Chicago Attractions | Explore Like A Local At The Godfrey

Experience Chicago like a Chicagoan

"She is always a novelty; For she is never the Chicago you saw when you passed through the last time.”
- MARK TWAIN

Lounge area on I|O Rooftop Lounge at The Godfrey Chicago

With a focus on education, conservation, and sustainability, the popular Shedd Aquarium offers over 32,000 animals for sightseeing. Hop on the Shoreline Water Taxi for a fun route in the summertime.

Other museum attractions to check out include The Field Museum*, the Art Institute of Chicago*, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago**, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum*, and more.

Sharpen your culinary skills and sign up for a cooking class at The Chopping Block** or Sur La Table**, which offer a range of culinary themes and easy online sign-ups.Partake in an active tour, like Chicago Running Tours, which features running and walking excursions while learning about popular landmarks or unexpected histories of the city.

It’s no secret that Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza – secure a spot at Pequod’s Pizza* or Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder** for the best pies in town.

Burger lovers will enjoy esteemed patties at Kuma’s Corner**, The Loyalist*, or Au Cheval*.

Other foodie must-try’s include fried chicken at Roister** or Harold’s Chicken Shack* and donuts from Do-Rite Donut**.

Those seeking a finer dining experience can opt for famed Michelin-starred restaurants around the city, like Oriole**, Blackbird**, Alinea**, Virtue and Yūgen**. Choose Chicago rounds up a complete list here including Bib Gourmand recipients.During the summer, Chicago offers many outdoor food festivals that are sure to delight all palates, including Chicago Gourmet, which features bites and beverages from top chefs, mixologists and sommeliers across the city.

Sit back and take in impressive city views with Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours** which feature in-depth, expert architectural-based river boat tours that delve into the Windy City.

Sweat, stretch, and take a deep breath during a yoga session at various studios around the city, including Yoga Loft Chicago** and Studio Three** in River North.Hit the sand and soak up some sun at one of the city’s many beaches, such as Oak Street Beach** or Foster Beach. AIRE Ancient Baths** offers a luxurious indoor water experience where guests can journey through traditional Roman, Greek, and Ottoman ancient baths.

Grab a couple drinks and laugh up the evening with live comedy shows at local theaters including Laugh Factory*, iO Theater*, The Comedy Bar**, and others.

Theater and music lovers can see shows at the iconic Chicago Theatre* marquee, the Lyric Opera of Chicago**, or the Chicago Symphony Orchestra*.

Millennium Park* features its Summer Film Series where guests can bring their own snacks, beverages, and blanket for free curated movie screenings.

The city has seemingly endless speakeasies to uncover for sipping on house crafted cocktails – some of our favorites are Moneygun**, Bordel**, Three Dots and a Dash*, and The Violet Hour*.

Look up stranger tours from Weird Chicago Tours** to learn about all things ghosts, gangsters, mystery and mayhem around the city.

Turtle races? Check! Old-school watering hole Big Joe’s offers turtle races every Friday night with beer and bar games.

Experience Chicago like a Chicagoan

Learn Something New

Eat Something Delicious

Do Something Relaxing

See Something Entertaining

Discover Something Lesser Known