Night time view of the Navy Pier Ferris wheel in Chicago

Things to do in Chicago at Night Time

A mighty metropolis renowned for its world-class museums, fine restaurants and frankly epic city skyline, the Windy City is, if anything, even more thrilling at night. There’s an absolute abundance of attractions and activities worth staying up late for, from galleries and ghost tours to deep dish pizza and old-school jazz joints. Hop aboard for our whistle stop guide to some of the best things you can do in Chicago at night time.

Skyline Views

Chicago skyline at dusk

Chicago’s sensational skyline is the envy of cities across the States. Take a leisurely evening stroll along Lake Shore Drive or the Chicago Riverwalk and you’ll soon find out why. We’re talking soaring skyscrapers that include the awesome Willis Tower (for many years the tallest building on the planet, fact fans) and the iconic neo-gothic Tribune Tower. Incredible enough to look at during the day, these architectural titans really come into their own by night, lighting up to produce one of the world’s most recognizable cityscapes. See them from the water on a night cruise of Lake Michigan, when widescreen views of the illuminated city reflect beautifully in the glassy waters that lap the shoreline.

Head in the Clouds

View looking down from the observation platform at Willis Tower

You’ve checked it out from ground level, now take in birds’ eye views from atop some of the Western world’s loftiest skyscrapers. You need nerves of steel to ascend to Skydeck Chicago atop the Willis Tower. At 1,353 feet and 103 floors up, it’s only the highest observation deck in the United States. No wonder then that you can see four states from up here, as well as Chicago landmarks including Navy Pier, Lake Michigan and the Magnificent Mile. Daredevils/masochists can even step out onto The Ledge to see the lights of the Windy City twinkling far beneath their feet. A little closer to terra firma at a mere 1,030 feet up, 360 Chicago adds the option to experience TILT, a sky-high thrill ride in which willing victims participants climb onto a moving glass platform which then – yup, you guessed it – tilts riders forward to a perilous angle over the city. Very much not for the faint of heart. 

Bean There, Done That

Cloud Gate aka 'The Bean' reflecting the Chicago skyline at night

For a unique perspective on the iconic Chicago skyline, hit up The Bean on the AT&T Plaza at Millennium Park. This huge stainless steel sculpture by British artist Anish Kapoor – officially named Cloud Gate, but more commonly known as The Bean due to its shape – has quickly become a Windy City icon. Visit at night, when the bright lights of the Michigan Avenue skyscrapers reflect on its gleaming surface, creating hallucinatory magic-mirror cityscapes that bend, twist and morph as you walk around and underneath it. Check listings for al fresco evening concerts elsewhere in Millennium Park during summer.

Take a Tour

Classic Chicago deep dish pizza

There are dozens of ways to get under the skin of night time Chicago without, you know, the tedium and inconvenience of poring over a guidebook for hours. Take to the skies on a twilight helicopter tour over Lake Michigan and that famous city skyline; hear all about the Windy City’s ghosts and gangsters on a spooky walking tour; or – perhaps best of all – join a foodie tour that gives you the chance to tuck into unmissable local delicacies such as Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and deep dish pizza. Yum.

Museum Lates

Stone lion outside the Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago has a frankly superb selection of museums and galleries, many of which have regular late opening hours, allowing you to ogle Old Masters, contemporary masterpieces and ancient artifacts in relative peace and quiet. Hit up the Art Institute of Chicago on Thursday evenings, when you can check out significant pieces from Hopper, van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse, O’Keeffe and more until 8PM. Other Windy City institutions including the Chicago History Museum and Museum of Science & Industry run ‘happy hour’ events that run as late as 10PM, and the Adler Planetarium’s late Wednesday openings provide a stellar option for whiling away chilly winter evenings.

