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Millennium ParkvsNavy Pier
Navy Pier and Millennium Park are both highly recommended by professional reviewers. On balance, Millennium Park is preferred by most reviewers compared to Navy Pier. Millennium Park has a TripExpert Score of 97 with praise from 10 publications like Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out and Fodor's.
Millennium Park
Fodor's
Concierge
Travel + Leisure
Time Out
Condé Nast Traveler
Not For Tourists Travel + Leisure
Michelin Guide
Where
Afar Magazine Show All Reviews
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
From $0/night
Fodor's ""The Bean," the fountains, the Disney-esque music pavilion—all the pieces of this new park quickly stole the hearts of Chicagoans and visitors alike." Full review
Concierge "This 24.5-acre park, built on top of a former rail yard beside the Art Institute, is a welcome oasis downtown."
Travel + Leisure "Since opening in 2004, the 24.5-acre Millennium Park has become a Chicago staple that lures renowned artists, architects, and musicians." Full review
Time Out "This 24.5-acre park features Frank Gehry's Pritzker Pavilion and serpentine bridge; sculptor Anish Kapoor's 110-ton Cloud Gate (a.k.a. “The Bean”); and Jaume Plensa's Crown Fountain." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "One of Chicago’s most popular destinations—thanks, in part, to the throngs of tourists taking selfies in the reflective surface of Ani Kapoor’s Cloud Gate." Full review
Not For Tourists "One of the best public spaces on the planet."
Travel + Leisure "In the heart of the Loop, this park is a multi-functional green space peppered with contemporary art and classic Chicagoan architecture." Full review
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"Millennium Park is among the city's nicest assets. Its 24.5 acres are filled with something to see at every turn." Full review
Where "This 24.5-acre green space is one of the city’s major cultural centers." Full review
Afar Magazine "The contrast between the organic form of 'the bean' and the structured grid lines, along with the warped fun house mirror quality of the city, makes this a truly unique destination." Full review
Navy Pier Fodor's Time Out Not For Tourists Michelin Guide Where
Atlas Obscura Time Out Afar Magazine Travel + Leisure
Frommer's
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
From $0/night
Fodor's "No matter the season, Navy Pier is a fun place to spend a few hours, especially with kids in tow." Full review
Time Out "This tourist hot spot features shops, eateries, an IMAX cinema and a bevy of sightseeing boat tours." Full review
Not For Tourists "Municipal wharf turned boffo tourist attraction."
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"Navy Pier has enjoyed many lives since it was first built in 1916 as a passenger and freight terminal." Full review
Where "Encompassing more than 50 acres along the lakefront, Navy Pier boasts a nearly 200-foot-high, climate-controlled Ferris wheel." Full review
Atlas Obscura "A display of magnificent stained glass windows is the first exhibit of its kind. " Full review
Time Out "Windows made or inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, Tiffany, Alphonse Mucha, Roger Brown and others compose this collection of more than 150 stained glass windows, on display along the lower level terraces of Festival Hall." Full review
Afar Magazine "We decided to observe our city from a new perch, so we flew over it on a beautiful summer afternoon." Full review
Travel + Leisure "If you're looking for a day of family fun, head to Navy Pier in downtown Chicago. You'll find plenty to keep yourself and your family entertained here...get a truly one-of-a-kind view of Lake Michigan"
Frommer's "Built during World War I, this 3,000-foot-long pier served as a Navy training center for pilots during World War II." Full review
