From art institutes and skyscraper boat tours to world-class restaurants and bars, Chicago has no shortage of places to spend a lot of money.
But there are also plenty of ways to experience the Windy City’s art and architecture, blues and cityscapes without breaking the bank. Keep your budget low with our roundup of the best things to do in Chicago for free.
1. Make the most of Millennium Park’s free events.
You can spend the whole day enjoying the Mother of Millennium Park, especially in summer. Lean into the day during a morning yoga class, admire the public art and splash in the fountain-filled water park in the afternoon, then catch a concert in the Pritzker Pavilion in the evening.
free shows (Jazz and world music on Monday and Thursday; Classical music Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) is a Chicago specialty, where locals gather for picnics and sips of wine.
2. Tours around the Chicago Cultural Center
The magnificent, Beaux Arts, block-long cultural center began life in 1897 as the Chicago Public Library. Now it offers a wealth of free goodness including museum-quality art exhibitions, foreign film screenings, music, dance, theatre. family events.
On Thursdays and Fridays, volunteers and staff lead free hour-long walking tours of the building. From Friday through Sunday, volunteers add hours of free downtown tours to the mix.
3. Enjoy the lake front views from Navy Pier.
Yes, it will cost you to ride the Ferris wheel or take a boat ride – the most popular things to do at Navy Pier – but the cool breezes and awesome lakefront views are always free. Pierre also prides itself on its year-round program. Complementary eventssuch as cultural events, art exhibitions, al fresco movies, and live music.
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4. See art at the mart in the evening
The Art on theMart video art extravaganza – a trippy light show on the world’s largest commercial building twice each evening for 30 minutes – is one of the most unique things to do at night in Chicago.
The best part is that it will please your eyes for free. Times vary with seasons – check. Website for Showtime during your visit.
5. Visit the Design Museum of Chicago’s rotating exhibits.
The Design Museum puts on cool exhibitions that change regularly and cover everything related to contemporary and historical design. Allow about 40 minutes to see the entire exhibition – it doesn’t cost a penny, so take your time.
6. See live music for free at Buddy Guy’s Legends
Chicago’s musical claim to fame is electric blues — and Buddy Guy is the place to hear a snarl-bending set. While evening shows cost $15 to $25, musicians often play free acoustic blues or jazz in the restaurant/club during lunch and before the main performance begins at 8 p.m.
Planning Advice: All ages are welcome for these free shows, but it’s over 21s only for the main performance.
7. See the animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo has entertained families for free for more than 150 years. Lions roar, monkeys swing, polar bears swim, and snow monkeys chill just a stone’s throw from downtown’s skyscrapers.
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8. Explore the city with Greater Chicago.
Advanced walking tours in the Windy City aren’t as free and breezy as two- to four-hour guided trips. Greater Chicago. Choose a theme, perhaps history or architecture, or a neighborhood, perhaps arty Pilsen or historic Uptown.
Book at least ten business days in advance. Not only is the service free, the greeters – all locals – adhere to a strict no-tipping policy.
9. Settle in Whistler for election performances.
Whistler is part gallery, part cocktail lounge and part venue for local indie bands, jazz combos, electronica, country music and DJs. There is never a cover charge. Instead, most everyone buys a snazzy drink to fund the night’s performance (though it’s not mandatory).
10. Wander around the Garfield Park Conservatory
The 1907 hothouse bursts with cacti, ferns and flowers. Outside, wander the grounds after the carnivorous plant bog, lily pool, maze and Claude Monet’s recreated garden, then attend a beekeeping or composting demonstration – all for free.
Planning Advice: Although it’s completely free, reservations are required for entry, and they sell out quickly. Book online. Before arriving to avoid disappointment.
11. Explore African American arts and culture at the Stony Island Arts Bank.
The remote Stony Island Arts Bank now trades in cultural capital instead of cash. This worthwhile African American arts center is free to visit and hosts provocative exhibitions and works by new and emerging contemporary artists, as well as weekend DJ sets. Necessary renovations have resulted in a temporary closure, but Arts Bank Will reopen in fall 2023.