Animal Magic

Real lion at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago

Museums and galleries a little too stuffy for you? Fear not! Take an evening walk on Chicago’s wild side at the Lincoln Park Zoo where, on balmy summer evenings, the park stays open late for adult-only events that include the likes of wine festivals and craft beer tasting. There’s nothing quite like the roar of a nearby African lion or cackle of a laughing kookaburra to get the party started. Meanwhile over at the Shedd Aquarium, night time events for adults include animal encounters, cocktail evenings and salsa classes, though not necessarily all at the same time.

Navy Pier

An original Chicago rainbow ice cream cone

A tad nippy in winter, but a vibrant waterfront treasure on summer nights, Navy Pier is where it’s at for old-school seaside-style vibes. That’s largely thanks to the fab Ferris wheel that dominates the shoreline here, but after-dark firework displays, buzzy rooftop bars, live music, fab fast food joints and delectable dessert stores all add to the fiesta atmosphere. Grab an original rainbow ice cream (that’s orange sherbet, pistachio, Palmer House, chocolate and strawberry stacked high on a cone) and tuck in as the sun sets over the water.

All That Jazz

Musician playing the piano

Hipster joints abound in downtown Chicago, and the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, with its distinctive lime green neon sign, should be at the top of every bucket list. This century-old Chicago institution was once a favorite of Al Capone and his band of bootleggers, who used tunnels underneath the bar to smuggle booze during Prohibition. So grab a seat in Capone’s old booth, order up a Manhattan, and enjoy some of the finest jazz acts in town, just like Big Al used to do. Blues fans are also well-served in Chicago, thanks to the likes of Kingston Mines, Buddy Guy’s Legends and the House of Blues, while scuzz-rockers can get their fix at hipper-than-thou dive bars including Pilsen’s beloved Skylark and the Rainbo Club in Wicker Park.

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Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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Things to do in Lincoln Park Chicago

