Chicago is one of the BEST cities in the world. From its renowned culinary scene, incredible art and culture, parks and beaches and thriving LGBTQ community, there’s truly something for everyone. If you know where to look, you can experience some of the best of Chicago for FREE!
When I first moved to Chicago, I was young and broke, just starting my travel blog. I made it a mission to explore my own city and discovered tons of free things to do in Chicago (like the skyline view in Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chinatown and the Mexican Art Museum). I’m here (your local Chicago travel guide) to spill the tea on exactly where to find them.
Enjoy this list of 50+ things to do and see FOR FREE in Chicago!
Best Murals in Chicago
Chicago has some of the most amazing street art in the world. Here are a few of my personal favorites! All of these murals are great “mural hubs” meaning there are tons of other murals and street art in the neighborhood!
Budget tip: Chicago’s train system is super easy to use and if you’re just in town for the day, I highly recommend getting a Metra day pass. If you’re staying for the weekend or longer, I would get a Ventra card and download the Ventra App to load your card using your phone. I also recommend renting a Divvy bike.
Greetings From Chicago Mural (Logan Square)
Logan square is a street art GOLD MINE! The Greetings from Chicago mural is a classic and I don’t think anyone should leave Chicago without a snap of this wall!
Location: 2226 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 (near the Blue Line California stop)
Selena (Pilsen)
Who doesn’t love Selena…? This wall is everything. Again, Pilsen is a great hub for street art. Look for painted doors along Pilsen’s main streets.
Frank Quintero Mural (Logan Square)
Frank Quintero is a die-hard Chicagoan, who’s well known throughout the local community for his colorful mural and street art. He’s one of our own, and so are his quirky characters that you can spot painted in neighborhoods all around town.
Location: 2252 N. Milwaukee Ave. (near California Blue Line stop)
Tip: this mural is VERY close to Greetings from Chicago mural and many others!
Lakeview’s Rainbow Crosswalks
Rainbow-painted crosswalks. Need I say more?
Location: Corner of Halsted St and Aldine Ave. (get off at Red Line Belmont stop and walk towards Halsted, take a left)
Tip: there are a couple different rainbow crosswalks, so keep walking down Halsted St. to find more!
Roger’s Park Mile of Murals
The Mile of Murals is a 14,000-square-foot long collection of murals located along the CTA Red Line. I love Roger’s Park for its diversity, food scene, and hidden gems. If you’re in the neighborhood, also check out Gerber/Hart Library, Little India, and the Leather Archives.
Location: Estes Ave. to Pratt Boulevard along the Glenwood Ave. (Close to the Red Line Morse stop)
For even more murals and a self-guided street art tour, check out: A Neighborhood Guide to Discovering Street Art
Free Parks and Nature Spots in Chicago
Chicago is known for its skyscrapers, but the parks and nature spots are WHERE IT’S AT! Here are some of my favorites!
606 Trail (Logan Square)
The 606 trail, once an abandoned railroad, has been transformed into a 2.7-mile elevated bike path. I love the 606 for running and unique views of the city.
Garfield Conservatory
Garfield Park is one of the largest botanical conservatories in the nation, and it’s completely free to the public!
Donations are appreciated and reservations are required.
Humboldt Park
Humboldt Park is a 207-acre park in the heart of Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood, known for being a hub of the city’s Puerto Rican community and packed with drool-worthy restaurants and cafes.
Tip: I highly recommend Cafe Colao for delicious local hot sandwiches.
The Chicago Lakefront Trail
The Chicago Lakefront trail is a 18.5-mile-long trail lined with picturesque skyline views, beaches, and numerous lush green parks. It’s a MUST!
Budget tip: rent Divvy bikes to ride the trail. Watch out for other runners and bikers!
Lincoln Park Zoo
While zoos in some cities may offer monthly free days, the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is free EVERYDAY! The Lincoln Park Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and charges $0 for admission.
Visit some of the 200+ different animals, wander through the colorful gardens, and enjoy a day exploring Chicago’s 35-acre community zoo.
