Chicago-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Friday

Places to Go:

  • Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower): Start your day with a visit to the iconic Willis Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world. Take in panoramic views of the city from the Skydeck on the 103rd floor.
  • Millennium Park: After visiting the Willis Tower, head over to Millennium Park, one of Chicago’s most popular attractions. Explore the park’s beautiful gardens, public art installations, and iconic landmarks like the “Cloud Gate” sculpture (also known as “The Bean”).

Activities:

  • Take a stroll along the Lake Michigan shoreline and enjoy the views of the city skyline.
  • Visit the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the largest and most visited art museums in the country.

Where to Eat:

  • Grab lunch at Lou Mitchell’s, a classic American diner that’s been serving up breakfast favorites like pancakes, waffles, and eggs benedict since 1923.
  • For dinner, try Girl & the Goat, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant from Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard.

Where to Stay:

  • Consider staying at the LondonHouse Chicago, a luxurious hotel located in the heart of the Loop. Enjoy stunning views of the city from your room or the rooftop bar.

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions like Millennium Park.
  • Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and layers, as the weather can be unpredictable in Chicago.
  • Take advantage of the city’s extensive public transportation system, including buses and trains (the “L”).

Transportation:

  • Get around the city using the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) bus or train system. You can buy a Visitor Pass for unlimited rides on buses and trains.
  • Consider taking a water taxi to get across the river – it’s a fun and scenic way to see the city.

Tips and Other Things of Interest:

  • Be sure to try some classic Chicago-style hot dogs at Portillo’s, a popular fast food chain with several locations throughout the city.
  • If you’re visiting in the summer, catch a White Sox game at Guaranteed Rate Field – it’s a fun and affordable way to experience baseball in the Windy City.

Day 2: Saturday

Places to Go:

  • The Museum of Science and Industry: Spend the day exploring this world-renowned museum, which features interactive exhibits on science and technology.
  • Lincoln Park Zoo: After visiting the museum, head over to Lincoln Park Zoo, a free zoo that’s home to over 1,100 animals from around the world.

Activities:

  • Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens at The Garfield Park Conservatory, one of the largest indoor gardens in the country.
  • Visit the Chicago History Museum, which offers a comprehensive look at the city’s rich history and culture.

Where to Eat:

  • Grab lunch at Xoco, Rick Bayless’ casual Mexican spot with several locations throughout the city.
  • For dinner, try Blackbird, a contemporary American restaurant from chef Paul Kahan.

Where to Stay:

  • Consider staying at the Kimpton Hotel Allegro, a stylish hotel located in the heart of the Loop. Enjoy access to a rooftop bar and fitness center.

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions like Lincoln Park Zoo.
  • Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and layers, as the weather can be unpredictable in Chicago.
  • Take advantage of the city’s extensive public transportation system, including buses and trains (the “L”).

Transportation:

  • Get around the city using the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) bus or train system. You can buy a Visitor Pass for unlimited rides on buses and trains.
  • Consider taking a water taxi to get across the river – it’s a fun and scenic way to see the city.

Tips and Other Things of Interest:

  • Be sure to try some classic Chicago-style deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s, a popular pizzeria with several locations throughout the city.
  • If you’re visiting in the summer, catch a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field – it’s a fun and iconic experience.

Day 3: Sunday

Places to Go:

  • The Field Museum: Spend the day exploring this world-renowned museum, which features Sue, the largest and most complete T. rex skeleton ever found.
  • Navy Pier: After visiting the Field Museum, head over to Navy Pier, a lakefront attraction that offers boat cruises, entertainment options, and shopping.

Activities:

  • Take a stroll along the Lake Michigan shoreline and enjoy the views of the city skyline.
  • Visit the Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the largest and most beautiful gardens in the country.

Where to Eat:

  • Grab lunch at The Purple Pig, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with several locations throughout the city.
  • For dinner, try Au Cheval, a trendy diner that’s home to some of the best burgers in the city.

Where to Stay:

  • Consider staying at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, a luxurious hotel located near Navy Pier. Enjoy access to a rooftop bar and fitness center.

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions like Navy Pier.
  • Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and layers, as the weather can be unpredictable in Chicago.
  • Take advantage of the city’s extensive public transportation system, including buses and trains (the “L”).

Transportation:

  • Get around the city using the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) bus or train system. You can buy a Visitor Pass for unlimited rides on buses and trains.
  • Consider taking a water taxi to get across the river – it’s a fun and scenic way to see the city.

Tips and Other Things of Interest:

  • Be sure to try some classic Chicago-style hot dogs at Portillo’s, a popular fast food chain with several locations throughout the city.
  • If you’re visiting in the summer, catch a Chicago White Sox game at Guaranteed Rate Field – it’s a fun and affordable way to experience baseball in the Windy City.

