Go City Chicago Explorer Pass: Choose from 39 Attractions
DesdeUSD 84
— 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
DesdeEUR 36.07
45-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise by Wendella
DesdeUSD 28
The Art Institute of Chicago: Fast Pass
DesdeUSD 40
90-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise by Wendella
DesdeUSD 45
Big Bus: Chicago Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
DesdeUSD 49
The Field Museum of Natural History: Entry Ticket
DesdeUSD 29
Skydeck Chicago Tickets
DesdeUSD 42.33
360 Chicago Observation Deck Skip-the-Line Tickets
DesdeUSD 30
360 Chicago Observation Deck: Entry Ticket
DesdeUSD 30
The Field Museum of Natural History: Pass
DesdeUSD 42
Chicago: Architecture River Cruise from Navy Pier
DesdeUSD 39
Official Chicago Architecture Cruise by First Lady
DesdeUSD 57
Chicago C3® CityPASS®: 3 Attractions of your choice
DesdeUSD 109
Chicago: Architecture River Cruise from Michigan Avenue
DesdeUSD 46
Chicago: 45 Minute Architectural Sightseeing Cruise
DesdeUSD 28
Museum Of Contemporary Art (MCA): Entry Ticket
DesdeUSD 22
90-min Chicago River and Lake Michigan Architecture Cruise by Wendella
DesdeUSD 45
Lake Michigan & Chicago River: 1.5-Hr Sightseeing Cruise
DesdeUSD 46
Navy Pier Centennial Wheel: Entry Ticket
DesdeEUR 21.1
Museum of Illusions Chicago: Entry Ticket
DesdeUSD 43
Chicago Skyline Lake Tour
DesdeUSD 32.5
Museum of Ice Cream Chicago: Entry Ticket
DesdeUSD 43
Chicago Architecture Evening Cruise by Shoreline
DesdeUSD 46
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.