CityPASS Chicago articles

Chicago transforms in May as warm temperatures, blooming gardens, and a packed calendar of outdoor events signal spring's arrival. From the city's most notable landmarks to seasonal festivals, here's your guide to experiencing the best things to do in Chicago in May.

Step inside and take the ear-popping elevator ride to 360 CHICAGO, and you'll discover why this building's design is truly revolutionary. Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal Chicago's sprawling landscape from 94 floors up, while Lake Michigan stretches endlessly toward the horizon. The John Hancock Center doesn't just occupy space in Chicago's skyline — it completely transforms how we experience it.

As you step through the entryway of the Grainger Hall of Gems, soft lighting catches countless facets of crystal and stone, creating a subtle dance of rainbow reflections across the walls. The hushed atmosphere draws you in, inviting closer inspection of display cases that house some of Earth's most extraordinary natural treasures. Here, in this carefully curated space within Chicago's Field Museum, thousands of years of geological wonder await your discovery.

It's mind-boggling to consider that 71% of the Earth's surface is covered in water. Now, just imagine the variety and number of creatures thriving in the mysterious blue oceans, rivers, and lakes of this planet. Well, you don't have to leave everything to the imagination. In fact, you can see for yourself the magnificent beauty the water has to offer at the historic and renowned Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois.

Most major cities have observation decks where people can see over the tallest skyscrapers and beyond. But 360 Chicago isn’t just an observation deck. Stretching 1,000 feet above Magnificent Mile, 360 Chicago is at the top of one of the tallest buildings in the country, has the fastest elevators in North America, and is one of the oldest skyscrapers in the world with 100 or more stories.

The pizza rivalry between Chicago and New York reveals as much about these cities' cultures and histories as it does about their culinary preferences. From fast-paced Manhattan pizzerias where locals grab a quick slice on the go to Chicago's cozy deep-dish establishments where diners settle in for a knife-and-fork feast, each style tells a unique story.