20 Exciting Chicago Landmarks to See in 2024

If you’re heading to the Windy City, checking out Chicago landmarks is part of the fun! From historic buildings and parks to world-famous museums and sculptures, these unforgettably cool spots are not only Instagram-worth they’re also really interesting.

20 Must-See Landmarks in Chicago Worth Checking Out

A trip to Chicago opens the doors to a city rich in history, culture, and architectural marvels. Beyond its towering skyscrapers, Chicago shines with diverse neighborhoods, renowned museums, picturesque parks, and historic landmarks that tell the story of the Windy City.

With its world-class museums, gorgeous lakefront parks, towering skyscrapers, and lively neighborhood vibes, Chicago offers endless sites and attractions for visitors to explore. From baseball games at Wrigley Field to viewing impressionist masterpieces at the Art Institute of Chicago, here are 20 quintessential Chicago landmarks to add to your Windy City vacation itinerary.

We’ve even added a handy interactive map to help you plan your visit!

Use the Interactive Map of Must-See Chicago Landmarks

Click here or on the map below to plan your visit to these amazing Chicago landmarks!

Navy Pier

Jutting over half a mile out into Lake Michigan, the bustling Navy Pier offers unlimited entertainment. Enjoy thrilling rides like the 200-foot tall Centennial Wheel (one of the best Ferris Wheeels in the country), catch a show at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, explore educational displays at the kid-friendly Chicago Hands-on Museum, or unwind over drinks at waterfront rooftop bars. With so much to do, it’s easy to spend a whole day here.

If you’re visiting during the summer and fall months, or during the holidays, there are fireworks at Navy Pier that light up the sky over Lake Michigan in a dazzling display. Don’t miss them.

Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Willis Tower: Chicago’s Most Iconic Building

You’ve got to go up in the Willis Tower, even just to say you did it. Once you see the amazing view of Chicago, you’ll forget all about any lindergring fear of heights.

Once the tallest building in the world at 110 stories, Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) still boasts the most stunning city views from its Skydeck on the 103rd floor. The famous building was constructed in the early 1970s for retail giant Sears, Roebuck and Company (remember the thick catalogs?). Measuring 1441 feet tall, it held the record as world’s tallest building for over two decades.

 At 1,354 feet up, you’ll be eye level with planes landing at O’Hare Airport! The unmatched panoramic views make this modern marvel a top Chicago attraction. Try to visit on a clear day for peak visibility.

Address:  233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

EXPERT TIP: Be sure to gaze east across Grant Park to see the shimmering Lake Michigan shoreline.

Millennium Park and The Bean

Spanning over 25 acres, Millennium Park is Chicago’s town square and the perfect place to picnic, people watch, or attend a free concert at the Frank Gehry-designed Pritzker Pavilion. Don’t miss snapping a selfie at Cloud Gate (nicknamed “The Bean”), a giant mirror-like sculpture, and watching delighted kids of all ages cooling off in the Crown Fountain’s giant digital faces that spit water.

In addition to famous landmarks like Cloud Gate (The Bean), Millennium Park is also home to the Crown Fountains, and Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park is a wonderful place to picnic, people watch, and enjoy free concerts during the warmer months.

Art Institute of Chicago

When you spot the iconic Art Institute Lions standing guard along Michigan Avenue, You’ll know you’re in for a special treat.

Housing over 300,000 priceless works, the Art Institute of Chicago is a world-class art museum with especially strong Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections. You could spend hours gazing at masterpieces from Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Grant Wood’s American Gothic is another highlight along with Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks. The Modern Wing showcases Warhol and Picasso.

Located in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood, make a day of exploring this Chicago landmark and grab a bite to eat at one of the amazing restaurants near the Art Institute.

Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

National Shrine of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini

Dedicated to life and mission of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini, an Italian nun who worked to improve the living conditions for immigrants in the city of Chicago. Mother Cabrini was canonized as America’s first citizen-Saint in 1946 and named the patron saint of immigrants by Pope Pius XII. She founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Built on the grounds of the former Columbus hospital, the Shrine of St. Francis Cabrini is located in Lincoln Park and features a small museum, and a mediatation garden in addition to the beautiful chapel.

Address:  2520 N Lakeview Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Wrigley Field

Both concertgoers and baseball fans flock to historic Wrigley Field, home of the beloved Chicago Cubs since 1914. Catching a lively game here surrounded by ivy-covered walls is a quintessential Chicago experience. Go for the Bleacher seats to really soak up the electric atmosphere. And don’t forget to sip an ice-cold Old Style beer and indulge in a Chicago Dog!

Visiting Wrigley Field for a concert? The acoustics are amazing. I saw Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Bancd here last August and it was one of the best concerts I’ve seen in recent years.

Address:  1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613

EXPERT TIP: Lively Wrigleyville, the area surrounding Wrigley Field, is worth exploring, too. You’ll find sports bars lining Clark Street and the surrounding areas. During the holidays and throughout the summer, fun pop-up bars are a top destination. So is Gallagher Way, an open air park with seasonal attractions like markets, an ice skating rink and even movie nights.  

Magnificent Mile

Spanning over a mile long, this famous stretch of North Michigan Avenue offers top-notch shopping, prestigious hotels, restaurants, and landmarks. You’ll find high-end department stores like Bloomingdale’s (at 900 N. Michigan Avenue) alongside luxury global brands from Cartier to Gucci. Stop by the historic Water Tower and Pumping Station for photo ops. The Mag Mile really twinkles during the holidays with elaborate light displays.

Address: North Michigan Avenue between the Chicago River and Oak Street

EXPERT TIP: Some of my favorite stops along the Mag Mile include Zara (both men’s and women’s affordable fashion), the two-story Starbucks, Nordstrom and the Water Tower seven-story shopping mall.