Pro tip: Check out Lincoln Park Conservatory while you’re in the area!
Jackson Park (Hyde Park)
Jackson Park is my favorite park in Chicago. If you want to escape the city life without actually leaving, wander through Jackson Park!
Pro tip: Pack some snacks and spend a day exploring all of the park’s different features! Jackson Park has multiple different green features such as the Garden of the Phoenix, Bobolink Meadows, and a community vegetable/flower garden. There’s a lot to check out and this could be a great way to spend a laid-back Saturday, while taking it easy on your wallet.
The Garden of the Pheonix (Inside Jackson Park)
Also known as Chicago’s Japanese Garden or Osaka Garden, the Garden of the Phoenix has been a long-standing cultural staple of Chicago’s Japanese American community, and frankly, can offer a sometimes much-needed retreat from all the hustle and bustle of the city!
Pro tip: If you’re visiting Chicago in the Spring, go check out the cherry blossom trees in Jackson Pack. The area surrounding the Garden of the Phoenix and Columbia Basin is home to around 190 cherry blossom trees and the flower viewing in April/May is spectacular.
Nature Boardwalk at the Lincoln Park Zoo
The boardwalk at the Lincoln Park Zoo is surrounded by a lush, prairie-like ecosystem of plants, trees, and wildlife; all of which are native to the midwest!
You can find the boardwalk at the southernmost end of the zoo, east of Café Brauer.
Lincoln Park Conservatory
Lincoln Park Conservatory not only showcases a plethora of exotic and tropical plants for the community to view and enjoy, it also grows thousands of the plant varieties that you’ll find in parks all around Chicago!
If you’re looking for an activity that will keep you toasty during a Midwestern snow day, this should be one of your go-tos!
Milton Lee Olive Park
Milton Lee Olive Park was designed in 1965 to commemorate Chicagoan Milton Lee Olive III, the first African American to receive the Medal of Honor. It has gorgeous views of the Chicago skyline and plenty of space for walking, jogging, and biking; or just lounging in the sun.
Beaches in Chicago
You can check out most of Chicago beaches via the Chicago Lakefront Trail! If you’re only in town for a bit, I highlighted the key players.
- 12th Street Beach
- Belmont Harbor Dog Beach
- Evanston Beach
- Foster Beach
- Hollywood Beach (gay beach)
- Humboldt Park Beach (small, local beach)
- Kathy Osterman Beach
- Loyola Beach (more lowkey, up north)
- Leone Beach
- Montrose Beach
- North Avenue Beach (downtown beach, very popular)
- Ohio Street Beach (very popular)
- Oak Street Beach
- Rainbow Beach Park
For more information on Chicago beaches, 24 Best Chicago Beaches.
Free Things to Do Downtown Chicago
You may think that downtown Chicago is the most expensive part of the city – and for the most part, you’re not wrong. That said, some of the best tourist spots in Chicago are located downtown and they’re completely free!
Buckingham Fountain
Located in Grant Park, Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain is one of the largest fountains in the world! It was inspired by the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles and designed to represent lake Michigan.
The fountain runs from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. from May – October and produces a 20-minute-long water display at the start of every hour, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Tip: This could be a great spot for a photo opp, especially at night!
Chicago Riverwalk
The riverwalk is a 1.25-mile-long path that’s located on the south bank of the Chicago River. As you’re walking down the path you’ll notice tons of restaurants, cafes, bars, public art and monuments along the walkway. It’s a great way to find other things to do and experience cool views downtown!
Tip: Grab an affordable lunch or snack to go and sit along the riverwalk.
Crown Fountain
Crown Fountain is an interactive public art piece, video sculpture, and water fountain in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood.
Personally, I don’t see the hype around Crown Fountain, but it’s a tourist attraction so I included it. Let me know what you think.