Day 4: Monday

Places to Go:

  • The Chicago Cultural Center: Spend the day exploring this beautiful building, which features stunning architecture and rotating art exhibits.
  • Millennium Park: After visiting the cultural center, head over to Millennium Park, one of Chicago’s most popular attractions. Explore the park’s beautiful gardens, public art installations, and iconic landmarks like the “Cloud Gate” sculpture (also known as “The Bean”).

Activities:

  • Take a stroll along the Lake Michigan shoreline and enjoy the views of the city skyline.
  • Visit the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the largest and most visited art museums in the country.

Where to Eat:

  • Grab lunch at Lou Mitchell’s, a classic American diner that’s been serving up breakfast favorites like pancakes, waffles, and eggs benedict since 1923.
  • For dinner, try Girl & the Goat, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant from Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard.

Where to Stay:

  • Consider staying at the LondonHouse Chicago, a luxurious hotel located in the heart of the Loop. Enjoy stunning views of the city from your room or the rooftop bar.

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions like Millennium Park.
  • Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and layers, as the weather can be unpredictable in Chicago.
  • Take advantage of the city’s extensive public transportation system, including buses and trains (the “L”).

Transportation:

  • Get around the city using the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) bus or train system. You can buy a Visitor Pass for unlimited rides on buses and trains.
  • Consider taking a water taxi to get across the river – it’s a fun and scenic way to see the city.

Tips and Other Things of Interest:

  • Be sure to try some classic Chicago-style hot dogs at Portillo’s, a popular fast food chain with several locations throughout the city.
  • If you’re visiting in the summer, catch a White Sox game at Guaranteed Rate Field – it’s a fun and affordable way to experience baseball in the Windy City.

Day 5: Tuesday

Places to Go:

  • The Museum of Contemporary Art: Spend the day exploring this world-renowned museum, which features innovative and thought-provoking art from around the world.
  • Lincoln Park Zoo: After visiting the MCA, head over to Lincoln Park Zoo, a free zoo that’s home to over 1,100 animals from around the world.

Activities:

  • Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens at The Garfield Park Conservatory, one of the largest indoor gardens in the country.
  • Visit the Chicago History Museum, which offers a comprehensive look at the city’s rich history and culture.

Where to Eat:

  • Grab lunch at Xoco, Rick Bayless’ casual Mexican spot with several locations throughout the city.
  • For dinner, try Blackbird, a contemporary American restaurant from chef Paul Kahan.

Where to Stay:

  • Consider staying at the Kimpton Hotel Allegro, a stylish hotel located in the heart of the Loop. Enjoy access to a rooftop bar and fitness center.

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions like Lincoln Park Zoo.
  • Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and layers, as the weather can be unpredictable in Chicago.
  • Take advantage of the city’s extensive public transportation system, including buses and trains (the “L”).

Transportation:

  • Get around the city using the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) bus or train system. You can buy a Visitor Pass for unlimited rides on buses and trains.
  • Consider taking a water taxi to get across the river – it’s a fun and scenic way to see the city.

Tips and Other Things of Interest:

  • Be sure to try some classic Chicago-style hot dogs at Portillo’s, a popular fast food chain with several locations throughout the city.
  • If you’re visiting in the summer, catch a Chicago White Sox game at Guaranteed Rate Field – it’s a fun and affordable way to experience baseball in the Windy City.

Day 6: Wednesday

Places to Go:

  • The Chicago Botanic Garden: Spend the day exploring this beautiful garden, which features stunning plant collections and unique exhibits.
  • Millennium Park: After visiting the botanical garden, head over to Millennium Park, one of Chicago’s most popular attractions. Explore the park’s beautiful gardens, public art installations, and iconic landmarks like the “Cloud Gate” sculpture (also known as “The Bean”).

Activities:

  • Take a stroll along the Lake Michigan shoreline and enjoy the views of the city skyline.
  • Visit the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the largest and most visited art museums in the country.

Where to Eat:

  • Grab lunch at Lou Mitchell’s, a classic American diner that’s been serving up breakfast favorites like pancakes, waffles, and eggs benedict since 1923.
  • For dinner, try Girl & the Goat, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant from Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard.

Where to Stay:

  • Consider staying at the LondonHouse Chicago, a luxurious hotel located in the heart of the Loop. Enjoy stunning views of the city from your room or the rooftop bar.

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions like Millennium Park.
  • Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and layers, as the weather can be unpredictable in Chicago.
  • Take advantage of the city’s extensive public transportation system, including buses and trains (the “L”).

Transportation:

  • Get around the city using the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) bus or train system. You can buy a Visitor Pass for unlimited rides on buses and trains.
  • Consider taking a water taxi to get across the river – it’s a fun and scenic way to see the city.

Tips and Other Things of Interest:

  • Be sure to try some classic Chicago-style hot dogs at Portillo’s, a popular fast food chain with several locations throughout the city.
  • If you’re visiting in the summer, catch a White Sox game at Guaranteed Rate Field – it’s a fun and affordable way to experience baseball in the Windy City.