Lincoln Park Zoo is a lush oasis located within the city where over 200 animal species call it home. It offers free admission and interactive experiences for visitors. The 606 Trail offers 2.7 miles of concrete path for bikers and walkers with art installations along the way. Portillo's is renowned for its hot dogs and Italian beef, a Chicago classic. Big Jones serves Southern-inspired comfort food in a cozy tavern atmosphere.
Skydeck Chicago is on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower where visitors can walk onto 'The Ledge', a glass balcony that juts out around 4 feet. Lou Malnati's is a must-try for deep-dish pizza that originated in this city. Bemis Woods offers eight lines to zip through the beautiful forest canopy with the highest zip line spanning 110 feet above the water. Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse is famous for its mouthwatering USDA prime steaks, making it a top destination for meat lovers.
Art Institute of Chicago is home to an extensive collection of art, including works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Warhol. The Purple Pig serves Mediterranean-inspired small plates in a cozy atmosphere. Chicago River Architecture Tour takes visitors along the river to learn about the city's rich architectural history. Girl & the Goat offers bold and inventive dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Millennium Park houses the landmark 'The Bean' and the Crown Fountain, which features faces of Chicago residents that intermittently spout water. Xoco offers Mexican-inspired street food, like empanadas and churros with a modern twist. Kayak the Chicago River provides beautiful views of the city by paddle where visitors can see landmarks from a different perspective. Alinea is an award-winning restaurant that offers guests a multi-sensory experience with their beautifully crafted dishes.
Chicago has a great public transportation system, including buses and trains, making it easy to get around the city. The Ventra card is recommended since it can be used on different modes of transportation, and it's cheaper than buying individual tickets.
Taxis and ride-hailing companies are also available, but prices may vary depending on traffic. If you plan to use a car, be aware that parking can be expensive and difficult to find in the downtown area during peak hours.
If you have extra time, you can check out Navy Pier, which has various attractions like the ferris wheel and boat tours. Another attraction is Shedd Aquarium, where you can enjoy more than 32,000 aquatic animals.
If you have less time, you can skip the Skydeck Chicago or Art Institute of Chicago. They require a generous amount of time since they are generally crowded with tourists. You can also skip the Bemis Woods Zip Line and Alinea, as they are more expensive than the other attractions we've listed.
Chicago's two main airports, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW), are both located within the city limits.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is located 17 miles northwest of the downtown area, and it handles most of the international flights in and out of Chicago. Midway International Airport (MDW), on the other hand, is located about 10 miles southwest of the downtown area, and it serves more domestic flights. Both airports are easily accessible via public transportation or ride-hailing services.