Largest Starbucks in the World (Starbucks Reserve)
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Chicago, which opened in September 2019, is the largest Starbucks location in the world and the latest roastery to be built. Inside this gorgeous 35,000 square foot space, you’ll find multiple coffee bars (including one for barrel-aged coffee), a cocktail bar, a pastry cafe, an Italian-style sandwich shop, a rooftop observation deck, and so much more. One of my favorite elements is the eight 56-foot-tall copper tubes that transport coffee beans from floor to floor. It’s a must-see!!
Please note, the sights and smells are free, but the snacks and drinks are for purchase.
Michigan Avenue (Magnificent Mile)
Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is a 13-block stretch of Michigan Avenue that’s famous for its upscale, designer retail stores and its showcase of fashion, flavor, and entertainment. With over 460 stores, 275 restaurants, and 60+ hotels along the length of the strip, it’s one of the United States most distinguished shopping destinations.
You’ll find few things along Mag Mile that are actually free, but if you’re a master of self-control and enjoy teasing your wallet, the window shopping here is top-notch.
Grab a coffee (possibly from Starbucks Reserve) and take a stroll down Chicago’s premier shopping district.
Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular tourist destinations, and has no shortage of free activities to check out throughout the year!
Catch a live music performance along the waterfront, take in the skyline views, snap some photos with the iconic Centennial Wheel, watch a summer firework show, or just hangout at the pier.
The Bean (Cloud Gate)
The Bean is no doubt Chicago’s most iconic landmark, and a must-see free attraction for first-time visitors. Drop by the bean in Millennium Park and take a selfie with the city’s funky, bean-shaped mirror!
Note: public access and views of the sculpture will be limited at this time; construction is expected to last through spring 2024.
Millennium Park
Millennium Park is Chicago’s urban playgroup and one of the city’s top attractions. Inside you’ll find the Cloud Gate sculpture, Lurie Garden, and unique art installations scattered around the park.
There is a free concert series every summer called the Millenium Park Summer Music Series. Concerts feature artists from across all genres, including R&B, house, disco, jazz, pop, country, and world music. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, and snacks and enjoy a free concert. Here is the upcoming schedule for 2024.
Maggie Daley Park
Maggie Daley is a 20-acre park in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood. There’s picnic groves, a tennis court, fantastic paths for roller skating, and a whimsical play garden for kids.
This park is a great option for families with kids who are looking for something fun and free to do on a sunny day in the city.
Free Museums in Chicago
Chicago has over 80+ museums within the city limits, and luckily for us, many of them have monthly free days and some are even free all year round!
Below is a list of all the free museums and museum days in Chicago, and I’ve highlighted some of my favorites. The National Museum of Mexican Art is my top fav!
- Adler Planetarium (free every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
- Art Institute of Chicago (Free daily for visitors under 18. Free days for Illinois residents are Monday, Thursday, and Friday January 8th to March 22nd, 2024 and Thursday evenings from June 6th to September 6th, 2024)
- Clark House Museum (temporary closed)
- Chicago Cultural Center (free rotating art exhibits located throughout the building)
- Chicago History Museum (free daily for kids under 12 and Illinois residents under 18. They also offer free days for Illinois residents from January to May. Click the link above for more info.)
- DuSable Museum of African American History (free every Wednesday)
- Field Museum (free every Wednesday, all year long)
- Hull House Museum (free to everyone, all year long)
- Hyde Park Art Center (free to everyone, all year long)
- Illinois Holocaust Museum (free admission the last Friday of every month)
- Museum of Contemporary Art (free everyday for visitors under 18, visitors with disabilities, and their caregivers. Free to Illinois residents every Tuesday.)
- Museum of Contemporary Photography (free to everyone, all year long)
- Museum of Science and Industry (free to Illinois residents on various days from January to June. Click the link for additional info.)
- National Museum of Mexican Art (free to everyone, all year long)
- National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture (free to everyone, all year long)
- National Veterans Art Museum (free to everyone, all year long)
- Shedd Aquarium (Free 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday evenings from March to June)
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (free or donation-accepted admission every Thursday for Illinois residents)
- Swedish American Museum (free every second Tuesday of the month)
- Smart Museum of Art (free to everyone, all year long)
- 21C Museum Hotel (museum exhibits are free to the public all year long)
Note: Most museums listed above are always free to active-duty military personnel, veterans, Illinois POWs, Chicago firefighters, Chicago police officers, and Illinois teachers (Pre-K through 12th grade).
