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Top Things to Do in Illinois

We compared all 154 experiences in Illinois so you can choose in minutes: real prices, verified reviews and our editorial picks.

★4.7 154 experiences from US$ 6 ✓Free cancellation on most experiences
Destinations

Must-do experiences

Chicago River Architecture Cruise: 40+ buildings from the water
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Most booked
Chicago River Architecture Cruise: 40+ buildings from the waterArchitecture cruise on the Chicago River. See the John Hancock Center, Willis Tower, Wrigley Building and 37 more landmarks. Pet-friendly, full bar.
17,211 reviews
4.84★
Duration
1h–1h 15m
start times · Every day
24
Live guide EN · ESFree cancellationfromUS$ 39per person
Chicago: Architecture River Cruise & First Lady Boat Tour
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★Top rated
Chicago: Architecture River Cruise & First Lady Boat Tour90-minute guided river cruise past Willis Tower, Marina City & Merchandise Mart with expert docents. Includes live commentary, climate-controlled cabin, restroom on board.
7,641 reviews
4.93★
Duration
1h 30m
start times · Every day
12
Live guide ENInstant confirmationfromUS$ 57per person
Chicago River: 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour
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Best value
Chicago River: 90-Minute Architecture Boat TourChicago River architecture tour covers 130+ years of design on a 90-minute narrated boat ride. Indoor & outdoor seating, professional guide, all three river branches.
11,316 reviews
4.71★
Duration
1h 30m
start times · Every day
22
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromUS$ 45per person

Recommended (7)

Chicago River: 45-Minute Architecture Boat Tour
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Likely to sell out
Chicago River: 45-Minute Architecture Boat Tour
3,778 reviews
4.65★
Duration
45m
fromUS$ 28per person
Chicago Crime Mob Bus Tour: Al Capone, Massacre
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Travelers' pick
Chicago Crime Mob Bus Tour: Al Capone, Massacre
3,638 reviews
4.60★
Duration
1h 30m–2h
fromUS$ 49per person
Chicago Skyline Boat Tour: River & Lake Michigan views
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Likely to sell out
Chicago Skyline Boat Tour: River & Lake Michigan views
2,492 reviews
4.69★
Duration
1h 30m
fromUS$ 48per person
Chicago Food Tour: 5 Classics with Local Guide
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Travelers' pick
Chicago Food Tour: 5 Classics with Local Guide
2,404 reviews
4.86★
Duration
3h
fromUS$ 85per person
Chicago River: 90-Minute Architecture Cruise & Three Branches
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Likely to sell out
Chicago River: 90-Minute Architecture Cruise & Three Branches
1,992 reviews
4.84★
Duration
1h 30m
fromUS$ 37per person
Chicago Loop: Architecture Interiors Tour & Art Deco
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Chicago Loop: Architecture Interiors Tour & Art Deco
1,887 reviews
4.97★
Duration
2h
fromUS$ 35per person
Chicago: Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise from Downtown
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Likely to sell out
Chicago: Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise from Downtown
1,735 reviews
4.52★
Duration
1h 30m
fromUS$ 48per person

Top rated (10)

