Chicago is an incredible city where there is an abundance of entertainment. Visiting some places, you can have a great time and relax properly. The metropolis offers citizens and tourists interesting exhibitions, excursions and concerts of classical music under the world’s largest Tiffany dome as well as festivals. All this is available to everyone and free of charge. Where to go and what to see without paying a penny, find out more at ichicago.net.
Chicago Cultural Center
The cultural center of Chicago is located in a building the size of an entire city block. Since 1897, this institution has provided an opportunity for citizens and tourists to get acquainted with amazing art and beautiful architecture without spending a cent.
This historic landmark hosts hundreds of cultural programs all year round. You can take a free tour of the building and see the world’s largest and most beautiful Tiffany structure. In addition to that, the Chicago Cultural Center often hosts concerts of classical music, jazz, blues and others. Apart from that, dance performances, film screenings, seminars and theater events are arranged on the territory of the center.
Garfield Park Conservatory
The history of this greenhouse dates back to 1908. Being one of the largest in the world, it can boast its architecture. Landscape architect Jens Jensen considered the greenhouse one of his greatest achievements. The fern room deserves special attention. It is created in the form of a haystack. About 120,000 plants, representing 600 species, occupy two acres of territory. Twice a year, exhibitions of flowers dedicated to the beginning of winter and spring are held there.
Visiting the greenhouse is free. However, you need to book seats for a certain time. Once you are in there, you can walk around different rooms, where different types of plants are represented. The Desert House is filled with spiny succulents and cacti. In addition to that, indoor plants grow in the Aroid House.
It is interesting that all visitors can take part in various family programs, visit exhibitions and installations, as well as purchase rare plant species for themselves. The greenhouse also offers demonstrations of beekeeping and master classes on composting.
Lincoln Park Zoo
In this quiet picturesque place, you can observe 1100 animals. The zoo is free to visit. On an area of 35 acres, visitors get acquainted with animals from all over the world. In addition to that, a variety of seasonal activities and special programs make them return here again and again.
The main landmark of the menagerie is its inhabitants. From mammals (beavers, lions, bears) to birds (penguins, eagles), here, every animal lover will find something to do. In one day, you can see a lot of incredibly magical creatures.
Lincoln Park Zoo is regularly replenished with new residents, including babies born on its territory. Throughout the year, many social events are held on the territory of the menagerie, including outdoor yoga classes. Special attention should be paid to the festival of wine and craft beer, which gourmets will definitely appreciate.
Millennium Park
This amazing park is spread over an area of 2.5 acres. It is one of the most popular meeting places in the city, known for its free concerts and public art installations. The central place in the Millennium Park is occupied by the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, created by Frank Gehry. It constantly hosts the largest city festivals and concerts. In addition to that, here you can stroll through the picturesque Lurie Garden and visit the Park Grill restaurant.
While being in the park, make sure to pay attention to the iconic sculpture “The Bean”, where many visitors constantly gather. No less popular is the Crown Fountain created by Jaume Plensа, The faces of local residents are depicted on two screens of it. In warm weather, public exhibitions are held on the Chase Promenade, where you can see the incredible works of artists.
It is a good idea to have a picnic on the lawn of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion during a free concert in an open area. When warm weather comes, famous performers of jazz and world music come out onto the stage as part of the summer concert series of Millennium Park. It also annually hosts the Chicago Blues Festival of jazz and the like.
Navy Pier
This tourist destination has shops, cafes and the IMAX cinema. Boat tours are held. Pierce Park houses a 200-foot-high Ferris wheel and hosts many public art exhibitions. In addition to that, this tourist mecca can boast some fast food establishments.
If you come to the pier with children, the kids will be delighted with the Chicago Children’s Museum, which has a water playground and separate places for games. Adults can listen to live music in the beer garden Miller Lite.
Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art
The institute is located in the area of the Ukrainian village in West Town. For more than 40 years, it has showcased the finest works of art in Chicago. The museum has a unique collection of paintings and sculptures created by talented Ukrainian artists. Entrance to the museum is free.
Newberry Library
Newberry Library is located in the heart of the Gold Coast. It was founded in 1887. It houses an exceptional collection of works — from illuminated medieval manuscripts to personal documents of the authors. Exhibitions, theatrical productions, lectures, seminars and much more are often held there. Entrance for the public is free.
Chicago waterfront
If you want to look at the most beautiful architectural sights of Chicago, be sure to take a stroll along the waterfront, which stretches along the main arm of the Chicago River and is a footpath with restaurants, bars and landmarks.
Here you can set off on any of the cruises by boat to look at the horizon and the magnificent architecture of the majestic Chicago. To truly enjoy the beauty, it is not necessary to spend money. The extended city alley is dotted with playgrounds, concrete stadiums and architectural treasures. In addition to that, throughout the journey, you can see many works of art, in particular, wall paintings made by local artists.
The Empty Bottle
The Empty Bottle is the main indie rock club in Chicago, on the stage of which perform famous bands of the country and abroad. If you want to briefly break away from the noise, then the institution has a special room where you can play billiards and pinball. When you come here, you can be sure that you will see your favorite performers. In the evenings, most of the concerts are free.
The Money Museum
The Money Museum is located on the first floor of the Federal Reserve Bank. By visiting it, you will be able to enjoy interactive expositions, create your own money and play by detecting fake currencies. The highlight of the museum are three piles of a million dollars, next to which will turn out perfect photos.
Clark-Ford House
There are many buildings in Chicago that can be viewed. However, neither of them has such an interesting history as the house of Clark Ford. This is not an exaggeration because the house is the oldest surviving one in the city. Located in the Near South Side area, the structure was built in 1836. In 1971, it was included in the National Register of Historic Places. The house survived the fires and the change of its name. Now, it has a museum that demonstrates the life of a family in Chicago.
Visiting all these places, you will be able to take a splendid rest and feel the greatness of Chicago.