28 Free Things to Do in Chicago: A Budget-Friendly Itinerary for Women Traveling to Chicago, Illinois

Exploring the vibrant city of Chicago doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local seeking fresh experiences, there are plenty of free and fun things to do in the city of Chicago. This curated list is designed specifically for women traveling to Chicago who want to make the most of their trip while staying on budget. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, these 28 fun things are definitely worth adding to your Chicago itinerary on a budget:

20+ Free Things to Do in Chicago Right Now:

1. Relax by the Buckingham Fountain.

Admission to the Buckingham fountain in Chicago, Illinois is free; there is no cost to enjoy the fountain or the water show.

📍 301 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

2. See famous Chicago graves at Graceland Cemetery.

Admission to Graceland Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois is free, there are also free self guided tours available for you; there are other events that may cost.

📍 4001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613

3. Walk through the Garfield Park Conservatory.

Admission to the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago, Illinois is free; they do prefer if you book your visit online & you can plan your visit to the Garfield Park conservatory with this link here.

📍 300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624

4. Visit the Gallagher House and the Ball House between North Lawndale and Little Village from Shameless.

There is no cost to stand on the sidewalk & photograph the Gallagher home or the Ball home from Shameless in Chicago, Illinois; there is a guard & additional fees if you want to be on the steps and get a closer look.

📍 2119 S Homan Ave, Chicago, IL 60623

5. See the Sh*t Fountain in Ukrainian Village/East Village.

There is no cost to stand on the sidewalk and admire the Shi* Fountain located between Ukrainian Village and East Village; this is a residential area so rules are subject to change & I encourage travelers to respect the people within the neighborhood

📍 1001 North Wolcott Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60622

6. Stop by the DuSable Museum of African American History.

There are a few ways that you can visit the DuSable Museum of African-American history (the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center) for free, but in most cases if you’re a tourist this will be paid admission; you can see how to visit for free / the cost through this link here.

📍 740 E 56th Pl, Chicago, IL 60637

7. See a 1957 Cadillac de Ville covered in concrete.

There is no cost to admire the concrete covered 1957 Cadillac de Ville and Chicago, Illinois; be aware that the address listed is within the Campus North parking garage of University of Chicago – Hyde Park.

📍 E 55th St, Chicago, IL 60637

8. Visit the National Museum of Mexican Art.

Admission is free to visit the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago, Illinois.

📍 1852 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 60608

9. Check out Walt Disney’s Birthplace in Hermosa Park.

There is no cost to admire the Walt Disney’s birthplace from outside of their fence, but if you are interested in a tour then there are cost for those tickets; you can find Lacoste in Times for a tour of Walt Disney’s birth place here. As a reminder, this is completely within a residential area so parking may not always be available & it’s expected that you respect the neighbors who lives there.

📍 2156 N Tripp Ave, Chicago, IL 60639

10. Take a picture at the Greetings from Chicago Mural.

There is no cost to visit or photograph your self in front of the greetings from Chicago Mural in Logan Square, Chicago, Illinois. I would plan to visit here earlier in the day or in the evening because it is a parking lot and there are usually pick up trucks parked nearby or in front of the mural.

📍 2226 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

11. Bike The 606 Trail.

There is no cost to bike/run/walk the 606 Trail in Chicago, Illinois.

12. Stop under the Education Pavilion in Lincoln Park.

There is no cost to visit the education pavilion in Lincoln Park, but there may be a photo session actively happening as some photographers are permitted to do so. This is a great place to stop by after you visit the Lincoln Park Zoo which is located walking distance away.

📍 South Pond, Chicago, IL 60614

13. Visit the Smart Museum of Art at The University of Chicago.

Admission to the Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois is free.

📍 5550 S. Greenwood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637

14. Take pictures at The Bean (Cloud Gate) in Millennium Park.

There is no cost to visit The Bean (Cloud Gate) in Millennium Park, but do expect crowds; I suggest showing up early in the morning or in the evening if you want a clear photo in front of the Bean.

📍 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602

15. Hang out at Montrose Beach.

There is no cost to visit Montrose beach in Chicago, Illinois; admission is free.

📍 4400 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60640

16. See the Fountain of Time in Washington Park.

There is no cost to see the Fountain of Time in Washington Park, Chicago, Illinois; you can admire the fountain for free.

📍 6000 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

17. See the biggest Tiffany dome at the Chicago Cultural Center.

There is no cost to walk in and admire the Tiffany dome at the Chicago Cultural Center in Chicago, Illinois.

📍 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602

18. Visit the Lincoln Park Conservatory.

Admission to the Lincoln Park Conservatory in Chicago, Illinois is free; they do suggest a donation on their website.

📍 2391 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL 60614

19. Walk the full Lakefront Trail.

Walking the Lakefront Trail in Chicago, Illinois is free.

20. See Dorothy and Toto at Oz Park.

Seeing the cast of Wizard of Oz and statue form at Oz Park in Chicago, Illinois is free; it is a public park that you can walk through.

📍 2021 N Burling St, Chicago, IL 60614

21. See the Buddha heads in Lincoln Park.

The Buddha heads in Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois are free to visit and photograph.

📍 2045 N Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL 60614

22. Touch a rock from the Great Pyramids on the Tribune Tower walls.

The artifacts are located outside of the Tribune Tower (along the wall) & it is completely free to photograph and admire.

📍 435 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

23. See the Robin Williams Mural in Logan Square.

There is no cost to visit the Robin Williams mural in Logan Square, Chicago, IL.

📍 2051 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

24. Take a free walking tour of the Loop.

The walking tours are completely free; click the link above to get more information on the free walking towards available around Chicago, Illinois.

25. Stop by the Fountain of the Great Lakes (Spirit of the Great Lakes Fountain) at the Art Institute of Chicago (also free on certain days for residents).

This is outside and there is no cost to admire the fountain of Great Lakes or Spirit of the great lakes fountain in Chicago, Illinois.

📍 Alongside the Art Institute of Chicago, E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60603

26. Tour along the Chicago Riverwalk.

There is no cost to walk along the Chicago Riverwalk in Chicago, Illinois; there are plenty of stores around every interested in buying something.

📍 22 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

27. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (for Illinois residents) on a Tuesday.

Admission to the Museum of contemporary Art Chicago is $19 for adult Chicago residents & $22 for non-Chicago residents; on Tuesdays it is free for Illinois residents.

📍 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago IL 60611

28. Find the secret mermaid at 41st Street Beach (Oakwood Beach).

This is outside at a beach so there is no cost associated with visiting 41st St. Beach (Oakwood Beach) for photographing yourself near the mermaid.

📍 41.820026, -87.595093

Wrap Up Your Chicago Itinerary with More Budget-Friendly Ideas

As you plan your adventure, remember that exploring Chicago doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. This list of 28 fun things to do in Chicago offers a mix of culture, history, and unique sights—all for free. Whether you’re mapping out a full day or looking to fill a few hours, these activities are perfect for women travelers seeking authentic, memorable experiences on a budget.

Looking for more inspiration? Be sure to check out my other Chicago blog posts for more tips, hidden gems, and personalized guides to make the most of your time in the city. Dive deeper into the best spots for food, nightlife, and off-the-beaten-path finds that will take your Chicago itinerary to the next level!