Free Things To Do In Chicago

Did you know that Chicago is the third most populous city in the United States?

It’s a great place to visit in America if you’re looking to immerse yourself in art and culture as Chicago has a fantastic art gallery and museum scene.

There’s also awesome parks situated throughout the city and plenty of walking trails to enjoy too for beautiful views of Chicago.

If you’re looking for inspiration of things to do in the city, check out our extensive list of the 10 best free attractions in Chicago, as well as the top 10 rated paid attractions to enjoy in Chicago.

Free Attractions in Chicago

Top Rated Chicago Attractions

Free

Millennium Park

Renowned as being one of the best and most popular public spaces in the world, Millennium Park stretches across an impressive 24.5-acres and offers a great area for performing arts and musical showcases.

Inside the park you’ll also see the sculpture that’s arguably the most famous free attraction in Chicago; the Cloud Gate, or the “bean” as it’s more affectionately referred to.

There’s also...

The Original Immersive Van Gogh Chicago Admission Ticket

clock Duration: 1 hour 30
  • Experience art like never before – lose yourself in 500,000 cubic feet of flawless projections animating Vincent van Gogh’s oeuvre. Wander through entrancing, moving images that highlight brushstrokes, detail, and color – truly illuminating the mind of the genius.

    You will be immersed in Van Gogh’s works – from his sunny...read more
Free

Lakefront Trail

The Lakefront Trail is another one of the best free attractions in Chicago that’s an ideal excursion for the whole family.

It’s an 18-mile path that spans along the western shore of Lake Michigan and will take you all the way from the far north of Chicago, to the south side of the city.

The trail is an ideal place for walkers, runners, cyclists and skateboarders, and it’s popular with both locals and tourists...

Immersive Frida Kahlo Chicago

clock Duration: 1 hour 30
  • The ORIGINAL Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Denver is thrilled to announce the once-in-a-lifetime exhibit will be housed at Lighthouse...read more
Free

Garfield Park Conservatory

Renowned for being one of the world’s largest indoor garden spaces, the Garfield Park Conservatory is a must-visit place on your list of things to do in Chicago.

It’s a great place to bring the kids as there’s plenty to see and enjoy while you’re there.

You’ll get to see the ever-changing species of plants that are constantly being brought into the Conservatory, as well as the Elizabeth Morse Genius...

Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art: General Admission Ticket

clock Duration: 1 to 3 hou
  • The MCA Chicago is one of the nation’s largest multidisciplinary museums devoted to the art of our time with an international reputation for presenting ground-breaking exhibitions.

    Here, the public can experience the work and ideas of living artists and understand the historical, social, and cultural context of the art of our time....read more
Free

Chicago Riverwalk

The Chicago Riverwalk has won awards thanks to its eclectic offering of art, sculptures and music shows that are paraded along the riverbank in central Chicago.

It’s a 1.25-mile promenade so you can easily see the whole thing in less than a couple of hours and you can bring the kids along to admire one of Chicago’s best free things to do.

There are six main intersections where you can join up with the Chicago...

Field Museum of Natural History Ticket with Self-Guided Audio Tour

clock Duration: 2 hours
  • Explore one of Chicago's most popular museums guided by your own in-app audio tour.

    Meet face-to-face with giants like SUE the Trex, Tsavo the Lion and Máximo the Titanosaur. Learn the history of the Inca, the Aztecs and Ancient Egyptians from your own audio guide. Marvel at sparkling gemstones, mysterious meteorites and fascinating...read more
Free

Chicago Botanic Garden

The remarkable 385-acre plant museum is one of the best free attractions in Chicago if you’re wanting to escape the busy city streets for a few hours and immerse yourself in beautiful, natural surroundings.

There are over 27 gardens that are spread out across nine different islands inside the Chicago Botanic Garden and it’s an absolute sanctuary for outdoor lovers!

You could happily bring the children along to the...

Museum of Science and Industry Ticket with Self-Guided Audio Tour

clock Duration: 1 hour
  • This in-app audio tour gives the highlights of one of the largest scientific museums in the world that brings a pure delight for children and grown-ups.

    Explore the must-sees of one of the world's largest science museum with this in-app audio guide. Learn about the future and the past of technology through various immersive experiences....read more
Free

Chicago Cultural Center

The Chicago Cultural Center is one of the most visited free attractions in Chicago; every year hundreds of thousands of people flock to the city’s epicentre of culture to experience art, lectures and music performances.

It’s an iconic landmark in the city of Chicago; defined mainly by the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass dome that sits atop the Cultural Center with pride.

You’ll love a visit to the...

Chicago Walking Tour: Tiffany Treasures

clock Duration: 1 hour 30
  • Learn about the life and work of Louis Comfort Tiffany as we visit some of Chicago’s most magnificent art-glass and mosaic installations, each designed and crafted by the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company.

    In the late 19th Century, the Arts and Crafts movement revived an interest in decorative glass. New, well-regarded homes and public...read more

Chicago Style Food Tour

clock Duration: 3 hours
  • Come join a walking tour that lets you discover the culinary side of Chicago
  • Immerse yourself in the deliciousness of Chicago style food
read more

Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour

clock Duration: 3 hours 45
  • Move around town in a barrel-shaped bus that lets you taste 45 to 55 ounces of beer on this roughly four-hour trip.
  • Be provided with historical context for the recent resurgence of the craft-beer industry of this region since the 1800s, as you travel around the area.
  • A variety of beer brews can be sampled at each stop
read more

Chicago Architecture Walking Tour: Dazzling Interiors™ of the Loop

clock Duration: 2 hours
  • Sign up for an architectural and walking tour in Chicago which allows a person to explore the mesmerizing beauty of the beautiful city.
  • Learn more about the architectural significance from an expert guide
read more

Bikes, Bites, and Brews: Chicago's Signature Dishes Bike Tour

clock Duration: 4 hours
  • Come and take part in one of the most mouth-watering tours in the city and taste some of the flavourful dishes of Chicago
  • A fully guided motorbike tour can also help travellers to explore the city of Chicago
  • Get a taste of the celebrated craft beer and don't worry about the glass count as one get to try more than one glass
read more

Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food & Walking Tour

clock Duration: 3 hours
  • One can call this trip a perfect one, to explore the favourite cuisines and wonderful sites, across the magnificent city of Chicago
  • Stroll through the beautiful streets of downtown Chicago and taste all of the city's favourite food dishes.
  • Travellers can enjoy this quintessential culinary walking tour that will help them
read more

Bike Tour of Chicago's Lakefront Neighborhoods

clock Duration: 3 hours
  • Take part in a Neighborhood Bicycle Tour around the Chicago Lakefront
  • Explore Chicago's most beautiful North Side neighbourhoods to have a beautiful view of the city
  • Get a glimpse of the ever-rising skyscrapers of Streeterville and the rolling greenery of Lincoln Park
read more

Holiday Hike Chicago-Style: Festive Food & Walking tour

clock Duration: 3 hours
  • Get immersed in this Holiday Hike Chicago-Style tour
  • A festive tour where travellers will witness the festivals of Chicago
  • A walking tour through the Millennium Park, Palmer House, the Hilton Historic Lobby, Macy's on State Street and many more places
read more
View All Chicago Attractions

Chicago Attractions Maps

Chicago Bigbus Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Map

Print Map

Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Map

Print Map

Chicago Metro Map

Print Map