10 Must-See Places in Chicago: Prices, Hours & What's Free

Updated 23 October 2026. Prices, hours and rules below come from each place's official site, checked on 22 and 23 October 2026. Where we could not confirm something, we say so.

Chicago packs a lot into one downtown. Some of the best stops are free. A few need timed tickets, and the costs add up fast. Here are 10 places worth your time, with the prices, hours and booking rules you need before you go.

The 10 places at a glance

Sources: each place's official site, checked 22–23 October 2026. Prices and hours change, so confirm at checkout.

Getting around Chicago

Source: CTA fare page, checked 22 October 2026. The fare chart on that page is dated 20 February 2023, so check transitchicago.com before you travel. Look up your exact route in the CTA trip planner.

Chicago's 10 must-see places

1. Millennium Park

Millennium Park is free, open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and home to Cloud Gate, the mirror-like sculpture everyone calls "The Bean." It also has Crown Fountain and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, where the city runs free events in summer, including concerts and movies.

• Address: 201 E. Randolph St.
• Getting there: Elevated trains to Washington/Wabash, then walk east. The Red Line stops at Lake and the Blue Line at Washington. Buses: 3, 4, 6, J14, 20, 56, 60, 124, 146, 147, 151, 157.
• Tip: The park's Welcome Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Go early or late in the day if you want The Bean without a crowd.

2. Art Institute of Chicago

This is Chicago's main art museum, on Michigan Avenue. Plan at least half a day.

• Tickets (official page): Adults $32. Seniors (65+), students and teens (14–17) $26. Children under 14 are free. Chicago residents pay $20 and Illinois residents $27, with proof. A Fast Pass costs $40 for adults.
• Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Thursday 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Closed Tuesdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
• Entrances: 111 S. Michigan Ave. and the Modern Wing at 159 E. Monroe St.
• Free entry: Illinois educators, LINK and WIC cardholders, and Chicago teens under 18 get in free every day.

3. Navy Pier

There is no admission fee to enter Navy Pier. Individual attractions, such as the Centennial Wheel, set their own prices. The pier also has the Chicago Children's Museum, restaurants and boat tours.

• Hours (until 31 Dec 2026): Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Christmas Eve 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Centennial Wheel: Daily, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Friday–Saturday, per the pier's FAQ.
• Fireworks: Every Wednesday and Saturday from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
• Getting there: Five CTA buses serve the pier: 29, 65, 66, 124 and 2. The 2 runs only on weekday rush hours.
• Rule to know: Guests under 18 need an escort after 5 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
• Parking: The pier lists a flat rate but no price on its FAQ page. Check the parking page before you drive.

4. Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile is the stretch of Michigan Avenue between the Chicago River and Oak Street. You can walk it for free. Store hours vary, so check the shops you want.

There is no admission ticket. Start at the Michigan Avenue bridge over the Chicago River and walk north towards Oak Street.

5. Lincoln Park Zoo

The zoo is open 365 days a year, and entry is always free. Gates open at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Buildings are open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The zoo also has a Farm-in-the-Zoo.

• Address: The East Gate and paid parking entrance is at 2400 N. Cannon Drive.
• Parking: Free for the first half hour, then $35–45 per day. Cash is not accepted.
• Before you go: Check the zoo's hours page on the day, since hours can change.

6. Skydeck Chicago (Willis Tower)

The Skydeck is on the 103rd floor. Its glass boxes, called The Ledge, let you stand over the street. Each party is limited to 90 seconds on The Ledge.

• Tickets: Adults (12+) from $32. Youth (3–11) from $22. Children under 3 are free. Expedited Entry starts at $55.
• Hours: Winter hours (1 October–28 February) are 9 a.m.–8 p.m., and 9 a.m.–9 p.m. on Saturday. Last entry is 30 minutes before close. The site lists only winter hours right now.
• Timed tickets: The Skydeck uses timed tickets and strongly recommends booking ahead.
• Entrance: Enter on Jackson Boulevard. The address is 233 S. Wacker Dr.

7. Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field is the home of the Chicago Cubs and, according to Choose Chicago, the country's second-oldest ballpark. It sits at the corner of Clark and Addison streets.

• Getting there: Take the Red Line to the Addison station. Buses 8, 22 and 152 also serve the ballpark.
• Tours: Public tours start at about $25 per person and last 75 to 90 minutes.
• Booking: Tickets are mobile-only through the MLB Ballpark app. During the season, book at least a week ahead. Tours start at the Gallagher Way Gate. For questions, call 773-388-8270.

8. Chicago Riverwalk

The Riverwalk is free and open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Choose Chicago describes it as a buzzing walk with outdoor cafes, wine bars and shops. Dogs are allowed on a leash.

You can also see the skyline on a river boat. See the architecture cruise below.

9. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

The museum, now officially the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, is the place for interactive science. It has a real German U-boat, the U-505, and a coal mine tour, both ticketed separately. It is in the Hyde Park neighborhood, at 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

• General admission: Adults (12+) $25.95. Children (3–11) $14.95.
• Extras: The Giant Dome Theater costs $12 for adults and $9 for children. The Coal Mine tour costs $12 and $9. The U-505 On-Board Tour costs $18 and $14. General admission does not include them or parking.
• Free days: There are no remaining Illinois Free Days in 2026. The 2027 days "will be announced soon."
• Always free: US active-duty military and veterans, Chicago firefighters and police officers, and Illinois pre-K to 12 teachers.
• Hours: They vary by day. The museum's site showed 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on 23 October 2026.

10. Garfield Park Conservatory

This is a glass conservatory full of plants on Chicago's West Side, and a warm indoor stop in winter.

• Address: 300 N. Central Park Ave.
• Hours: Wednesday 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Thursday–Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
• Cost: Chicago residents are free with proof of address. Non-residents pay $10 (adults 18–64) or $5 (seniors 65+, ages 7–17, students with ID). Active-duty military and veterans are free with ID.
• Tickets: Ticketed entry is required, and advance reservations are strongly recommended. Parking is free.
• Getting there: Take the Green Line to the Conservatory stop.

More places to consider

These three are not in the ten above. Take the cruise if you want the skyline and Chicago's architecture from the water. Pick the Field Museum for a big, all-ages indoor day. Pick the Shedd for an aquarium visit.

Sources: Chicago Architecture Center, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium. Checked 23 October 2026.

How to plan your days

• One day downtown: Millennium Park, the Art Institute and the Riverwalk fit in one day. Give the Art Institute at least half a day, and remember it is closed on Tuesdays.
• Add a second day: Navy Pier and the Magnificent Mile fit in one day. Add the Skydeck here or in the evening, and keep the Lincoln Park Zoo for a free half-day.
• For sports fans: Book a Wrigley Field tour a week ahead, and take the Red Line to Addison.
• For museum fans: The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry and the Museum Campus (Field Museum and Shedd) need half a day each.

Looking to save on tickets? The Griffin Museum's site says Chicago CityPASS bundles admission to the museum and four more attractions for up to 50% off, valid for nine days. Compare it with the prices above before you buy.

When to go

• Summer: The Pritzker Pavilion hosts free movies, concerts and fitness classes. Navy Pier has fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
• Winter: McCormick Tribune Plaza has a free ice rink. Indoor stops like the Art Institute and Garfield Park Conservatory work well.
• Boat tours: Most run from March through November.
• February: Chicago Theatre Week runs in February.

For planning the rest of your trip, see our guides on how to plan a successful trip and travel hacks that work in 2026. If you are flying in from abroad, read about the currency-conversion trap and what to do when an ATM eats your card.

FAQ

Is Lincoln Park Zoo free?

Yes. The zoo says it is open 365 days a year and entry is always free. Parking is not free. It costs $35–45 per day after the first half hour, and the zoo does not accept cash.

Is Millennium Park free?

Yes. Admission is free, and the park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Cloud Gate (The Bean) is inside the park.

How much does the Art Institute of Chicago cost?

Adult tickets are $32. Seniors, students and teens (14–17) pay $26. Children under 14 are free. Chicago residents pay $20 and Illinois residents $27, with proof. The museum is closed on Tuesdays.

How much does the Skydeck cost?

Adult tickets start at $32 and youth tickets (ages 3–11) start at $22. Children under 3 are free. Tickets are timed, so buying ahead is strongly recommended.

Is Navy Pier free?

Yes, entry is free. Individual attractions such as the Centennial Wheel set their own prices. Summer fireworks run every Wednesday and Saturday from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Which L train goes to Wrigley Field?

The Red Line. Get off at the Addison station. The ballpark is at the corner of Clark and Addison streets.

How much is the CTA?

An 'L' ride costs $2.50 and a bus ride costs $2.25 with Ventra or contactless. A 1-Day CTA/Pace Pass costs $5. The fare chart on the CTA page is dated February 2023, so check the CTA site before you travel.

Is Garfield Park Conservatory free?

It is free for Chicago residents with proof of address. Non-residents pay $10 for adults and $5 for seniors, ages 7–17 and students with ID. Ticketed entry is required, and the conservatory is closed Monday and Tuesday.

How much does the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry cost?

General admission is $25.95 for adults (12+) and $14.95 for children (3–11). The Giant Dome Theater, Coal Mine tour and U-505 tour cost extra.

Sources

Checked 22–23 October 2026: City of Chicago, Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier hours, Navy Pier FAQ, Skydeck Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo, Cubs, CTA information, Cubs, Wrigley Field tours, Chicago Riverwalk FAQ, Garfield Park Conservatory, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, CTA fares, Choose Chicago.