5 Not To Be Missed Attractions in Chicago*

We all know just how much I love a vacation to the States? I’ve had seen more of the grand ol’ U S of A than I have of Europe, perhaps of my own country! It’s always my go to destination and I’m not even slightly ashamed of this. I love it, and I have loved visiting the US since I was 9 years old. And although, as I’ve mentioned above, I have seen a lot, there are still so many more places I want to visit, or return to and give them the love they return. And seeing the attractions in Chicago is almost at the top!

Back in 2018, I briefly visited the windy city, otherwise known as Chicago. We had a layover that gave us enough time to get out and explore, but not enough time to really embrace all that the city had to offer.

Chicago has been on my list of places to visit since I was a kid. My sister was obsessed with the musical Calamity Jane and we watched it so often. In the movie Calamity heads to Chicago and they sing a whole song about the “windy city” and ever since then I wanted to go.

These days it’s not the same city depicted in a movie set during the wild west days, instead it’s a thriving and interesting place with plenty for tourists like myself to see and do. Here are 5 Chicago Tourist Attractions not to be missed.

Attractions in Chicago

Millenium Park

If you know anyone who has visited Chicago recently, they’ll 100% have a photo beside this icon, the world famous bean! You can find it in Millenium Park. Millenium Park is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Chicago, it’s like Hyde Park and Central Park, but better! You could probably take a whole holiday there. There are exhibitions and gardens to explore. Places to grab a bite to eat. And don’t forget to check out what events are on during your visit! It would be a dream to visit during the winter and experience the amazing ice rink.

Taste Your Way Through Maxwell Street Market

What began in 1847 as a place for immigrants to buy and sell their wares is now a year round outdoor street market. The perfect place for bargain hunting and thrifting. Not only that but here you’ll find some of the best street food, everything from Mexican to Polish, you’re bound to find something you like.

Bloomingdale Trail

The High Line in NYC is one of my favourite attractions so I was super psyched to hear Chicago had it’s own version, the Bloomingdale Trail, also known as the 606. What was once a disused rail line is now 2.7 miles of recreational space. It draws together the arts of the local community this trail is perfect for biking, running or simply walking and enjoying the atmosphere.

Visit Lake Michigan

This one is especially great if you visit in the summer. Chicago grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan and it’s still a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. There is everything from park life to sandy shores so you can enjoy it even if you don’t visit during the warmer months. From the lake you can get what is arguably the most amazing view of the Chicago skyline so it’s worth a visit simply for that.

Do a Chicago Pizza Tour

So which is better? Chicago pizza or New York pizza? How about you do one of the famous Chicago Pizza Tours and find out? Chicago pizza is an institution and you cannot visit the Windy City without trying it. Imagine being ferried around by a bus just so you can eat pizza until your heart is full? For me that is the dream attraction while on holiday and one of the reasons I will be back to Chicago.

Hopefully I’ve convinced you all that you need to visit Chicago, and personally, I cannot wait to be back!