Things to Do in Chicago in 2026: Popular Tourist Attractions & Events

With the perfect balance of calming lakefront beaches and bustling cityscapes, a unique quality drives many to explore Chicago and all it has to offer. From world-class museums and iconic attractions in downtown Chicago to beautiful parks and vibrant neighborhoods, there's no limit to what visitors can discover in the Windy City.

Our 2026 guide provides all the information you need to make the most of your visit. Whether you're traveling solo or with family, Chicago offers something for everyone. Group trips? Even easier with chartered group bus transportation that takes the stress out of downtown parking and logistics. Let's dive into the best places to visit in Chicago this year!

Entertainment Venues & Best Museums in Chicago

Chicago's museum campus and entertainment venues offer world-class experiences for visitors of all ages. Here are the most essential destinations to visit in 2026.

1. Art Institute of Chicago

First on the list of tourists' favorite places in Chicago that are certainly worth checking out is the Art Institute of Chicago. This world-class museum features thousands of works of art spanning decades and even centuries. Known for its unique collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings, there are numerous paintings of Claude Monet, Georges Saurat, Renoir, or Grant Wood's American Gothic.

Location: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Visiting Hours: Open daily 11am–5pm (extended to 8pm on Thursdays)

2. Museum of Science and Industry

Housed in a building originally created as the fine art museum of Chicago for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exhibition, the Museum of Science and Industry features a wealth of educational, interactive, and exciting exhibits. There, you may experience first-hand a full-size replica coal mine, a German submarine U-505 captured during World War II, a 3,500-square-foot model railroad, the command module of Apollo 8, and the first diesel-powered streamlined stainless-steel passenger train.

Location: 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637

Visiting Hours: Open 9:30am–4pm daily (until 5:30pm in summer)

3. The Field Museum

The Field Museum of Natural History is one of the largest museums of its kind in the world and features over 20 permanent exhibits covering 480,000 square feet. Although you could spend days discovering all of the treasures hosted in this grand building, we recommend planning for a visit of at least three hours. Some of the highlights of your stay will include skeletons of former greeter SUE the T-rex along with its replacement in the lobby titanosaur Maximo, Egyptian royal relics, and much more. This museum is an ideal destination for educational school field trips!

Location: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

Visiting Hours: 9am–5pm daily

4. Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium is focused on sea life and features over 1,500 species at its museum, including 32,500 fish, birds, insects, and amphibians. This museum is exciting for everyone of all ages to check out and features different themed areas, like the Caribbean Reef and “Amazon Rising”. Beyond fish, you can also see beluga whales and dolphins - one of the most enticing elements that make this one of the best tourist attractions in Chicago.

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

Visiting Hours: 9am–5pm daily (extended to 6pm in summer)

5. Navy Pier

First opened on the north side of the city back in 1916, it is another of the best stops in Chicago to visit places. Navy Pier features a hybrid combination of shopping, restaurants, concert venues, gardens, parks, and even a historic carousel. You can expect to find an impressive 150 ft Ferris wheel, as well as a 3D Imax Theater, performances at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and a Crystal Garden.

Navy Pier Park may become the best choice for your school trips. Book a bus today and organize an unforgettable weekend for your class!

Location: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Visiting Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM; Friday-Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

6. Chicago History Museum

A stop at the Chicago History Museum is a must if your group includes history buffs or anyone interested in the rich and complicated history of the Windy City. Although their collections were destroyed by fire not once, twice (in 1871 and 1874), the Chicago Historical Society persisted and gathered nearly 600 objects illustrating 200 years of history. It features a permanent exhibit that explores the city's development and its relationship to and influence on American history, along with temporary exhibitions focusing on different aspects of Chicago’s past, present, and future.

Location: 1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Visiting Hours: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM daily except for Monday (closed)

Parks, Gardens & Outdoor Gems

Chicago's commitment to outdoor spaces dates back to its famous motto "Urbs in Horto" (City in a Garden). From sprawling lakefront parks to intimate green spaces, the city offers numerous opportunities to enjoy nature within an urban setting.

