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    Buckingham Fountain

    4.5 (413 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 11:00 pm

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    Nick G.

    Stopped by Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park after seeing The Bean and Crown Fountain. The scale of it is impressive, with the water shooting high into the air and the city skyline as a backdrop. On a clear day it's a great place to sit for a bit, take photos, and enjoy the view. The fountain runs on a schedule, so catching the larger water displays adds to the experience. It's also lit up at night from what I heard, which makes it worth seeing more than once. Bathrooms are also available on site. A classic Chicago landmark that's easy to fit into a walk through the park.

    No water
    Trevor C.

    Buckingham Fountain is absolutely stunning and a must-see in Chicago. The size, but unfortunately it was closed and empty for cleaning. Nonetheless the skyline backdrop make it the perfect photo spot. Whether you visit during the day or catch it lit up at night, it's a beautiful and iconic experience.

    Buckingham fountain
    Roger M.

    Wow - amazing fountain - I think more amazing that it fits right into the surroundings of the Chicago skyline - like it's so belongs here! All I gotta say is you gotta see it to really enjoy it. It was donated by Kate Buckingham, who the fountain is named after of course. Is in the shape of a wedding cake spouting and cascading waters all about. Per Wikipedia one of the largest fountains in the world so wiki can be wrong but it's a damn big big fountain in a darn big big big city.

    Brad G.

    It's a fountain! This reminds me of the grandiose fountain in Philly. I love it! The only difference is the lack of shade and park area. It sits right next to Grant/Millennium Park but it's well away from any trees. The fountain in Philly seems like it was built with every intention of constructing a park around it and having it hug the fountain. This place could be that but it's just wide open and sun baked. There are a few tree areas close by but you might as well be elsewhere because they don't make you feel like you're visiting the fountain. I was actually surprised by how empty it was around the fountain. It was in the mid-60s to mid-70s while we were in Chicago. It was perfect weather to be hanging out at the fountain but with little shade. Since this is further south in the park, I feel like it might not get noticed as much as Cloud Gate and things on the north side. Even without the shade, this is absolutely a spot worth trekking to.

    Kathleen A.

    Finally rolled through Chicago when the fountain was on and it did not disappoint. Shooting high in the sky and spraying people down on a hot Chicago day. I think this fountain was worth the wait. Yeah, I grew up watching Married With Children so there was a certain nostalgia that came with the visit but that is fine by me! Reminded me of that episode where Kelly was on the trivia show but her brain was full and every nonsensical thing she learned pushed on eof the trivia answers out of her brain. What an episode!

    View of the city from Buckingham Fountain.
    Tim S.

    I really wanted to see the "Married with Children" Fountain so I made my way down here. I paid for parking at the Millennium Garage and walked a couple blocks down here to see the fountain in action......or so I thought. I got there and see a sign that says it doesn't open until next weekend (May 10th, 2025). Lame! I was a week early. Still cool to see though, and the park its in would be an awesome place to hang out and walk in if it wasn't so cold outside.

    Lana E.

    Super gorgeous fountain! We caught it at the perfect time when the spray was extremely high! The area around is large and spacious. This is the perfect place to walk! Just past the fountain you can take a water taxi ride back to your desired destination.

    James L.

    Popularized back in the late 80's to mid-90s in the opening sequence of the "Married with Children" TV show, Buckingham Fountain has been a historical landmark in Chicago since philanthropist Kate S. Buckingham donated it back in 1927. Almost in the center of Grant Park, it is worth a visit to observe as the mechanical jets manipulate the water into all manner of ariel acrobatics, with some water streams shooting water up to 150 feet into the air. There are benches lining the perimeter of the fountain to appreciate the spectacle; which also provides a nice respite from the hours of walking which tourists usually engage when in Chicago. We weren't able to return in the evening when decorative lights accompany the water show, but it was still lovely to visit during the daytime. So do as visitors and locals do and stop by, snap a few pics and then upload to your social media platform of choice.

    Skyline
    Smith Family O.

    I just love coming here when I'm in the Chicago area. It's been awhile but it's always awesome. Beautiful area for pictures. They were getting ready for the lollapalooza weekend so it was a busy area. I recommend visiting this area, there is plenty to do and see. Many shops, bars and restaurants nearby.

    Tank G.