More information on free museums in Chicago, check out Free Museum Days in Chicago!
Off the Beaten Path Chicago
Cool Book Stores in Chicago
Chicago is packed full of free things to do throughout the year, and many of the city’s free options can be found outside of the main tourist drags.
Below are a few free and unique things to do in Chicago that are a little off the beaten path.
Myopic Books (Wicker Park)
Myopic Books is my favorite used bookstores in the city. I always grab a green juice at the cafe next door and spend an hour or so rummaging through books inside. There are even comfy chairs inside to sit and read until your heart desires.
Tip: grab a donut at Stan’s donuts. There are also a lot of cool vintage shops on Milwaukee Street. It’s worth wandering up and down Milwaukee and Damen Street.
Women & Children First Bookstore (Andersonville)
Women & Children First Bookstore is a feminist, queer-friendly bookstore on Clark St. in the heart of Andersonville.
Baha’i Temple (Wilmette)
The Baha’i House of Worship is a Baháʼí temple located just outside Chicago in Wilmette, Illinois. It is the second Baháʼí House of Worship ever constructed and the oldest one still standing. It is one of eight continental temples in all of North America. Come to check out the incredibly detailed interior, pray your sins away, or have a picnic outside. It’s worth the visit!
Location: Take purple Line to the Linden stop then walk.
First United Methodist Church (one of the tallest churches in the world)
First United Methodist Church is a church the size of a skyscraper, just a few blocks away from Millenium Park.
Location: 77 W Washington St, Chicago, IL
Graceland Cemetery
Graceland Cemetery is the final resting spot for many prominent Chicagoan figures.
Location: 4001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
Home Alone House
The Home Alone House is not technically in the city (just outside), but I had to include it. Anyone else mega fans of Home Alone…???
Location: 671 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka, IL
Shit Fountain
I have no words. A unique piece of Chicagoan art.
“Ten Thousand Ripples”
There are dozens of submerged Buddha heads along the Lakefront Trail.
The Best Chicago Neighborhoods to Wander Around
One of my favorite things to do is walk around cute neighborhoods, poke around local shops, and people watch. These are some of my favorite neighborhoods in Chicago perfect for wandering around aimlessly.
Chinatown
Chinatown is one of Chicago’s most unique neighborhoods. Pop through the traditional specialty shops, admire the Nine Dragon Wall, or plan a winter trip to come watch Chinatown’s Lunar New Year Parade!
Tip: there’s a “You are Beautiful” mural worth checking out in Chinatown on the main drag.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is a vibrant, multicultural community full of museums, affordable restaurants, historic homes, great parks and Obama’s house! Scroll through University of Chicago’s campus, check out Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum (free entry), and Jackson Park.
Little India (Devon St.)
While it may not be as well-known as Chinatown, Greektown, or Little Italy, Little India is a thriving part of Chicago’s community and deserves all the hype! Devon Street aka Little India is a 15-block stretch of markets, jewelry stores, unique shops and some of the best Indian restaurants in Chicago.
Window shop along Devon Street to spot the colorful saris, jewelry displays, and intricate henna art.
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is a north Chicago community that’s perfect for nature-loving city folk who want to experience some of both. There’s manicured gardens, tons of greenspace, city views, and of course, the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Little Vietnam
Another cultural gem that’s worth taking the time to stop by and explore. Check out some of Argyle’s storefronts or wander through one of the Asian grocery stores. During the summer, check out Argyle Night Market every Wednesday for free live music and performances and multiple vendors.
Pilsen
Pilsen, Chicago’s colorful Mexican neighborhood, is home to the Chicago Arts District in East Pilsen and the National Museum of Mexican Art. The whole neighborhood is alive with diverse art, music, and restaurants!
Stop by every second Friday of the month to explore open studios and art galleries for free.
