5 days in Chicago: must-see experiences for every explorer

With 4.6 billion years in one place, the Field Museum takes you around the world and back in time. Here, you can come face-to-face with SUE, the world’s largest- and most famous- T. rex, explore ancient Egyptian, discover over 10,000 years of Chinese history, and much more!Renowned for its state-of-the-art exhibits, leading scientific research, and impressive collection of artifacts and specimens, the Field Museum inspires curiosity and tells the story of life on Earth.The fun and interactive Field Museum exhibits will appeal to all the family. Get to grips with genetics at the DNA Discovery Center, and explore the culture and artifacts of civilizations all over the world.

Located in the 875 N. Michigan building, 360 CHICAGO is one for those with a head for heights. Check out the exhibition celebrating Chicago’s history on the ground floor before hopping into the fastest elevator in the city and zipping up to the 94th floor in under a minute. Enjoy great views with 360 CHICAGO tickets!When you arrive at 360 CHICAGO, you’ll get to enjoy views of Chicago’s skyline through the all-glass panoramic windows in the 17,000-square-foot 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck. Look out to a sparkling Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, Soldier Field, and the Magnificent Mile.On a clear day, you can even see Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Interactive kiosks are available around the floor that allow a 360-degree zoom-in view of the city and are available in five languages.Snap plenty of selfies with the amazing view and then check out the Sky Tour exhibit: multilingual interactive kiosks are available around the floor, offering a 360-degree zoom-in view of the city.For an even more breathtaking view, visit at twilight when the lights of the Windy City are just beginning to twinkle.Your admission ticket also gives you access to CloudBar at 360 Chicago. This stylish, 18-seat bar boasts a locally-inspired menu and gives you the chance to enjoy a drink or snack with views sweeping across the city. Take your pick from a selection of Chicago microbrewery beers, hot plates, popcorn, chocolates, and more.

Go on a wild underwater adventure at Shedd Aquarium. This attraction is ideal for all the family and perfect for fans of sharks, stingrays, and everything in between.You’ll see incredible creatures from freshwater, marine, terrestrial, and even aerial environments at the Shedd’s award-winning exhibits. Get nose-to-nose with sharks in the wild reef, dolphins and beluga whales in the oceanarium, and much more.The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago also does its bit for conservation and research, focusing primarily on animals and habitats in the Great Lakes and the Caribbean. Learn more about the important work they do at their range of talks and animal presentations. There’s also the chance to get your hands wet at the Stingray Touch exhibition which runs between May and September.

Enjoy the Navy Pier with your Centennial Wheel tickets and take in the commanding views of the city and Lake Michigan at 200 feet. You’ll get a 360-degree view, and as each gondola is enclosed, you can ride all year round, no matter the weather. Plus, you can pick from three other rides, including the Carousel, the Drop Tower, the Light Tower, the Pier Park Mini-Golf, the Tea Cups, and the Wave Singer. (These additional rides typically only operate between May and October, weather dependent.)The Navy Pier in Chicago is considered the number one tourist and leisure destination in the Midwest, and it's the longest public pier in the world. Attracting 8.6 million visitors each year, Navy Pier is a 50-acre, lakeside wonderland that lets visitors enjoy the splendors of Lake Michigan.Once you’ve taken a spin on the Navy Pier wheel, you can explore the other rides along the pier, check out the museums, or hit the shops and restaurants. Grab a famous Chicago hot dog or pick up a souvenir as a memento.

Not for the faint-hearted, Skydeck Chicago gives daredevils a bird’s eye view of the Windy City. This observation deck is located in the world-famous Willis Tower, formerly known as the Skydeck Chicago Sears Tower. You’ll ride 1,353 feet up to the 103rd floor of the tower and get some of the best views of the city. Get your Chicago Skydeck tickets at a discounted rate with Go City!See four states from the observation tower, as well as popular Chicago landmarks including Navy Pier, Soldier Field, and Magnificent Mile. You’ll also find interactive exhibits and historical photographs to learn about the Chicago Skydeck building’s prestigious history.In addition to being one of the most famous architectural marvels of the western world, and one of the Seven Wonders of Chicago, Skydeck Chicago offers something a little different in The Ledge. If you’re brave, step out on the glass-floored observation deck and see the city right beneath your feet.If you head up after 6PM and you’ll be rewarded with an incredible view of the city all lit up.

