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Navy Pier
Pier, Arts and Entertainment, and Monument
Streeterville, Chicago
The experts at Eater and Explore Chicago recommend this place
"One of the best views of the cityscape is up by the Ferris wheel."(53 Tips)
"Beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline."(21 Tips)
"Gorgeous lakefront establishments with a marvelous view"(9 Tips)
"great option for Chicago boat tours!"(7 Tips)
342 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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- Fodor's TravelJanuary 28, 2016Navy Pier is fun, especially for families. Everyone can fan out to shop in the mall, play minigolf in Pier Park in summer, see a movie at the IMAX Theatre, or explore the Chicago Children's Museum. Read more
Alix RecordSeptember 19, 2016Not just a big city kiddie heaven. views are the best in Chicago. You can get some very good food here. The boat rides are varied and well worth it. Just strolling outside is frat people watching too!Upvoted 1 week ago- Negin NGNovember 17, 2014Gorgeous lakefront establishments with a marvelous view of Chicago skyline. Restaurants, entertainment centers & the most impressive stained glass collection ever. Had some tasty sword fish for lunch.
Upvoted Feb 17 
This is very tourist-y. The 4th of July fireworks is one of very few reasons to visit. Still, it is a wonder to enjoy on less-busy days.
The renovations have really changed this place a lot. It looks gorgeous. A nice place to spend some time with family and friends and go around eating and relaxing.
Alex BurnhamJune 24, 2015Awesome Place normally--except they're doing tons of construction. Scenic View, Touristy Stuff, Small Amusement Park.
Navid Jubaer (Ayon)June 12, 2021Must visit place in Chicago. You have to do the Seadog boat trip to view the skyline. It’s mesmerizing, if you get Taylor as the tour guide. Parking is super expensive though.
Best water fountain in the city is 1st floor at Festival Hall A near the women's restroom. Perfect water height, temp, and pressure.
eric bornemannAugust 11, 2019Touristy as hell, but you can’t beat the views on the water. You can skip the mediocre restaurants and grab a drink from the outside bars and stroll up and down the lake.
MarkApril 30, 2019The ferris wheel is a great way to see the majesty of the city skyline & views of Lake Michigan. Touristy food and gift shops within
Lina GonzoOctober 21, 2012Take a warm jacket on the ferris wheel. The air is atleast 20 degrees cooler up there, and much windier!
Estefania HAugust 27, 2017Lovely atmosphere and beautiful views of the lake and to the city. Looks busy during the weekends! Weekday evenings are comfortably quiet :)
- Tana BabcockJuly 5, 2017The seadog architecture tour is a great option for Chicago boat tours! Easy parking at a flat rate on the pier too!
Marie La RueMay 28, 2023Visit for the incredible views of Lake Michigan and the City skyline. Swarmed with tourists and mediocre shops and restaurants otherwise. Good spot to embark on a boat tour.
Blanca G.February 28, 2017This is place where anyone can come and be near the shore. We can laugh, eat, dance, and interactive with family and friends. As well as hop on a boat and see fireworks during the summer.
Cass GrimmJanuary 23, 2018The Ferris wheel has a great view of the city. Otherwise, In the winter there isn’t much to do there except the winter wonderland (geared toward children) and some restaurants.
Hudson SutlerJuly 20, 2017Take a boat tour of Lake Michigan. See a play at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Take a ride on the Centennial Wheel. Navy Pier is the perfect place to kill a few hours between meetings and obligations. Read more
Sean MillerNovember 2, 2016Great atmosphere! Lots of different places to eat and shop at plus some amazing views of the city. We did the river tour and lake tour and both were awesome!
Kat CorlissOctober 12, 2013The iconic ferris wheel is amazing for photo ops, it gives great views of the shoreline and downtown. Worth the $6/ticket! Unfortunately, in October, that seems like that's ALL there is to do.
Jenny PollockJuly 7, 2013The Ferris wheel is defiantly worth the $6 and the wait. It's an amazing view of the city. You'll be able to get great photos of the skyline.
- MarkApril 30, 2019The ferris wheel is a great way to see the majesty of the city skyline & views of Lake Michigan. Touristy food and souvenir places within the pier shops
- MarkApril 30, 2019The ferris wheel is a great way to see the majesty of the city skyline & views of Lake Michigan. Touristy food and souvenir places within the pier shops.
Jasmine O'ConnerSeptember 21, 2015I hadn't been to Navy Pier in so long. The view (skyline) was so beautiful and there was so much diversity. It's a must go again. However, parking was a little steep ($25) lol.
There is almost always a special event going on at Navy Pier and a lot of them are free! Check out their website to see whats going on. Worst case the pier itself is always a fun time!
Avin NarasimhanJune 19, 2015touristy, of course. but having been born in chicago, i still have fond memories of coming here as a kid. try to take a stroll through when i do make it back. grab yourself a beer and take in the view- Fodor's TravelAugust 24, 2015Located right on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier not only provides visitors with stunning lakefront and skyline views, but it also has a number of free activities offered year-round.
