Chicago Landmarks
Hop on Hop off Chicago Bus Tour
Explore all the major attractions in the Windy City at your own pace. See the world-class Art Institute and landmark skyscrapers, while audio commentary onboard gives you insight into the city's colorful history. See top attractions like Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and Grant Park. You can book the ticket here.
Navy Pier
Navy Pier is the place to go in Chicago for events, free public programs, attractions, culture, dining, and shopping.
The event calendar features something for everyone, from free fireworks displays throughout the year to live music, theater, art exhibits, dance performances, cultural celebrations, lake cruises and kids’ activities.
Since its reopening in 1995, more than 180 million guests have come to enjoy the Pier's 50 acres of attractions and experiences.
Millennium Park is more than an attraction — it’s an expression of the Chicago experience. The lakefront campus, located in the heart of downtown Chicago, is home to the iconic Cloud Gate statue (aka “The Bean”), interactive fountains, tranquil gardens, free events, public art, skating rinks, rock climbing, and plenty of green space. Come explore everything Millennium Park has to offer.
North Michigan Avenue, also known as The Magnificent Mile, is an unparalleled, mixed-use district located in the heart of Chicago. It is one of the most vibrant and successful commercial, residential, cultural and tourist destinations in the world.
The vibrant, bustling area is home to upscale shops, luxe fashion outlets, cool restaurants and posh hotels. Landmarks include the historic Chicago Water Tower, the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower, the terracotta Wrigley Building skyscraper and the 100-story John Hancock Center, which has a rooftop observation deck with fine dining and panoramic city views.
Magnificent Mile Landmarks
- The Wrigley Building. Located just on the edge of the Chicago River, this iconic 1920s skyscraper is known for its clock tower.
- The Tribune Tower. Once home to the Chicago Tribune and many other local media properties, this building is a fine example of neo-Gothic architecture.
- City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower. A small historic gallery featuring primarily photos of Chicago, housed in a grand old limestone building.
- The Richard H. Driehaus Museum. A small-scale museum in a glamourous, nineteenth-century mansion, the building alone is worth the visit.
- Museum of Contemporary Art. A few blocks east of the Mag Mile proper, this fascinating museum is worth the short walk to see its ever-rotating collections.
- 360 Chicago. Located in the 875 North Michigan Building (formerly known as the John Hancock Center), this is one of the city’s best observation decks.
- Oak Street Beach. Technically a bit north of the Mag Mile, this is one of the city’s more popular beaches and boasts its own restaurant.