What to do in Central Chicago, IL

Activities, attractions and tours

Want to get a great view of Chicago? Walk up the Adler Planetarium pier at sunset and enjoy the show. Don't leave straight after the sun sets, let the lights come out and take it all in!
Central Chicago
Iconic signage in Chicago. It's best to go when it's all lit up for the best shots. It was quite a rainy night in Chicago when I tried to take this shot.
The lighthouse just off the end of navy pier in Chicago.
Central Chicago

Central Chicago Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Central Chicago has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Central Chicago, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Central Chicago with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Central Chicago

Central Chicago is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Central Chicago, and make it a breeze to explore Central Chicago and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Central Chicago to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Central Chicago, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Central Chicago.

Central Chicago attractions

Central Chicago has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Central Chicago to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Central Chicago.

Looking for things to do in Central Chicago can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Central Chicago or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Central Chicago attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!


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Most fun & popular experiences in Central Chicago

Tours & day trips

See all 204 activities

Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 28 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 18 activities

Recommended things to do in Central Chicago

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
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Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Central Chicago


Popular places to visit

Explore areas of Central Chicago

Magnificent Mile - River North

Magnificent Mile

Shopaholics need look no further this glittering street packed with boutique and luxury shops, famous department stores and cafes.

Magnificent Mile
River North showing railway items, street scenes and a city

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.

River North
Beautiful fireworks

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).

Theatre District
Navy Pier which includes wild flowers and general coastal views as well as a couple

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.

Streeterville
Chicago_NearNorthSide_137043_09

Near North Side

4.5/5(249 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Near North Side. Top attractions like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are major draws. Catch the metro at Clark-Division Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.

Near North Side
Gold Coast which includes street scenes as well as a couple

Gold Coast

Enjoy upscale shopping, varied dining experiences and waterfront walks at this affluent suburb set on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Gold Coast

 

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.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Central Chicago

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