Free things to do in Near North Side 16 places

Chicago Riverwalk

Parks · State/Lake (Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple)

A 1.25-mile pedestrian path along the main branch of the Chicago River in the heart of downtown. Walk past cafes, public art, and floating gardens with skyline and bridge views, a scenic and free way to experience the city from the water's edge.

Near North Branch Library

Libraries · Clark/Division (Red)

A Chicago Public Library branch in Near North. Free to enter, with public Wi-Fi, quiet study space, and books for anyone — a dependable free indoor stop.

Water Works Branch Library

Libraries · Chicago (Red)

A Chicago Public Library branch in Water Works. Free to enter, with public Wi-Fi, quiet study space, and books for anyone — a dependable free indoor stop.

Oak Street Beach

Beaches · Chicago (Red)

A crescent of sand tucked against the Gold Coast high-rises just steps from the Magnificent Mile. Its curving seawall promenade and skyline backdrop make it a favorite for sunbathing, people-watching, and lakefront biking. Admission is free.

Navy Pier

Landmarks · Grand (Red)

Chicago's iconic lakefront pier stretches over 3,000 feet into Lake Michigan with gardens, promenades, public art, and free seasonal fireworks and events. Wandering the pier, parks, and skyline overlook costs nothing, even if the Ferris wheel does.

Newberry Library

Museums · Chicago (Red)

An independent research library in a grand 1893 building overlooking Washington Square Park, with free public exhibitions drawn from its vast collection of rare books, maps, and manuscripts. Not a lending library but a cultural landmark open to all. Exhibits and tours are free.

Ohio Street Beach

Beaches · Grand (Red)

Ohio Street Beach is one of the most iconic access points to Chicago's 18-mile Lakefront Trail, a free paved path hugging Lake Michigan. The north-facing beach in Streeterville offers skyline views, calm swimming water, and an easy on-ramp to walk or bike the shoreline near Navy Pier.

Richard H. Driehaus Museum

Museums · Chicago (Red)

Housed in the opulently restored 1883 Nickerson Mansion, the Driehaus Museum showcases Gilded Age decorative arts, architecture, and interiors. Ornate rooms filled with period furnishings and stained glass evoke late-19th-century Chicago high society.

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

Museums · Chicago (Red)

The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is one of the largest contemporary art institutions in the country, presenting bold rotating exhibitions of painting, sculpture, performance, and new media. Just off Michigan Avenue, it champions living and emerging artists.

International Museum of Surgical Science

Museums · Clark/Division (Red)

Housed in a 1917 Gold Coast mansion modeled on a French chateau, this delightfully macabre museum traces the history of surgery through antique instruments, an apothecary, and paintings of medical milestones. Its oddball charm and lakefront setting make it a memorable solo visit. Time it to a free Tuesday to see it for nothing.

DuSable Bridge (Michigan Avenue Bridge)

Views · Grand (Red)

This historic 1920 double-deck bascule bridge over the Chicago River is flanked by the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower and the river's skyline canyon. Its sidewalks are a classic free vantage point for photographing downtown and the water. Commemorative plaques mark it as the site of Chicago's founding settlement.

Fourth Presbyterian Church

Landmarks · Chicago (Red)

A Gothic Revival oasis directly across Michigan Avenue from the John Hancock tower, with a fountain courtyard that is one of downtown's most peaceful hidden retreats. Step inside the vaulted sanctuary for free, or catch the free Friday lunchtime concert. A calm counterpoint to the Magnificent Mile bustle.

Poetry Foundation

Cultural centers · Chicago (Red)

A striking modern building housing a 40,000-volume poetry library, a light-filled exhibition gallery, and a performance space. Visitors can browse rare volumes, hear recordings, and catch free readings and shows. Admission is free.

Zolla/Lieberman Gallery

Galleries · Chicago (Brown, Purple)

One of the pioneering galleries of Chicago's historic River North art district, open for more than 50 years. It presents established and emerging contemporary artists in a handsome loft space, free to all. A classic stop on a downtown gallery walk.

Instituto Cervantes Chicago

Cultural centers · Grand (Red)

The Spanish government's cultural institute in River North, promoting Spanish and Latin American culture through free art exhibitions, film screenings, and a Spanish-language library. Named for author Miguel de Cervantes.

Alliance Française de Chicago

Cultural centers · Chicago (Red)

French cultural center and language school in the Gold Coast, hosting free art exhibitions, a French-language library, and film and cultural events. Some programs require membership or tickets.