The Art Institute of Chicago is a world class museum with a diverse collection spanning thousands of years, including pieces from a variety of media including painting, prints, photography, sculpture, decorative arts, textiles, architectural drawings and more. The Institute is especially known for its collection of impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings.

The Magnificent Mile Touted as one of the most attractive boulevards in America,this famous section of Michigan Avenue north of the Chicago River is the home of numerous galleries, boutiques, and luxury shops. Some of the attractions include the John Hancock Center, the Wrigley Building, the Tribune Tower, and it is also known for its theaters.

The Shed Aquarium, one of the largest and top aquariums in the world holds some 32,000 animals. With animals from oceans, rivers and reefs to meet (including dozens to touch!), award-winning exhibits to explore and in-depth, hands-on activities to try, the possibilities are almost endless.

The Willis/Sears Tower Sky Deck Until 1996, this 110 story skyscraper was the world's tallest office block, and it boasts an incredible vista. On a clear day you can see 40 to 50 miles over four states, and gain a bird's eye view of Chicago's impressive architecture. Taking over three years to build, it was opened to the public in 1974, stands 1,453 feet tall with an observation area, called the SkyDeck, on the 103rd floor, 1,353 feet above the ground. A glass box with a glass floor, known as the Ledge, juts out from the SkyDeck , where visitors can stand and look directly down at the city below. If this is your first visit to Chicago, the SkyDeck is a must-do. Buy your Chicago SkyDeck Tickets in advance to experience the Ledge, explore the exhibits, and watch a short video on the history of the building.

The Observation Deck - Chicago 360° This building played a fascinating part in the development of modern day Chicago. The John Hancock Building was financed by the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company and originally conceived to be the world's second tallest building. With its unique location and breathtaking 360° views, the 94th floor observatory has long been acknowledged as the best place to view Chicago. Originally known as the John Hancock Observatory (JHO) when it first opened in 1969, the observatory has enthralled tens of thousand of visitors each year. Click here for tickets.

The Lincoln Park is a six-mile stretch of green space along the edge of Lake Michigan, and Chicago's biggest park and home to the lovely Lincoln Park Conservatory and the Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the country. Also located here are the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and the Chicago History Museum. For those who simply want to enjoy the outdoor space there are playing fields, bike trails, jogging paths, and beaches. Visitors can see a number of significant statues and pieces of public art within the park grounds including Augustus Saint Gaudens' Standing Statue of Lincoln (1887).

Chicago Riverwalk is home to many dining options, river tours and cruises which depart from the Riverwalk.The Chicago river is known for its astounding number of movable bridges. In just two miles, there are 18 bridges, each with the ability to allow large boats to pass. The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum treat tourists to an up-close look at the mechanisms of one of the city's most famous bridges, where you can actually watch the gears work as it moves. The fully-paved Lakefront Trail offers beautiful views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan, stretching 18 miles from 71st Street on the South Side to Ardmore Street on the North Side. It is open to pedestrians and people-powered wheels, and is lined by parks, gardens, and recreation areas, as well as beaches. Many of the city's top attractions are located along the trail, including Navy Pier, Lincoln Park, and Soldier Field.