Art Galleries • Architectural Buildings
Downtown / The Loop
THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Attractions in Chicago
Best Chicago Hidden Gem Attractions
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- Traveller favouritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveller rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
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76 places sorted by traveller favourites.
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Speciality Museums • Art Museums
Near North Side
Historic Sites • Gardens
East Garfield Park
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Hyde Park
Admission tickets from €25.63
Universities & Schools • Educational sites
Hyde Park
Speciality Museums
Downtown / The Loop
Admission tickets from €13.29
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Downtown / The Loop
Breweries
West Side
•
Open now
Cemeteries
Far North Side
Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
South Loop
Speciality Museums
Downtown / The Loop
•
Temporarily closed
Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
North Side
•
Open now
Speciality Museums • Science Museums
Gold Coast
Escape Games
Downtown / The Loop
•
Open now
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Far North Side
Bars & Clubs • Theatre & Performances
Far North Side
•
Open now
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Douglas
History Museums
South Side
Learn more about this content
Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
What travellers are saying
- Jackie NChicago, IL9 contributionsCan you believe I’ve lived here 30 years and saw the CCC for the first time yesterday?! Breathtaking! Every inch is a site to behold. Skip the Bean….this is a must see! (Or, at least go across the street to see this building after you’re at the Bean!)
The store selling all Chicago designed things was great!
Also the employees were all very friendly and helpful!Written 5 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - FussyGrlPhoenix, AZ252 contributionsIf you are interested in art, architecture, and/or history, you must visit this museum! When we arrived, we heard an older woman say, "Why are we here anyway?" Well where else would you want to be?! This house-turned-museum perfectly presents a glimpse into the gilded age. The finishes and details in the house are exquisite, and that, not the size of the rooms or the house, is what makes it breath-taking. There are so many lovely rooms with lovely and interesting details -- I could have looked just at the different tilework in the house for hours. And the museum allows you to wander and return to rooms if you want another look; there's no fast-paced pressure to move along. All in all absolutely worth a visit!Written 18 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KrystalBanfillWindsor, Canada75 contributionsTook a quick Uber here from our hotel. The conservatory requires a reservation however we were able to just enter our email and walk right in. The different rooms were all very cool to see. The size of the Palms, and variation in plant life was a refreshing change to the actual weather outside in Chicago and our home town in Windsor Ontario Canada. The show room got our family excited for Spring to arrive we really stopped to smell the flowers. There was a cute small local owned Coffee Cart that we stopped to get Cold brews from as we walked around. The conservatory is free (accepts donations if you have the means to do so). The area itself Garfield Park is not a good area, however if you are making your way here and a fan of the show Shameless after the conservatory have your uber make a stop before heading back to your hotel or next activity to the Gallager house its about 10mins away dont stop for long but take some cool photos (Gallager & Kev & Vs house).Written 16 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NapierAronapier486 contributionsThis small museum far exceeded my expectations. Had to admit that I found the term "Oriental" a little confusing, as the numerous items on display were mostly from the Middle East and Egypt, with a smaller display of Roman statues.
The items were all stunningly displayed with good captions. There were only six other visitors there so it made me feel very select.
This was a real highlight of my visit to this city, and was only a five minute walk from the famous Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House.Written 4 November 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - nicholebowersStamford, Connecticut69 contributionsOur family toured the Robie House while in the Chicago area and had a great experience. This is definitely an activity for adults or older children; my child is a very mature tween and she enjoyed seeing the house and asking questions, but is accustomed to these tours and behaved accordingly. Our guide was fantastic, and I believe he runs the site, so perhaps has greater knowledge and interest than other reviewers commenting on the guide. Having never seen a FLW home in person, I thought this was well done and I appreciate the restoration that ensures the house is true to its 1920’s original appearance. My child was disappointed there was little furniture to see (there is some), but the house has changed hands a few times.
Gift shop had a range of items at several price levels and all staff we spoke with were wonderful. Would highly recommend this experience,as it was convenient from downtown Chicago on the Meatra ($2 reduced fare ticket each way, per person) and our taxi was $20 for the family from the downtown - note we didn’t see many taxi options going back to Chicago so we rode the train. On street parking is plentiful BUT school was not in session. Gorgeous area with many other cool buildings on the University of Chicago campus. Also close to the Museum of Science and Industry.Written 27 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - jrp_phinneySeattle29 contributionsSo beautiful! We had a great time - nice break from winter! The Fern Room was my favorite but my 16yo daughter loved the flower show room.Written 15 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rick628Chicago, IL339 contributionsIt feels a little strange reviewing a University like it was a hot dog stand, and you're not going to find many good hot dogs here. If you're looking for a peaceful visit, as a complement to other south side attractions (most notably the Museum of Science & Industry), this campus fills the bill. Gothic architecture mixed with modern, grassy quad, the Midway to walk along. And if you're in the neighborhood, you're very close to Court Theater and the Oriental Institute Museum (although it says it's about to change its name, so look for it).Written 6 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Peter-DGChicago, IL47 contributionsTheir collections are very extensive and thorough. Lots of stuff is user interactive. The historical timeline is fascinating. Nice quiet place to visit along the bustle of Michigan Avenue.Written 19 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- DutchNellieNelToronto, Canada4 contributionsI got a private tour (by accident) through the Rookery by Jennifer from the FrankLloydWright Foundation and man, was I one lucky chic. Not only the dazzling beauty of this building is impressive; the story about the construction and its constructors/architects etc is just as impressive. Thanks so much to Jennifer; She made this tour an experience to never forget.Written 5 December 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Veronica H4 contributionsGreat experience overall- Chris was a phenomenal tour guide. We came before a Bulls game, United Center is about 15 min walk away.Written 5 February 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- kenatravelsChicago, IL64 contributionsGraceland Cemetery is gorgeous. The architecture, the history, the plants. It is peaceful and a wonderful place to learn Chicago history.Written 9 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Amilcar GuzmanHarwood Heights, IL460 contributionsA fabulous museum in the Chicago area. We loved the art, history and la cultura. Make sure to visit when there are world class events.Written 29 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Scott BNashua, New Hampshire10 contributionsWarm , passionate and knowledgeable curator and docent made this a fantastic visit. The house is amazing.Written 2 December 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lynn NConcord, MA11 contributionsI would recommend this museum to all ages. The federal staff of all jobs and responsibilities volunteer for an informational talk in a meeting room. We had a gentleman who was up the corporate ladder who loved to talk. He was delightful and funny.
The museum is small and the space is used wisely. Go see a million dollars. Or pick up free money (shredded) Get educated.Written 10 July 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - yuanwaiChicago, IL233 contributionsA Frank Lloyd Wright inspired garden, in the middle of the city, by the lake. Just a fantastic place to visit and sit around. One of the quintessential part of Chicago!Written 6 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
