Best Things to Do in Chicago

Chicago Travel Tips and Day Trip Ideas

As the third largest city in the country, Chicago is full of life and activity. With so much history, culture, art, and science activities, the city has enough to keep you coming back for more. Whether you need transportation from downtown, O’Hare airport, or Midway airport, Budget has got you covered with multiple locations throughout the city, so you can enjoy the perfect trip.

Budget Car Rental Chicago

Before you start planning out activities, you’ll want to nail down the details on your rental car. Budget has the options that you need to get the most of your time in Chicago, from economy, to business, to long-term solutions.

Budget has a wide variety of makes and models, so you can travel in style and luxury, get from point A to point B modestly, or whatever else suits you the best. The options we offer will give you the flexibility and freedom to enjoy your trip to Chicago.

Bonus Tip: Budget offers one-way car rentals for when you need to get from A to B.

Things to Do in Chicago

With so much to do and see in the Windy City, your biggest challenge will be fitting it all into the time you have on your trip. Check out these activities for a day full of fun.

Skydeck at Willis Tower

Take an elevator ride to the 103rd floor of one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere, Willis Tower. Once you’re there, take in the Chicago cityscape at the Skydeck. The Ledge, which is not for the faint of heart, offers you the opportunity to stand in a glass box protruding 4.3 feet from the building. Look down, if you dare.

Navy Pier

Once a naval training center, this 100-year-old pier now is home to a host of games, rides, and other attractions. Go up on the Centennial Wheel, the crown jewel of the park, to get a unique view of the city. The pier often has art exhibits and other cultural curiosities on display as well.

Shedd Aquarium

Chicago’s state-of-the-art lakeside aquarium is one Chicago’s best family activities. The aquarium has eight large exhibits, featuring marine life from all over the world, that is sure to keep the kids entertained for hours. Don’t miss the Abbott Oceanarium, home to beluga whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins.

The Field Museum

This natural history museum has exhibits on mummies, dinosaurs, DNA, earth science, anthropology, and everything in between. The carefully curated displays are sure to spark your curiosity. The museum also offers spectacular 3D movies for the whole family.

Art and Culture

Art Institute of Chicago

Did you ever see Ferris Bueller's Day Off? You can “play hooky” and admire the work of Picasso and Seurat just like Ferris and his pals did in the 80s classic. With as many as ten rotating exhibits, you’re to find plenty of art to enjoy at this superb Chicago museum.

Millenium Park

Visit this park to get your fill of sculptures and architecture. Here you’ll find the famous reflective “bean,” Cloud Gate, a prime photo opportunity. The Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion often hosts outdoor concerts. For fans of flora, the park is home to a 5-acre botanical space, Lurie Garden. Millenium Park is one of several beautiful green parks along Chicago’s waterfront.

You don’t want to worry about transportation, not when there’s so much to see and do. Choose Budget Rent a Car for a dependable Chicago car rental. Visit our website to reserve your car today or learn more about our products and services.