The 15 things to do in Chicago

Visit Chicago: What are the best things to do and see in "the city of winds"?

Chicago, we all heard of this American town. Many TV series ( Tomorrow to the One , Married two children , Prison Break , The Good Wife , Emergency response ) take place in this incredible city. When you want to visit Chicago, you can imagine the city trapped under the snow, taken with ice winds. After the terrible fire that ravaged much of the city in the early 20th century, Chicago rose and it was with her that the first skyscrapers saw the day. Today, Chicago is simply the third largest city in the United States after New York and Los Angeles. This city attracts both its cultural, intellectual, economic and its architecture, museums, restaurants and its unique atmosphere.

Let’s now see what to visit in Chicago, the best things to do, to try, the unusual places, and the things and tricks that the general public doesn’t know.

1. The Willis Tower (Skydeck Chicago)

Formerly called Sears Tower , this 442 metre tall tower with 110 floors can’t leave you indifferent: the building was the highest in the whole country for 40 years before being overtaken by the One World Trade Center in New York in 2013. For those who want strong sensations, why not try to climb on the glass balconies that help out slightly from the building. Are you ready to dive into the void? What adrenaline, isn’t it?

2. Marina City

It is one of the most ambitious projects in the city of Chicago: in fact, it is two twin towers recognizable in their form of epi. It is a huge residential complex and offices that houses all possible services, so residents no longer need to leave the building. It should be noted that the first 19 floors of these towers are exclusively reserved for parking spaces!

3. The Field Museum (or Muséum Field of Natural History)

It is probably the most beautiful museum in all Chicago. It is located in a huge classical-style building. To discover animals embalmed, to discover thematic exhibitions, or to see temporary exhibitions such as the one dedicated to the world of pirates, it is the place where one must be, whether alone, with family or friends.

4. John Hancock Observatory (360 Chicago)

One of the best spots in Chicago to see the city from above, as well as Lake Michigan overlooked 310 metres. According to the newspaper Chicago Tribune , the Observatory offers the best view possible. Do not hesitate to take advantage of the multimedia visit to understand and discover secrets about Chicago. 360 Chicago is open 365 days a year from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. (last admission at 10:30 p.m.)

5. The Museum of Science and Industry_MSI: Museum of Science and Industry_)

Be careful, you will take your eyes with this museum because it is simply the largest museum dedicated to science around the world. A museum at the height of its demeasure since it will be given you the opportunity to discover in real size a German submarine dating from the Second World War, a Boeing 727 where you simulate a flight, you can also descend into an old coal mine, admire robots working in a toy factory. Not to mention the 3D films that are available on a giant IMAX screen! Don’t hesitate to book the Chicago Pass which allows you to enter more than 25 museums.

6. The Loop

There is a visit that cannot be avoided when you arrive in Chicago, it is that of the famous train that runs through the city. In fact, the Loop is a railway structure that is often found in the movies and this train is a true pride of the inhabitants. The best thing to do is to take the train in the opposite direction of its classic visit to enjoy a few minutes of walking on these tracks that take place at the height of the 1st floor of the buildings.

7. The Art Institute (Art Institute)

It is the 2nd largest museum in all the United States; It houses about 300,000 works of art, including the famous " Nighthawks" by Hopper and the "American Gothic" by G. Wood. There is also a fabulous collection of impressionist and post-impressionist works. For modern art lovers, a special wing is reserved for them.

8. Macy’s

More than just a store, Macy’s is an institution. This unique store in the world is located on State Street , it extends over a whole neighborhood and has 10 floors to sell items of all kinds, whether for fashion, entertainment or beauty care. Enter into Macy’s and you won’t come out empty arms!

9. Millennium Park

This park is located in the heart of Chicago. It was designed for entry into the 2nd millennium and hosts concerts and family activities. A green spot, a small paradise in the midst of all this geometric architecture. Ideal for dinner in love in the middle of the summer or for ice skating in winter. In particular, the famous landmark of the city of Chicago is found in this park: Cloud Gate (the "gate of clouds" or, as it is surnamed, bean , the "bean").

10. Le Doughnut Vault

For sugar lovers and especially donut lovers, there is a place not to be missed in Chicago: the Doughnut Vault . We need to know that the incredible queue is not a legend and is part of the experience of this shop. The perfumes of the week are announced on their website for connoisseurs. Attention: it is advisable to arrive very early because there is only one furnace and when it is finished, the shop closes. There is only one to come back the next day.

11. Buckingham Fountain (Buckingham Fountain)

It is one of the most impressive fountains in the world and also an icon of the city. It is located on Grant Park , recognizable to its pink marble and its demeasured size (85 meters in diameter). With its 134 pipes, the fountain can send water up to 45 m in height. To discover especially at night because it remains lit.

12. The Magnificent Mile

This is shopping paradise, you will find everything you need and even the superfluous. This gigantic avenue extends over 1.5 km, hence its name. If possible, come and admire the tulips that bloom by hundreds in the spring along North Michigan Avenue .

13. The Lincoln Zoo (Lincoln Park Zoo)

In this seemingly ordinary space, there is a small farm. Yes, in the heart of Chicago City! It is not a farm where children can touch animals but an exploitation in which volunteers perform work in front of visitors. Thus, for the little urban, it is finally possible to see how the cows are treated, how the chicks are born, etc. A peasant curiosity in the heart of the city.

14. The Navy Jet (Navy Pier)

This jet was designed during the 1st World War and was originally a 914 m long dock. It was used as a training centre for the American Navy. Today, it is one of the main attractions of Chicago, a entertainment center but also an exhibition center.

15. Other ideas for visits to Chicago

• Adler Planetarium (American scientific music)
• The Music Box Theatre
• Overflight the city by helicopter
• A trip to Chicago Riverwalk with restaurants and bars
• Listen to the Green Mill where Al Capone and other gangsters used to go
• Rent a bike, rollers or walk along Lake Michigan. In summer, visit the beaches of the lake

Chicago: How to get there? Where to sleep?

Several airlines offer direct flights Paris/Chicago such as Air France, Delta, or United. Count around 7:30/8h to reach Illinois. It is relatively simple to reach Chicago from New York for example or from other North American cities. Compare the best deals on Ulysses .

To visit Chicago, the easiest is to stay in downtown (centre) in the corner Michigan Avenue because it is very central and there are dozens of hotels. However, Le Loop should be avoided on the weekend because it is the business district and it is completely deserted on weekends and evenings. It is also necessary to avoid the west and south of the city because they are not the best areas to stay in Chicago For a stay. To find a cheap hotel in Chicago, search our Compare hotels .

Have you visited Chicago?