No visit to Chicago is complete without a trip to the Art Institute, the crown jewel in the city’s cultural scene. The museum has more than 300,000 works in its permanent collection, spanning many different movements such as the Renaissance and Surrealism. Expect to see quintessential pieces by Edward Hopper, van Gogh, Picasso, Monet and Cézanne, plus a vast array of sculptures, ceramics and contemporary pieces.

The Shedd Aquarium is home to approximately 32,000 animals, including sea otters, sharks, frogs, penguins and beluga whales, not to mention a multitude of different fish and coral species. The aquarium is divided into different geographical exhibits and offers a comprehensive daily schedule that includes spotlight sessions on various species, live dives and feedings, along with look-and-learn experiences. With so many activities and programming, this is easily a full-day excursion.

No visit to Chicago is complete without a trip to the Art Institute, the crown jewel in the city’s cultural scene. The museum has more than 300,000 works in its permanent collection, spanning many different movements such as the Renaissance and Surrealism. Expect to see quintessential pieces by Edward Hopper, van Gogh, Picasso, Monet and Cézanne, plus a vast array of sculptures, ceramics and contemporary pieces.

As one of the largest science museums in the world, the Museum of Science and Industry meticulously curates every installation, exhibit and showcase to pique curiosity and inquiry. Housed in a building constructed during the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893, this vast institution offers an immersive experience into history, technology and the natural world. Exhibits include Science Storms, U-505 Submarine: 75 Stories, Coal Mine, Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze and more.

Steeped in history, the Field Museum opened in 1894 (then known as the Field Columbian Museum), with a collection that grew out of the 65,000 exhibits on display at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. In its current location since 1921, this natural history museum shines a light on everything from ancient cultures to the newest scientific discoveries and offers an array of exhibits under its general admission, including SUE the T rex and Máximo the Titanosaur.

One of the many things Chicago excels at is offering its visitors awe-inspiring 360-degree views of the city. For this reason alone, the Willis Tower’s renowned Skydeck is a must-visit. Located on the building’s 103rd floor 1,353 feet (412 meters) above the city, it’s the tallest spot to sightsee in Chicago – short of taking a helicopter ride. An ideal locale for an Instagram snap or two, the Skydeck provides views that are breathtaking from every angle – including down.

Journey through space and time with a trip to the popular Adler Planetarium. Explore a mix of museum exhibits, including Mission Moon, Our Solar System, Planet Explorers and more, and then take in a show or two, choosing from Welcome to the Universe, Imagine the Moon and Planet Nine. Seasonal events include pop-up shows, after-dark programming from May through August and even monthly yoga classes. Check the website for all scheduling, and where possible, purchase tickets online.

Dating back to 1897, the landmark Chicago Cultural Center – affectionately known as the ‘People’s Palace’ – remains a beloved cultural hotspot thanks to its impressive line-up of free public events. Boasting the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass dome, along with a second smaller but equally magnificent dome, the center showcases work from an array of local and national artists, performers and musicians, rotating the schedule regularly.

Nestled in the heart of downtown, Millennium Park offers an eclectic mix of nature and the arts, combined with contemporary architectural detailing in its Jay Pritzker Pavilion. As it’s home to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as ‘The Bean,’ no trip to Chicago is complete without posing for a selfie in front of it. In the summer, take a relaxing stroll through the Lurie Garden, and enjoy picnics and open-air concerts in the pavilion.

Brush up on your local history at the Chicago History Museum in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. With an extensive library of historical artefacts, the museum has signature exhibitions such as Chicago: Crossroads of America and Sensing Chicago, along with a variety of intriguing temporary displays. The museum is also home to a renowned historical costume and textiles collection, with more than 50,000 costumes and textiles from the 18th century to the present day.