“For those who are lost, some cities will always feel like home,” Simon Van Booy wrote in Everything Beautiful Began After. And what better way to find that home-like feeling than through exploration? From New York to Los Angeles, Chicago to Miami and beyond, U.S. cities are rich with unique activities, landmarks and histories.
Each city tells its own story—woven with industry, immigration and imagination. San Francisco’s hills, New York’s winding boroughs, and Las Vegas’ desert skies offer just a glimpse of the geographic and cultural diversity waiting to be experienced.
Stacker compiled a list of the top-rated things to do in Chicago using Tripadvisor data.
Tripadvisor’s highest-rated Chicago attractions
10. 360 Chicago Observation Deck
- Rating: 4.5/5 (11,126 reviews)
- Address: 875 North Michigan Ave., Chicago
- Read more on Tripadvisor
Offering breathtaking views from the 94th floor, this observation deck is a thrilling way to see Chicago’s skyline and Lake Michigan from above.
9. Field Museum
- Rating: 4.5/5 (8,957 reviews)
- Address: 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Read more on Tripadvisor
Home to “Sue,” the world’s largest T. rex skeleton, this museum offers a fascinating journey through natural history and ancient cultures.
8. Cloud Gate
- Rating: 4.5/5 (18,287 reviews)
- Address: 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago
- Read more on Tripadvisor
Nicknamed “The Bean,” this reflective sculpture in Millennium Park invites visitors to snap photos with its unique mirrored surface.
7. Wrigley Field
- Rating: 4.5/5 (9,954 reviews)
- Address: 1060 W. Addison St., Chicago
- Read more on Tripadvisor
Chicago’s iconic baseball stadium is a must-visit for sports fans, rich in history and home to the beloved Cubs. Read more in our guide when attending a Cubs game with kids.
6. Skydeck Chicago – Willis Tower
- Rating: 4.5/5 (17,882 reviews)
- Address: 233 South Wacker Drive entrance on Jackson Blvd., Chicago
- Read more on Tripadvisor
Dare to step onto The Ledge, a glass box extending from the 103rd floor, for an unforgettable view of the city beneath your feet.
5. The Magnificent Mile
- Rating: 4.5/5 (15,804 reviews)
- Address: North Michigan Ave., Chicago
- Read more on Tripadvisor
A bustling stretch of Michigan Avenue lined with upscale shops, restaurants and landmarks, offering a vibrant Chicago experience.
4. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
- Rating: 4.5/5 (11,213 reviews)
- Address: 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Read more on Tripadvisor
One of the largest science museums in the world, featuring interactive exhibits, a submarine and a simulated tornado. Find the best kid-friendly activities with our family guide.
3. Chicago Architecture Center
- Rating: 5/5 (3,425 reviews)
- Address: 111 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago
- Read more on Tripadvisor
Learn about Chicago’s architectural heritage through interactive exhibits and famous river cruises that showcase the city’s design landmarks.
2. Millennium Park
- Rating: 4.5/5 (25,150 reviews)
- Read more on Tripadvisor
A cultural hotspot with free outdoor events, art installations like Cloud Gate, and lush green spaces for relaxation.
1. The Art Institute of Chicago
- Rating: 5/5 (24,586 reviews)
- Address: 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
- Read more on Tripadvisor
Renowned for its vast collection, including works like American Gothic and Nighthawks, this museum is a treasure trove of art across centuries.
This story features data reporting by Karim Noorani, writing by Andrea Richards, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 100 metros.
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