The top 22 free things to do in Chicago

31.07.2023 - 21:09 / lonelyplanet.com / Buddy Guy

From the Art Institute and skyscraper-viewing boat tours to world-class restaurants and bars, there is no shortage of places to spend plenty of money in Chicago.

But there are also many ways to experience the Windy City’s art and architecture, blues and city views without spending a dime. Keep your budget low with our roundup of the best things to do in Chicago for free.

You could spend the entire day enjoying Millennium Park’s mother lode of freebies, especially in summer. Lean into the day during a morning yoga class, admire soaring public art and splash in the fountain-turned-water-park in the afternoon, then catch a concert at Pritzker Pavilion in the evening.

The free shows (jazz and world music on Mondays and Thursdays; classical music on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays) are a Chicago highlight, where locals gather to picnic and sip wine as melodies fill the air.

The exquisite, beaux-arts, block-long Cultural Center began its life as the Chicago Public Library in 1897. Now it offers a treasure trove of gratis goodness, including museum-quality art exhibitions, foreign film screenings, music, dance, theater and family events.

On Thursdays and Fridays, volunteers and staff lead free hour-long walking tours of the building. On Fridays through Sundays, volunteers add free hour-long tours of downtown to the mix.

Yes, it’ll cost you to spin on the Ferris wheel or set sail on a boat – the most popular things to do at Navy Pier – but the cool breezes and terrific lakefront views are always free. The Pier also prides itself on its year-round program of complementary events, such as cultural celebrations, art exhibitions, al fresco films, and live music.

Top 7 day trips from Chicago

The Art on theMart video art extravaganza – a trippy light show projected on the world’s largest commercial building for 30 minutes twice each evening – is one of the quirkiest things to do at night in Chicago.

Best of all, it’ll delight your eyeballs free of charge. The timings change with the seasons – check the website for showtimes during your visit.

The Design Museum puts on cool exhibitions that change regularly and cover everything related to contemporary and historical design. Allow around 40 minutes to view the entire exhibition – it doesn't cost a dime, so take your time.

Chicago’s musical claim to fame is the electric blues — and Buddy Guy’s is the place to hear a fret-bending set for nothing. While evening shows cost $15 to $25, musicians often play free acoustic blues or jazz at the restaurant/club during lunch and before the main performance starts at 8pm.

Planning tip: All ages are welcome for these free shows, but it's strictly over-21 only for the main performances.

Lincoln Park Zoo has entertained families for