ATL_HunterFebruary 26, 2016Great venue for a grand scale event or gala. Beware there are lots of going up and down stairs to get to main event space
Niqui Rodger (ruiz)January 20, 2013Grab a bag of Chicago style popcorn or some cinnamon nuts and head down to the Stained Glass Window Museum. It's pretty cool, but a decently long walk, so the snack is nice to have with. ;)
Jon SuminskiJune 30, 2015Definitely ride the Ferris Wheel at least once. Also Garrett's Popcorn if you haven't gotten any yet. Chicago souvenir's everywhere to take home.
- Rick M JonesJune 4, 2015This is the right place for fun and entertainment with family.Enjoy the rides and views, Food, shopping, sightseeing cruise, games, music, fireworks, it has it all!
Doris BranscombeMay 2, 2013Great place to see the city, water, and do fun activities. We enjoyed the Sea Dog Architectural tour - Grant was great, Don't miss it! We ate, drank and enjoyed the scenery!
Cincy JenJuly 15, 2013Take the $17 nite boat tour, 30 minutes on the lake with magnificent views of the skyline and ferris wheel. Great pictures, what a great deal for the price! Bring a jacket
ChicagoistAugust 1, 2014I particularly like taking a stroll around the Grand Ballroom at the end of the pier and gazing out at Lake Michigan stretching out on the horizon, or catching the evening fireworks. Read more
- Greg WilcoxNovember 16, 2015Beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Fun shops to check out. A bit touristy, but worth a trip if you're visiting Chicago.
Ryan JusticeNovember 10, 2011Sometimes you have to try multiple doors, but occasionally you can get through the maze of locked doors to access the roof and other unaccessable (unless you're having an event there) places.
Toria LAugust 25, 2014Great location for kids! Come earlier in the day when it's less crowded. Lots of boats offering tours nearby. Beer gets progressively more expensive the farther east you go...
William StudartJune 30, 2016Great place to watch the fireworks (happening every Wednesday by 9:30pm) and walk, enjoying the lake view
Kevin M. McNally, CMPAugust 21, 2018Located in Streeterville, Navy Pier is fun for all. Ferris Wheel, Restaurants, Chicago Skyline, Tour boats & Fancypant boats that offer dinner and music. This is a great place all year round.
Todd NevinsOctober 6, 2011> Chicago's Navy Pier on Lake Michigan is a fun place with great restaurants , a nice indoor garden , some cool shops and fantastic views :) You can also take a Boat Taxi to the Shedd Aquarium !
Brady D.September 21, 2013Pier closes at 10 pm on Fri and Sat nights. But Bubba Gumps stays open till 11 inside. Great service even when you walk in at 10:45 and stay till 11:30.
Thamer AMay 6, 2018Really beautiful place to visit. You will spend two to three hours without being bored. It is must see place during Chicago visit.
Andrea CAugust 19, 2014Must see. Something to do for people of all ages and families. Food, shopping, sightseeing cruise, games, music, fireworks, it has it all!
Aaron CruzApril 15, 2012Shops. Pier, skyline, lake and harbor views. Carnival rides. Lot's of dining options. Cruise opportunities and more right on the lakefront. Could not take enough great photos here. :)
Joseph B.September 5, 2014The shops and shows can get pricey, but arguably the best part of Navy Pier is just walking around the pier. Day or night, just check it out.
Kelli SullivanNovember 17, 2013So fun to walk around! A must do in Chicago by far. Ride the Ferris Wheel for a unique view of Chicago. Fireworks are great as well!
Dave EversonOctober 1, 2018The architectural tour is great. You’ll also take in some all around Chicago history. We went on the Bull Dog tour.
Estepha FrancisqueMay 2, 2015Fun fun fun! Renovation is looking great with lots of indoor spots to avoid the cold. Try the Ferris wheel and bring lots of cash
UHNWISeptember 14, 2016Beautiful spot on a shiny day. Full fun for family members, and drinks to go!
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Historic Navy Pier® is Chicago's lakefront playground. Its the Midwest's #1 tourist and leisure destination.
Open until 10:00 PM (Show more)
- Mon–Thu, Sun
- 10:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Fri–Sat
- 10:00 AM–Midnight
(312) 595-7437
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Yes (incl. MasterCard)
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Places inside Navy Pier
- 6.6
"Staff very good! Margarita no so much however I am from Houston! Great try!! Burglar was yummy!"
Clay Whitehead - 6.7
"Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger is awesome!"
Maureen Brogan - 8.5
"Harry Caray's is right next door to the museum. Great place for the kids. Especially baseball fans! There's a museum with all kinds of unique sports memorabilia inside the restaurant."
Beth Heller
Upcoming Events
- Navy Pier Open Air
4:00 PM on May 10, 2024
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6:30 PM on August 16, 2024
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