What are the must sees and dos when visiting Chicago

Chicago is one of the busiest, most populated US cities with world-renowned architecture and attractions that make it a great tourist destination whether you’re from the US or not!  Soak up the rich history and culture of Chicago through museums, skyscrapers, architecture, and food. Deciding what to do with your time will be the hardest part of the whole trip. Use the list below as a guide for your stay in Chicago to ensure that you don’t miss the best parts of the Windy City.

Michigan Avenue

If you are looking for a premier shopping destination, Michigan Avenue is the place to be. Michigan Avenue is Chicago’s most popular street for shopping and stretches for one mile, earning it the name the Magnificent Mile. A few of the favorite stores that line the mile are Macy’s, Tiffany’s, and the Disney Store. 

Arguably the best place to shop on Michigan Avenue is Water Tower Place. The Water Tower Place is a large multilevel mall, hotel, condominium, and theater. Along the same strip, the Tribune Tower and the Wrigley Building are also must-sees that provide fun stops and shops the whole family can enjoy.

The best time to walk Michigan Avenue is during  the warmer months. However, the mile stretch during winter is such a whimsical time. The city decorates Michigan Avenue’s many trees with so many lights, it is hard to not feel the joyous Christmas spirit. 

Millennium Park

Millennium Park is located in downtown Chicago and was built to celebrate the incoming millennium in 2000. The park features views of the city skyline, Lake Michigan, and public art. The iconic “Bean” sculpture, properly known as “Cloud Gate”, is located here as well and is arguably the most emblematic attraction in Chicago.

At Millennium Park, you can catch major recording artists at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion or marvel at the 2.5 acres Lurie Garden green roof. 

The best time to enjoy the gardens of Millennium Park is the warmer months. This is not only when the garden is in full bloom, but also the fountains provide the perfect opportunity to cool off. If you are travelling to Chicago in the winter, don’t fret! While it will be quite cold, the Bean looks picturesque just after a fresh snow and holiday decorations bring in a jolly spirit. 

The Lakefront

The lakefront is a must-do when it comes to visiting Chicago. You will see boats out on the harbor, cyclists casually riding down boardwalks, and beachgoers basking in the sunlight. 

The Lakefront Trail is one of the best places to take in the city---on a bike!  You can rent a bike using Chicago’s bike sharing system, Divvy, or use another bike rental station along the trail. 

If you’re looking for a day just to relax and soak in the sun, pack your swimsuit and head down to one of the lakefront’s beaches, some of which allow your furry friends. When you are done, head over to North Avenue Beach where you will notice a big boat on the beach that is home to Castaways, a famous burger and brew joint. 

Warm and sunny days are the best time to visit the lakefront, as in the fall and winter it can become quite chilly.

Museum Campus

The best place for educational fun in Chicago is the Museum Campus. The Museum Campus houses three of the most notable museums in Chicago including   the Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Field Museum of Natural History. 

In addition to the museums, Museum Campus also houses the Chicago Bears NFL stadium, Soldier Field, and McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America. 

With these five high-profile all on one strip, the Museum Campus will definitely be worth your time. 

Visiting Museum Campus is a great activity for the winter months when it may be too cold to enjoy the lakefront or downtown areas. The museums often offer promotional or discount days that can make visiting them affordable for the whole family. 

Navy Pier

For a unique take on the Chicago skyline, head over to Navy Pier. Navy Pier extends six blocks over water and has a variety of shops, eateries, and amusement park attractions. The must-do is the Centennial Wheel. Hop aboard by yourself or with your friends and ride the Ferris wheel all the way to the top, taking in the skyline and the water down below. 

Aside from the Centennial Wheel, Navy Pier also features Crystal Gardens, a botanical arboretum, and the Funhouse Maze, a full-sensory tunnel maze for all ages. 

The time that is best to visit the Navy Pier is during the warmer months, as some of the attractions are closed during the winter due to freezing conditions. 

SuperDawg

Chicago is known for two foods above all else; their deep dish pizza and their hot dogs. The best place to get a hotdog in Chicago is, arguably, SuperDawg. 

This retro style hotdog establishment features bellhop service, bright neon lights, and dressed up hotdogs that will transport you back in time a few decades.  The Superdawg features a unique eating experience where you pull up in your car, order in your car, and eat in your car. 

While eating a hotdog is a must while you are in Chicago, you must never order one with ketchup. You can put basically anything else on there, but never EVER ketchup. 

Visiting the Superdawg is a safe bet all year-round as you get to enjoy the meal from the comfort of your own car.

The Drifter

If you’re looking for a drink, look no further. The Drifter is the bar you’ll want to be. . Although several bars in Chicago claim to be  speakeasies, The Drifter is in a league of its own. It is located in an old speakeasy underneath the Green Door Tavern and lacks the pretentiousness and phoniness of other cocktail bars. 

In order to get in, you have to walk to the back of the tavern and through an unmarked wooden door. There is typically a doorman, but if there is not then you will need to knock to be let in. 

The atmosphere is dark and cozy. The rotating selection of drinks is printed on tarot cards, for a nice touch to the ambiance. Located on the far side of the room is a stage, which often hosts a variety of different performers from belly dancers to burlesque dancers.

No matter what time of year, the Drifter is open for business and will transport you to the 1920s and 30s from the secrecy of the speakeasy to the lively aura of music and drink.

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When it comes to culture, education, and good food, Chicago is in a whole other ballpark. No matter what peaks your interest or what season it is, Chicago is known for having something for everyone all year-round. 

From the city’s delicious, mouth-watering food  to the spellbinding architecture found all around the city, it is no wonder that visitors come from all over the globe to experience all of what Chicago has to offer.

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