Chicago doesn’t have a shortage of things to do. In fact, we’ve written about Chicago FREE Things to Do, non-free Chicago Things to do and the top paid tours in Chicago. Almost no matter what the number one question we receive is “what are the best non-touristy things to do?” Markets. Chicago Markets. And here are the best of the best.
These markets contain dozens of vendors all under one roof (or at least in the same vicinity if a roof doesn’t exist). It’s easy to explore new foods, new cultures, and check out all the best new “stuff” that is available. Instead of heading to an Italian restaurant, head on over to an Italian market where you can explore different restaurants and vendors, and even buy some food to take home with you!
Here is a list of the top four markets you MUST check out in the Chicago area.
Eataly
43 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611
© 2013 Galdones Photography/Eataly
Ok, we admit it, this one is sort of touristy. But still, if you are looking for an authentic and eventful Italian marketplace, look no further than Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich’s Eataly Market. There are several different locations all over the world, but the Chicago location is actually the largest, spanning 65,000 square feet.
This marketplace is full of retail stores, restaurants, and ‘street sellers’ selling different authentic foods just like a real Italian marketplace. Not only will you get to buy delicious foods and wine, but you will also get an incredible experience.
They have a Nutella bar. You can walk around with a beer or glass of wine in your hand. Do you need more reasons to go?
French Market in Ogilvie Transportation Center
131 N Clinton St, Chicago, IL 60661
From Italy to France. The French Market in Ogilvie is an indoor, year-round, farmers market full of amazing foods, gifts, and other merchandise. The French Market brings in some of the best vendors that Chicago has to offer from all sorts of different neighborhoods. This marketplace contains smaller vendors who are entrepreneurs and families who own their own businesses. Not only are you getting some great stuff, but you are also supporting local small businesses in Chicago.This market’s vendors sell cheeses, meats, wine, seafood, and even ice cream.
Lincoln Park Farmers Market
1817 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
The Lincoln Park Farmers Market is one of the most popular farmer’s markets in the Chicago area. This farmers market is a one-stop shop to get all of your in-season produce fresh from the farms themselves. Farmers from all over come to the Lincoln Park Farmers Market every Saturday morning to showcase their goods. Imagine buying fresh apples from a farmer in Indiana, or amazing grapes from the infamous southwest Michigan vineyards! There are so many great options here. This farmers market is open every Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm from May-October.
Logan Square Farmers Market
2363 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
The Logan Square farmers market is a one-stop shop for organic foods, retail merchandise, and live music. This market is year round, but it moves outdoors every spring! You can come visit this market on Sundays from 10 am – 3 pm. With new vendors all the time, you can come by and find something unique!
The ‘L’ or ‘el’ train is one of the most popular methods of Chicago public transportation. The Chicago elevated railway operates 24 hours a day and can pretty much get you anywhere you need to go. You can download the 
So maybe you’re not near an L station, that’s OK. The buses are literally everywhere which means there is a good chance you can catch one nearby. They run 24 hours a day, have a fleet of 1,800 buses and run more than 2,400 routes covering over 2,200 miles. Fares are affordable and you can also use your Ventra card or pay as you go.
The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the only free zoos in the country. The Lincoln Park Zoo is also one of the oldest zoos in the country! It may not be as large as other zoos, but it has over 230 different species of animals on a 35 acre lot. A great place to spend an hour with your family, or take a walk on your lunch break. This zoo has monkeys, reptiles, polar bears, and even tigers!
Millennium is one of the largest public parks in Chicago. Its original intention was to celebrate the entrance into the third millennium. You can view exhibits, architecture, a beautiful garden, and even go ice skating! This park even offers concession stands. This is among one of the best places to go in Chicago, and admission is always free. Get an unclose and personal experience on our 
This place is so awesome we either stop in or talk about it on almost all our 
For those who love art, the National Museum of Mexican Art is a completely free attraction open to the public. The museum is divided into separate sections for each era of latin american art and culture! This approach also makes this museum appeal to lovers of history. Exhibits change frequently, so check out what they have before you make an appointment. If you have been before, chances are that you can go again and see some entirely new works of art!
Located on Columbus Drive, Buckingham Fountain is one of the largest fountains in the world! For those who want a fun experience in Chicago should come on by and check this fountain out. This is also a great place to spend your lunch break, or take your family to see the fountain go off! This is one of our favorite places to get a group picture after the 
If you are looking for a good laugh, look no further than the legendary Second City in Chicago. Stars like Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell. Alan Alda, Bill Murray, and John Candy got their starts right here. It’s not an ordinary comedy club. This is where some of the funniest and brightest comedians perform. There is a reason this is one of the most notorious comedy theaters in the United States!
The Cadillac Palace Theatre, part of the Theatre District in Chicago’s Loop, has roughly 2300 seats, the perfect size for Broadway shows! The performances are always changing, and there is always something you must see here. Parking is limited in this part of town, we recommend taking an 
The Broadway Playhouse is also part of Broadway in Chicago. New York is not the only place you can see Broadway shows! Chicago has some of the best shows available right here in the Windy City. This theater was originally closed and converted into a movie theater, but in 2004 it was restored to its original glory as a place to see some amazing live shows in Chicago. Events change frequently, so be sure to look at their calendar to find a show you might want to attend!
This legendary theater has everything from music to dance. You may come for the performance, but the architecture is like a show itself! This theater values culture and frequently runs donations to help folks who might not be able to afford to come and experience live shows in Chicago. How cool is that!? If you want to see a wonderful performance in Chicago, check the 
What makes this place so special is how 100% authentic and unique their productions are. There is a beauty of an intimate theatre that doesn’t have the production budget of the shows you will see in Chicago’s Theatre District. The performers have so much passion, the stories are fascinating to follow, the prices are reasonable and the variety can’t be matched anywhere. Tucked right inside the beautiful Lincoln Park neighborhood, this is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in getting a feel for what “real” Chicago theatre looks like.
The Chicago Symphony Center has some of the most beautiful musical performances in the world. All lovers of classical music must attend a show here if they get the chance, as it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Their in house orchestra is world class, and they also bring in other guest performers and some of the most talented conductors in the world. The building is also known for its great acoustics, making it an even more memorable experience.
Quite possibly our favorite tour to take in Chicago when we aren’t taking one of our tours. How can you possibly beat being on a boat, in the sun, downtown Chicago, looking at all these beautiful buildings while drinking an ice-cold beer? The guides do an absolutely incredible job. The material comes at you really fast, so listen carefully. And if you like what you saw and what a slightly more intimate experience take a 
If we wrote this little piece 5 years ago we might have included seeing a Cubs game as part of our 
The Shedd Aquarium is an indoor aquarium located on Lake Shore Drive. To date, it contains over 30,000 different animals! There is a reason that this aquarium was the most visited aquarium in the United States for several years. There will not be many chances to see wildlife from all over the world, so take advantage of this while you are here. The Shedd Aquarium is also involved in conservation and the fair treatment of animals!
The Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) is one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago due to its spectacular views of the city. There is no better way to see the city than from the Willis Tower Skydeck! It’s also a great spot to get some pictures of the Chicago skyline. If you have your family with you, there are discounts available, as well as cheap or free admission for children.
