DOWNTOWN CHICAGO
Top 10 Things to Do
Looking for things to do in downtown Chicago? With a stay at the Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, you're perfectly positioned to experience all the action. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown, this hotel leaves you within minutes of the city's premier attractions.
Shedd Aquarium
Discover Shedd Aquarium, a top Chicago attraction located minutes from our hotel and the third largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors love exploring diverse marine life with over 32,000 animals from around the world. This is a perfect place to stop if you’re a marine enthusiast, if you’re traveling with kids, or if you want to learn something new!
Soldier Field
This historic stadium opened in 1924 in the heart of Chicago. Soldier Field has been home to the Chicago Bear’s NFL team since 1971. Aside from football, the stadium also hosts soccer matches and major concerts. Located within the Museum Campus, it is surrounded by top attractions in Chicago. If you’re attending a concert or game at the venue, Congress Plaza Hotel is the perfect place to stay.
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Grant Park
You can’t visit Chicago without a stop at Grant Park, the sprawling urban oasis just steps from Congress Plaza Hotel. Fondly called “Chicago’s Front Yard” by locals, Grant Park is home to iconic Chicago attractions including Buckingham Fountain, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Millenium Park. Enjoy many festivals and outdoor events throughout the year at this lively and large park.
Buckingham Fountain
Don’t miss the beautiful Buckingham Fountain, first constructed in 1927 and located in Grant Park. This amazing structure is one of the largest fountains in the world! The fountain is an iconic Chicago attraction and a great spot to take some photos. During the summer, visitors can enjoy water shows and incredible light displays in the evening.
Navy Pier
Whether you're planning a shopping trip or a dinner date, Navy Pier offers something for everyone and is one of the top things to do in downtown Chicago. Eat, shop and play at dozens of engaging stores and eateries. Take in panoramic views of Lake Michigan atop the iconic Centennial Wheel, or ride the carousel, drop tower, light tower or wave swinger.
Chicago History Museum
Wondering what there is to do in downtown Chicago? This legendary museum explores Chicago’s history through engaging exhibitions and events. Rotating exhibitions give you the chance to learn a new chapter of the city’s story, such as “City on Fire: Chicago 1871” and “Facing Freedom in America.” With over 23 million objects to discover, there’s never a dull moment.
Chicago Children's Museum
This immersive museum features over 57,000 square feet of exhibits and special events for a range of age groups. Introduce the kids to dinosaurs or bring them into Storyland, where they’ll take an immersive journey through their favorite childhood books. Water City teaches them all about this all-important element, Cloud Buster gives them room to climb and the art studio lets them get creative.
The Willis Tower
If you're seeking things to do in downtown Chicago, IL, this iconic tower lets you experience the city from over 100 stories up on its innovative skydeck. As the third tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, that’s no easy feat. Catch awe-inspiring views from all four sides on the all-glass viewing platform, which is positioned a whopping 1,353 feet in the air and extends 4.3 feet from the tower’s surface.
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