7. Millennium Park (Cloud Gate)

Part of the larger Grant Park, Millennium Park is located in the heart of downtown Second City. Surrounded by a bustling cityscape, it features a large sculpture, Cloud Gate, which is one of the city's most recognizable pieces of contemporary art and is also commonly referred to by locals as “the bean”. The park also boasts the Crown Fountain, where digital faces appear to spout water, delighting children and families especially during summer months. Throughout the year, countless dining events, festivals, and concerts take place at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Location: Bounded by Michigan Ave, Randolph St, Columbus Dr, and Monroe St (Loop area)

Visiting Hours: 6am–11pm daily

8. The Buckingham Fountain

While visiting Grant Park, be sure to check out the Buckingham Fountain. This is one of the top iconic Chicago things to see due to its Beaux Arts-style design. The architect, Edward Bennett, modeled the fountain after the Latona Fountain in Versailles, giving this Chicago attraction a grand, elegant appeal. The fountain features four water-spouting sea horse statues representing the states that border Lake Michigan, while the fountain pool itself is said to symbolize the lake.

Location: 301 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

Fountain shows: typically every hour, with last show at 10:35pm

9. Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the U.S. and was founded back in 1868, and now features over 1,100 animals within its gates. Whether you're obsessed with polar bears or curious about gorillas, you can see it all at this iconic Chicago zoo. The nearby Lincoln Park Conservatory offers a stunning indoor garden experience with four display houses featuring exotic plants from around the world.

Location: Chicago, IL 60614

Visiting Hours: 10am–5pm daily

10. Japanese Garden in Jackson Park

Tucked away in Chicago's historic Jackson Park, the Osaka Garden (also known as the Garden of the Phoenix) offers a tranquil escape from urban life. Originally constructed for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, this meticulously maintained Japanese garden features traditional elements including stone lanterns, a moon bridge, and peaceful waterfalls surrounded by cherry trees.

Location: 6300 S Cornell Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

Visiting Hours: 6am-11pm daily

11. The Chicago River

The Chicago River is a marvel of engineering that was designed in the 1900s to reverse the course of the river through a system of canal locks so the water would empty into the flows of the Mississippi River rather than Lake Michigan. Located on Chicago's north side, it offers a mile-long pedestrian Riverwalk appreciated by both Chicagoans and tourists. Whether you choose to take an architecture cruise or walk, you will be able to admire many of the City's most beautiful buildings, such as the London Guarantee Building, Marina City, Merchandise Mart, and the Civic Opera Building.

Location: Chicago Riverwalk runs along Wacker Drive from Lake Shore Drive to Lake Street

Visiting Hours: 6am-11pm daily

12. Chicago Lakefront Trail

Get out and explore these 18.5 miles of lakefront trails. You can walk, jog, and bike from Edgewater Beach to the South Shore. The trail follows Lake Shore Drive and goes by several of Chicago’s top attractions like Lincoln Park, Willis Tower, Wrigley Field (one of the best stadiums in Chicago!), Navy Pier, the Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium.

Locals and tourists alike appreciate the beautiful views of the city and the rejuvenating fresh air. If you’re not up for the full 18.5 miles, don’t worry — you can hop off the trail at any point for a breather. Just be sure to fully get off so you don’t impede other visitors from exercising.

Location: Runs along Lake Michigan from 7100 North to 7100 South

Visiting Hours: Open 24/7 (portions may close during severe weather)

Iconic Architecture & Landmarks in Chicago

Chicago's skyline is a testament to American innovation and architectural prowess. Home to some of the tallest buildings in the western hemisphere and featuring designs from world-renowned architects, the city offers spectacular views and photo opportunities at every turn.

13. Skydeck

Located in the famous Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower), the Skydeck offers a heart-stopping experience 1,353 feet above ground. The highlight is undoubtedly "The Ledge" — glass boxes extending four feet outside the building's 103rd floor, creating an unparalleled viewing experience where visitors can see across four states and literally stand above the city.

Location: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

Visiting Hours: 9am–10pm daily in summer (shorter hours in winter)

14. 360 Chicago Observation Deck (Formerly John Hancock Center)

No visit to the Second City is complete without taking a bird’s eye view of its iconic skyline. The 360 Chicago Observation Desk is located on top of the building formerly known as the John Hancock Building on the north side. It offers head-spinning views of the Magnificent Mile, the Chicago Water Tower, the Chicago River, and Lake Michigan. You can even enjoy a delicious drink while taking in the breathtaking panorama seating at the bar.

