There are a lot of fun things to do in Chicago, but like so many cities, the cost of these big attractions can add up. If you aren’t paying attention, it’s easy to blow your entire travel budget in just a few short days. That’s not to say that these big sights in Chicago aren’t worth it, but rather you should incorporate some of the many free attractions in Chicago into your itinerary. Not only do these free attractions help to balance your budget, they can also be fun and unique additions to your Chicago itinerary.
Free Things to Do in Chicago
This is not an exhaustive list of all of the free things to do in Chicago. Rather, it’s things that I’ve already done or have piqued my interest enough to research (I just haven’t had time to visit all of them yet).
As always, this list of free things to do in Chicago is not in any particular order.
Chicago Cultural Center
First on my list is the Chicago Cultural Center. Located in the heart of The Loop, this former library has been converted into a multi-use space. Most notably, it hosts art galleries with a list of exhibitions that is constantly changing. In my experience, it’s been hit and miss with the actual exhibits, but I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the biggest fan of modern art (which is what most of these exhibits are).
Beyond the art installations, you’ll also find not one, but two Tiffany domes. This is what initially drove my friend and I to visit the Chicago Cultural Center (since she loves decorative glass) and wow are they beautiful.
There is also a gift shop featuring art by local artists, but since this is a list of free things to do in Chicago, including things like shopping feels a bit like cheating.
National Museum of Mexican Art
Don’t get me wrong, Chicago has some incredible museums, but if you try to visit all of them, you’ll have to be ready to pry open your wallet. Thankfully, there’s some great free museums within the city. One of those is the National Museum of Mexican Art. Here, you’ll find paintings, sculptures, and even more.
I visited for the first time on a gray, winter day in December and walking through the halls felt like getting blasted by bursts of color, which was absolutely lovely. The museum isn’t huge, but it’s a fun museum to walk through.
My only note about the National Museum of Mexican Art is that it’s a bit of a trek. Many tourists stay in The Loop (which is what I’d recommend for first time visitors regardless), but this museum is a bit outside the loop. Be prepared for a 30 to 45 minute public transit ride to reach the museum.
Contemporary Photography Museum
Let’s stick with museums for a little bit longer. Chicago’s Contemporary Photography Museum is another free museum that you can add to your itinerary for something a little different. Like the name suggests, the Contemporary Photography Museum is collection of photographs from the last century. The museum boasts over 18,000 photographs in its permanent collection, plus there’s also a series of rotating exhibitions.
At the time of writing, I haven’t visited this museum yet, but it’s on my list for the next time I visit Chicago.
Smart Museum of Art
I’m going to include one more museum before moving on. The Smart Museum of Art is down on the south side of Chicago, near the Museum of Science and Industry (which is not free). This museum is part of the University of Chicago and has plenty of interesting exhibits. You’ll find over 17,000 objects by artists from all over the world in its permanent collection.
This is another museum that I haven’t visited yet, but it’s on my list for the next time I’m down by the Museum of Science and Industry.
Visit the Marshall Field & Company Building
This next item might seem a bit out there, but hear me out. Yes, you could just go shopping at Macy’s, but this is a list of free things to do in Chicago and there is more to do here than just shopping (though there is plenty of shopping if that’s your thing). If you like decorative glass or history, add a stop at the Marshall Field & Company Building.
Like with the Chicago Cultural Center, you can a beautiful Tiffany Mosaic Ceiling at the Macy’s Building. To find it, take the elevator (or stairs) to an upper floor and look up. Beyond the Tiffany Ceiling, head all the way to the lowest level and look for a tunnel. Here you’ll find several decorative stained glass windows. While many people associate stained glass with churches and cathedrals, this small exhibit aims to show samples of non-religious stained glass from Chicago’s History.
Lastly, head up to the very top floor, in the permanent Christmas section, and you’ll find a few historical artifacts from the building’s early days. It can busy with all of the other shoppers (especially when compared to the stained glass exhibit), but if you want a peak at history, stop up here.
Federal Money Museum
Here’s another museum that just hasn’t quite worked out for me, mostly because I always seem to end up in Chicago on weekends and this museum is only open on weekdays. The Federal Money Museum is located in the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and provides an interesting look at money. You’ll find exhibits about money, economics, and even more. Plus, have you ever seen one million dollars in cash in person? Here’s where you can see it.