Art Institute of Chicago Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
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Art Institute of Chicago Skip-the-Line Guided TourSkip the entrance line at the Art Institute and spend 2.5 hours with a guide who knows where the masterpieces are: Paris Street Rainy Day, Nighthawks.
364 reviews
4.99★
Duration
2h 30m
start times · Every day except Tuesday
3
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromUS$ 90per person
Chicago Murder Mystery Tour: Solve a Crime Walking
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Chicago Murder Mystery Tour: Solve a Crime WalkingSolve a murder mystery while walking Chicago's streets and learning real Prohibition history and true crime legends from a live guide over 2 hours.
759 reviews
4.98★
Duration
2h
Every day except Wednesday
11:00
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromUS$ 35per person
Chicago: Architecture & True Crime Walking Tour Halloween
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Chicago: Architecture & True Crime Walking Tour HalloweenFollow a local guide through Chicago’s iconic Palmer House and hidden corners, hear true crime stories, see unique architecture, and end at Chase Tower. Wheelchair accessible.
736 reviews
4.98★
Duration
1h 30m–1h 45m
start times · Every day
3
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromUS$ 35per person
Chicago: Gangster & Ghosts Walking Tour with Speakeasy Bars
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Travelers' pick
Chicago: Gangster & Ghosts Walking Tour with Speakeasy BarsFeel Chicago’s haunted past on a walking tour with real crime stories, Prohibition speakeasy bars, and exclusive access to historic interiors. Includes expert guide.
488 reviews
4.98★
Duration
1h 30m
start times · Every day except Wednesday
5
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromUS$ 35per person
Chicago Walking Tour: Loop Architecture & Picasso Sculpture
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Chicago Walking Tour: Loop Architecture & Picasso SculptureDowntown Chicago walking tour of the Loop's landmark buildings, Chagall mosaic, Picasso sculpture and Chicago Theatre. 2 hours, 2 miles.
257 reviews
4.98★
Duration
2h
start times · Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri
2
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromUS$ 44per person
Art Institute Chicago: Skip-the-Line Tour & Impressionist Masterpieces
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Art Institute Chicago: Skip-the-Line Tour & Impressionist MasterpiecesArt Institute of Chicago skip-the-line tour with expert guide. 2.5 hours, max 8 guests, all entry fees included. See Hopper, Seurat, Caillebotte originals.
252 reviews
4.98★
Duration
2h 30m
start times · Every day except Tuesday
3
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromUS$ 90per person
Art Institute of Chicago Private Guided Tour: Expert Stories
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Art Institute of Chicago Private Guided Tour: Expert StoriesPrivate 2-hour guided tour of the Art Institute of Chicago with expert local guide and skip-the-line entry.
135 reviews
4.98★
Duration
2h
start times · Every day except Tuesday
3
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromUS$ 215per person
Chicago: Art Institute Early Access Tour & Skip-the-Line
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Travelers' pick
Chicago: Art Institute Early Access Tour & Skip-the-LineFeel the quiet before the crowds at Chicago’s Art Institute. Early entry, skip-the-line tickets, and a small group with an art historian guide. Includes all admission fees.
689 reviews
4.97★
Duration
2h 30m
Every day except Tuesday
10:30
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromUS$ 71per person
Chicago: Downtown Pizza Tour & Deep Dish vs. Italian Styles
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Chicago: Downtown Pizza Tour & Deep Dish vs. Italian StylesTour River North, Gold Coast and the Loop tasting four pizza styles with a guide. Deep dish, Roman, Neapolitan, and artisanal pizza included. Lunch and two hours.
131 reviews
4.97★
Duration
2h–3h
Fri
13:30
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromUS$ 69per person
Escape Room Chicago: 5 Themed Puzzle Games in River North
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Escape Room Chicago: 5 Themed Puzzle Games in River NorthSolve puzzles and crack codes in one of five themed escape rooms near Michigan Avenue. Mission: Mars, Prison Break, The Heist, and more.
445 reviews
4.96★
Duration
1h 15m
start times · Mon–Thu
50
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromUS$ 48per person

Lowest price (10)

