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Zoos & aquariums

Shedd Aquarium

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Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, this facility houses a diverse collection of marine mammals, fish, and invertebrates. Visitors go here to observe aquatic species from various global ecosystems in a controlled environment.

Getting There

From downtown Chicago, the aquarium is accessible via public transit or ride-share services. Depending on the starting point in the city centre, the trip typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Duration of Visit

Allow approximately 3 to 5 hours to walk through the exhibits and observe the animals at a steady pace.

When to Visit

The facility gets crowded during weekends, school holidays, and peak summer months. Visiting on a weekday morning generally avoids the largest crowds. Because it is an indoor attraction, it is a viable option regardless of the season.

Nearby Attractions

The aquarium is situated within the Museum Campus, making it easy to combine with other nearby sites on foot:

  • Museum Campus: 0.1km
  • Field Museum of Natural History: 0.3km
  • Adler Planetarium: 0.6km
  • Grant Park: 1km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Shedd Aquarium

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Shedd Aquarium Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Chicago 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Chicago grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

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Chicago 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Chicago grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Museum Campus

Parks & gardens

Museum Campus

A park district near Chicago's Grant Park, home to the Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, and Field Museum of Natural History. It's an ideal spot to visit several museums in a single day.

0.1 km away
Field Museum of Natural History

Museums & galleries

Field Museum of Natural History

A natural history museum located along Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. Its exhibits span a wide range of fields, from anthropology to geology.

0.3 km away
Adler Planetarium

Museums & galleries

Adler Planetarium

A planetarium on Chicago's Museum Campus by Lake Michigan, opened in 1930. It's close to the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium, making it easy to visit all three together.

0.6 km away
Grant Park

Parks & gardens

Grant Park

Grant Park is a large park in downtown Chicago's Loop district. It's close to Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, and the Art Institute of Chicago, making it easy to visit them all together.

1.0 km away
Art Institute of Chicago

Museums & galleries

Art Institute of Chicago

Considered one of the top three art museums in the United States, alongside New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. It's well worth a visit for travelers looking to explore a world-class collection.

1.5 km away
Monadnock Building

Views & landmarks

Monadnock Building

Built in 1891, it's considered one of the oldest surviving high-rise buildings. Its classic 16-story facade offers a glimpse into Chicago's architectural history.

1.7 km away