Popular Nightlife For Tourists In Chicago (2024)

The Brightest of the Nights makes it all for even a spoiled-up vacation. Every young and old soul wants to enjoy their time, even if it belongs within the darkest hour of the day. And when you are in Chicago, this dream is an absolutely possible thing. Chicago has a ravishing nightlife and by far one of the best in America. It isn’t limited to Bars and Night clubs, but an entirely new journey of the city, which else way is quite different when the Sun is Bright. It could be the lively theatres, the ravishing festivals, city’s bird-eye views, dinner cruises, Chicago’s Nightlife is extremely fun.

Whether you are in Chicago with your friends’ partner, family or kids, there’s so much to do both day and night. You can be your own adult self and enjoy the time out or have dedicated family time; Chicago’s nightlife offers endless options to you. We bet you are going to love these options to enjoy the nightlife in Chicago.

7 Popular Nightlife For Tourists In Chicago

To know more about it, have a look down at our itinerary below.

1. Book yourself a Night Cruise at the Chicago River

Chicago is a city of skyscrapers that forms its world-renowned skyline. And the best time to see these architectural beauties is via cruise, especially the Night Cruise. When in the Windy city, book yourself a dinner cruise at Lake Michigan or the Chicago River and have the time of your life. Several tour companies offer tours throughout the city, allowing you to observe Chicago in a different light. These tour lasts from an hour to 90 minutes and includes dinner or a full three-course meal. If you happen to book these tours during the summer months, they will often include fireworks as well. Navy Pier or Michigan Avenue have some good Night cruise tours available.

2. Go for the Chicago’s Gangster and Ghost Tours

Perhaps no city on Earth lacks a spooky story, and when it comes to Chicago, there’s a lot. Chicago’s Gangster and Ghost Tours infolds the history, mystery, murder and mayhem of the city. You can opt for both public and private tours. Some famous ghost tours include Devil and the White City bus tours and the haunted history bus tour.

Tours basically begin from 7 pm or 8 pm and goes on till 2 to 3 hours. You can also become a ghost hunter by being a part of the Lincoln Park ghost hunt tour. It is all about the park’s connection to the Great Fire of 1871, the scandalous Suicide bridge, and the truth about the lost cemeteries. Though kids under ten are not permitted for most of the Ghost Tours.

3. Grab A Birds-Eye View Of How Chicago Looks At Night

One can never fail to appreciate the density and variety of tall buildings in Chicago. And especially when this metropolitan transforms into glitter at night, the views are jaw-dropping. Reach the vantage points, including the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier or the Adler Planetarium at Museum Campus. From here, you can grab an astounding view of downtown Chicago with its mirror image reflecting beautifully on Lake Michigan. Or climb up the John Hancock 360 Observatory or SkyDeck Chicago and grab the breathtaking views under your feet. Though climbing up the decks is not for faint-hearted.

4. Stay Up Late and Enjoy The After-Hours At Chicago Museums

You may have been to museums in Chicago during the day, though ever thought about what happens at night? Several Chicago museums operate after hour exploration opportunities. For example, the Field Museum of Natural History opens up for kids on special weekend nights. Scouts, school groups, and kids accompanied by adults are allowed to spend a night at the museum. Here they can enjoy activities like dissecting owl pellets or explore their favourite exhibitions with the scientists.

Adults who are 21+ can visit the Adler Planetarium and enjoy their Adler After Dark series. It includes unlimited sky shows, open access to exhibits, live entertainment followed by cocktails and bites on the museum terrace. The series gets organized every third Thursday of the month, ensuring unending fun. Or adults can head to the Shedd Aquarium (during summers) and have fun at the Shedd After Hours event. It is all about science activities, animal encounters, scavenger hunts, and meet-and-greets with marines. Along with that, their live music and drink & dining services are appreciable as well.

5. Listen To Some Folk Music At The Old Town School

Located in Lincoln Square, the old town School is a small but worthy place to visit. Here you can enjoy folk performances ranging from African music to a full Cuban salsa band. The venue is more of an intimate and comfortable room presenting great performance. It has also hosted several American folk artists, including Lucinda Williams, Patti Smith, Steve Earle and others. The venue in itself is also a music school organizing the required during the day hours. Before hitting up your night here for some classic musical performance, you can grab a bite in any nearby restaurant. There are several options to choose from, including the Warbler and Nashville Hot Chicken. The best part about this folk place is that tickets are reasonable and you can find free and metered parking on the street.

6. Check Out The Chicago Beer Gardens On A Warm Night

If it is still summer in Chicago, there’s nothing better than ending the night at one of its beer gardens. There are several beer gardens in the city, including Hopleaf, Kaiser tiger, the Pilot project, sleeping village and more. While you are in Joy district, you can sip your drink amidst wall paintings, greenery and the picturesque skyline. Or at the Miller Lite Beer Garden in Navy Pier, sip your beer, enjoy live music with cool breezes from Lake Michigan. If you happen to be in Chicago during winter, visit Sheffield’s sipping your sangria beside the fireplace.

7. End Your Night At The Underground Chicago

The best Nightclub in Chicago, the Underground Chicago, is a must-visit for every tourist. One of the main reasons for the popularity is that celebrities often frequent this happening club. You can enjoy live acts of Kanye West, Robin Thicke, Katy Perry, Bruno Mars and more known names. DJ here spins until the Sunrise. You can expect costume parties to product launches, fashion shows and every other hot event here. Underground is one of the largest and most unique corporate party venues in Chicago that can accommodate up to 450 guests at once.