Location: 875 N Michigan Ave 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611

Visiting Hours: 9am–11pm daily

15. The Rookery

This spectacular architectural landmark, completed by architects Daniel Burnham and John Wellborn Root of Burnham and Root in 1888, is a must-see for visitors to Chicago. In the wake of the Great Chicago fire of 1871, architects competed nationwide, mixing modern building techniques, such as fireproofing, elevators, and plate glass, together with Old-World-inspired aesthetics. The Rookery is a prime example of what is now known as the Chicago school of commercial architecture.

Location: 209 S LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60604

Visiting Hours: Monday through Friday from 7am–6pm; Saturday from 8am–2pm

16. Chicago Cultural Center

Once the city's first public library, the Chicago Cultural Center now stands as a free arts and culture hub showcasing Chicago's rich history through its stunning architecture. The building's crown jewels are its two magnificent stained-glass domes, including the world's largest Tiffany glass dome spanning 38 feet in diameter. Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy free art exhibits, musical performances, dance showcases, and theater events across its multiple exhibition halls and galleries.

Location: 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602

Visiting Hours: 10am-5pm daily

17. Chicago Architecture Center

The Windy City is renowned worldwide for its distinctive architecture and recognizable skyline. Some of the most celebrated architects of their times left their mark among the skyscrapers and public buildings which line the bank and the streets of this fair city. Therefore, anyone with an eye for architecture will be delighted to take part in one of the river cruises or docent-led walking tours organized by the Chicago Architecture Center, which highlight some of the city’s most celebrated landmarks.

Location: 111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

Visiting Hours: 10am-5pm daily

Events in Chicago 2026

Chicago’s event calendar is packed year-round with music, food, and cultural festivals. Plan your trip around one of these top events.

18. Lollapalooza

This legendary four-day music festival transforms Grant Park into a musical paradise each summer, featuring over 170 performances across eight stages. Lollapalooza 2026 promises an impressive lineup spanning rock, hip-hop, electronic, alternative, and pop music from both established superstars and emerging artists. Beyond the music, festival-goers can explore Chow Town, curated by top Chicago chefs, offering diverse culinary options that showcase the city's food scene. Create the perfect charter bus playlist to enjoy while traveling to the event location!

Location: Grant Park, Chicago, IL 60605

Dates: Jul 30 – Aug 2, 2026

19. Taste of Chicago

The world's largest food festival returns with a mouthwatering array of Chicago's diverse culinary landscape. For over four decades, Taste of Chicago has celebrated the city's restaurant scene, offering everything from deep dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs to international cuisines and modern fusion dishes. The 2026 event will feature pop-up restaurants, food trucks, and vendor booths from over 100 local establishments, complemented by live music performances, cooking demonstrations, and family activities.

Location: Grant Park, Chicago, IL 60605

Date: July 2026 (TBD)

20. Chicago Air and Water Show

The largest free exhibition of its kind in the United States, the Chicago Air and Water Show dazzles nearly two million spectators annually along the lakefront. The 2026 event will feature breathtaking aerial acrobatics from military and civilian aircraft, including the renowned U.S. Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights. The show unfolds over Lake Michigan, with North Avenue Beach serving as the epicenter and offering prime viewing opportunities.

Location: 1600 N. Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60613

Date: Aug 29-30, 2026

21. Chicago Jazz Festival

Honoring Chicago's pivotal role in jazz history, this free music festival showcases the genre's full spectrum from traditional to experimental forms. Held over Labor Day weekend, the 2026 Chicago Jazz Festival will present world-class artists on multiple stages in Millennium Park and the Chicago Cultural Center. Programming includes performances by legendary musicians, emerging talent, and special tributes to jazz pioneers.

Location: 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601

Date: August 2026 (TBD)

Discover Chicago's Magic with Expert Transportation

From art museums and sea life attractions to bustling beaches and stately structures, there is no shortage of top Chicago attractions to explore. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly destination or one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chicago for everyone of all ages, our list has you covered.

And of course, no visit would be complete without time along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, where boat cruises, lakefront parks, and seasonal events add even more to the city’s charm.

Not ready to explore Chicago on your own? No problem! That's what our expert guides at Infinity Transportation are for. Our Chicago charter bus rental company offers a fleet of modern vehicles and experienced local drivers can help you navigate the city efficiently. Leave the driving to us while you focus on making memories in one of America's greatest cities. Contact us today for a personalized quote and let us help you plan the perfect Chicago transportation experience!