Top 10 places to visit in Chicago for 2021

Share the article
Last update
Chicago is a city that is the cultural center of the Midwest. In the Windy City, visitors can see spectacular artwork, eat fabulous food, soak up Midwestern culture, and have fun along the way. All of the above reasons make Chicago the best weekend getaway in the Midwest. There are so many wonderful places to visit in the third largest city in the United States, it can be difficult to pick the 10 best places to visit in Chicago for 2021.

The 10 Best Places to Visit in Chicago
Shopping along the Magnificent Mile
When shoppers visit Chicago, they head to the Magnificent Mile. The shopping mecca of the Midwest is located on Michigan Avenue between Lake Shore Drive and the Chicago River. At the thousand, you can browse luxury outlets such as Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue. As you stroll past the shops and restaurants, take a peek. You will be amazed at the spectacular architecture that Chicago is known for, including the Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, and Historic Water Tower.

Visit Grant Park ‘Chicago’s Front Yard’
Spend time enjoying this 319 acre green space with the urban backdrop. Grant Park is where Chicagoans love to play and relax. The park is located right in the city center and has many hiking trails, gardens and even a few baseball diamonds. The world famous Buckingham Fountain is located in the heart of the park. This fountain is one of the largest in the world and features 20-minute choreographed water jet shows, accompanied by lights and music at night.

Ride the Ferris wheel on Navy Pier
Navy Pier is an entertainment center for all ages in downtown Chicago. The Pier is a large city amusement park that spans Lake Michigan. Admire Chicago’s famous skyline from the top of the 196-foot-high Ferris wheel. You can also play 18 hole miniature golf directly on the pier. Kids will love the Chicago Children’s Museum, which has plenty of hands-on exhibits like fire trucks and tree houses. For adults, Marine Pier to the Miller Lite Beer Garden and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater for entertainment.

Soak up the sun at North Avenue Beach
Have a good time at this popular swimming spot on Lake Michigan. Besides sunbathing and swimming, North Avenue Beach has other recreational facilities available. These include volleyball courts and trails for walking and running. While at the beach, be sure to visit the 22,000 square foot beach house which houses shopping, dining, and sports equipment rentals.

See cutting-edge art at Millennium Park
Millennium Park is a must-see destination when visiting Chicago. This area, located in the Loop, is an area of âânearly 25 acres that features exceptional works of art, architecture and landscaping. Highlights at Millennium Park include Cloud Gate, also known as “The Bean”, the Crown Fountain and the Pritzker Pavilion, designed by famous architect Frank Gehry. Visitors can also stroll through the Lurie Garden or explore contemporary sculpture from the Boeing Galleries.

Visit the T-Rex Sue at the Field Museum
The Field Museum of Natural History dates back to 1893, when it hosted exhibits for that year’s World’s Fair. The collections at Champ Museum include an exhibit on ancient Egypt, taxidermy exhibits, and Native American artifacts. The museum’s most famous exhibit is Sue, a 40-foot-long tyrannosaur skeleton that appeals to all ages.

See priceless works at the Art Institute of Chicago
Come see the fine art masterpieces of Monet, Van Gogh, Seurat, Matisse and many more at the Art Institute of Chicago. In addition to the classics, the museum also presents artefacts from all over the world in its permanent collection which has over 30,000 different works. The museum also hosts many special exhibitions and events throughout the year. the Museum is open to the public from Monday and Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

See Chicago’s spectacular skyline
If you want a breathtaking view of Chi-town, visit the 360 Chicago Observation deck. On the 94e Floor of the old John Hancock Center, you can admire the view of the city’s eclectic skyscrapers, the Magnificent Mile and the immense Lake Michigan. Those who are not afraid of heights can take a ride on the TILT, a crazy, thrilling ride that tilts so riders can have a view of the streets 1,030 feet below!

Get on the 606
606 is one of Chicago’s premier entertainment venues. A former elevated railway line called the Bloomington Line is now the 606, a park with 2.7 miles of trails perfect for biking, running or walking. Established in 2015, this once-abandoned part of town has been transformed into an urban oasis filled with many trees, gardens and flower beds. Don’t forget to admire the fabulous skyline as you recreate yourself at 606.

Enjoy a river cruise
Spend time strolling the iconic Chicago River Riverwalk. Along the promenade you can admire magnificent art exhibitions or explore the public gardens. Visitors can take a Chicago River cruise and learn about the history of some of the city’s most famous landmarks. After your visit, the Riverwalk has many dining options available including Beat the kitchen on the Riverwalk and Chicago Brewery, and many others.

READ MORE:
Travel insurance that covers Covid-19 for 2021
10 lesser-known things to do in New York
Top 10 American foodie destinations for 2021
Join the community â
the Travel Off Path Community FB Group has all the latest reopening news, conversations and Q&A every day!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST ARTICLES
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest travel news from Travel Off Path, straight to your inbox
Disclaimer: Current Travel Rules and Restrictions may change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and / or local authorities to confirm entry of your nationality and / or any change in travel conditions before traveling. Travel Off Path does not approve travel against government advice