    This historic fountain is located in Grant Park. It is eye catching an is located in a huge plaza area with benches around the perimeter to sit. It is a very busy, but relaxing spot, as you listen to the flow of the fountain's water. You may recognize this fountain from the opening of the show Married with Children or in the movie The Break-up. The fountain was dedicated in 1927 and added to the the National Register of Historic Places in July 1993. It was donated to the city by philanthropist Kate Buckingham, who named the fountain after her late brother Clearance. The fountain is billed as one of the largest fountains in the world. The fountain is constructed of Georgia pink marble and contains 1.5 million gallons of water. The fountain consists of 3 basins with the bottom pool of the fountain being 280 feet in diameter. Additionally, the fountain has 134 jets that are powered by 3 pumps. Luckily, I was able to catch the fountain operating during its final week of the season. The fountain operates from 8AM to 11PM daily, normally from early May through mid-October, depending on weather. It's operation was extended to the end of October this year due to the late warm weather they were experiencing. The fountain has an amazing water show which occurs every hour on the hour and last approximately 20 minutes, where the fountain's center jet shoots up vertically to about 150 feet. I was staying at a hotel nearby and the water show is what caught my eye and brought me in. This is a must see attraction if you are in downtown Chicago. You can pair it with a visit to historic Grant Park, where it is centrally located and make a trip of it.

    IG: @ammysalamii
    Angela G.

    This was my favorite part of visiting Chicago for the first time. It was such a BEAUTIFUL fountain and I love how much open space there is around it! Super cool for photos and even photoshoots! We luckily found parking on the street up front, otherwise I'm not sure where to park. The fountain is HUGE. Bigger than any I've seen and it was so nice and clean around it. This city in general is super clean and nice compared to LA. The surrounding view of the cityscape and old school hotels were incredible. Such a beautiful part of this city and would love to visit and take my family someday. IG: @ammysalamii

    View facing north west with the skyline in the back.
    Tony H.

    This is one of the attractions in Chicago you should visit. I always forget how massive this fountain actually is along with the open space surrounding it. A great location for some photography especially with the skyline in the back west of the fountain or the open sky to the east towards Lake Michigan. Even if water fountains aren't your thing there's a lot to see over in Grant Park and nearby Millennium park to walk around and check out as well.

    Sanjay G.

    One of the largest fountains in the world (Built-in 1927 as a donation from the family), the feature boasts 133 jets that shoot water as high as 150 feet into the air during 20-minute choreographed displays (take place every hour between 8 AM and 11 PM). The last display of the evening starts at 10:35 PM. After dusk, the water show is accompanied by lights, a must-see if you are in the neighborhood in the evening. The fountain is the central focal point of Grant Park, Chicago's expansive public space with many attractions and smaller parks like Millennium Park, comparable to Central Park. Extra point for - the view from this place... one side, Chicago skyline, another side, the path to Michigan River.... so location wise- its top place. and From Skydeck Chicago- you can understand how strategically this fountain is placed.

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    8 months ago

    Pretty tame for a prominent landmark. Nothing very special, but it's cool at the very least.

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    Pretty fountain near the lake. Lots of Segways were seen. It would be a good destination for a bike ride.

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    Review Highlights - Buckingham Fountain

    Yes, this is the fountain we all remember from the opening credits of "Married With Children." I'm getting old.

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    Skydeck Chicago - NEVER FORGET (look closely)

    Skydeck Chicago

    3.5(942 reviews)
    0.9 miThe Loop

    I usually do not participate in gimmicky, touristy things like paying high prices for skyscraper…read moreviews, but surprisingly enjoyed my visit here. The entrance is on the south side of Willis Tower and there is a food court on the ground floor. You follow the signs to two levels down to check in for the Skydeck. Before taking an elevator to the Skydeck, there is a bunch of selfie opportunities that showcase local Chicago landmarks, foods, and culture. I think this is to make the line seem more tolerable. I went on a weekday morning and there were barely any people, so I zipped through the museum fairly quickly. For tourists, it is an informative and fun area. Panoramic views are great on a clear day. Skydeck photo ops are limited to 90 seconds per group, but because there were not many people, the staff let each group take as long as they wanted. 1 star off: Just like many tourist attractions, the staff offers to take photos and charge exorbitant prices for them. They place a camera on the top of each Skydeck and takes a photo of you looking up. I caved in and paid $35 for it, but really think it should not cost $35 for one photo. They take additional photos with the Chicago skyline and such, but they looked kind of fake to me, so I did not purchase them. Overall, I spent about an hour here and thought I was entertained fairly well.

