Chicago, USA-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Chicago

• Morning: Arrive at O’Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway International Airport (MDW)
  • Take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft to your hotel
  • Alternatively, take the CTA Blue Line from O’Hare or the Orange Line from Midway to downtown
• Afternoon: Check-in at The Langham Chicago (4-star)
  • Explore the Magnificent Mile, a 13-block stretch of Michigan Avenue lined with shops and restaurants
  • Stop by the historic Water Tower, one of the few buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at Girl & the Goat, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant from Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard
  • Be sure to make reservations in advance

Day 2: Millennium Park and Downtown

• Morning: Visit Millennium Park, one of Chicago’s most iconic attractions
  • Take a photo with the “Cloud Gate” sculpture (aka “The Bean”)
  • Explore the Lurie Garden, a beautiful green space within the park
• Afternoon: Walk to the nearby Art Institute of Chicago, one of the largest and most visited art museums in the country
  • Spend a few hours exploring the impressive collection, which includes works by famous artists like Monet, Picasso, and Warhol
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at Au Cheval, a trendy diner known for its burgers and lively atmosphere
  • Be prepared for long wait times, especially on weekends

Day 3: Willis Tower and The Loop

• Morning: Visit the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), one of the tallest buildings in the world
  • Take the elevator to the Skydeck on the 103rd floor for breathtaking views of the city
• Afternoon: Explore The Loop, Chicago’s central business district
  • Visit the iconic Chicago Board of Trade Building, a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture
  • Stop by the DuSable Bridge, a stunning steel arch bridge with great city views
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at Gino’s East, a classic Chicago pizzeria serving up thick-crust pies since 1966

Day 4: Museum Campus and Lakefront

• Morning: Visit the Field Museum of Natural History, one of the largest natural history museums in the world
  • Explore exhibits on ancient Egypt, dinosaurs, and the Great Barrier Reef, among others
• Afternoon: Take a stroll along the Lakefront Trail, which runs along the shores of Lake Michigan
  • Visit Northerly Island, a beautiful park with great city views and plenty of green space
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at Xoco, a casual Mexican spot from celebrity chef Rick Bayless

Day 5: Wicker Park and Bucktown

• Morning: Visit the vibrant neighborhoods of Wicker Park and Bucktown, known for their trendy shops and restaurants
  • Explore the iconic Wicker Park mural, a beautiful example of community art
• Afternoon: Take a stroll through the beautiful Fulton Street Market, a historic market with great food options and shopping
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at Big Star, a retro-themed taco joint with great music and atmosphere

Day 6: Lincoln Park and the Gold Coast

• Morning: Visit the beautiful Lincoln Park, which features several lakes, walking trails, and plenty of green space
  • Stop by the iconic Lincoln Park Zoo, a free zoo that’s home to over 1,100 animals
• Afternoon: Explore the upscale Gold Coast neighborhood, known for its beautiful parks and great shopping options
  • Visit the famous Water Tower Place, an indoor mall with a stunning atrium

Day 7: Departure from Chicago

• Morning: Spend some time last-minute shopping or exploring any spots you missed on your previous days
  • Consider visiting the iconic 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck for panoramic views of the city
• Afternoon: Head back to O’Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway International Airport (MDW)
  • Take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft from your hotel

Tips and Essentials:

• Transportation: Chicago has a comprehensive public transportation system. Consider purchasing a Ventra card for easy travel on buses and trains.
• Weather: Be prepared for unpredictable weather in Chicago, with temperatures ranging from 40°F (4°C) to 80°F (27°C).
• Food: Try some classic Chicago-style pizza, such as Lou Malnati’s or Pizzeria Uno.
• Safety: As with any major city, take normal precautions to stay safe.

Other Recommendations:

• Take a river cruise: A great way to see the city from a different perspective and learn about its history.
• Visit the Chicago Theater: Catch a show at this iconic theater on the Magnificent Mile.
• Explore the many markets: Visit one of the several outdoor or indoor markets in the city, such as the Maxwell Street Market or the Christkindlmarket.

Hotel Information:

We recommend staying at The Langham Chicago, a beautiful 4-star hotel with great service and amenities.