Visit Chicago: 13 Touristy Things to Do

With only a four day weekend in Chicago, I tried to do as many Touristy Things in Chicago as possible. This was my first time in Chicago. While I made a quick list of were I would like to attempt to visit, I quickly realized that I needed to plan another trip. Here are some of the amazing places I visited and a few I want to the next time!

1. Apple Store

Ok so this may not be an attraction but I needed a charger and this Apple Store in Chicago was architecturally pleasing. Like many of the buildings in the city, the way the city is conscious of it surrounding make even the simplest store better.

2. Architecture River Tour

There are several river tours available along the Chicago River. After leaving the Apple Store, I located the Shoreline Sightseeing Tour at 401 N. Michigan Ave. This was a great way to see the city and as the tour guide Adam stated become a Chicagoan. Not only are you provided outstanding views but you receive a history lesson as to why Chicago is great!

4. 21C Museum Hotel

I was simply walking down the street and this beauty caught my eye. I asked the front desk if I could explore and with the granted permission began to explore. While the main purpose of the space is the Hotel, 21C Museum Hotel has a two story gallery of art for you to explore. This is a hotel chain with locations in Louisville, Cincinnati, Bentonville, Durham, Lexington, Oklahoma City, Nashville, Kansas City.

5. Starbucks Reserve Roastery

While on vacation you can’t resist the world’s largest Starbucks. Five levels and with a roof top terrace, the Starbucks is like none you visited before. Each level provides something different but we mostly hung out at the Arriviamo Cocktail Bar on level 4. Here’s something you may not know, you can do tours and tastings at this Starbucks.

6. Museum of Ice Cream Chicago

If you enjoy Ice Cream and a pool filled with sprinkles this is the place for you. For more details on what to expect Visit Chicago: Museum of Ice Cream.

7. Navy Pier

This was filled with places to eat, drink and play. During the summer months there are also fireworks! You are also able to catch an Architecture River Tour from here as well. And if you are traveling with children this is a must place to visit as the Chicago Children’s Museum is located here. We went straight for the Centennial Wheel.

8. Color Factory Chicago

I’ve long wanted to visit here since the New York location opened. It’s great to explore and perfect for photo ops. You receive a few treats through out and there’s a large ball pit at the end. There are different activities for you to complete and you can spend over an hour looking around. The best part are the interactive cameras. You are able to grab some great photos that way and they are all emailed to you at the end.

9. Cloud Gate

The iconic Cloud Gate and what most people call the bean. This is probably the most touristy thing you can do while visiting Chicago. While the area is can be very crowded, can you really say you went to Chicago without stopping by.

10. Skydeck Chicago

Another iconic tourist place, Skydeck Chicago is located at the Willis Tower “Sears Tower”. You go up a 103 floors and if you are brave enough step out onto the ledge. I am not that brave so I enjoyed the city views and headed right back down. Before the trip to the top you are given a quick tour of some iconic Chicago things.

11. OVO

Again, don’t talk about me and a store being on the list but being as this is Drake’s store we had to stop by. There are only four locations in the United States. Being as I was born in October it only made sense that I’d like to own a piece of October’s Very Own merchandise. With that being the case I didn’t purchase anything as their were very limited options in store.

12. MCA Chicago

Who would I be if I didn’t stop at a museum. The Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago is a wonderful place to visit. The art work on display was very thought provoking.

13. Prince: The Immersive Experience

If you like Prince, go ahead and purchase your ticket now. Not only are you submerge in his most recognizable videos but you get a great sense of who Prince was as a person. There’s also a DJ that will have you dancing throughout.