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Experience
Chicago

Chicago is a world-class city that truly has something for everyone. Here, you will have access to museums, the world’s best restaurants, and over 200 theaters right on your doorstep. We are home to over 80 consulates general and have thriving relationships with our 28 sister cities worldwide. No matter where you are from or what you love to do, you will soon be feeling right at home in Chicago.

Top 10 Things
to do In chicago

#10

Lincoln Park Zoo

A polar bear swimming in a zoo enclosure.

Lincoln Park Zoo is a 35-acre zoo in Lincoln Park. Opened in 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo is among the oldest zoos in the United States. It’s open 365 days a year and is one of the few zoos across the US that offer free admission and it’s walking distance from the Lincoln Park campus.

#9

Chicago Riverwalk

People sit on steps lined by beautiful trees in spring

Located on the south bank of the Chicago River, the award-winning, pedestrian-friendly Chicago Riverwalk stretches 2 KM from Lake Michigan to Lake Street. Along the way you'll discover intimate coves, breezy cafes, wineries and bars, public art, monuments, museums, and a boat load of excursions on the water.

#8

The Magnificent Mile

A Ferris Wheel and brightly colored carnival swing ride.

The Magnificent Mile is one of the most iconic shopping areas in the world. The cosmopolitan, history-packed strip on downtown Michigan Avenue leads you from department stores to multi-story retail centers to luxury boutiques to brand name retail chains-all within a scenic stroll of each other.

#7

Wrigley Field

Large orange sign that reads "Wrigley Field, Home of Chicago Cubs"

The Friendly Confines is a historical landmark on the north side and is the second-oldest ballpark in the major leagues. The ivy-lined outfield walls, historic man-operated scoreboard and the bleacher bums rallying the team to victory, makes catching a game at Wrigley a must stop for any sports fan.

#6

Field Museum

Skeleton of a T-Rex in a musuem

The Field Museum is a must-see destination in Chicago. Where else can you meet Maximo the Titanosaur, the largest dinosaur ever discovered; experience SUE, the most complete and best preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex ever discovered; descend into an ancient Egyptian tomb, and explore over 10,000 years of Chinese history and culture, all in one afternoon?

#5

Millennium Park

People relax in a green park under large arched metal sculptures.

Millennium Park is more than an attraction - it's an expression of the Chicago experience. The lakefront campus, located in the heart of downtown Chicago, is home to the iconic Cloud Gate statue (aka "The Bean"), interactive fountains, tranquil gardens, free events, public art, skating rinks, rock climbing, and plenty of green space.

#4

Chicago's Beaches

People relax and play on a sandy beach

Chicago's 42 KM of scenic lakefront includes numerous public parks and gardens, an 29-mile Lakefront Trail- and more than two dozen free beaches that open to the public every summer in Chicago. Get out on the water with a paddleboard, kayak or jet ski rentals. You can also rent bikes and cruise down the Lakefront Trail, take a beach front yoga class, reserve a court and play beach volleyball, or just kickback in the sand and soak in the sun and skyline views.

#3

Chicago's Observation Decks

Skyscrapers at night, with glowing lights in their windows.

The sky's the limit in Chicago-literally. Two one-of-a-kind observations decks, in two of the world's most famous skyscrapers, make your elevator trip the ultimate route to thrill-riding fun at the Skydeck at Willis Tower or 360 CHICAGO at 875 N. Michigan Ave.

#2

Festivals, Fairs & Special Events

A crowd of festival-goers cheering

Way too many events to count. One that our students love is Lollapalooza. Each year, thousands of fans travel from around the world to experience Lollapalooza in Chicago. Attendees get to experience the festival's legendary musical acts, scenic lakefront setting, and unbeatable summer atmosphere against the backdrop of Chicago's magnificent skyline.

#1

Holidays & Celebrations

A river dyed vibrant green and flanked by tall city buildings

Chicago loves to celebrate, which is why we're home to world famous holiday traditions. Watch the Chicago River turn green on St. Patrick's Day, admire millions of twinkling holiday lights on Michigan Avenue, and see a stunning firework display light up the sky over Lake Michigan.

President Barak Obama speaking on a phone in the Oval Office, surrounded by smiling people
Home to former US President Barack Obama
Birds eye view of tall buildings at midday with long shadows on the streets
Over 30 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the metropolitan area

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More Information about this location
Grand staircase, Corinthian columns, and beautiful arches inside an art museum
50 Museums
Visitors at an art museum observe a large painting
200 Art Galleries
The red and gold marquee for the famous Chicago Theater
190+ Live Performance Theaters
Birds eye view of Chicago and Lake Michigan waterfront
45 km of Lakefront
A hand holds a Chicago Cubs baseball cap with the packed stands of Wrigley Field in the background
7 Professional Sports Teams
A beautiful sandy beach and the blue water of Lake Michigan
24 Beaches
A paved walking or bike path in a green park with tall trees
500+ Parks
pastries under glass in an industrial style Starbuck coffee house
7,300 Restaurants
A man in a concert venue tunes an electric guitar
25+ Annual Music Festivals

Chicago Facts and Figures

Beautiful blue water beside tall buildings.
Barak Obama, on a call in the Oval Office, waves at onlookers.
A Chicago Cubs baseball cap.
  • Home to former US President Barack Obama
  • Over 30 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the metropolitan area
  • 50 Museums
  • 200 Art Galleries
  • 190+ Live Performance Theaters
  • 45 km of Lakefront
  • 7 Professional Sports Teams
  • 24 Beaches
  • 500+ Parks
  • 7,300 Restaurants
  • 25+ Annual Music Festivals
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