What to do in West Side, IL

Activities, attractions and tours

A view of the cacti and succulent display at the Garfield Park Conservatory. Opened to the public in 1908, the Garfield Park Conservatory, consists of a series of naturalistic landscapes under glass, a revolutionary idea at the time. Sort of off the radar of a lot of Chicago tourists because of the more downtown-centric location of the Lincoln Park Conservatory. The Garfield Park Conservatory is a gem on the west side of Chicago. The Garfield Park Conservatory occupies 4.5 acres of the 184 acres of Garfield Park. Both Garfield Park and its conservatory are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The conservatory has recovered nicely from a 2011 hailstorm that shattered over 50% of the conservatory's glass panes and damaged many plants. #colorful
Great view of Chicago from this #beach #architecture #goldenhour
River North showing railway items, street scenes and a city
Downtown Chicago featuring a city
Garfield Park Conservatory featuring a park and interior views

West Side Attractions

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

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

West Side attractions

West Side 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 West Side 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 West Side.

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

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Most fun & popular experiences in West Side

Tours & day trips

See all 206 activities
Flyover in Chicago

Flyover in Chicago

Activity duration is 30 minutes
9.8 out of 10 with 14 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £28 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 60 activities
Chicago: Creative Team Building - Paint Your Own Fluid Bear

Chicago: Creative Team Building - Paint Your Own Fluid Bear

Free cancellation available
Price is £67 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 29 activities
Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour

Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 263 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £60 per adult
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Attractions

See all 24 activities
Chicago CityPASS®: Experience 5 must-see attractions

Chicago CityPASS®: Experience 5 must-see attractions

Activity duration is 9 days
9.4 out of 10 with 799 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £108 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 19 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 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £34 per adult
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What to do in West Side

Popular places to visit

Aerial view of the iconic John Hancock Center and shimmering skyscrapers meeting the tranquil blue of Lake Michigan's shoreline, Chicago, Illinois, United States.

United Center

4.5/5(15 reviews)

Catch an event at United Center during your trip to Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's lakeside or experience its fascinating museums.

United Center
Tri Taylor

University of Illinois Chicago

4.5/5(11 reviews)

Enjoy the student vibe at University of Illinois Chicago during your visit to Chicago. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the acclaimed theatre scene in this vibrant area.

University of Illinois Chicago
Path with Yellow Flowers at the Humboldt Park Lagoon

Humboldt Park

Humboldt Park is just one of the places to see in Chicago, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the acclaimed theatre scene and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.

Humboldt Park
Garfield Park Conservatory which includes a park

Garfield Park Conservatory

While away the afternoon in this huge conservatory housing tropical and rare plants, waterfalls and art.

Garfield Park Conservatory
Chicago Garfield Park

Garfield Park

After visiting Garfield Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Chicago. Discover the top-notch restaurants and acclaimed theatre scene in this vibrant area.

Garfield Park

The Salt Shed

You can get tickets for a performance at The Salt Shed on your trip to Chicago. Experience the live music and theatre scene in this vibrant area.

The Salt Shed

Union Park

After visiting Union Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Chicago. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the acclaimed art galleries in this vibrant area.

Union Park

Rush University Medical Center

If Rush University Medical Center is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Chicago.

Rush University Medical Center

Credit Union 1 Arena

Catch an event at Credit Union 1 Arena during your trip to Chicago. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the entertainment choices in this vibrant area.

Credit Union 1 Arena

Explore areas of West Side

Blue Hour evening cityscape in West Loop neighborhood. Long exposure, nightscape architecture. Main street in Chicago, streets in Illinois.

West Loop

Consider a visit to Old St Patrick’s Church and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in West Loop. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Racine Station or Ogilvie Transportation Center.

West Loop
Chicago Skyline from the west side with the train

West Town

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Noted for its live music and theatres, there's plenty to explore in West Town. Top attractions like The Salt Shed and Milwaukee Avenue are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Division Station or Damen Station to see more of the city.

West Town
A view of the Chicago skyline from the rooftop of the Ace Hotel in the West Loop.

Near West Side

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

Live music, theatres and shopping highlight some notable features of Near West Side. Make a stop by United Center or Credit Union 1 Arena while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Polk Station (Pink Line) or Racine Station to get around town.

Near West Side
606 Trail Wicker Park

Wicker Park

Spend some time visiting places like Milwaukee Avenue while getting to know Wicker Park, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Damen Station or Division Station to see more of the area.

Wicker Park
Congrats to the Chicago Blackhawks on winning their third Stanley cup in 6 years, you are a dynasty. I was lucky enough to see a first round playoff game in Chicago, loved the city and loved the arena , great atmosphere, wish my team was as good as the hawks

United Center

If you're spending time in United Center, check out sights like United Center or Michael Jordan Statue and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Illinois Medical District Station or Western Station (Forest Park Branch).

United Center
Panoramic perspective of Chicago's West Loop neighborhood during golden hour at Lake Street and Interstate 90. Illinois, USA.

Fulton Market

Though Fulton Market may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Michigan Avenue and United Center.

Fulton Market

 

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 West Side

Chicago showing a city and a skyscraper as well as a family

Chicago

USA / Chicago - House in Oak park village

Oak Park

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