What to do in Evanston, IL

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic building with a lighthouse, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
A street with a Taco Bell restaurant, a brick building, and a row of parked cars.
A park with a walking path, trees, and a body of water.
A modern building with large glass windows and the name "Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art" on the facade.
A large white building with intricate architecture, a central fountain, and a symmetrical garden with trees and flowers.

Evanston Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Evanston has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Evanston is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Evanston to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Evanston Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Evanston.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Evanston attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do


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Most fun & popular experiences in Evanston

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What to do in Evanston


Stay near popular Evanston attractions

Where to stay in Evanston

Find the best Evanston areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Evanston
Learn more about Evanston

South Evanston

South Evanston is well-liked for its restaurants and shopping. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Lake Michigan and FEW Spirits are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Main Street Metro Station or South Boulevard Station to get around.

North Evanston

The restaurants and shopping are just a few things visitors like about North Evanston. Ryan Field and Grosse Point Lighthouse are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Central Station (Purple Line) or Noyes Station to get around the larger area.

Downtown Evanston

While you're in Downtown Evanston, take in top sights like 1111 Church Street Evanston and jump on the metro at Davis Metro Station to see more of the city.

Lakeshore Historic District

If you're spending some time in Lakeshore Historic District, Lee Street Beach and Dawes Park are top sights worth seeing.

Church & Dodge

Church & Dodge might not have many top sights, but Halim Time & Glass Museum and 1111 Church Street Evanston are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Evanston

Frequently asked questions

Is Evanston worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Evanston is explore Lincoln Park Zoo. Check this top sight off your itinerary, then experience more of this area's nature and dining.
How do I spend a day in Evanston?
Lincoln Park Zoo and Montrose Beach are two awesome places to begin your getaway adventures. Be sure to explore the retail and dining options in Evanston while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Evanston?
The top tourist attraction in Evanston is Lincoln Park Zoo, so don't forget to add it to your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Evanston?
Three days will give you time to check out many city attractions, including Montrose Beach, Riviera Theatre and Kathy Osterman Beach. The average stay in Evanston is three days. If you have the time to extend your break, Chicago isn't far away.
Is Evanston a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Evanston is a great place to experience on foot. Have fun wandering between North Shore Centre for the Performing Arts and Loyola Beach. Then take a stroll around Rogers Park, located 5 kilometres from the centre, and West Ridge, which is roughly 5 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Evanston with kids?
What to do in Evanston for adults?
FEW Spirits and Armitage Avenue are just two of the things to do in Evanston. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Evanston?
One of the simplest ways to find free things to do in Evanston is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Montrose Beach is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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