Open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, the one-and-a-quarter-mile-long Riverwalk is free and seldom crowded, with cafes, people-watching areas, and casual drinking spots.

Riverwalk

You'll learn much about the city's history from the art adorning the Riverwalk, like a mural by Kate Lynn Lewis celebrating 100 years of Art Deco and portraits by Dont Fret.

Located downtown, The American Writers Museum (AWM) showcases American pieces and authors from over 500 years in various genres, like poetry, speeches, journalism, and fiction.

American Writers Museum

At Big Joe's, turtle races occur at 9:30 and 12:30 on Friday nights. Spectators earn Turtle Tickets with every drink purchase to win a drink, turtle race shirt, or Las Vegas trip.

Big Joe's Turtle Racing

The Rookery Building was built in 1888 by architects Daniel Burnham and John Wellborn Root. In 1905, Frank Lloyd Wright redesigned the lobby with a two-story entry and skylight.

Tour The Rookery Building

As part speakeasy and part magic theater, the Chicago Magic Lounge was opened in 2017 by Magician Joseph Cranford, who wanted to bring back the tradition of Chicago magic bars.

Chicago Magic Lounge