Chicago itinerary – 3 days in Chicago for first timers

Next, head down to Chicago’s Museum Campus and pay a visit to its crown jewel – the Shedd Aquarium. Home to 32,000 fascinating and unique creatures from a range of diverse habitats, Shedd is one of the best aquariums in the country. Popular exhibits included with your admission are Waters of the World, Caribbean Reef, Amazon Rising, Abbott Oceanarium, Wild Reef, and the Polar Play Zone. Be sure to check out their new attraction, Underwater Beauty.

Shedd Aquarium also allows you to get up close with the animals – you can feed stingrays at "Stingray Touch" at no additional cost. However, if you want a truly memorable experience, you can meet a beluga whale, a sea otter, or a penguin, for an additional fee. Check out the Shedd Aquarium's Extraordinary Experiences for more information. We recommend reserving at least 2-3 hours for this attraction.

Getting In: Shedd Aquarium tickets are included on the Go City® All-Inclusive Chicago pass only.

After lunch, head to this popular natural history museum for an educational and entertaining afternoon. The Field Museum has spent over 100 years curating and adding to its collections, so you know their selection and breadth of artifacts and objects will be impressive.

Some of the highlights of their collection include SUE, the famous T-Rex (the most complete skeleton of her species), the notorious Tsavo Lions, an extensive collection of Ancient Egyptian artifacts, a beautiful selection of gemstones and minerals, and the fun “Underground Adventure” exhibit. We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction.

Getting In: The Field Museum tickets are included on the Go Chicago pass.

End your day with a visit to the last (but by no means the least) of the Museum Campus institutions. The Adler Planetarium has a lot to offer curious visitors. With nine special exhibits, multiple theaters, and the historic Atwood Sphere experience, there are tons of fun activities that the whole family will enjoy.

Popular exhibits include Chicago's Night Sky, Planet Explorers, Imagine the Moon, Our Solar System, and more. This is a must-see attraction for any aspiring scientists or space lovers in the family. We recommend reserving about 1 hour for this attraction.

Getting In: Adler Planetarium tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Take a tour of the iconic Chicago Theatre, home to legendary performances by world-class actors. One of the most well-regarded theaters in the country, the Chicago Theatre is a must-visit for history buffs and culture lovers.

On this tour, you’ll get to walk across a stage that’s played host to the likes of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin and gaze at the French Baroque interiors. Plus, you'll see the walls with tons of celebrity autographs scrawled across them. This venue is a beauty from top to bottom.

Getting In: Chicago Theatre Tour tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

At the top of the iconic John Hancock Tower, you'll find the awesome 360 CHICAGO observation deck. From your 94th-floor vantage point (over 1000 feet in the air!) you’ll get unparalleled views of Lake Michigan and the city below, especially if you're daring enough to lean out on the tilted glass.

What's more, the elevator to the top is the fastest in the city, whizzing you from the ground to the observation deck in under a minute.

A visit here is both a great photo opportunity and a good chance to learn more about Chicago’s famous architecture. As a bonus, this attraction is very conveniently located in the heart of an area you'll want to explore anyway: Michigan Avenue. We recommend reserving at least 1 hour for this attraction.

Getting In: 360 CHICAGO tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Once you leave 360 CHICAGO, wander along Michigan Avenue (aka. the Magnificent Mile) in search of some more fun. There's a boatload of shopping around, including everything from affordable fashion to high-end boutiques that are just perfect for window shopping. There are also endless dining choices, so you're sure to find something of interest down Michigan Avenue.

You’ll find plenty of options, especially if you explore side streets. The nearby Water Tower Place Mall has a food court, too, which offers a selection of options that even the pickiest eater will find delicious.

After lunch, head down to the Navy Pier area to get a little exercise. Rent a bike and enjoy the waterfront on two wheels! Chicago is a cyclist’s paradise, filled with trails, parks, and pathways just waiting to be explored.

There are 26 miles of lakefront trails for you to enjoy, so you’ll really be able to get a feel for the beautiful scenery. Your rental is valid for 4 hours, but if you want to see an additional attraction today we recommend reserving only 2 hours for this attraction.

Getting In: Bike and Roll Chicago rentals at Navy Pier are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Whether you've tootled around on a bike or explored the Children's Museum, be sure to also reserve some time to explore the Pier itself. It’s Chicago’s most-visited free attraction and has tons to offer the out-of-town visitor. With attractions as varied as the Chicago Children’s Museum and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater to a massive concert venue, you can practically spend the entire day here!

One of the most popular attractions on Navy Pier is its iconic Ferris wheel, visible from many vantage points across the city. There are also a few other theme park-style rides to enjoy, from swings to a mini-golf course. Although entrance to the Pier itself is free, your Go City® Chicago pass covers the admission costs for the Centennial Wheel and other rides. We recommend reserving 1 hour for this attraction.

Getting In: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Check out Chicago’s other sky-high attraction – SkyDeck Chicago at the Willis Tower. From the 103rd floor of the tower, you’ll be treated to stunning and unbeatable views –1,353 feet up in the air! Some of the highlights you’ll be able to see in the city below include everything from Navy Pier to Soldier Field and the Museum Campus. Don’t forget to bring your camera to this attraction! We recommend reserving 1 hour for this attraction.

Getting In: SkyDeck Chicago at Willis Tower tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Now’s the time to explore the artsy side of Chicago with a visit to one of the country’s most prestigious art museums. The Art Institute of Chicago features celebrated collections of modern and contemporary art, architecture, design, and photography, as well as Impressionist paintings, decorative arts, and more.

Some of the most famous pieces at the Art Institute include the Chagall stained glass windows, Grant Wood’s American Gothic, Matisse’s Bathers by a River, and Georgia O’Keeffe’s Black Cross, New Mexico. We recommend reserving at least 2 hours for this attraction, perhaps more if you’re an art lover.

Take some time to stroll around this beautiful urban greenspace. Be sure to note highlights like the Pritzker Pavilion – an architectural marvel – and the charming Lurie Garden. You can also explore some of the park’s iconic works of art. Be sure to check out the Crown Fountain and the Cloud Gate sculpture (also known as the Bean, pictured above).

Get your cameras at the ready when you're at the Bean. It's one of Chicago's most recognizable spots and a go-to for a vacation snap! There will also be several special events going on in the park from late spring to early fall. Do a little research before your visit to see what's on. You can expect everything from prestigious concerts to food festivals and free yoga. We recommend reserving about 1 hour to explore the park; more if you're participating in an event.

Getting In: It's free to explore Millennium Park, but any additional activities may incur extra costs not covered by the pass.