Chicago, Illinois – Dining and Events (Updated 2024)
Dining and Events
Chicago is a world city with famous and surprising things to do.
Dining and Events. The famous skyline of Chicago can be seen against the wide shore of Lake Michigan. As soon as you step foot in the country’s third-largest city, you’ll notice how beautifully nature and cities mix. Chicago, which is in the middle of the Midwest, has 580 parks and green areas, 42 kilometers of lakefront with 26 beaches, and tall skyscrapers. There are more than 65 craft breweries and 7,300 places to choose from. There is also great arts and culture, urban recreation along the water, world-famous events, and a lively LGBTQ+ scene. Find out what to do and where to go in Chicago that everyone should see on your next trip.
Things to do in Chicago
There are so many fun things to do in this worldly playground. Chicago’s statues, fountains, gardens, and event spaces in Millennium Park are some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Other amazing sights include the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Frank Gehry, Daniel Burnham, and Louis Sullivan. For a view of the city, visit The Ledge, a glass platform on the Skydeck at Willis Tower, or the 360 Chicago Observation Deck on North Michigan Avenue. The TILT experience there will make you lean out 300 meters above Michigan Avenue.
Walk along the Chicago Riverwalk to take in the view of the city’s beautiful skyline. You can eat, drink, or go on an architecture boat on the Chicago River. You can take your kids to the famous Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier, and Wrigley Field, all of which are great for families. You can also rent bikes and ride along the 29-kilometer Lakefront Trail.
Check out the Chicago neighborhoods.
There are 77 areas in Chicago, and each one has its unique feel. Neighborhoods with a lot of immigrants and ethnic groups, like Chinatown, Little Italy, Avondale, Andersonville, Pilsen, and Lincoln Square, show how the city’s German, Polish, Mexican, and Chinese elements can be seen. In Bucktown and Wicker Park, you can go to local bars and see live music. Historic theaters, music halls, and Art Deco buildings in Uptown make it a great place for arts and culture. The Loop is Chicago’s busy downtown area. It’s full of must-see sites and lots of places to eat, shop, and have fun at night.
Arts and culture that stand out
There are more than 60 museums in Chicago, including The Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium. The city is famous for its arts and culture. You shouldn’t miss the Museum of Science and Industry or the Art Institute of Chicago. The Museum of Science and Industry is the biggest in the Western Hemisphere.
Chicago has the only theater scene in the U.S. with five regional Tony Award winners: the Goodman, the Chicago Shakespeare, the Lookingglass, the Victory Gardens, and the Steppenwolf. There are events by well-known groups like the Joffrey Ballet, Lyric Opera, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, as well as shows at more than 200 venues.
Best food, shopping, and music
There are 25 Michelin-starred restaurants in Chicago, as well as ethnic restaurants and fine dining establishments that have won awards. The casual favorites, like Chicago-style hot dogs and deep-dish pizza, are just as well-known. An American food magazine called Chicago the 2017 Restaurant City of the Year. There are more than 65 craft breweries, specialty cocktail places, and historic pubs where you can end your meal.
It’s just as important to shop here. The Magnificent Mile is a 13-block stretch on Michigan Avenue that has more than 460 stores. Check out the big department stores, high-end shops, and the multilevel Water Tower Place mall that you can’t miss. What kind of music do you want to hear? There are live music places and outdoor events like concerts in Millennium Park, Lollapalooza, and the Chicago Blues and Jazz Festivals. For fun at night, check out one of the many drink lounges, sports bars, or dance clubs that are all over the entertainment scene. Choose to go to The Second City, a famous comedy club where stars like Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and Stephen Colbert got their start.