Wrigleyville
If you’re a Cubs fan or looking to be converted, this should be your spot! Walk around the baseball-themed gift shops, take some pics with the Wrigley Field sign, or catch one of their free outdoor concert series or film screenings in the summer at Gallagher Way.
Chicago’s Famous Gayborhoods
Chicago is home to one of the largest LGBTQ+ communities in the Midwest. While there is only one official gayborhood, there are two according to locals.
Lakeview (aka Boystown)
Halsted Street is filled with cool murals, amazing queer-owned restaurants, queer-owned shops, gay bars and clubs, and tons of queer people.
Take a free self-guided tour of the Legacy Walk, the only outdoor LGBTQ+ museum in the world. Make sure to come in June for Chicago’s Pride festival, which is one of the largest in the country!
Andersonville (aka Lesbianville or Girlstown)
Andersonville is in Chicago’s unofficial lesbian neighborhood, home to tons of funky eateries, thrift and vintage shops, cool bookstores, tons of queer-owned businesses and a fantastic queer bar scene.
During the summer, make sure to check out Midsommar Fest in Andersonville, one of Chicago’s most legendary street festivals. It’s free and includes live music and tons of local vendors.
For details on other gayborhoods around the US, check out this article on 100+ Gayborhoods, Gay Villages, and Gaycations Destinations in the USA.
Cool Chicago Free(ish) Bars and Cafes
All 3 are worth the photo opp!
Restoration Hardware Cafe (Old Town)
Restoration Hardware is an upscale home goods store. Head to the top floor to enjoy beautiful views of the city. The cafe is on the first floor ($$).
Replay Lakeview (free video games)
Replay is a video game bar with multiple locations in the city. It’s completely free to enter and free to play (most) of the games. I highly recommend for a fun date night. Personally, I recommend the Lakeview location more than the Lincoln Park location (less touristy and it’s the Chicago gayborhood).
Punch Bowl Social
Located in Fulton Market, Punch Bowl Social is a grown-up playground with bowling, karaoke, scratch food, and craft cocktails. It also has a colorful (fake) laundromat INSIDE of the bar. It’s fun for photo opps and perfect for a group hang.
Free LGBTQ-Friendly Things to Do in Chicago
- Gerber/Hart Library (the largest circulating library of LGBTQ+ titles in the Midwest)
- Leather Archives (leading museum and conservator of queer erotic art, with focus on kink, leather, and BDSM. Free on Thursdays.)
- The Legacy Walk (outdoor LGBTQ+ history exhibit in the Lakeview neighborhood)
- Lakeview’s Rainbow Crosswalk
- Tour the Gayborhoods
- OutSpoken (free monthly storytelling event held at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at Sidetrack)
- Eli Tea Bar (queer-owned sober bar that hosts several monthly free events. Click the link for more info.)
- Market Days (free, weekend-long, live music street festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago’s Northalsted neighborhood)
- Chicago’s Pride Parade (held on the last Sunday in June, Chicago’s Pride Parade is one of the largest attended Pride parades in the world. Free to attend!)
- Relax at the AIDS Garden Chicago (a 2.5-acre park and public monument memorializing the HIV epidemic in Chicago, and honoring those who live with the disease today)
- Jane Addams Hull-House Museum (museum and memorial to Jane Addams, the first woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Free on Tuesdays and Fridays at 2 p.m.)
- Women and Children First Bookstore (indie-minded bookshop that’s known for its feminist and kid-focused literature. Free to browse!)
For more LGBTQ+ recommendations, check out this article on 101+ Gay Things to Do in Chicago.
Looking for more Chicago info? Check out:
- Best Vegan Restaurants in Chicago
- Things to Do in Andersonville, Chicago (guide to one of my favorite neighborhoods, AKA Lesbianville)
- 75+ Things to Do and See in Midwest, USA
- How to Travel Chicago on a Budget
What’s your favorite thing about Chicago? Any other free things to do or see in Chicago? What’s your best Chicago tip? Any questions about Chicago? Comment below!