Note that the Federal Money Museum is in a federal government building. All visitors over 18 years old will need to present a valid government issued ID before they will be allowed to enter.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Did you know that Chicago is home to a free zoo? Lincoln Park Zoo is home to monkeys, gorillas, lizards, and so many more animals. There’s also plenty of exhibits that will teach you about the animals, conservation, and so much more. While this is a list of free things to do in Chicago, I do have to specify that there are other additional things to do at the zoo that cost an additional fee. But to visit the animals and the majority of the zoo, it’s free and open to the public.
In addition, Lincoln Park is also famous for its Christmas Lights. During the month of December (and into very early January), the park is covered with thousands and thousands of Christmas lights. While the zoo is normally free, the nightly Christmas lights do cost a small fee. You can purchase your ticket online in advance.
Millennium Park and the Bean
While museums often can come with an entry fee (though as this list shows, there are plenty of free museums in Chicago), but the parks are free and if the weather is nice, take some time to stroll and enjoy. There’s several that you can visit, but I’d argue Millennium Park is the most popular and that’s simply because it’s home to the “Bean”. This sculpture has become a symbol of Chicago and there is sure to be plenty of tourists taking their selfie in the Bean’s reflection.
But the Millennium Park exists beyond the Bean. That said, I don’t have much more to say about Millennium Park because I always visit in December. I love Chicago, but in winters you have to keep moving and half the time, my friend and I are trying to find ways to get out of the cold.
If you’re hear on a nice day though, spend some time in Millennium Park.
Stroll Navy Pier
Like with Millennium Park, I haven’t spent a lot of time at Navy Pier. There’s plenty of paid activities (including food and the large ferris wheel), but it’s free to walk down the pier. On a nice day, you’ll find plenty of people watching, but you’ll also get a nice view of Chicago. Walk to the end of the pier and look back toward the city. I love the views of the skyline, but it can be tough to get those great views because the best views are from Lake Michigan.
Chicago Riverwalk
For my last entry, I’m including the Chicago Riverwalk. I think one of the best ways to experience Chicago is to spend some time along the Chicago River, particularly if you’re downtown within The Loop. I absolutely loved the Architecture Boat Tour, but that’s not free. Walking along the Riverwalk is free and on a summer day, there’s bars, restaurants, and plenty of people watching along the river.
While it is possible to walk along the river all year round, I highly recommend sticking to this in the warmer months. It’s just not the same in December (trust me!).
How Long Do You Need in Chicago
I’ve spent numerous weekends down in Chicago and I still haven’t done it all. Heck, I’m still working my way through some of Chicago’s top sights. But, you can definitely travel more efficiently than I do. Chicago is the one place where I tend to slow down and travel slower (just because its so easy for me to visit again).
Two days will allow you a chance to see most of the top sights. It will be a busy two days, but you’ll be able to experience some of Chicago’s top museums, eat some great food, and take in its incredible architecture.
Three days will allow you to go at a more relaxed pace and to visit some extra museums.
How to Get Around Chicago
Chicago is a city where you really do not need a car. In fact, when my friend and I travel down to Chicago every year, we never take a car. We take Amtrak to Union Station and just use public transportation for the rest of the visit. Chicago has very affordable public transportation in the form of city busses and the city’s elevated train subway (known as the L). And when I say affordable, I mean it. It’s $5 for a 24 hour public transit card.
When to Visit Chicago
Chicago is a city that can be experienced all year round. In summer, there are plenty of events that can add a unique twist to your visit. Winter is low season, but it’s generally cheaper than going in summer (hence why I always visit in winter). Spring and fall can offer a good balance of decent weather and reasonable prices.
Final Thoughts
Chicago can be expensive. There’s no getting around that fact, but with proper research, there’s plenty of free things to do in Chicago. So spend your money on the top attractions that you can’t miss and pad out the rest of your itinerary with the plentiful free and budget friendly options in Chicago.
Continue Your Adventure
Chicago: For more in Chicago, check out my list of the Best Things to Do in Chicago. No visit would be complete without spending some time on the Chicago River.
More in the Midwest: It’s outside of Chicago (and Illinois), but Indiana Dunes National Park is nearby. If you drive west all the way across Illinois, you’ll hit Iowa and on its eastern side, you’ll find Maquoketa Caves State Park, which is a fun place to explore. Just north of Chicago is my home state of Wisconsin, featuring the Apostle Islands and the popular Door County.