Dear reader! Do you like presidents? Do you like parks? Do you like doing fun things in a specific location? Well, you're in luck! Because Lincoln Park might just be the perfect place for you! There's so much to do in the area, you may never want to leave. So, whether you're a Chi-Town resident, or visiting from further afield, you might be wondering why you should visit Lincoln Park? We hear you, we see you, and we've got you covered. Read on, and discover our guide for all the things you can do in Lincoln Park, Chicago! Featuring: A trip to the zoo Tasty bites Get horticultural Go for a ride Feel historical and more! Lincoln Park Zoo Let's kick off this Lincoln Park funfest with a bit of animal action. Head to Lincoln Park Zoo if you want to hang out with sea lions, primates, and big cats too. They have a bunch of specific areas for you to explore, each with their own theme and group of animals to see. And, if that wasn't enough, there's also a host of rides and activities you can enjoy after you're all animal'd out. Join the Lionel Train Adventure to see more of the surrounding woodland, and join a cruise of the South Lake Lagoon and enjoy the ride! Perfect for big and little kids alike. Get some delicious food No matter what you're in the mood for, Lincoln Park's got your hunger under control. Grab some authentic Greek at AVLI Taverna, get classy with Alinea's tasting menu, or get some good old-fashioned deep dish pizza at Pequod's. In the market for some tasty beer to wash it all down? Head to Goose Island's Brew House. This world-renowned craft beer is Chicago born and bred, beginning back in 1988 at this very place. Lincoln Park Conservatory Want a little nature in your life? Take a walk to the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Not only will you find exotic species of flora from across the globe, but every plant and tree grown in the park starts here. Be sure to visit the four display houses, each showcasing different breeds of beautiful flowers and greenery. So, if you're visiting Chicago, it's definitely one of the best things to do in Lincoln Park! Bike ride Need to get the blood pumping? Why not ride your bike around Lincoln Park? If you don't have yours with you, rent one! It's a great way to get about and explore every nook and cranny of this massive green space. Better yet, bring some picnic supplies with you, find the perfect spot and set up your own snack bar. Nothing quite beats lounging on the grass and enjoying a delicious snack! Second City Hilarity Need a bit of a pick-me-up? Well, they say laughter is the best medicine. Put that theory to the test at Second City. The home of sketch and improv comedy, every night, you'll discover a hilarious act or two performing on stage. But don't take our word for it. Comedy greats like Bill Murray, Tina Fey, and Steve Carrell cut their teeth on Second City's stage. Why not discover comedy's next big thing today? Chicago History Museum Want to learn a little more about Chicago's history? You'll want to stop by the Chicago History Museum! Learn how the city grew from a humble town to the metropolis it is today. Discover the events that shaped it, like the Great Fire of 1871. And find out more about our favorite president, and the namesake of the very park, Abraham Lincoln. Nourish that withered pea you call a brain with some succulent knowledge and information. Hit the beach If the weather is fine and the clouds are away, why not go to the beach, even just for a day? Just a stone's throw from Lincoln Park is North Avenue Beach, one of the city's most popular spots come summertime. Find a stretch of sand, lay down a towel, and get your tan on. Or, go take a dip in the ocean. Just remember to pack some sunblock. Chicago already has enough lobster. Go see Lincoln And why you're there, why not go and see the man himself? Head to the Lincoln Monument and go tip your hat to one of the greats. There, you'll find the Standing Lincoln sculpture, a beautiful crafting of Abraham Lincoln, standing before his presidential chair. Standing at a whopping 12ft tall, and designed by Irish sculptor Saint-Gaudens, it's a must-visit in Lincoln Park. Connected to the statue are delightful gardens, so feel free to walk around and take it all in. Stroll through Oz Park No, you're not in Kansas anymore. Or, maybe you never were. Anyway, if you're a fan of the weird and wonderful Wizard of Oz, you owe it to yourself to take a stroll through Oz Park. As you may have guessed, it's themed around the book and film of the same name. You'll see statues of all the main cast, including Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion. There's plenty for kids to do too, including day camps, tennis and basketball courts, and a big garden called Dorothy's Playground. Green City Market And finally, let's end this list of things to do in Lincoln Park, Chicago with some food. Glorious food. Do you like your food fresh and your produce local? Then go check out Green City Market! It's a market dedicated to sustainable farming, and ensures all food is sourced from environmentally-conscious farmers. Visitors will be welcomed by a host of stalls selling everything from fruit and vegetables, to premade meals you can tuck into in the park. There's also a big focus on education, so you can learn about sustainable farming and where to buy groceries. And that's our list of the best things to do in Lincoln Park, Chicago! Are you visiting Chicago from out of state, or across the pond? You might want to read our guide to getting around the city. Coming by yourself? We've got you covered. And if you're thinking about heading to Chinatown, you absolutely should! Here's everything you need to know for your visit.
Dom Bewley
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Chicago in May

