8 Top Places to visit in Chicago You Can’t Miss

The "L" (elevated train) is your best friend. A day pass costs around $25 and gets you everywhere worth going. The Red and Blue lines run 24/7, while other lines shut down around midnight. The Blue Line connects directly to O'Hare Airport, making it easy to hop off the plane and start exploring.

Summer (June-August) is peak season with festivals, outdoor concerts, and perfect weather for walking around. But Chicago in winter has its own magic—fewer crowds, cozy bars, and if you're lucky, the lakefront frozen into an otherworldly landscape. Spring and fall offer the best of both worlds: good weather without the summer crowds.

Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate, the Chicago Cultural Center’s Tiffany Dome, Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Conservatory, and the Chicago Riverwalk all rank among the best places to visit in Chicago for free. Add Buckingham Fountain’s hourly water show and Grant Park’s lakefront paths for even more zero-cost fun.