What to do in Chicago: must-sees not to be missed

Chicago fascinates from the very first moments. Less crowded than New York, more accessible than Los Angeles, it combines the energy of a big city with a quality of life that is unique to it. After the Great Fire of 1871, the city was rebuilt by placing architectural innovation at the heart of its identity. As a result, some of the most beautiful skyscrapers in the world sit side by side there, and architecture has become a true local institution.

Visiting Chicago is also treating yourself to a multifaceted stay. The shores of Lake Michigan stretch for miles of promenades and urban beaches, while neighborhoods like Wicker Park or Lincoln Park breathe a local and authentic atmosphere, far from the usual tourist circuits. Between exceptional museums, a strong culinary scene, and breathtaking architecture, every detail of the city tells a story. This is precisely what makes the experience so unique.

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\n Chicago is full of places to explore, and it can be helpful to set a few priorities based on the time you have. Between dizzying architecture, exceptional museums and open-air living spaces, here are the sites that deserve special attention during your stay.\n

\n The Loop is Chicago's central neighborhood, where the famous elevated railway traces its loop around the historic skyscrapers. This is where the architectural adventure truly begins. Willis Tower is one of the city's most iconic buildings: its Skydeck Chicago, located on the 103rd floor at more than 400 meters high, offers a breathtaking panoramic view. For the more daring, the glass platform suspended in the void, the \"Ledge\", is a rare experience. Plan about an hour and a half to fully enjoy the visit.\n

\n A few streets away, the Hancock Center also offers a dizzying perspective on the city from its observatory. At the end of the day, it is one of the best places to watch the sunset over the skyline. The Tribune Tower, recognizable by its neo-Gothic architecture, intrigues with stones extracted from world monuments embedded in its facade, some of which come from the Taj Mahal or the pyramids of Egypt.\n

\n For another way to discover Chicago, guided boat tours on the Chicago River allow you to admire the buildings from the water with the explanations of a passionate guide. Michigan Avenue, which forms the main axis of the Magnificent Mile, is also very suitable for a stroll between refined shops and historic buildings.\n

\n Chicago is home to some of the most remarkable museums in the United States. The Art Institute of Chicago is, in this regard, a must-see. Founded in 1879, it houses one of the largest impressionist collections outside France, with works by Monet, Seurat, Hopper and Van Gogh. Plan at least two to three hours to enjoy its galleries. Its entrance is just steps from Millennium Park, which makes it easy to easily combine visits.\n

\n The Field Museum, located in the Museum Campus on the lakefront, is also a must-see, especially for families. Its paleontology collection includes one of the most complete T-Rex skeletons in the world. Not far away, the Adler Planetarium offers immersive exhibitions on astronomy and provides, from its terraces, one of the finest panoramas of the Chicago skyline.\n

\n The Museum of Science and Industry, housed in an old Beaux-Arts palace from 1893 in Hyde Park, completes this picture. With its interactive exhibits — including an authentic German submarine from World War II — it's a venue that captivates both adults and children. Plan a full half-day to see it all.\n

Did you know? The Chicago CityPASS allows access to several of these museums and attractions by bundling up to five major city sites into a single pass.

Between architecture and museums, Chicago also offers beautiful moments outdoors. Millennium Park is the city's most famous green space. There you can see the Cloud Gate, nicknamed "The Bean" by locals, a polished stainless steel sculpture that reflects the skyline in a fascinating way. The mirror-like effect between the artwork and the surrounding skyscrapers is striking, and this place remains one of the most photographed spots in all of Chicago.

A little further north, Lincoln Park offers a verdant and tranquil respite along Lake Michigan. It houses a zoo with free admission, one of the oldest in the United States, as well as greenhouse botanical gardens. For families, it's an excellent option to combine relaxation and discovery. The Navy Pier, which juts out into Lake Michigan, offers a livelier experience with its Ferris wheel, its restaurants and summer concerts. Throughout the year, the lakefront attracts joggers, cyclists and travelers seeking serenity.

Chicago adapts to every traveler, and that's one of its greatest strengths. CSP+ families will find in the interactive museums — the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum, the Adler Planetarium — sources of wonder for young and old. The Navy Pier and the Lincoln Park Zoo perfectly complete a day with family.

Couples, for their part, will enjoy the restaurants of River North, rooftop bars with a view of the skyline or a sunset cruise on the Chicago River. For culture lovers, the galleries of Wicker Park, this bohemian neighborhood with brick façades, offer a glimpse into the local art scene. It's also here that some of the city's most distinctive addresses are concentrated.

For those who want a bit of serenity and to experience Chicago differently, thematic guided tours — gastronomy, architecture, history — allow you to discover facets of the city that are often unsuspected. Coupled with a tailor-made itinerary designed by a Travel Planner, they transform a simple stay into a true travel experience.

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The time of year you visit plays a key role in the quality of your experience. Chicago can be enjoyed year-round, but the climate varies considerably with the seasons.

Spring and autumn remain the most recommended periods for visiting Chicago. The temperatures there are mild, the green spaces particularly beautiful and tourist crowds more reasonable. Summer is perfectly suited for enjoying the shores of Lake Michigan and the festive atmosphere, even if the heat can sometimes be intense. Winter, although harsh, offers a unique festive atmosphere, notably in December with the illuminations and Christmas markets.\n

The travel Planners' advice: for families, spring school holidays or the summer period allow combining outdoor outings and cultural visits in the best conditions. For couples, an autumn stay in Chicago offers privacy and a remarkable sense of well-being.\n

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