Chicago, as the third largest city in the United States, is famous for its unique history, culture, architectural style and diverse urban landscape. It has a stunning skyline, world-class museums, rich food culture, and a central position as a transportation hub in the United States. Chicago is not only one of the important economic centers in the United States, but also a gathering place for culture, art and education.

    Main attractions:

    1. Millenium Park

    Located just a block away from Lake Michigan in the heart of downtown Chicago, Millennium Park showcases world-class art, music, architecture, and landscape design. Completed in 2004, the 24.5-acre (10-hectare) park is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations, drawing 25 million visitors per year.

    2. Willis Tower–Skydeck Chicago

    Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) is the tallest building in Chicago at 103 stories plus a 200 foot spire. From 1974-1998 Willis Tower was the tallest building in the world! Skydeck is the 103rd floor and provides visitors with 360 degree views of Chicago. This unique attraction also hosts a neat feature called “The Ledge”- several fiberglass boxes extend from the building allowing you to look 103 floors straight down!

    3. Navy Pier

    Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular tourist destinations—and with good reason. The 3,300-foot (1,010-meter) pier jutting into the waters of Lake Michigan, originally constructed in 1916 as a freight dock and public space, encompasses almost 50 acres (20 hectares) of exhibits, rides, parks, and family attractions.

    4. Art Institute of Chicago

    Located in Chicago’s Grant Park, the Art Institute showcases 300,000 works of art ranging from ancient works to pieces created by today’s foremost artists. More than 1.5 million visitors from across the globe flock to the museum annually, making it one of Chicago’s most-visited destinations.

    5. The Magnificent Mile

    Fashion, architecture, and history in Chicago come together on this renowned stretch of Michigan Avenue nicknamed the Magnificent Mile. As you walk from the Chicago River to Oak Street, you’ll pass several Windy City landmarks, including the Water Tower, John Hancock Center, and Tribune Tower, as well as numerous luxury brand retailers.

    6. Chicago Riverwalk

    Connecting Lake Michigan to downtown, the Chicago Riverwalk is an open-air, pedestrian-friendly walkway that runs along the Chicago River. Composed of six main sections, the Riverwalk is a main hub for entertainment. Head to the Marina Plaza section for restaurants, outdoor seating, and boat access. Take a stroll through a series of piers and floating wetland gardens at the Riverbank, or head to the Water Plaza where the kids can splash in water fountains.

    7. John Hancock Center

    Standing 344 meters (1,127 feet) tall, the John Hancock Center is Chicago’s fourth-tallest building. Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, the skyscraper offers panoramic views of the entire city. Completed in 1968, the 100-story structure boasts a number of records, including the world’s highest indoor swimming pool and ice-skating rink. Visitors can take a 40-second elevator ride to the Observatory on the 94th floor, which features an open-air skywalk. On the 96th floor is a lounge where guests can sip a cocktail or beverage while enjoying the view.

    8. Field Museum

    Enjoying a prime position in downtown Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History is home to more than 40 million specimens from all over the world—which seek to explain the existence of life on our planet. The highlight is undoubtedly Sue the T-Rex, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever discovered, but you can also visit an exhibition of Ancient Egypt or catch a show at the 3D movie theater. You can also take part in fossil digs and learning labs, and watch educational lectures, live performances, and other special events throughout the year.

    9. Shedd Aquarium

    On the shore of Lake Michigan, the Shedd Aquarium is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions. From the multi-level Oceanarium to the Wild Reef and Amazon Rising exhibits, this aquarium exhibits aquatic life from all over the world, including sea lions, sea turtles, sea otters, and around 1,500 species of fish. Experience it through a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour or a Segway tour of Chicago’s Museum Campus.

    10. Chicago Theatre

    The historic Chicago Theatre, which dates back to 1921, is a popular downtown architectural landmark. With its famous dazzling marquee, French baroque architecture, and lobby modeled on a Versailles chapel, this picturesque structure today hosts concerts and comedy shows, as well as daily tours of its spectacular interior.