Things to do in Central Chicago
Visit Central Chicago
Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.
Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.
Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.
Most popular experiences in Central Chicago
Tours & day trips
See all 171 activitiesOpens in new tabFlyover in Chicago
Private & custom tours
See all 40 activitiesOpens in new tabChicago Quest Experience: The Heist
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 30 activitiesOpens in new tabChicago Favourites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour
Attractions
See all 19 activitiesOpens in new tab360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
Classes & workshops
See all 13 activitiesOpens in new tabBYOB Spray Paint 'n' Sip at Studio W.I.P. Chicago
What to do in Central Chicago
Popular places to visit
Michigan Avenue
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
McCormick Place
Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.
Navy Pier
A waterfront entertainment strip with fun diversions for both young and old, with shops, restaurants and even a Ferris wheel.
Millennium Park
One of Chicago’s main focal points, where locals and visitors flock to see the striking art, architecture and landscape on show.
Grant Park
Chicago’s front yard is a pretty landscaped park, which is home to public art displays, museums, themed gardens and international music festivals.
Soldier Field
Events center, NFL stadium and historic landmark all in one, this waterfront field is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations.
Chicago Riverwalk
Stroll along the waterfront of the Chicago River to pass some of the city’s most appealing attractions and appreciate how a once grim area has been successfully revamped.
Art Institute of Chicago
From ancient masterpieces to eclectic modern art, uncover a treasure trove of works from all over the world and throughout history.
Willis Tower
The Skydeck at Willis Tower offers the best place in Chicago for a bird’s eye view across the breadth of the city and Lake Michigan.
Areas of Central Chicago
Magnificent Mile
Are you interested in fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops? A visit to Magnificent Mile might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Michigan Avenue and Chicago Water Tower.
River North
Known for its fantastic nightlife, stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in River North. Top attractions like Merchandise Mart and Bally's Casino Chicago are major draws. Catch the metro at Merchandise Mart Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.
Streeterville
Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Streeterville. Travellers also love the fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops.
Theatre District
While you're in Theatre District, take in top sights like Michigan Avenue or State Street, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Washington Station or Monroe Station (Blue Line).
Gold Coast
The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Gold Coast. A stop by Michigan Avenue or Lake Michigan might round out your trip.
Rush and Division
If you're spending time in Rush and Division, check out sights like Newberry Library or Oak Street and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Chicago Station (Red Line) or Clark-Division Station.
Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.
- Hotels near McCormick Place
- Hotels near Michigan Avenue
- Hotels near Navy Pier
- Hotels near Millennium Park
- Hotels near Grant Park
- Hotels near Soldier Field
- Hotels near Chicago Riverwalk
- Hotels near Art Institute of Chicago
- Hotels near Willis Tower
- Hotels near Chicago Theatre
- Hotels near Field Museum of Natural History
- Hotels near John Hancock Center
- Hotels near Chicago Water Tower
- Hotels near Cloud Gate
- Hotels near House of Blues Chicago