Best Things to Do in Chicago Without a Car

A visit to the Windy City offers so much to do for every type of traveler – both solo travelers and group travelers. Known as the third largest state in the county, Chicago is popular for its amazing architecture, top dining locations and beautiful outdoor parks and monuments.

If you’re traveling to Chicago by air and don’t want to rent a car, there are still plenty of exciting attractions you can visit without a car. Many of the city’s most popular attractions are accessible by foot or by using public transportation. Below, check out some of Chicago’s best things to do that don’t require a car to get to.

Get to and From the Airport Using Chicago’s L-Train

Chicago’s public transportation system is called the “L-line”, which offers over 140 stations throughout the city and surrounding suburbs. This public transportation system is perfect for those looking for things to do in Chicago without a car, offering a simple means of transportation throughout the city.

If you’re traveling to Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD), you can take the blue L-line to and from the airport. For visitors traveling into the Midway International Airport (MDW), take the orange L-line to and from the airport.

Visit the Art Institute of Chicago

111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

A visit to the Art Institute of Chicago is a must-do for first-time tourists. Founded in 1879, this renowned museum is home to over 300,000 works of art. Guests can spend all day here, but most visitors spend between three and four hours exploring the art institute.

Not only is this one of the city’s more popular attractions, but it’s also easily accessible by foot and the Chicago L-Train. To get to this attraction, take the L-train to the Van Buren St. station. Ticket prices are $32 for adults, $26 for seniors, students and teens and free for children.

Experience Stunning Views from Skydeck Chicago

233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

If art museums aren’t your thing, the Skydeck Chicago is another great attraction in Chicago that is walkable from many locations. Located on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, Skydeck Chicago offers amazing views of the city. From the top of this “tallest building in Chicago,” visitors can see views spanning as far as four different states. Once you and your travel group head to the 103rd floor, you’ll also get to check out “the Ledge,” a glass balcony that extends out four feet from the building.

Tickets for the Skydeck Chicago are timed in 30-minute increments and cost $40.50 for adults, $32.50 for youth and are free for children under three. This attraction is located close to the Chicago Union Station (about a 5-minute walk), making it easily accessible from any of Chicago’s L-train lines.

Explore the Chicago Riverwalk

E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

The Chicago Riverwalk is another of the best no-car things to do in Chicago, perfect for visitors who want to get some fresh air and experience Chicago’s great entertainment. The riverwalk runs along the Chicago River, extending from the main branch of the river down to Lake Michigan. At the riverwalk, you’ll find plenty to do that is all walkable without a car (spanning around 1.25 miles). If you want to get out on the river, try Chicago’s kayak and boat rentals or go for a sightseeing tour on the river.

The riverwalk area also features many dining and bar locations within walking distance for a perfect night out on the town! It does not cost money to enter this open-air area (only for attractions). This area is easily accessible from many of the L-train lines, including the brown, purple, red, pink, orange and green lines.

Roam the Lincoln Park Zoo

2001 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60614

Families visiting Chicago won’t want to miss an exciting visit to the Lincoln Park Zoo, another great idea for things to do in Chicago without a car. The Lincoln Park Zoo spans 35 acres and is the fourth oldest zoo in the country! What makes this zoo extra exciting to visit is that it is one of the country’s only free-admission zoos, which helps save you money in your travel budget!

To get to the Lincoln Park Zoo, take the brown or purple line to the Fullerton station. From there, you’ll have only about a mile walk to the zoo entrance. Once inside the zoo, don’t miss the rotating selection of attractions and exhibits worth exploring, as well as many educational and interactive things to do for the children in your group.

Catch a Game at Wrigley Field

1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613

Baseball fans visiting Chicago can catch a game at Wrigley Field, the home of the MLB Chicago Cubs. Opened in 1914, this popular stadium is well-known for its charm and as a great space for watching a baseball game. Tickets will vary in price depending on the game and can be purchased right at the ticket box office outside the field. To get to the field, take the Red Line of the L-Line train system. You can also take the Purple or Yellow lines and then transfer to the Red Line if traveling from the suburbs from outside the city.

Planning Your No Car Things to Do in Chicago

Whether you’re looking to explore stunning views of the city from atop the Skydeck Chicago or want to explore a leisurely walk on the Riverwalk, there’s something exciting to do in the Windy City for every type of visitor.

What are you waiting for? Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Chicago today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.