Start at the iconic Millennium Park, home of the famous Cloud Gate. Walk east towards Lake Michigan and admire the sprawling skyline that Chicago is known for. Take a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, known for its amazing architecture, and take in the views of the buildings that make this city one of the most recognizable. Don't forget to stop at the Chicago Tribune Tower, a neo-Gothic masterpiece that holds bits of world-famous structures like the Eiffel Tower, Pyramids of Giza, and the Great Wall of China.
Explore the Museum Campus, home to the Field Museum of Natural History, the Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium. Choose the one that most interests you and dive deep into the wonders of the natural world. The Field Museum is an excellent choice for those interested in history and science. The museum holds over 40 million artifacts, including Sue, the largest and most complete T. Rex ever discovered.
Spend a day exploring Chicago's communities, starting with Wicker Park, known for its vibrant street art and music scene. Walk to Logan Square, home to the beautiful and Instagram-worthy Logan Theatre. Afterward, enjoy a classic Chicago-style hotdog at the famous Superdawg Drive-In. Finally, head to Pilsen, one of Chicago's most culturally vibrant neighborhoods, known for its colorful murals and street art.
If you have extra time, catch a show at The Second City, a world-renowned comedy theater that helped launch the careers of legends like Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and Amy Poehler. If you have a little extra money on your budget, take a water taxi to the Museum Campus, or book a walking tour to learn more about Chicago's architecture. If you have less time, consider spending half a day exploring Millennium Park and Grant Park, or take a self-guided tour of street art in Pilsen.