Chicago
- Katie Oliver
- Oct 12, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 3, 2021
August, 2020
Welcome to the Windy City! The city of Chicago is full of fascinating history, beautiful lakefront parks, and lots of unique architecture. We loved enjoying the outdoor parks & riverwalk and exploring the local museums. And there is so much good food!! We only spendt 4 days there and can't wait to go back!
Check out our other pages for our FULL itinerary & highlight video!
Chicago
Best Eats
- Chicago-style deep dish pizza
Gino's East
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Giordano's
- Ramen-San: Tokyo style tonkotsu ramen, delicious!
- Billy Goat Tavern burgers
- Roka Akor: Japanese
- London House Rooftop Bar
- City Winery
- Garrett Popcorn Shops
- Chicago Dogs at Buck's Four Star Grill
- Offshore Rooftop & Bar: largest rooftop bar in the US! Make reservations in advance
- Riva on Navy Pier: since we didn't have reservations at Offshore, this was our backup and it was still great food!
- French Market
- Phoenix Restaurant
- Daebak Korean BBQ
Must do, Must see
- Millenium Park & Cloud Gate
- Maddie Daley Park
- Buckingham Fountain & Queen's Landing
- Art Institute of Chicago (CityPass): reserve tickets
- Shedd Aquarium (CityPass): reserve tickets
- Field Museum (CityPass): reserve tickets
- Adler Planetarium (CityPass)
- Skydeck Chicago (CityPass): Willis Tower, formerly known as Sear's Tower. Reserve tickets, best to go early morning to beat the lines! Check out the edge!
- 360 Chicago (CityPass): John Hancock Tower. Reserve tickets, great at sunset for cool views of downtown via Michigan Ave. Check out tilt!
- China Town & Ping Tom Memorial Park: grab a boba tea and walk around
- Lincoln Park & Zoo: Wonderful free zoo! Reserve timed tickets now due to COVID. Reservations are released every Monday and Thursday at 4 p.m. CT for the following 3-4 days
- Magnificent Mile: walk down Michigan Avenue and explore Chicago's elite shopping district. (This was a very enjoyable bike ride from Lincoln Park!)
- Museum of Science and Industry: very hands-on & interactive, great for kids.
Jackson Park & Garden of the Phoenix
- River Boat Architecture Tours: There are tons of companies available! We did the lake & river tour with Wendella and loved it! 90 minutes long, ~$40/person. We went early in the morning (at 10am) to beat the summer heat!
Tips and Tricks
Transportation
- Divvy Bike Rentals
- Chicago Transit Authority (CTA): Take the CTA from the airport to downtown. We also got the 3-day pass to use around the city on the L-train and the bus system.
Chicago City Pass: $109/person, use over 9 consecutive days
- Shedd (all access)
- Skydeck Chicago (expedited + the Ledge)
- Field Museum (all access)
- Art Institute of Chicago (fast pass) OR Adler Planetarium
- Museum of Science and Industry (entry + one timed experience) OR 360 Chicago (express entry)
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