Chicago | USA

Visit Chicago, the third-largest city in the United States and the largest city in the Midwest! With tall buildings, an important economic and cultural center, things to do in Chicago has a lot to offer its visitors!

With very contrasting seasons (very hot summer and freezing winter) “the Windy City” (“the windy city”, in French) has something that New York does not have: the sumptuous view of Lake Michigan! And so much more to offer. Do you want to visit Chicago? An overview of our top 10 things to do in Chicago.

First of all, you need to find accommodation in Chicago not far from your activities.

1. Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower)

You can't visit Chicago without climbing to the top of the incredible Willis Tower! Previously called Sears Tower because it housed the offices of the Sears company, it is the second tallest tower in the United States just behind One World Trade Center in New York (443 meters, compared to 541).

Launched in 45 seconds, on the 103rd floor of the tower, at a height of 412 meters, the Skydeck offers you a most impressive view of the city and Lake Michigan ... and even, in the distance, to neighboring states: Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin.

It takes about $ 25 per person to access this panoramic view. The Skydeck will surely give you dizzying sensations when you put your first foot on the glass floor. Day and night, the view is captivating. On the other hand, prefer a day when the weather is clear.

If you want to avoid the endless wait, I advise you to go there when it opens. Not only will you avoid the line to access the Skydeck, but it will also be much more pleasant to take nice photos.

2. Millenium Park and the “Cloud Gate”

You've probably seen the famous piece of art The Cloud Gate, designed by British artist Anish Kapoor, in photos or movies.

Here, it is nicknamed rather The Bean ("the Bean"), because of its shape. Day and night, summer and winter, this urban sculpture is simply magnificent. It is located in Millenium Park, a place where it is very pleasant to walk to admire other urban works and to take a picture under the vastness of the Bean.

A little extra if you go there during the holidays: a huge skating rink is installed there and the atmosphere is festive. Especially since it is very pleasant to skate with a view of the Cloud Gate and the beautiful skyline (skyline spiked with skyscrapers) of Chicago.

3. Eat a deep-dish pizza

Being a major city of Italian immigration, things to do in Chicago keeps track of it. The famous deep-dish pizza is the very example of the mixture of the two cultures. Restaurant chains of all kinds will offer things to do in Chicago to taste this specialty, but Giordano is the place to go! Indeed, Giordano's chain has maintained a certain authenticity and this is where the pizzas are the best. A word of advice: don't count calories!

4. The Navy Pier

This pier on Lake Michigan is over a mile. It is a magnificent place things to do in Chicago, which offers a view of the lake and the skyline. Photography enthusiasts will fall in love with this place. You can't visit Chicago without a stroll on this pier.

There you will find hot dog vendors, small restaurants, and a few children's rides. But the must-see of the pier is the incredible Ferris wheel, which was very recently renovated: it is huge and its cabins are brand new and even equipped with air conditioning! The view from above is breathtaking. Count around $ 15 per adult to access it. You will not regret it.

5. Lincoln Park Zoo

If you have young children or if you just love to go to the zoo, this one is a must… and completely free!

If you get there by car, we advise you to park in the streets of the city (paid parking with parking meters) rather than in the parking lot provided for the zoo, which still costs $ 25.

Outside of the zoo, Lincoln Park is the city's largest public urban park and the second in the country. You will be able to observe the runners or readers quietly sitting on the benches. It is very pleasant to walk there and to benefit from such a large green space in the heart of a city of this size.

6. Visit Chicago and see a Bulls or Cubs game

Sport has a very important place in the United States and particularly things to do in Chicago. Everyone knows the famous basketball player, Michael Jordan. Even though he hasn't played in years, going to a Chicago Bulls game is still an experience not to be missed when visiting Chicago. Ticket prices start at around $ 20 and can go up very high depending on your location. There is therefore something for all budgets.

If you are more curious about baseball, you will be served too. Between the Chicago White Sox and the Cubs, the two emblematic teams of the city, you will have the choice. The former rather represent the south of the city and the Cubs the north. The Cubs won the World Series very recently, which has not happened… since 1908.

It is true that the rules of baseball are not easy to understand if you are not used to following the sport, but watching a game is nonetheless a great experience. The atmosphere is absolutely fantastic and it's not often that we have the opportunity to attend a baseball game. Especially since you will find places not very expensive if you do not want to be in the first row.

7. Art Institute of Chicago

For art lovers and even others, the Art Institute of Chicago, the second-largest art museum in the country, is a must-see things to do in Chicago. From Grant Wood to Picasso, via Van Gogh, many major works are present in the collections. If you like Impressionism, you will be in for a treat, as works of this movement abound.

If you want to see the entire museum, know that you will need at least half a day, so do not hesitate to come to the opening to avoid the world and be quieter to admire the works.

8. The John G. Shedd Aquarium

The Chicago Aquarium is one of the largest in the United States. You will be able to discover around 2,100 animal species there. It is a very beautiful experience, which will appeal to children and adults alike. There are also shows with killer whales, including an adaptation around the theme of Christmas, at the end of the year.

9. Shopping on Michigan Avenue

Michigan Avenue is Chicago's most famous and touristic street. From luxurious boutiques to more accessible boutiques, it is an emblematic place to do your shopping. Even if you only shop there, the street is very beautiful and you can see things to do in Chicago Water Tower and the Chicago Art Institute.

10. A cruise on the Chicago River

The 251-kilometer Chicago River runs through downtown Chicago. It is best known because of the local tradition of dyeing it green for St. Patrick's Day.

Cruise ships allow you to embark on board for tours of about an hour, sometimes a little longer, in order to discover the city and its architecture. It costs around $ 35-40 per person, but you won't be disappointed. things to do in Chicago is on board to share anecdotes about the city's architecture - a must-do if you're visiting Chicago.

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