Our Top 10 free things to do in Chicago (Tips from two locals to first time visitors in 2024)

Having lived in Chicago for 20 years, we came up with our list of the top 10 free things to do in Chicago when we have guests visiting us from out of town. Come discover with us our beautiful city of Chicago and all the free attractions it has to offer.

If you are coming to visit Chicago for the first time and are wondering what to do in Chicago and what to see in Chicago, this video was made for you. We give you all the locals' advice on things to do in Chicago and things to see in Chicago. And not just any thing to do in Chicago: Free things to do in Chicago. There are lots of free things to do in Chicago if you are not afraid to walk a little bit. Chicago has a magnificent lake front and in the summer, you can enjoy the Chicago beaches. In addition to Lake Michigan, Chicago also has the Chicago River, which riverfront has now been developed in a nice walking trail. Chicago also has great shopping on Michigan Avenue. The Chicago Skyline is also spectacular and you can se it from Navy Pier, from the Museum Campus, or from Buckingham Fountain. But Chicago's favorite tourist attraction is now Cloudgate also know by the locals as the 'Bean'.

As you will see in the video, there are lost of things to do in Chicago and lots of things to see in Chicago.

00:00 - Intro
00:35 - Millennium Park
01:47 - Maggie Daley Park
02:38 - Riverwalk
03:56 - Lake Front
04:56 - Michigan Avenue
06:16 - Lincoln Park and Zoo
07:45 - Wrigleyville
08:35 - Hyde Park
09:17 - Baha'i Temple
09:59 - Navy Pier

Music tracks in order of appearance in the video:

[z.veronica]

Thank you for calling it The Sears tower!!!!

[jkillings]

You can also catch these hands for free in Chicago.

[Waynaworld]

I just came back from chi-town. (MY HOME TOWN) I moved to ATL then Miami, and when I say there's no place like Chicago! There's no place like CHICAGO.

[krysg]

If u like art the Mexican Art Museum in Pilsen is free! Also the neighborhood has lot of great restaurants and bars u could hit up later!

[samuel_cr]

I know you are from Chicago because only real people from Chicago say Sears Tower and not Willis Tower. As a fellow Chicagoan, I certify his credibility 😂

[_koojay]

10 free things to do in Chicago:

*breath*

[janetf]

I live in the Chicago area. These particular places might be free and they are fun places to go to but the parking prices are high. Sometimes, I just put my bicycle in the car and park on the north side of Chicago and ride into downtown. Also, you can take the "L" train.

[isabelhajjar]

i've lived there all my life and honestly i just love it, there's a ton of stuff to do. chicago is fricken lit

[karencesariorizzo]

Your video makes this home town girl proud. Thank you for showing our INCREDIBLE CITY in such a beautiful light! My grandparents immigrated to Chicago from Italy in 1910!! This makes me feel like jumping on a train and spending the day in the city!

[bradleychellberg]

Don’t forget about the free fire work show!! They do at navy pier

[rburke]

I’m from Chicago and I have no idea what your accent is but it’s not Chicago or midwestern but great video! Highlighted great areas!

[leocerero]

Lmao I live In Chicago and didn’t know half of the stuff was here 💀

[IAMBENNYBLANCO.]

I luv visiting Chicago, such an amazing city! We in Wakanda think Chicago is one of the best cities of the world.

[samhatsuna]

I'm visiting Chicago soon and have only been one other time. I'm on a tight budget but wanted to explore Chicago without having to be on a tour. This video was extremely helpful, thank you!

[dartist]

Chicago Skyline is so beautiful. I grew up in the Western Suburbs of Chicago, my husband grew up on thyhe Southside of Chicago- near The Cook County Jail.

The beautiful skyline is awesome. I love Chicago & of course The Chicago Cubs.

Enjoy your visit to this amazing city.

[gisellevillasenor]

Ayyyeee I live in Chicago too #Windy City #Chi town It’s absolutely beautiful here there’s so much things too look at here and so many things to experience by far one of the most beautiful cities I know

[busyrand]

I really appreciate the effort you guys put into making this. As a lifelong Chicagoan who relocated to the East Coast, I look forward to enjoying things I missed out on during my upbringing.

[herrlindner]

I've been there a month ago and I'm happy I've covered about 90% of the list. Beautiful and welcoming place.

[robinsoncolleen]

This is a very useful video! Thank you for taking the time to do this. I'm going to share it with all my friends!

[davidroberts]

Lincoln Park IS NOT 'just north of the city'. It is in Fact IN THE CITY.