Chicago is a fantastic & impressive city in Illinois state in USA with so much to offer! A rich cultural scene, world-class museums, stunning architecture, diverse neighborhoods and delicious food!! I totally recommend you not to skip it if you visited like me during your Route 66 roadtrip.
Chicago offers a wealth of attractions and landmarks to explore! I stayed only 3 days in the beginning of Route 66 so I cannot tell you many details but general information of what you can do in a few days. Angel’s tip: You can read more for the entire Route 66 here.
Airport for International Flights: Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is the primary airport serving international flights to and from Chicago. It is one of the busiest airports in the world and offers numerous international connections. Angel’s tip: I flew here from Athens city via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines.
How many days? If you want to visit the city’s major attractions and take an idea of the food scene, you’ll likely need at least 3-4 days. If you’re interested in Chicago’s cultural offerings, such as theater performances, live music, art galleries, and museums, you may want to allocate extra time to attend shows, exhibitions, and events.
Plug Type: In Chicago and throughout the United States, the standard electric plug type is Type A and Type B. Type A has two flat parallel pins, while Type B adds a grounding pin. The standard voltage is 120V, and the standard frequency is 60Hz.
Accommodation: Chicago offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Some popular areas to consider for accommodation include:
- Downtown/The Loop: This area is ideal for first-time visitors as it’s close to major attractions such as Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Magnificent Mile shopping district. There are many hotels in this area ranging from luxury to budget-friendly options.
- River North: Known for its vibrant nightlife, art galleries, and trendy restaurants, River North is a popular choice for travelers looking to experience Chicago’s cultural scene. It’s also within walking distance of downtown attractions.
- Near North Side: This upscale neighborhood includes the Gold Coast and Streeterville areas and offers luxury hotels, high-end shopping, and beautiful lakefront views.
Angel’s tip: the hotel I stayed was the Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago and it was pretty convenient!
MUST DO & MUST SEE SIGHTS IN THE CITY:
1. The Bean (Cloud Gate): Located in Millennium Park, this iconic sculpture is a must-see for visitors. Its reflective surface provides unique photo opportunities and stunning views of the surrounding skyline. Angel’s tip: Unfortunately when I visited it was under construction, so the pic below is not ideal! Good luck to see it as it is!
2. Millennium Park: Millennium Park is one of Chicago’s most iconic and beloved public spaces, offering a variety of attractions and cultural experiences. Here are some highlights of what you can find in Millennium Park apart from the Bean mentioned before:
- Crown Fountain: This interactive public art installation features two 50-foot glass block towers that display digital images of Chicago residents’ faces. Water flows through a shallow reflecting pool between the towers, and visitors can wade in the water during the warmer months.
- Jay Pritzker Pavilion: Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion is an outdoor concert venue that hosts a variety of performances and events, including concerts, festivals, and outdoor movie screenings.
- Lurie Garden: A peaceful oasis within Millennium Park, Lurie Garden is a beautifully landscaped garden that showcases a variety of native plants and flowers. It’s a popular spot for relaxing, taking a leisurely stroll, or enjoying a picnic.
- Maggie Daley Park: Located adjacent to Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park is a 20-acre recreational space featuring playgrounds, rock climbing walls, a skating ribbon (in winter), mini-golf, and more. It’s a great place for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
- BP Bridge and Nichols Bridgeway: These pedestrian bridges provide scenic views of Millennium Park and connect the park to other areas of downtown Chicago, including Grant Park and the Art Institute of Chicago.
- Wrigley Square and Millennium Monument: This historic area features a replica of the original Peristyle that once stood in Grant Park, as well as the Millennium Monument, which commemorates the turn of the 21st century.
Crown Fountain
3. The Art Institute of Chicago: One of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, the Art Institute houses an impressive collection of artwork from around the world, including famous pieces like Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” and Georges Seurat’s “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte.”
4. Skydeck Chicago: Located in the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), the Skydeck offers breathtaking views of the city from its glass-bottomed observation deck on the 103rd floor called “The Ledge”. These transparent glass boxes extend out from the skyscraper, allowing visitors to step onto them and experience the sensation of floating above the city, with unobstructed views of Chicago’s skyline and streets below. It’s a thrilling and popular attraction for tourists visiting Chicago, offering a unique perspective of the city from a height of over 1,300 feet (400 meters). Angel’s tip: You have only 90 minutes to take photos on the Ledge.
5. The Magnificent Mile: Stretching along Michigan Avenue, this upscale shopping district is one of the most vibrant and bustling parts of Chicago, home to luxury boutiques, department stores, restaurants, and iconic landmarks like the Chicago Water Tower and the John Hancock Center. It’s a major tourist destination and a popular spot for both locals and visitors to shop, dine, and explore the city.
6. Navy Pier: This popular tourist destination offers entertainment, dining, and shopping options, as well as stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Angel’s tip: Ride the Ferris wheel for amazing views (especially during sunset) with $18 per person.
7. Museum Campus: Situated along Lake Michigan, the Museum Campus is home to several of Chicago’s top museums, including the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium.
8. The Chicago Riverwalk: This scenic walkway along the Chicago River offers stunning views of the city’s architecture, as well as dining and recreational opportunities like boat tours and kayak rentals.
9. Taste delicious food
Chicago is renowned for its diverse and iconic food scene. Whether you’re a foodie seeking Michelin-starred dining experiences or a casual diner looking for classic comfort foods, Chicago has something to satisfy every palate. With its rich culinary heritage, diverse neighborhoods, and innovative chefs, Chicago is indeed a paradise for food lovers.
Angel’s tip: Must eat in Chicago is a deep-dish pizza and a restaurant I enjoyed a lot for burgers with great vibes was Ed Debevick’s. For these 2 days in Chicago, we spent $140 per person(pp) in restaurants fyi.
If you search for a place for drinks with a rooftop and great views , visit “London House”.
10. Lincoln Park Zoo: Admission-free and open year-round, Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country and home to a wide variety of animals from around the world.
11. Watch a game either basketball or baseball.
Chicago is famous for the Chicago Bulls, one of the most iconic basketball teams in the NBA. The Bulls have a rich history and a passionate fan base, and attending a game at the United Center, their home arena, can be an exciting and memorable experience for sports enthusiasts. Watching a Bulls game, especially if you’re a basketball fan, can be a must-do activity while visiting Chicago. The atmosphere at the United Center during a Bulls game is electric, with cheering fans, halftime entertainment, and the thrill of live NBA action.Even if you’re not a die-hard basketball fan, attending a Bulls game can still be a fun and unique way to experience Chicago’s sports culture and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant energy. Plus, the United Center is conveniently located near downtown Chicago, making it easily accessible for visitors.
On the other hand, baseball fans won’t want to miss a visit to Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. Even if you’re not catching a game, you can take a guided tour of this historic ballpark.
For more pics and details, check my highlight and posts on Instagram.
IG: angeliki.a_