American Writers Museum Ticket: Interactive Exhibits Chicago
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American Writers Museum Ticket: Interactive Exhibits ChicagoSpend an hour to several hours exploring American Writers Museum in downtown Chicago with flexible-date entry and a free bookmark.
83 reviews
4.83★
Duration
1h–5h
Every day except Tuesday and WednesdayFree cancellationfromUS$ 16per person
Chicago Navy Pier Centennial Wheel: Skip-the-Line Ticket
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Chicago Navy Pier Centennial Wheel: Skip-the-Line TicketSkip the line at Chicago's 200-foot Centennial Wheel with mobile ticket entry. 360-degree views of Lake Michigan and skyline from enclosed gondolas. Year-round access.
96 reviews
4.23★
Duration
15m
Every dayLive guide ENFree cancellationfromUS$ 24per person
Chicago: Griffin Museum of Science & Industry Admission
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Travelers' pick
Chicago: Griffin Museum of Science & Industry AdmissionThe Museum of Science and Industry features a 40-foot tornado, WWII submarine, coal mine, and human-sized hamster wheel. Timed entry included.
141 reviews
4.39★
Duration
2h–4h
Every dayFree cancellationfromUS$ 26per person
Chicago Ghost Tour: Lincoln Park Haunted History
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Chicago Ghost Tour: Lincoln Park Haunted HistoryWalk through Lincoln Park on a nightly ghost tour hearing documented accounts of hauntings tied to Chicago's gangster era, asylums and burial grounds.
139 reviews
4.47★
Duration
1h
start times · Every day
2
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromUS$ 26per person
Chicago Oak Park: Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio Tour Ticket
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Travelers' pick
Chicago Oak Park: Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio Tour TicketStep inside Frank Lloyd Wright’s Oak Park home & studio near Chicago, guided by locals. Includes entry ticket, English-speaking guide, and easy access.
155 reviews
4.67★
Duration
1h
Thu–SunLive guide ENFree cancellationfromUS$ 27per person
Chicago: Flyover at Navy Pier 30-Min Flight Simulation
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Travelers' pick
Chicago: Flyover at Navy Pier 30-Min Flight Simulation30-minute immersive flight over Chicago's skyline at Navy Pier. Drone footage, live scents and sound design. Admission and audio guide included.
783 reviews
4.69★
Duration
30m
start times · Every day
35
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromUS$ 28per person
Field Museum Chicago: SUE T. Rex & Egyptian Mummies Tickets
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Travelers' pick
Field Museum Chicago: SUE T. Rex & Egyptian Mummies TicketsField Museum admission includes SUE the T. rex, Egyptian mummies, Gem Hall, and Dinosaur Hall. 40 million artifacts, free docent tours, wheelchair accessible. Hours 9am–5pm.
602 reviews
4.58★
Duration
4h
Every dayLive guide ENFree cancellationfromUS$ 29per person
Chicago Skyline Boat Tour: 30–45 minute Lake Michigan cruise
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Travelers' pick
Chicago Skyline Boat Tour: 30–45 minute Lake Michigan cruiseLake Michigan skyline cruise from downtown Chicago with narration, onboard bar, and views of Willis Tower, John Hancock Center, Navy Pier.
956 reviews
4.44★
Duration
30m–45m
start times · Tue–Sun
13
Free cancellationfromUS$ 30per person
Chicago Theatre: Behind-the-Scenes Tour & Stage Access
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Likely to sell out
Chicago Theatre: Behind-the-Scenes Tour & Stage Access60-75 minute guided tour of Chicago Theatre's lobby, auditorium and stage. See signatures from Frank Sinatra and Dolly Parton. Wheelchair accessible, includes Wi-Fi.
59 reviews
4.02★
Duration
1h–1h 15m
Fri–Sun
12:00
Live guide ENfromUS$ 32per person
Chicago: Mob & Ghost Walking Tour in the Loop at Night
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Chicago: Mob & Ghost Walking Tour in the Loop at NightWander Chicago’s shadowy alleys and haunted hotels on a true crime walking tour. Hear mob tales, ghost stories, and explore with a local guide, includes all stops.
474 reviews
4.72★
Duration
1h 30m–2h
start times · Every day
2
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromUS$ 34per person
See all 154 tours →

Illinois at a glance ✓ 2026-11-03

  • Most booked: Chicago River Architecture Cruise: 40+ buildings from the water, US$ 39 (1h–1h 15m, 4.84★ · 17,211).
  • Top rated: Chicago: Architecture River Cruise & First Lady Boat Tour, US$ 57 (1h 30m, 4.93★ · 7,641).
  • Best value: Chicago River: 90-Minute Architecture Boat Tour, US$ 45 (1h 30m, 4.71★ · 11,316).

Of the 154 experiences: 141 with free cancellation, 135 with instant confirmation, 28 with hotel pickup and 88 bookable last-minute.

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