You can be your own guide, picking and choosing which top sights are right for you and getting on and off as you please. See Chicago's famed skyscrapers, the Magnificent Mile, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Millennium Park, and many more with the Hop On Hop Off Chicago!Along your journey on the Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Chicago, you'll learn all about the city's famous architecture, landmarks, and history through the entertaining audio narration.Head up to the top deck for a bird's-eye view of the city and to capture some social media-worthy snaps. Just remember to wrap up warm, they don't call it the Windy City for nothing.Big Bus Chicago stops:Chicago Riverwalk: 98 E. Wacker Drive (across the bridge from Trump Tower)Skydeck Chicago & Willis Tower: 319 W. Jackson Blvd (opposite Willis Tower/Skydeck entrance)Millennium Park & The Art Institute of Chicago: 200 S. Michigan Ave (in front of Potbelly's)Hilton Chicago & Grant ParkAdler Planetarium 500 E. Solidarity Drive (bus loading zone near entrance)Museum Campus (by the Shedd and Field Museum)Sheraton Grand Chicago: 441 N. Columbus Drive (across the street from NBC Towers)Navy Pier: 600 E. Grand Ave (Big Bus tent @ north end of park)Water Tower & The Magnificent Mile: 163 E. Pearson St (near the corner of Michigan Ave)360 Chicago: 150 E. Chestnut St (near the corner with Chestnut St)614 N. Clark Street (in front of the Rock'n'Roll McDonald's)

Calling all witches, wizards, and even Muggles! Butterbeer Experience at Harry Potter Shop Chicago is your chance to indulge in the legendary drink straight from the Wizarding World. Whether you’ve dreamed of sipping a frothy Butterbeer in the Three Broomsticks or simply want to taste what all the hype is about, this experience is a must for any Potter fan.Step into a setting that feels like it’s been transported straight from Hogsmeade. You’ll be surrounded by enchanting décor, magical ambiance, and plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter. Choose from traditional cold Butterbeer or frozen Butterbeer. Each sip delivers a perfect blend of butterscotch and shortbread flavors, making it a treat for wizards and Muggles alike.Make sure to explore the themed surroundings, take magical photos, and browse exclusive merchandise while you’re there. Whether you’re visiting for nostalgia or to introduce a new generation to the magic, this is one experience that will leave you spellbound.

Witness the impossible at the Museum of Illusions. With over 80 immersive rooms and mind-bending exhibits, MOI is all about unbelievable fun! Perfect for children and adults alike, time will fly by as you explore the Museum of Illusion's various rooms and displays. Whether it's contorting natural shapes, or playing with light, these optical illusions will make the impossible, possible!

Strap in for the ultimate flight ride, where motion seats, special effects, and a massive wraparound screen make you feel like you’re truly soaring. Take your pick between two breathtaking films: a thrilling journey over Chicago’s iconic skyline or an alpine adventure through the majestic Canadian Rockies.Whichever you choose, you’ll see the world from a whole new perspective.Believe Chicago – an unforgettable 30-minute adventure transporting you over , into and through the heart of the city. This signature, sky-high journey promises to capture your imagination and engage your senses as you connect with the people, stories, architecture and culture that makes Chicago the spectacular city that it is.Discover the sights, sounds and spirit of Chicago like never before at Flyover. The immersive, multi-sensory experience takes you soaring over the city on a scenic aerial tour of its most famous landmarks.Call of the Canadian Rockies – soar over the stunning peaks, glaciers, and lakes of the Canadian Rockies on this epic Flyover adventure. From Maligne Lake’s shimmering waters to the snowy heights of Mount Somervell, each scene flows seamlessly through changing seasons and dramatic landscapes.Along the way, three storylines guide your journey: the wisdom of a Blackfoot knowledge keeper, the wonder of a first-time visitor, and an invitation to find your own connection to the mountains.

This Chicago cruise will take you through the history of the city, revealing hidden architectural gems and the city's renowned landmarks. Enjoy the pleasure of shoreline sightseeing on this architecture river cruise. You'll sail down all three branches of the Chicago River, giving you an insight into how architecture and landmarks have changed over the years.Along the way, you'll learn all about the history of Chicago, from the Great Fire of 1871 to the thriving metropolis it is today. Marvel at the architectural works of Bertrand Goldberg, Jeanne Gang, and Mies van der Rohe, and make the most of the photo opportunities at Wolf Point.