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When it comes to entertainment, cuisine, shopping, museums and sports, no city takes a back seat to Chicago, Illinois.
Its famed skyline views are only the start. This midwestern metropolis is bursting with history and innovation. The list of “things to do” is daunting, but there are some top spots that shouldn’t be missed – and CityPASS has the inside scoop.
Fantastic Views
Chicago has several options for getting that perfect skyline view. High atop the Willis Tower, Skydeck Chicago invites intrepid visitors to step onto The Ledge: four glass boxes jutting out from the observatory. Situated at 412 meters high the boxes provide a jaw-dropping view 103 stories above the city. Get out your camera and start snapping.
For more breathtaking views, head to the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck. At 304 meters tall, the observation deck provides views of the skyline and Lake Michigan. Those looking for a thrill can experience TILT, a unique downward facing view from high in the sky. Or, if you’re just looking to relax, grab a drink at BAR 94 and take in the 360-degree views.
Immerse yourself in the Chicago skyline on the Tilt attraction at 360 CHICAGO
Must-See Museums
Chicago’s got museums that will leave you filled with excitement and wonder. Visit the Field Museum to see the world’s wonders. Marvel at Máximo the Titanosaur – the largest dinosaur species to date. And don’t miss “Sue,” the world’s largest T. Rex dinosaur skeleton. After standing next to giants, walk in the foot-steps of humanity’s past at the ancient Egypt exhibit and the Chinese history and culture exhibit, which spans over 10,000 years of Chinese history.
Another favorite for all-out, immersive learning is the Museum of Science and Industry, the largest museum of its kind in the Western hemisphere. Learn about the science of storms, tour a real World War II German submarine and run on a human-sized hamster wheel.
Then, look up at the stars in the USA’s first planetarium, the Adler Planetarium. Experience hands-on, minds-on activities and discover mind-blowing facts about the Universe. The planetarium has two domed theaters and a Doane Observatory’s research quality telescope. Walk through time and space, send yourself an e-postcard that travels at the speed of light and explore the mysteries of our universe.
Overlooking the lobby of the Field Museum
Art and Animals
Get creative and learn from the masters at the Art Institute of Chicago. Travel the globe through galleries featuring the art of ancient Greece, Japan, Africa and the Americas. The museum also has one of the largest Impressionist collections outside France and features classic artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Georges Seurat.
From angelfish to zebra sharks, meet 32,000 animals from aquatic habitats around the world at the Shedd Aquarium. This is where penguins fly through chilly waters, dolphins leap high in the air, monkeys scamper through rainforest trees and stingrays swim below your feet.
Taking in the sights outside the Art Institute of Chicago
Getting There
