Art appreciation is in full force in Chicago. Enthusiasts need to look no further than this Midwest City, home to some of the finest museums in the world as well as high-profile shows, cutting-edge galleries, and eye-catching public works that are transforming plazas and parks. Whether you prefer classical works by the masters or more contemporary projects, there is plenty to stretch the imagination, and worth seeing on your next visit.

On view at the Art Institute of Chicago through September 8, 2019, the blockbuster show Manet and Modern Beauty features the work of Édouard Manet in his later years. The exquisite exhibition delves into his diverse subjects with paintings of still lifes, pastels, and salon portraits of fashionable women, highlighting females across a range of social spectrums. Highlights include the multi-painting works In the Conservatory and Boating along with more than 90 works of art, personal letters, and historical costume accessories.

In the neighborhood of West Town, visitors to INTUIT: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art will discover a whole new world of original works by self-taught artists. Unlike mainstream art, everything on view reflects artists’ personal visions, and typically falls under the categories of visionary art, art brut, self-taught art and non-traditional folk art. Along with changing exhibitions such as Justin Duerr: Surrender to Survival featuring intricate drawings by the Philadelphia-based artist, the center also has the Henry Darger Room Collection, a replica of the small one-room apartment of Chicago-based artist Darger featuring painted and collaged drawings and a collection of hundreds of objects.

The heart of the city’s Mexican community in Pilsen is where you will find the National Museum of Mexican Art, which houses a significant collection of 10,000 pieces spanning 3,000 years. Along with exhibitions such as Nuestra Historia, highlighting the Mexican identity in North America with folk art, colonial artifacts, and contemporary works, the museum also hosts different events including Thursday Nights After Dark and art workshops. Admission is free.

Sometimes you want to see another side of the city—and not only the main tourist attractions. While Chicago may be famous for the Museums, Architecture, Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, and Navy Pier, the destination also has a fascinating history full of stories, different perspectives, and famous personalities. For those who want to stray from standard tourist offerings, venture off-the-beaten-path, and satisfy your curiosity by taking one of these three unique tours.

If you have read the best-selling book by Erik Larson that chronicles two real-life Chicago events, the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 and the terror spread by serial murderer Dr. Henry H. Holmes, then you will no doubt enjoy the Devil in the White City Tour. Offered by the Chicago Architecture Center, the thrilling experience is just under three-and-a-half hours and presents an intriguing account of the circumstances with a bus tour that makes stops to points pivotal to the story including the home of fair critic Ida B. Wells, the fairgrounds in Jackson Park and others.

Back in the day, during the 1920s and 1930s, Al Capone and his cronies ruled Chicago, making their mark on the city. Find out about the shady underdealings that went on during the Prohibition era during the Chicago Crime Tour led by entertaining “gangster” guides who share what really went down at various stops such as the site of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre and the Holy Name Cathedral.

Those in the mood for something lighter should consider the Historic Chicago Walking Bar Tour. The experience offered by Chicago Detours shows guests a different side of Michigan Avenue as they make their way to different pubs to learn all about the city’s jazz, speakeasy, and party past, all while viewing the stunning architecture and enjoying appetizers and drinks along the way.

What Chicago tour would you join on your next visit?

Now that the kiddos are out of school, it’s time to start thinking of cool things for them to do during summer break. When it comes to exciting attractions and activities, Chicago is the ultimate playground for children of all ages. The city is a fantastic place for families to spend quality time, whether they’re exploring museums, running around outside, or eating at fun restaurants. Parents, if you need inspiration, check out these amazing options to discover together.

Time to Learn Something New

Even if the little ones are on vacation, there are still plenty of opportunities to stimulate their minds. Downtown Chicago is a good place to start. Set along Lake Michigan and part of the Museum Campus in Grant Park, the Adler Planetarium is out of this world. The planetarium happens to be the first of its kind in America, and continues to appeal to lovers of the universe thanks to fascinating exhibits such as “Mission Moon,” which follows the United States’ first steps into space through the eyes of James A. Lovell, Jr., NASA Captain and former astronaut who commanded the Apollo 13.

Nearby, Shedd Aquarium, one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world, leaves visitors in awe with incredible animal encounters including beluga whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins at the Abbott Oceanarium, and 100 species of reef fish from around the world as part of the “Underwater Beauty” exhibit. A short stroll away, The Field Museum wows with the Griffin Halls of Evolving Planet, where hands-on interactive activities and larger than life dinosaur fossils including SUE, the T. Rex await.

Time to Get Outside

Kids can enjoy an extended recess all over Chicago. Navy Pier doesn’t disappoint with rides, shops, restaurants, and attractions that appeal to the young at heart. Pier Park is where you’ll find awesome rides including the Carousel, Centennial Wheel, the Pepsi Wave Swinger, and the Light Tower as well as carnival games and sweet treats. Maggie Daley Park offers activities galore with a massive climbing wall, the Out of Site interactive, public artwork that looks a lot like hopscotch, and the Play Garden featuring whimsical spaces including The Sea featuring a custom-built ship adorned with ladders and nets, and the animal-themed Watering Hole, ideal for children ages two to five.

Time to Eat

All that exploring is bound to make the gang hungry. Chicago has a nice choice of family-friendly restaurants to grab a bite. After a fun morning at The Escape Game, Secret agents in training love going to SafeHouse Chicago, a spy-themed establishment complete with hidden passageways, gadgets, covert missions and other surprises. As for the food, the Kids Menu offers the Jr. Spy Burger, Undercover Mac & Cheese, among other dishes. Across the street from the Lincoln Park Zoo, R.J. Grunts is a family-friendly spot that caters to kids with adorable meals on cafeteria-style trays and scrumptious milkshakes.  

