Things to Do in Chicago Mockup

Millennium Park

See Chicago’s famous “Bean” and go sightseeing in the downtown Loop.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (312) 650-8298 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 11 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Millennium Park is one of Chicago’s most iconic places. It’s situated in the heart of downtown, also known as “the Loop.” Here, you can see Cloud Gate, or, as it’s better known, “The Bean.”

Millennium Park has a lot more to offer besides a picture with The Bean, though. All year round, you can walk the park, enjoy public art, and witness images at Crown Fountain – an interactive video sculpture.

In the summer, enjoy outdoor concerts and Chicago festivals. Favorites include the Chicago Blues Festival and Millennium Park Summer Music Series, which take place at Jay Pritzker Pavilion. In the winter, you can go ice skating just below The Bean or at the nearby Maggie Daley ice skating ribbon.

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Cloud Gate (“The Bean”)

Chicago’s most iconic landmark — a mirror-like art sculpture that locals call “The Bean.”

View of "The Bean" sculpture — *“The Bean” is Chicago’s best-known landmark*

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6 am – 11 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Cloud Gate, more commonly referred to as “The Bean,” is Chicago’s most identifiable landmark. This giant structure is located in Millennium Park. The Bean is best known for its shiny mirror-like surface, which was inspired by liquid mercury and designed to reflect images of the Chicago skyline above.

The Bean is a fun experience and a must-do on any Chicago itinerary if you’re a first-time visitor. I recommend stopping by for a quick picture in the morning or early evening for fewer crowds.