    Let me start by saying the main purpose of this visit was to step outside of my comfort…read morezone--because I am terrified of heights. The staff at Skydeck Chicago were all very sweet and friendly throughout the experience. As you make your way up, you walk through a series of exhibits and fun facts about Chicago, which was a nice touch and made the wait feel more engaging. It really highlights what makes the city special. Once we reached the top, I quickly realized I had underestimated just how high the building actually is. When it was time to step out onto the ledge... I completely punked out! They tell you not to look down, but of course, your natural reaction is to do exactly that. There's a photographer ready to capture the moment when you step all the way out onto the glass, but truthfully, I couldn't make it all the way out. I gave it about 2.5 seconds of bravery before my fear kicked in! Even with my moment of panic, I'm still really glad I went. It was definitely an unforgettable experience and a fun way to challenge myself.

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    Skydeck Chicago - Use your phone flash!

    Use your phone flash!

    Skydeck Chicago - Read sign if it's not obvious.

    Read sign if it's not obvious.

    Skydeck Chicago - Our friend living his best life

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    Our friend living his best life

    Chicago Riverwalk - PS. Chicago I love you.

    Chicago Riverwalk

    4.6(262 reviews)
    0.9 miThe Loop

    Very chill and relaxing. With much to see and get some nice steps in…read more Certainly recommend if you're looking to cut back on just spending money everywhere you go.

    One might expect me to be all doom and gloom about the sheer number of restaurants and bars along…read morethe river. Surprisingly, I won't be that guy, at least not this time. The main thing I really love about the Riverwalk is that it's a place in Chicago where someone can simply exist and vibe without the necessity of spending money. There is more than enough space to walk along the riverfront, take a seat, and enjoy the atmosphere. In terms of safety, there are more than enough "eyes on the street" as well as a visible police/private security presence. As with any high-traffic spot, use common sense, but other than a possible pickpocket, I don't foresee any issues. In terms of cleanliness, it is well-maintained, and I've not encountered any noticeable dirt, grime, or trash. I also really appreciate that the Riverwalk has both public bathrooms and is accessible! Accessibility needs no further explanation, and being able to wash up without buying an overpriced drink is worth its weight in gold. Another Yelper has compared it to the San Antonio River Walk and called out Chicago for having a shorter, less green "rip-off" of what one would find in Texas. However, I believe one should cast this comparison aside and judge the Chicago Riverwalk on its own merits. With that said... The final verdict: The Chicago Riverwalk is not your traditional, greenery-filled park. It is, however, a fantastic public space to take a stroll, have a bite, or just relax. Better still, while there is no shortage of tourists, it is an excellent destination for locals and visitors alike.

    Photos
    Chicago Riverwalk - 07.04.25 view of the Chicago River and the RiverWalk from Michigan Avenue Bridge

    07.04.25 view of the Chicago River and the RiverWalk from Michigan Avenue Bridge

    Chicago Riverwalk - Wrigley and Tribune buildings.

    Wrigley and Tribune buildings.

    Chicago Riverwalk - Trump tower dominates the skyline looking west.

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    Trump tower dominates the skyline looking west.

    Willis Tower - Entrance

    Willis Tower

    3.8(1.5k reviews)
    0.9 miThe Loop

    I've been here multiple times, both during the day and at night, and the views are always amazing!…read moreSeeing Chicago from the top never gets old -- daytime gives beautiful city and lake views, while nighttime is stunning with all the city lights. The Skydeck and glass ledge experience is super cool and definitely worth trying. The staff is also helpful and take really good pictures, which makes the visit even more memorable. Whether it's your first time or a repeat visit, this place is always worth it. One of my favorite attractions in Chicago!

    Spontaneous visit to Sears Tower on a Saturday afternoon! I haven't been here since I was a little…read morekid, and that was before they added The Ledge and before it was renamed to Willis Tower, so I've been wanting to come back to experience it again. Surprisingly on a Saturday around 1:30pm, it wasn't crowded at all and there was 0 wait times for anything. I loved the museum you walk through before getting to the elevator that takes you up. The part featuring Chicago foods and the mirrored deep dish pizza was especially cool. When we got up to the top, we enjoyed the amazing views and then headed over to The Ledge. There are two lines, but it did not take long at all because they only allow people 90 seconds to take photos and there are multiple ledges. There's also a bunch of restaurants located here, so you could truly just make a day out of it. They also have other exhibits sometimes, and I think this time around it was the Color Museum. Love that they also added a Van Leeuwen ice cream shop recently!

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    Willis Tower - Chamber music in the sky

    Chamber music in the sky

    Willis Tower - I was too afraid to step all the was back to the outer wall. Others were posing and having a blast. I'd do it again!

    I was too afraid to step all the was back to the outer wall. Others were posing and having a blast. I'd do it again!

    Willis Tower - Lots of fun photo ops while heading up to the tower.

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    Lots of fun photo ops while heading up to the tower.

    Buckingham Fountain - landmarks - Updated June 2026

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