One day in Chicago: best attractions and skyline thrills

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.

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.

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.

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)