Begins at the 57th Street Art Fair, a juried art fair showcasing local artists and artisans. Afternoon visit to the DuSable Museum of African American History, where visitors can explore the works of art, learn about the achievements of notable figures in black history, and discover the cultural roots of Chicago’s South Side.
Begins with a visit to the Garfield Park Conservatory, where the indoors and outdoors merge in a 184,000 square foot greenhouse featuring over 600 species of plants. Continue to explore the West Loop on foot: stop by the Chicago Athenaeum for cutting-edge art and design exhibitions, experience the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise, and discover the Fulton Market District’s meatpacking past.
Starts at Museum of Contemporary Art, where innovative exhibits feature works by renowned artists such as Frida Kahlo, David Bowie, and Jeff Koons. Visit the Art Institute of Chicago, where the collection spans over 5,000 years of human expression. End the day at the National Museum of Mexican Art, which showcases the artistic legacy of Mexico and Mexican-American communities.
Begin at the Louis Armstrong Legacy Jazz Festival, a festival featuring celebrated jazz musicians, tribute bands, symphonies and more. Visit the internationally recognized Old Town School of Folk Music to take classes, see performances, and imbue in Chicago’s culture. End the day at the Swedish-American Museum, which situates Alfred Nobel's origins in Sweden and life in the United States for all ages.
Public transportation is the most convenient way to get around the city. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers buses and trains with stops throughout the city; the fare for bus and train rides is $2.50. Taxis and ride-share services are also available, although they tend to be more expensive than public transit.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Oriental Institute Museum, which boasts an extensive collection of artifacts from ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, or checking out the Hyde Park Art Center. If you have less time, focus on the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the DuSable Museum of African American History.
The main airport serving Chicago is the O'Hare International Airport (ORD), which is located approximately 17 miles from downtown Chicago. The Midway International Airport (MDW), is located approximately 10 miles from downtown Chicago. Both airports offer shuttle bus, taxi, and ride-share services to downtown Chicago.