Day 1: Start your day by visiting the Art Institute of Chicago, the perfect place to admire modern and contemporary art curated in one of the largest art museums in the country (opens at 10:30 am, closes at 5 pm). Then, head to the Magnificent Mile, one of the most popular commercial areas in the city, packed with shops, restaurants, and some of the most iconic landmarks of Chicago like the historic Water Tower (opens 24 hours). Finish the day with delicious food at Giordano's, famous for their deep-dish pizza (opens at 11 am, closes at midnight).
Day 2: Start with breakfast at The Bongo Room, known for its unique pancake creations (opens at 8 am, closes at 2 pm). Head to Millennium Park, the perfect spot for a morning stroll where you can enjoy art exhibitions and the famous Cloud Gate also known as "The Bean" (opens at 6 am, closes at 11 pm). In the afternoon, visit the Shedd Aquarium, an indoor public aquarium with over 32,000 animals (opens at 9 am, closes at 5 pm). End your day at Navy Pier for amazing lakefront views, restaurants, and shops (opens at 10 am daily, closing times vary).
Day 3: Start your day at Chicago Riverwalk, and explore the architecture and history that makes Chicago unique. (opens 24 hours). Proceed to the Field Museum, a natural history museum where you can explore ancient artifacts, dinosaur bones, and the largest T-Rex (opens at 9 am, closes at 5 pm). Finish the day with dinner at The Signature Room, a high-end restaurant on the 95th floor, offering breathtaking views of the city (opens at 4:30 pm, closes at 12:30 am).
Time and Costs Estimates
Art Institute of Chicago (2-3 hours, $25-35)
Magnificent Mile (2-3 hours, varies)
Giordano's (1-2 hours, $20-30)
The Bongo Room (1-2 hours, $15-20)
Millennium Park (2-3 hours, free)
Shedd Aquarium (2-3 hours, $40-50)
Navy Pier (2-3 hours, varies)
Chicago Riverwalk (2-3 hours, free)
Field Museum (2-3 hours, $25-35)
The Signature Room (2-3 hours, $75-100)
Total Estimated Costs: $240-350
Transportation
If you plan to visit all the locations suggested, obtaining a Chicago CityPASS would be beneficial as it covers all the entry fees and offers discounted public transportation.
The average taxi fare ranges from $20-$40 per ride, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available in the city. If you prefer public transportation, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers bus and train services within the city limits. A single ride costs $2.50, a 1-day pass costs $10, and 3-day passes cost $20.
Useful Tips
If you have more time, consider visiting the Adler Planetarium, the Chicago History Museum, or the Lincoln Park Zoo.
If you have less time, prioritize the locations based on your interests and preferences.
Airports
Chicago has two major airports, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). ORD is located about 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, and a taxi ride would cost approximately $40. MDW is located about 10 miles southwest of downtown, and a taxi ride would cost approximately $30. Both airports offer public transportation options with direct trains to downtown.