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