Chicago—or as many people call it, “the Windy City”—is a vibrant and culturally rich city that offers something for everyone. It’s known for its impressive lakeside skyline, deep-dish pizza, and an oddly placed statue of a giant bean, but there’s much more to Chicago than meets the eye. From world-renowned architecture to impressive museums and nightlife, the city has a number of attractions for anyone visiting. Whether you’re in town for the weekend or planning to stay in Chicago corporate housing for a few months, you’ll always have something to keep you busy. To help you get excited about what’s to come, here are the top 10 must-visit attractions awaiting you in Chicago.
1. Millennium Park and Cloud Gate
One of the best places to get your lay of the land while visiting Chicago is Millennium Park. It’s a modern urban oasis home to the famous “Cloud Gate” sculpture, commonly referred to as “The Bean” by locals and visitors alike. However, Millennium Park is much more than its infamous statue. The park hosts several free concerts, art installations, and other events throughout the year. You can find more information about Millennium Park and its various events here. Even if there’s nothing major happening, Millennium Park is a great place to relax, take a walk, and do some serious people-watching.
2. The Art Institute of Chicago
For those interested in art, a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago is a must. It’s one of the world’s most renowned, historically significant art museums (and schools) and holds hundreds of thousands of famous artifacts and paintings. Its collection spans centuries and includes masterpieces from artists like Grant Wood, Vincent van Gogh, and Georges Seurat. Don’t miss Grant Wood’s iconic “American Gothic” and Pablo Picasso’s “The Old Guitarist,” among other infamous works.
3. Navy Pier
Regardless of whether it’s sunny and warm or snowy and cold, Navy Pier is a great place to spend a few hours. Navy Pier is a family-friendly entertainment and cultural destination on Lake Michigan. It offers a range of activities, including the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the Chicago Children’s Museum, and a variety of dining options. Several events are held onsite, from Halloween exhibits to Winter Wonderland adventures. You can find a schedule for upcoming options here.
4. The Field Museum
Another must-visit attraction in Chicago is the Field Museum. The Field Museum is a treasure trove of natural history and cultural artifacts. It’s home to “Sue,” the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil ever discovered and “Máximo,” the largest dinosaur that ever lived. Visitors can also explore ancient Egyptian mummies, gemstones, and an extensive collection of animal specimens. You could spend hours inside visiting everything, making it a great way to spend some time outside of your corporate apartment in Chicago.
5. The Willis Tower
The Willis Tower—or as any Chicago local will say, the Sears Tower—is an iconic part of Chicago’s impressive skyline. Although it’s great to admire the Willis Tower from Navy Pier or while on a cruise around Lake Michigan, visiting the Skydeck is a way to experience it in a whole new way. The Skydeck, located on the 103rd floor, offers breathtaking panoramic city views. For those who are a little braver, get tickets to step out onto “The Ledge,” a glass balcony that extends from the building, for an adrenaline rush.
6. Chicago Architecture River Cruise
Regardless of whether you’re staying in corporate apartment rentals in Chicago or somewhere a little outside the city, make some time for the renowned Chicago Architecture River Cruise. It offers a unique way to see and appreciate the architecture of the city as you cruise down the river. Knowledgeable guides will narrate the city’s history and highlight architectural gems along the Chicago River.
7. The Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry is a family-friendly museum that offers interactive exhibits and experiences that cater to a wide range of interests, from aviation and space exploration to hands-on science experiments. “The U-505 Submarine” exhibit is a favorite, allowing visitors to explore a real WWII-era U-boat from Germany. Several rotating exhibits change throughout the year, so you can experience new worlds each time you visit.
8. Wrigley Field
If the weather is good and it’s baseball season, no sports fan should forego a trip to Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. Even if you’re not a Cubs fan, Wrigley Field is a historic stadium that’s located in the heart of Wrigleyville. You can even take a tour of the stadium to hear its unique history!
9. The Magnificent Mile
If you’re looking for some retail therapy, the Magnificent Mile is Chicago’s premier shopping district. You’ll find a vast array of luxury boutiques, department stores, restaurants, and entertainment options along this iconic stretch of Michigan Avenue. During the holiday season, Magnificent Mile offers some great opportunities to window shop and see the carefully curated displays.
10. Lincoln Park Zoo
Located within the scenic Lincoln Park neighborhood, the Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest (founded in 1868!) and most beloved zoos in the United States. Best of all, it’s completely free to enter, making it a fantastic family-friendly attraction. The zoo houses diverse animals, from big cats and primates to polar bears and penguins. During the holiday season, Lincoln Park Zoo is decorated with lights and is a great place to spend a night taking in the glow of the city.
Whether you’re a full-time resident or staying in corporate apartment rentals In Chicago, there are plenty of ways you can fill your schedule throughout the year. In fact, these are just a few amazing attractions you can explore in Chicago. You can do hundreds of different things depending on the time of year. While you’re here, don’t forget to engulf yourself in the culinary scene and simply stroll around different neighborhoods. The city’s diverse offerings ensure that there’s something for every traveler. So, whether you’re a culture vulture, a history buff, or just someone looking to have a great time, the Windy City has you covered. If you’re still in the process of moving to Chicago, take the time to research and find a neighborhood you love. Corporate Suites Network has several properties spread throughout the different neighborhoods in Chicago and the Chicagoland suburbs. Our prime locations and luxury amenities provide our residents with everything they need to take advantage of their spare time in this city without causing disruptions to their work. Call or email us today to learn more about our property locations or to request more information about Corporate Suites Network’s properties.