Navy Pier
Tourist attraction · Streeterville ·
Iconic lakeside entertainment complex with rides, dining, and fireworks
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67557527/1205373261.jpg.0.jpg "Navy Pier by Andrew Woodley/Universal Images Group/Getty Images")
Iconic lakeside entertainment complex with rides, dining, and fireworks
"Though Navy Pier is a tourist sinkhole that most locals enjoy avoiding, it’s also one of the best places to catch free live outdoor music. From their beer garden to their Wave Wall Staircase, there are performances here every Sunday, Thursday, and Friday. You can hear local rock bands, jazz groups, and a weekend festival in August highlighting the music of the Latin American diaspora. If you get hungry, you can grab a burger or hot dog from the beer garden, or check out one of the not-terrible Navy Pier restaurants like Billy Goat Tavern or Ciccio. Click here for their event calendar." - john ringor
"Navy Pier happens to be home to Ciccio, one of the best italian beefs in the city, plus some great fried chicken at Art Smith's Reunion. And though the rest of the food on the pier isn't mind-blowing, a burger from Billy Goat Tavern, some deep dish from Giordano's, or drinks and small plates on the largest rooftop in the United States can help you get through the last 10 miles of the Lakefront Trail. Make sure to cap your meal off with an Original Rainbow Cone so you can justify being at this god-forsaken tourist trap." - adrian kane, veda kilaru
"Lakeside entertainment complex that presents fireworks twice a week in summer—including a special Independence Day edition—paired with attractions such as the Centennial Wheel and a 1920s carousel, making it a family-oriented place to celebrate and view pyrotechnics." - Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for Travel + Leisure and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A waterfront entertainment complex with rides, dining, and seasonal events, offering scenic views and family-friendly attractions along the shoreline." - Lauren Dana Ellman Lauren Dana Ellman Lauren Dana Ellman is a New York-based writer and editor who specializes in travel, lifestyle, food, and shopping content. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Something to do at Navy Pier besides watching tourists watch fireworks: Every Thursday and Friday from June 3rd-25th you can hear live music on the stage next to the Centennial Wheel. You can see a list of this week’s performances here." - adrian kane