Top Things to Do in Chicago
As one of the most famous cities in the US, tons of visitors flock to Chicago year after year. Famous for its cuisine, museums, and winter attractions, too, it’s no wonder that Chicago is such a crowd-pleaser. In addition to these endless charms, Chicago is also a city that’s rich in interesting history. For instance, one of the Jack the Ripper suspects, Dr Neill Cream, set up a medical practice in the Red Light District. Despite this, other notable figures from Chicago aren’t necessarily as dark, with people such as Michelle Obama, Bill Murray, and Harrison Ford topping the list.
There’s no escaping the fact that Chicago is an undeniably fascinating place. Discover the top things to do below.
Watch a Game at the United Center
The United Center is the home of professional hockey and basketball, and it occasionally hosts big-ticket pop acts. Despite this, when visiting Chicago, you can’t miss a local sports game. Unfortunately, the days of watching Michael Jordan play at the United Center are well behind us, but he does have a statue in the venue that you can get a picture with. Over hockey and basketball seasons, the Blackhawks and Bulls spend a lot of their time here, so be sure to catch at least one game. In keeping with the foodie nature of the city, you needn’t settle for standard arena grub; instead, local restaurants such as Lillie’s Q and Honey Butter Fried Chicken provide tasty food.
Visit the Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon
Winter isn’t the most popular season, but Chicago is home to some great winter activities. The first of these activities is the Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon, which is an ice-covered path in the Loop that’s double the distance of a lap around a traditional rink. As a result, it becomes a little easier to get excited about the cold season. Not only does the ribbon allow you to schedule some exercise into your day, but it also provides you with the opportunity to see some of the best skyline views that Chicago has to offer.
Enjoy Some Jazz at the Green Mill
While the ‘20s saw the Green Mill being frequented by Al Capone and his companions, it’s still a booming establishment since the Prohibition. The club has a reputation for hosting nightly jazz evenings, making it one of the best places to enjoy authentic jazz music. The Green Mill is an easy location to spot, thanks to its green and gold light-up sign.
Attend the Garfield Park Conservatory
If you’re nuts about nature, the Garfield Park Conservatory is for you. This is an impressive glass structure, containing upwards of 100,000 plants. As a result, it’s a great location if you’re looking to escape the cold. This is because the space contains eight indoor display gardens, wherein visitors can take in views of colossal tropical plants, prickly cacti, and luscious ferns. The space is incredibly varied, making it appealing to plant enthusiasts of all capacities.
Visit the Art Institute of Chicago
Last but by no means least is the Art Institute of Chicago, which is easily recognized via the pair of bronze lions guarding the door. This gallery is home to masterpieces from a multitude of eras, ranging from paintings to sculptures. From A Sunday on La Grande by Georges Seurat to the print of Elizabeth Taylor by Andy Warhol, the gallery takes us all the way from the very distant past to almost the present day. For a cultural experience in Chicago, this can’t be missed off the list.
How will you spend your time in Chicago?