Seeing the sights should never cause anyone financial grief. Fortunately, travelers will be glad to know that Chicago is a pretty affordable place when it comes to awesome things to do and places to see. So here’s the low-down on how to experience the city for a fraction of the cost, or in some instances, for free. Get ready to get the most bang for your buck!

Going All In: CityPASS and the Go Chicago Card

If you want to see as much as possible, the Chicago CityPASS is totally worth it. Why? Well, for starters, it offers access to the most popular attractions at significant savings of up to 50 percent off on admission. All anyone has to do to take advantage of this deal is purchase the ticket booklets online or at any of the Chicago attractions.

Next, simply check out all the exciting options and start figuring out which ones you want to explore at your convenience over a nine-day period. Present the CityPASS tickets to each attraction and you’re all set. Plus, whenever someone shows CityPASS, they enjoy expedited entry. Sweet!

Now for the main attractions—Chicago CityPASS includes admission to five must-visit spots: the Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago, the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium OR the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Museum of Science and Industry OR the 360 Chicago Observation Deck.

Similar in concept, the Chicago Go Card offers access to multiple attractions for one low price. From bus tours to cruises and more, there are 29 options that people can experience during however many number of days their purchased on the card. Great choices include all the CiyPASS attractions plus the Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Chicago, the Shoreline Architecture River Cruise, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Chicago Theater Tour and many more.

Free, Free, Free

Did someone say free? Yes, it’s true. It’s possible to pack in a full Chicago itinerary without spending a dime. Let’s have a look at the places where you’ll never need your wallet.

Lincoln Park Zoo is where animal lovers go wild. Along with being totally gratis 365 days a year, this place is home to all sorts of captivating creatures from African penguins to Chilean flamingos, chimpanzees, and other fascinating residents. Daily activities such as Seal Training Feeding and Snow Monkey Science and fun exhibits including Penguin Cove and Macaque Forest always keep it interesting.

History buffs head to the Chicago Cultural Center to learn something new. The best part is that there is a free 45-minute building tour on select days during the week. Spanning Washington and Randolph Streets, the Chicago landmark building has the distinction of being on the National Register of Historic Places and for being home to the world’s largest Tiffany dome.

Gorgeous greenery is on view at the Garfield Park Conservatory. Here, visitors will encounter tranquil gardens and displays of thousands of exotic plants across its 14 acres.

Those are just a few of the affordable and absolutely free things to check out throughout Chicago. Now just imagine what else you can do around the city with all of those savings—enjoy a decadent dinner, go shopping along the Magnificent Mile or maybe see a show downtown at the Theatre District.

June through late September is a fine time to be in Chicago—since summer offers all sorts of exciting escapades. Breezy beaches, events outdoors, refreshing cocktails on rooftops, dining alfresco, and relaxing city tours, definitely keep locals and visitors on the move. So whether you’re traveling from afar or treating yourself to a staycation, here are five things to do this season. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

Hit the Beach.

While Chicago may not be the first destination that comes to mind when talking about sun, sand, and surf, to many people’s surprise, the city is home to quite a few lakeside beaches. So dip your toe in the water, play a friendly round of volleyball or work on your tan. Whatever you want to do, there’s a beach for you. Try North Avenue Beach in Lincoln Park or the less busy Oak Street Beach near the Gold Coast and Streeterville neighborhoods.

Hear Tunes at an Outdoor Music Festival.

Chicago is festival central during the warmer months, so be sure to keep these upcoming events on the radar. Music fans will certainly be in their element at Pitchfork Music Festival July 19-21, 2019 in Union Park as well as at the headliner of all headliners Lollapaloozahappening at historic Grant Park August 1-4, 2019. Other happenings not to miss include the free Millennium Park Music Series and Grant Park Music Festival, to name a few.

Raise Your Glass on a Rooftop.

The city is known for its soaring skyline and killer views, and what better way to enjoy them than from a lively rooftop bar. Hot spots around town include Devereaux on the 18th floor of the Viceroy Hotel and Cindy’s perched 13 stories overlooking Millennium Park atop the Chicago Athletic Association.

Enjoy a Meal Alfresco.

Sunny days are here and everyone is all about the fresh air, food, and drinks. When in the mood to eat outside, head to Parson’s Chicken and Fish in the Logan Square and Lincoln Park neighborhoods to get comfy under the umbrellas as you dine on Southern and South American cuisine. Boasting a hipster vibe circa the fifties and sixties, Beatnik on the River on N. Wacker offers an eclectic menu of dishes from around the world, not to mention a gorgeous terrace featuring prime waterfront views of the Chicago River.

Take a Tour.

Summer is the best time of year to see the sites thanks to the pleasant weather. There is an experience for everyone, whether you’re into history, architecture, movies, and more. Walking Tours are run by many different Tour Companies. Inside Chicago offers the chance to explore the city inside and out with interesting excursions such as “The World Within: Inside the Dazzling Interiors of the Loop” and “Chicago After Dark: Secret Gardens, Live Music and Fireworks.” Cinema lovers should sign up for the Chicago Film Tour, which offers the chance to see locations from North by Northwest, My Best Friend’s Wedding and more, as well as learn fun facts along the way. If you want the open air experience without the walking try out a Big Bus Double Decker Bus Tour