Chicago Visitors Guide - 2025

CHICAGO RIVER

The Chicago Riverwalk is chock-full of gorgeous river views and interesting attractions. Explore the inner workings of the Chicago River’s magnificent moveable bridges at the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum located beneath the DuSable Bridge. Seek out whimsical public art along the pedestrian trail. Shop unique artisan goods at the Community Marketplace. Soak up the views at one of the riverfront cafes or beer gardens, including City Winery and the Chicago Brewhouse.

Learn about the history of Chicago’s stunning skyscrapers at the Chicago Architecture Center, just a few steps off the Riverwalk near Michigan Avenue. Inside this multistory space you’ll find fascinating exhibits that include the largest scale model of the city.

For a different perspective, board one of the many sightseeing boats docked at the Riverwalk. On the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard Chicago’s First Lady, trained local volunteers tell the stories behind some of the city’s most famous architectural gems. Themed tours, including fireworks and a beer-and-barbecue cruise, are the specialty of Wendella Tours & Cruises. Tall buildings and taller tales are part of Mercury Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline’s urban adventure cruises. Enjoy a sunset brew cruise or historical tour on a retired Chicago fireboat with Chicago Fireboat Tours.

Gourmet food, craft cocktails, dancing, and breathtaking views aboard a glass-enclosed vessel are all part of a City Experiences Dinner Cruise on the Chicago River. Feel like the captain of your own ship by chartering an electric retro boat, a pontoon, or a unique hot tub boat from Chicago Electric Boat Company. Get an up-close view of the Chicago River and its landmarks on a guided excursion with Urban Kayaks.

Once the sun sets, the world’s largest permanent art projection transforms an architectural landmark into a larger-than-life canvas. ART on THE MART presents moving digital images by renowned artists, synced with music, on the river-facing facade of THE MART. Grab a spot on the Chicago Riverwalk between Wells and Lake streets for the best view.

LAKE MICHIGAN

Spanning 18.5 miles, the Chicago Lakefront Trail skims the shoreline of Lake Michigan, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll or jog. Or rent wheels from Bike and Roll Chicago or Bobby’s Bike Hike and cycle the trail solo or on a guided tour.

Navy Pier offers 50 acres of shops, restaurants, and attractions, along with seasonal events and free dance, music, and film programs. Get a bird’seye view of the city atop Pier Park’s 200-foot-tall Centennial Wheel. Or take a ride on the high-flying Wave Swinger. Experience extraordinary immersive worlds at Illuminarium.

Get an adrenaline rush on Flyover, a multisensory flight simulation over Chicago. At Polk Bros Park see a cultural performance and cool down in the interactive fountain. See innovative Tony Award-winning plays and musicals that celebrate the works of The Bard at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Enjoy live music and craft brews at the Navy Pier Beer Garden. On Wednesday and Saturday nights throughout the summer, watch dazzling free fireworks.

Departing from Navy Pier, Chicago Seadog Extreme Thrill Ride offers a high-speed experience, while Shoreline Sightseeing features narrated skyline cruises. Or hop aboard the four-masted Tall Ship Windy schooner for a one-of-a-kind Lake Michigan tour.

Spend an upscale evening on the water with a three-course plated meal aboard a City Experiences Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan. Or sample Midwestern fare on the seasonal patio of The Lakefront Restaurant, located just north of Navy Pier in Lincoln Park.

With some 26 miles of lakefront, Chicago has many beautiful beaches for sunning and swimming. Oak Street Beach offers terrific people watching and skyscraper views, while North Avenue Beach features lively volleyball games and water sports aplenty. For awesome skyline vistas, head to Rainbow Beach. Part of the South Shore Cultural Center, South Shore Beach has its own nature sanctuary. Enjoy eats, drinks, and live music at the nearby South Shore Social Beach Club.

Take your pick of water sports on the lake. Try stand-up paddleboarding at Chicago SUP and jet skiing at Jet Ski Chicago, both at North Avenue Beach. Enjoy kayaking, SUP, and jet skiing at Chicago Water Sport Rentals at 31st Street Harbor. Bobby’s Kayak Company at Ohio Street Beach offers kayak rentals, as well as guided lake tours.