Go City Chicago Explorer Pass: Choose from 39 Attractions
Od84 US$
— No ticket required
Free things to do in Chicago
You don't need a big budget to enjoy Chicago. These experiences are completely free to attend — though many still require you to reserve a spot in advance because capacity is limited.
See all Chicago
Zero cost, still worth booking.
Matches
117
City
Chicago
Total in city
117
Min rating
any
About this list
Why this shortlist
Free walking tours are the single most popular free activity in Chicago, and we list every reputable one in town. Many are tip-based, which means you pay what you think the tour was worth at the end.
Aside from walking tours, look for free museum entry days, open-air concerts, and self-guided routes with downloadable maps.
Shortlist
Free things to do in Chicago
Skydeck Chicago: Entry Ticket
Od36,07 €
45-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise by Wendella
Od28 US$
The Art Institute of Chicago: Fast Pass
Od40 US$
90-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise by Wendella
Od45 US$
Big Bus: Chicago Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Od49 US$
The Field Museum of Natural History: Entry Ticket
Od29 US$
Skydeck Chicago Tickets
Od42,33 US$
360 Chicago Observation Deck Skip-the-Line Tickets
Od30 US$
360 Chicago Observation Deck: Entry Ticket
Od30 US$
The Field Museum of Natural History: Pass
Od42 US$
Chicago: Architecture River Cruise from Navy Pier
Od39 US$
Official Chicago Architecture Cruise by First Lady
Od57 US$
Chicago C3® CityPASS®: 3 Attractions of your choice
Od109 US$
Chicago: Architecture River Cruise from Michigan Avenue
Od46 US$
Chicago: 45 Minute Architectural Sightseeing Cruise
Od28 US$
Museum Of Contemporary Art (MCA): Entry Ticket
Od22 US$
90-min Chicago River and Lake Michigan Architecture Cruise by Wendella
Od45 US$
Lake Michigan & Chicago River: 1.5-Hr Sightseeing Cruise
Od46 US$
Navy Pier Centennial Wheel: Entry Ticket
Od21,1 €
Museum of Illusions Chicago: Entry Ticket
Od43 US$
Chicago Skyline Lake Tour
Od32,5 US$
Museum of Ice Cream Chicago: Entry Ticket
Od43 US$
Chicago Architecture Evening Cruise by Shoreline
Od46 US$
Before you book
FAQ
- Are tip-based tours really free?
- Yes — there's no obligation to tip. Most guides survive on tips, though, so €5–€10 per person is the norm if you enjoyed it.