360 Chicago (formerly known at the John Hancock Building)

Earlier known as the John Hancock Center, 360 Chicago’s newly renovated 94th-floor observatory grants jaw-dropping panoramic city vistas from over 1,000 feet up. In addition to outdoor Skydeck views, interactive exhibits like “Tilt” literally tilt you to a 30-degree angle over Michigan Avenue. Make sure to get timed-entry tickets in advance online.

Address: 875 N Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Lincoln Park Zoo

My kids grew up visiting this free zoo that lets you see lions, monkeys, penguins and more up close in 35 acres of beautiful parkland settings right in the city. It’s an excellent family-friendly activity. One of my favorite things to do with kids in Lincoln Park, you’ll fall in love with this sprawling zoo as quickly as your kids.  

Home to over 200 species from penguins to snow monkeys, the free Lincoln Park Zoo offers close-up wildlife encounters with stellar zoo habitats. Kids go crazy watching the playful otters and visiting the barnyard to interact with goats, sheep, and cows. Set within 35 lush acres, the zoo makes for an excellent family-friendly outing.

Address: 2001 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60614

Field Museum

Dinosaurs take the spotlight at the immense Field Museum. Meet SUE, the largest T-Rex fossil ever found! Explore this immense natural history museum and you’ll find Ancient Egyptian mummies, gemstones, and cultural artifacts from around the world.

The museum also houses dazzling Gems Hall, and cultural exhibits exploring traditions from around the world. Bring the kids for an unforgettable day immersed in science and history.

Address: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

Shedd Aquarium

Get eye-to-eye with belugas, sharks, and over 32,000 aquatic creatures at the world’s largest indoor aquarium. The Pacific Northwest’s rocky coastline, Caribbean reefs, and Amazon flooded forest are all recreated in amazing lifelike habitats. Be sure to experience unique animal encounters like the Stingray Touch exhibit. It’s a splashing good time!

Address: 1200 S DuSable Lk Shr Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

Expanding Your Windy City Adventure: More Famous Landmarks and Hidden Gems

Beyond the iconic “Magnificent Mile” and towering Willis Tower, Chicago boasts a treasure trove of landmarks waiting to be explored. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and architectural prowess with these diverse additions to your itinerary:

Robie House: Discover Frank Lloyd Wright’s Legacy in Chicago

Step into the world of prairie style architecture with this UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. This Prairie-style masterpiece showcases Wright’s signature cantilevered balconies and open floor plan. Its horizontal lines and open floor plan reflect Wright’s vision of harmonizing with nature and surprisingly, it doesn’t look out of place in the city.

Address: 5757 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

Jackson Boulevard and the LaSalle Historic District

Stroll down this historic street in the Loop, once known as “Whiskey Row” for its concentration of saloons and breweries. Admire the ornate facades of 19th-century buildings like the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Building (Illinois Central Railroad). The LaSalle Street Historic District is home to many other  architectural gems and landmarks in Chicago worth checking out. These include the Rookery Building, a National Historic Landmark with intricate ironwork and mosaic ceilings, the Northern Trust and Savings Company building, and the Marquette Building on Dearborn Street, built in 1905.

Architectural Landmarks and Marvels for History Buffs

The Chicago Cultural Center

Housed in the former Chicago Public Library, this Beaux-Arts gem boasts Tiffany stained glass windows, grand staircases, and soaring ceilings. Explore its free exhibits and cultural events.

Address: 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602

Marshall Field and Company Building (Now Macys on State)

This former department store, now Macy’s, is a National Historic Landmark showcasing opulent Beaux-Arts design. Its Tiffany dome and intricate mosaics are awe-inspiring. Be sure to walk through the building and make your way to famed Walnut Room, home to a towering Christmas tree during the holidays.

Address:  111 N State St, Chicago, IL 60602

Garfield Park Conservatory

Immerse yourself in a botanical wonderland with eight showhouses bursting with diverse plant life, from tropical rainforests to deserts.

Addresss: 3200 W. Garfield Blvd.

More Iconic Chicago Landmarks To Add to Your Bucket List

Tribune Tower

This neo-Gothic skyscraper, modeled after a medieval French town, features gargoyles depicting famous Chicagoans and literary figures.

Address: 435 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Chicago Water Tower

This whimsical castle-like structure was built after the Great Chicago Fire and served as the city’s first pumping station.

Address: 806 N. Michigan Ave.

Adler Planetarium

Gaze at the stars and explore space exploration exhibits at this iconic landmark on the lakefront.

Address:  1300 S DuSable Lk Shr Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

Chicago Riverwalk

Walk or bike along this scenic path lined with restaurants, shops, and boat tours offering unique perspectives of the city’s architecture.

Hull House

Journey back in time at this National Historic Landmark, founded by social reformer Jane Addams, and learn about its role in social justice movements.

Address: 800 S. Halsted St.

Chicago Stockyards District

Address: 4350 S. Halsted St.

Discover the history of Chicago’s meatpacking industry and explore remnants like the Stockyards Armour Exchange Building, now a vibrant entertainment complex.

Exploring Chicago’s Landmarks

This list merely scratches the surface of Chicago’s diverse landmarks. So, lace up your walking shoes, embrace the Windy City spirit, and discover hidden gems alongside iconic sites, creating unforgettable memories in this vibrant metropolis.

With this list in hand, you’re all set to explore Chicago’s diverse and vibrant sights. Take in the stunning city skyline from towering heights, appreciate masterpieces at acclaimed museums, and soak up the energetic atmosphere at lively attractions. Let the Windy City adventure begin!