What to do in Evanston, IL

Activities, attractions and tours

Evanston
Evanston
Evanston
Evanston
Evanston

Evanston Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Evanston has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Evanston, 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 Evanston 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 Evanston

Evanston is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Evanston, and make it a breeze to explore Evanston 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 Evanston 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 Evanston, 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 Evanston.

Evanston attractions

Evanston 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 Evanston 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 Evanston.

Looking for things to do in Evanston 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 Evanston or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Evanston attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Most fun & popular experiences in Evanston

Tours & day trips

See all 83 activities
Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour

Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
8.6 out of 10 with 551 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was £37 and current price is £33 per adult
Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 18 activities
Chicago Sports Legends Guided Tour

Chicago Sports Legends Guided Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is £4 per adult
Chicago Sports Legends Guided TourOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 17 activities
Chicago: BYOB Spray Paint and Sip Workshop

Chicago: BYOB Spray Paint and Sip Workshop

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £30 per adult
Chicago: BYOB Spray Paint and Sip WorkshopOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 11 activities
Rosemont: Two Flight Indoor Skydiving Experience

Rosemont: Two Flight Indoor Skydiving Experience

Activity duration is 1 hour
7.0 out of 10 with 8 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £98 per traveller
Rosemont: Two Flight Indoor Skydiving ExperienceOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 11 activities
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

Activity duration is 2 hours
8.6 out of 10 with 715 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £20 per adult
360 CHICAGO Observation DeckOpens in new tab

What to do in Evanston

Popular places to visit

Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field

Tour the iconic grounds and catch a game March through September at Chicago’s beloved baseball stadium.

Wrigley Field
Chicago Skyline, Chicago, Illinois shows amazing architecture in panoramic format

Naval Base Great Lakes

After visiting Naval Base Great Lakes, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in North Chicago. Wander the lakeside in this family-friendly area.

Naval Base Great Lakes
Navy Pier

Navy Pier

A ferris wheel, shopping, restaurants and more can be found in this waterfront entertainment district.

Navy Pier
Millennium Park

Millennium Park

A landmark gathering place for locals and visitors who come to admire the unique art, architecture and landscape.

Millennium Park
Grant Park

Grant Park

Chicago’s front yard is a pretty landscaped park, which is home to public art displays, museums, themed gardens and international music festivals.

Grant Park
Scene of Chicago street bridge with traffic among modern buildings of Downtown Chicago at Michigan avenue in Chicago, Illinois, United States, Business and Modern Transportation concept

Michigan Avenue

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Michigan Avenue
Six Flags Great America

Six Flags Great America

Spend a day at this sprawling theme park to enjoy an array of thrilling roller coaster rides, a water park and entertainment for kids of all ages.

Six Flags Great America
Soldier Field

Soldier Field

Events center, NFL stadium and historic landmark all in one, this waterfront field is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations.

Soldier Field
McCormick Place

McCormick Place

Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.

McCormick Place

Where to stay in Evanston

Find the best Evanston areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Evanston
Learn more about Evanston
evanston lighthouse in chicago

South Evanston

Get to know South Evanston and its many features like its restaurants and shopping. You might want to explore sights like Lake Michigan and Evanston Cellars, LLC, and you can jump on the metro at Main Street Metro Station or South Boulevard Station to get around the city.

North Evanston

North Evanston is well liked for its restaurants and shopping. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Grosse Point Lighthouse and Clark Street Beach are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Central Station (Purple Line) or Noyes Station to get around.

Photo by Tara Jabbari
Open Photo by Tara Jabbari

Downtown Evanston

While you're in Downtown Evanston, take in top sights like Halim Time & Glass Museum and jump on the metro at Davis Metro Station to see more of the city.

Lakeshore Historic District

While visiting Lakeshore Historic District, you might make a stop by sights like Lee Street Beach and Greenwood Street Beach.

Church & Dodge

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Church & Dodge and surrounding area, you can visit Halim Time & Glass Museum and Evanston Cellars, LLC.

 

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 Evanston

Chicago

Chicago

Frequently asked questions

Is Evanston worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Evanston is explore Lincoln Park Zoo. Check this top sight off your itinerary, then experience more of this area's nature and dining.
How do I spend a day in Evanston?
Lincoln Park Zoo and Montrose Beach are two awesome places to begin your getaway adventures. Be sure to explore the retail and dining options in Evanston while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Evanston?
The top tourist attraction in Evanston is Lincoln Park Zoo, so don't forget to add it to your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Evanston?
Three days will give you time to check out many city attractions, including Montrose Beach, Riviera Theatre and Kathy Osterman Beach. The average stay in Evanston is three days. If you have the time to extend your break, Chicago isn't far away.
Is Evanston a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Evanston is a great place to experience on foot. Have fun wandering between North Shore Centre for the Performing Arts and Loyola Beach. Then take a stroll around Rogers Park, located 5 kms (3 miles) from the centre, and West Ridge, which is roughly 5 kms (3 miles) away.
What are some activities to do in Evanston with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all the family, we've got some great ideas for what to do in Evanston with kids.

What to do in Evanston for adults?
FEW Spirits and Armitage Avenue are just two of the things to do in Evanston. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Evanston?
One of the simplest ways to find free things to do in Evanston is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Montrose Beach is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.