Top 5 things to do in Chicago

Explore the top five must-do experiences in Chicago, from iconic attractions and world-class museums to unforgettable food and sports.

By Andrew Cortez, Cris Correa, Gavin Dyer, Alex Garcia, and Rocky Nicoski-Rios • April 3, 2025

Chicago is a mecca for fun with its world-class museums, beautiful beaches, and great food. (Photo illustration created by Wildcat Chronicle Staff using royalty-free image by Chait Goli via Pexels)

Chicago, the Windy City, is a melting pot of culture, entertainment, and natural beauty, offering something for every kind of traveler. From the culinary delights of Michelin-starred restaurants to the electric atmosphere of major sporting events, concerts, and festivals, Chicago is a city that never sleeps. Here are the top five things to do in Chicago, covering the best of its dining scene, sports, music, museums, and beaches.

*Chronicle* reporters Aly Dusing and Romeo Alfaro take in the skyline at Navy Pier in Feb. 2025. (Photo by Leslie Fireman)

#5 – Tourist Attractions

Chicago is filled with fantastic tourist attractions that cater to all interests. Millennium Park is home to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture—known as “The Bean” – where citizens and tourists gather with friends and family to take pictures. Navy Pier is another standout attraction, offering rides, restaurants, shops, and beautiful views of Lake Michigan, along with the city’s iconic Ferris wheel.

Fun fact: WEGO’s prom will be held there!

#4 – Explore the City’s Rich Cultural Heritage at Its Museums

Chicago boasts some of the world’s most impressive museums. The Art Institute of Chicago is a must-visit for art lovers, showcasing masterpieces by Picasso and Van Gogh. The Field Museum offers a journey through ancient civilizations and natural history, while the Adler Planetarium takes visitors on a cosmic adventure through the stars and beyond.

A rhinoceros roams its enclosure at Habitat Africa at Brookfield Zoo. (Photo by Michael Kappel via Flickr)

#3 – Zoos and Aquariums

Chicago is home to several zoos and aquariums, including Lincoln Park Zoo, Brookfield Zoo, and the Shedd Aquarium. Each location features a wide variety of animals and interactive exhibits, from marine life to land mammals, all set in beautiful park surroundings. These destinations are ideal for families, animal lovers, or anyone looking for an educational yet entertaining experience.

The Chicago Wolves face off against the Iowa Wild in fall 2024; AVID students had the opportunity to attend the game.

#2 – Sporting Events

It is impossible to talk about Chicago without mentioning sports and the value they hold for true Chicagoans. From the legendary ‘85 Bears to the curse-breaking 2016 Cubs, the Windy City has its fair share of historic sports champions. The dominance of the 1990s Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, brought six championships in just eight seasons.

Sporting events hold deep significance for many residents, uniting the diverse population of the 312. These live events provide a cultural touchstone for the city, bringing people together even during rough seasons. Through every win and loss, fans remain loyal and proud.

#1 – Restaurants

Whether you are a lifelong resident or visiting for the first time, there is always something new and delicious to discover. Sampling the food scene is easily one of the best things to do in Chicago.

Prime & Provisions is a renowned steakhouse that combines modern flair with classic steakhouse traditions. The upscale atmosphere makes it perfect for special occasions. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours, with steaks ranging from $40 to $100. Beatnik on the River offers stunning views along the Chicago River and is known for its eclectic decor and globally inspired menu, featuring a mix of Mediterranean and fusion dishes. Again, reservations are highly recommended.

For a more affordable – but equally satisfying – option, Flub A Dub Chub’s specializes in classic Chicago comfort food. With hot dogs, Italian beef, and burgers that won’t break the bank, it’s perfect for a casual night out.

Chicago’s culinary scene reflects the city’s cultural richness – making dining out a memorable part of any visit.

About the Contributors

Andrew Cortez, Reporter

Senior Andrew Cortez is more than just happy to wave off his senior year and adventure into the unknown of life after high school. Andrew loves to hang out with his family, spend money, and be active. He also really loves soccer. You can find Andrew working at his family cafe, establishing himself to be a fundamental piece of the business. Andrew will carry his work ethic into the next chapter of his life, attending trade school at ETI to pursue a career in HVAC.

Cris Correa, Reporter

Entering the last stretch of her senior year, Cris Correa prepares to kiss her high school life goodbye and embark in the newfound freedom of adulthood. As an extremely active worker balancing time between three jobs, finding this social butterfly sure is a challenge. As a full-time foodie, Cris can always be counted on to try new foods or restaurants (so far she has tried Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Italian, and Mexican cuisine. In the near future, she plans to try Indian, Thai and Indigenous cuisine), of course always surrounded by friends and acquaintances! In those rare instances where Cris has free time you can expect her to be engrossed in some new thriller, rom-com, or show Netflix decided to throw out.

Gavin Dyer, Reporter

Gavin Dyer is entering his first semester as a reporter and member of the Wildcat Chronicle, filled with anticipation and excitement for what the future holds. A former member of the basketball team for his first three years of high school, Gavin has since shifted his focus away from the sport that once defined his passion, prioritizing his future and what matters most to him. Gavin’s creative side shines through in his love for music creation and production. He appreciates diving into the smallest details of the process, believing that every single element holds value.

Alex Garcia, Reporter

Senior Alex Garcia discovered a way to turn a hobby into a profitable business. Alex became interested in thrifting because of his passion for fashion, but the high cost of fashion led him to explore thrift shopping. One day, while searching for a new thrift store, he discovered Goodwill Outlets, commonly known as “The Bins.” That visit marked a turning point for him. At “The Bins,” Alex found several valuable items, and people began approaching him, asking if he was willing to sell them. Initially surprised by the inquiries, Alex decided to give it a try. By the end of that visit, he left with $200 in his pocket. He soon realized that reselling thrifted items could be a lucrative opportunity. He learned about platforms like Depop and eBay, and from there, his business began to grow. On a typical day, Alex comes home from school and packages the orders he receives. In addition to managing his business, he spends time at the gym to improve his physical health and enjoys being with friends and family.

Rocky Nicoski-Rios, Reporter

Centerback Pedro “Rocky” Nicoski-Rios began playing soccer at the age of three or four. He considers playing in Colombia last summer one of his most memorable experiences, as it allowed him to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the mountains while engaging in his greatest passion. On weekends, Pedro takes advantage of his relatively light work schedule to hit the gym and spend quality time with his family, which includes his two dogs, Chip and Cooper. A fun fact about him: he earned his nickname from the iconic “Rocky” franchise.

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