building on The Ledge, where you may "Dare to Stand Out"!

Location: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, US

Regardless of whether you enjoy baseball or not, you have undoubtedly heard of Wrigley Field. Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs, was once known as Weeghman Park and opened its doors in 1914. In 1916, the Cubs played there for the first time, defeating the Cincinnati Reds. After eventually purchasing the Cubs, the maker of the well-known Wrigley chewing gum had the stadium renamed Wrigley Field in 1927.

If baseball is your thing, you can take daily and group tours of Wrigley Field and, if you arrive at the correct time, you might even be able to watch a game. After that, head over to The Chicago Diner for a big supper that will leave you well satisfied.

Wrigley Field is renowned for many things, including its ivy-covered brick outfield wall, the peculiar wind patterns off Lake Michigan, the iconic red marquee over the main entrance, the hand-turned scoreboard, its location in a primarily residential neighborhood with no parking lots and views from the rooftops behind the outfield, as well as for being the last Major League park to install lights for night games in 1988.

Location: 1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613, US

Without a big, hearty slice of deep-dish pizza, no trip to Chicago would be complete. After a long day of sightseeing, it's truly a must-do and among the greatest things to do in Chicago. Finding the ideal location for you might be challenging with so many options.

Let's try Lou Malnaiti's Pizzeria on Wells Street, which is renowned for its distinctive crusts. Alternative options include Pequod's Pizza on North Clybourn Avenue, where meals and beverages are available until late. You can visit The Art of Pizza on North Ashland Avenue for more than just pizza; there, you can also have some hearty fresh pasta.

Although deep-dish pizza is a Chicago institution, many people prefer the thinner New York variety. It should be on your must-eat list even if you only taste it once because of the tremendous cheese pull and caramelized crust. This magnificent pizza pie will take at least an hour to arrive, but it will be well worth the wait.