Spring has sprung, and summer is just around the corner. That big yellow ball in the sky isn't so shy anymore. That's right y'all, it's May. Time to shuffle off the light jackets and risk it in just a t-shirt or summer dress. Whether you're hitting the Windy City for a vacation, or a resident wondering how to spend the newfound warmth, never fear! This list caters to you all. Scroll down, and find out what you shouldn't miss in Chicago in May. Featuring: Skydeck Chicago River Cruises Navy Pier funfair Bike rides The Zoo and more! Chicago in May: What to Expect May is when temperatures will start to climb. Generally, you'll find tops of around 68-70°F, or 20-21°C, and dips of around 50-51°F, or 9-10°C. So, pack some lighter clothes for the days, and some warmer jackets and sweaters for the nights. There's a chance of rain too, so pack your best umbrella, just to be safe. Chicago in May: What to Do Skydeck Chicago Looking for thrills, buddy? How about heading up to the 103rd floor and overlooking the city at over 1,300ft? If that sounds like just the ticket, then check out Skydeck Chicago! Formerly the Sears Tower, Skydeck gives you amazing views across the city and beyond. In fact, you can see four different states from the viewing platform! Spot key Chicago landmarks, and if you dare, head out onto The Ledge, a see-through, glass-floored platform. See the city right beneath your feet. Not for the faint of heart, but if you've already made the journey up to the top, why not go the extra step? We dare you. Then, when you're done, ride the Multimedia elevator all the way down to terra firma, and learn about landmarks as you pass them. Shoreline Architecture River Cruise Do you like water? Not just inside your body, but outside too? Does the thought of riding Poseidon's waves while seeing some sweet buildings get you giddy? Well, check this out. Hop aboard a Shoreline Architecture River Cruise and do just that. Chicago in May is the perfect time to catch a ride. The city has heaps of interesting architecture to see, including works from building men like Goldberg and van der Rohe. Plus, you'll learn about the Great Fire in the 19th century that helped shape the metropolis it has become today. Make sure you take some sweet snaps for your social media, so people think you're cooler than you really are. Learning and boats - does it get much better than that? Navy Pier Do you like rides? Are you looking for an exhilarating experience in the city? Then you're looking for none other than Navy Pier. This 50-acre seaside locale is one of the biggest tourism draws in Chicago. Perhaps the pier's biggest attraction is the Centennial Wheel, a colossal Ferris Wheel that towers over the boardwalk. Rising to over 200ft at its peak, you'll get amazing views all the way to Lake Michigan. And, if those pesky clouds show their grey faces, never fear, as each gondola is a closed unit. On top of all that, there are plenty of other rides to try out, bites to eat, and drinks to wash it all down. Pick up a souvenir while you're at it. Stop by the Zoo Why not make the most of the May weather by visiting the zoo in Chicago? Lincoln Park Zoo is a wonderland of animals, with thousands to see and meet. There's the Sea Lion Pool where, shock horror, the sea lions hang out. Or, if you like your mammals landlocked, there's the Center for African Apes, with an assortment of apes and gorillas to see. Then, head into the lion's den at Kovier Lion House, which houses more big cats than you could shake a paw at. Beyond that, you can take a cruise of the South Lake Lagoon, or check out some of the rides. The Lionel Train Adventure is perfect for kids, taking passengers on a trip to explore the surrounding woodland. There's also the Endangered Species Carousel, where riders can hop aboard nearly 50 replicas of endangered animals and help raise awareness of their plight. Then, grab a bite at the cafe, or pick up a stuffed animal for the little one. Bike and Roll Want to see the sights in Chicago, but make the most of the May weather? Then hop on a two-wheeler and get some exercise while you're at it! Hire a bike, and go exploring. Glide beside Chicago's lakefront, discover the city's many trails and green lanes to avoid traffic, and see all the city's wonders while breathing in that great fresh air. Bring some food and a few drinks, find a spot to settle, and put together a mid-ride picnic. A great way to spend a sunny day in the windy city. Play ball If you're a sports fan, you may have heard of the game they call 'baseball.' One person throws a ball, the other hits it with a bat, and then everyone runs around trying to catch it. That about sums it up. Well, if that sounds like you, then you'll be well aware of the Chicago Cubs. A trip to their stadium at Wrigley Field might appeal to all sports fans, as the atmosphere is notoriously infectious. And not in the mask-wearing, 6ft apart way. This century-old ground is home to baseball games throughout the year, so why not check one out and see what all the fuss is about? Get flowery Fancy yourself a bit of a Greenfingers? Then you might be interested in a visit to one of the country's biggest and best botanical gardens! The Garfield Park Conservatory houses thousands of flora beneath its glass dome, and in May, it's the location of the 2022 Spring Flower Show. So if you want to see some award-winning tulips, daffodils, and other flowers you know and love, go check it out! Relax and see the city If you want to give those dear legs of yours a rest, why not hop on a bus and get a tour of the town? A Gray Line Chicago Grand Tour takes you around all of the city's biggest landmarks, including Orchestra Hall, Lake Point Towers, and Lincoln Park Conservatory, all the way to Grant Park. You even have the opportunity to hop off and go exploring at certain points, as long as the bus isn't delayed! And that's everything you need to know about Chicago in May!
Dom Bewley

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