12. Celebrate Latino artworks at the National Museum of Mexican Art.
Colorful folk art and politically charged paintings line the walls at the free National Museum of Mexican Art, America’s largest Latino arts institution. Afterward, wander around the neighborhood to see images of Aztec gods, singing gouaches and other works by Mexican muralists that are spread over buildings — a sort of outdoor gallery that continues the theme.
13. Spend a family day at Maggie Daly Park.
Families love Maggie Daley Park’s wonderful, free playgrounds in all their magical forest and pirate-themed glory. Multiple picnic tables make the park a great place to relax.
14. Follow 606 between neighborhoods.
An elevated train track was transformed into a smart, 2.7-mile trail. 606 Opens overhead and connects the hipster hoods of Bucktown, Wicker Park, and Logan Square. Find cool views of murals, public art installations and zipping through L trains – all for free.
15. Learn about modern architecture at Charnley-Persky House.
Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Charnley Persky House when he was just 19 years old. Register in advance. For free 45-minute tours that run on Wednesdays at noon. See how he left behind the baroque ornamentation of Victorian design and pioneered a simple style that laid the foundation for modern architecture.
16. Marvel at the light show at Buckingham Fountain.
The centerpiece of Grant Park, the Buckingham Fountain is the largest in the world with a 1.5 million gallon capacity and 15-story spray. The central fountain symbolizes Lake Michigan, with four water-filled sea creatures representing the surrounding states.
So far, so big. The fountain then opens from 9 am to the last show at 10:35 pm from early May to mid-October, with multi-colored lights and music at night, and all for free.
17. Play free arcade games at Replay Lincoln Park
A little off the beaten path, this one Black Chicago Bar Pinball machines are full of scores, just like classic arcade games Tetris, Donkey Kong And Paperboyas well as lots of latest beat-em-ups like Mortal Kombat And Tekken 5 – All available to play for the price of one drink.
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18. Enjoy the best view of Chicago in the Signature Lounge.
It’s the worst-kept secret in Chicago: The Signature Lounge has the best views of the city skyline. Best of all, it’s free.
Take the elevator up to the 96th floor of 875 North Michigan Avenue (still known locally as the John Hancock Center) and enjoy the views—definitely worth it—from nearly 1,000 feet in the sky. Order a drink. It’s even more impressive at night, but kids aren’t allowed in the lounge after 7pm. Be prepared for crowds.
19. Admire the murals and street art in Pilsen.
The Pilsen neighborhood is famous for its walls that span churches, schools and cafes, all of which can be visited for free and on foot.
The 16th Street Railroad embankment opens up a particularly rich vein, with 50 works by local and international artists decorating the 1.5-mile stretch between Wood and Halsted Streets.
The entire 18th Street Station is also a work of art — its walls and staircase are decorated with murals. A few blocks southwest of the station, don’t miss the home of muralist Hector Duarte. He has covered it with his most prominent work. Gulliver in Wonderland.
20. Join the locals at the famous Montrose Beach.
Chicago has great beaches, though Montrose Beach — the sand-dune-filled, nature-filled stretch in Uptown — is one of its most popular. There are plenty of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and jet skis to rent, but with a good book, some shorts and a towel, it’s just as lovely to spend a day sailing without anything.
21. Study the exhibits at the Museum of Contemporary Photography.
This The free museum Focuses on American and international photography from the early 20th century. The permanent collection includes works by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Harry Callahan, Sally Mann, Victor Scribinski, Catherine Wagner, and 500 of the best photographers working today.
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22. Browse the art collection at the Smart Museum of Art.
Named after the founders of Esquire The magazine, which contributed the start-up money, is the official arts magazine. Museum of the University of Chicago.
The free collection contains 5000 years of work. Twentieth-century paintings and sculptures, Central European Expressionism and East Asian art are strong suits. Hepworth, Warhol, and Kandinsky are just a few of the big name artists on offer.
This article was first published on July 16, 2019 and was updated on July 31, 2023.