Chicago on a Shoestring Budget in 2 Days

  • Day 1: Millennium Park
    20 minutes (1.5 miles) from Downtown Chicago

    Start your day by visiting Millennium Park, a unique attraction featuring a large green space with stunning views of Chicago's skyline, outdoor art installations, and impressive architecture. Don't miss taking a selfie with "The Bean," the park's most famous landmark.

  • Day 1: Chicago Riverwalk
    10 minutes (0.7 miles) from Millennium Park

    Head over to Chicago Riverwalk and take a stroll, enjoying the beautiful scenery, bistros, and art galleries along the way. Rent a bike, take a boat tour, or just sit and people watch. This is a perfect spot to relax and take in the beauty of Chicago.

  • Day 1: Navy Pier
    20 minutes (1.3 miles) from Chicago Riverwalk

    End your day by visiting one of Chicago's most famous attractions, Navy Pier. Enjoy the carnival rides, live music, and street performers. Don't miss the impressive views of Lake Michigan or the nightly fireworks show during the summer months.

  • Day 2: Willis Tower Skydeck
    20 minutes (1.7 miles) from Downtown Chicago

    Start your second day by visiting the Willis Tower Skydeck, located on the 103rd floor of the tower. Enjoy the breathtaking view of Chicago from 1353 feet up. For an extra thrill, step out onto the glass balcony for incredible views.

  • Day 2: The Art Institute of Chicago
    5 minutes (0.4 miles) from Willis Tower

    Next, head over to The Art Institute of Chicago, a world-renowned art museum featuring an impressive collection of over 300,000 works of art. From contemporary art to ancient artifacts, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this museum.

  • Day 2: Chicago Architecture Tour
    10 minutes (1 mile) from The Art Institute

    End your trip by taking a Chicago Architecture Tour, where you'll learn about the city's rich architectural history while cruising on the Chicago River. Enjoy learning about the city's unique landmarks and famous architects while relaxing on the boat.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Millennium Park (1.5 hours, free)
  • Chicago Riverwalk (1 hour, free)
  • Navy Pier (2 hours, $30 for unlimited rides pass)
  • Willis Tower Skydeck (1.5 hours, $25 general admission)
  • The Art Institute of Chicago (2 hours, $25 general admission)
  • Chicago Architecture Tour (1 hour, $40 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $120

Transportation

Chicago's public transportation system is very accessible and affordable, with the "L" train system and buses making it easy to get anywhere in the city. A 24-hour pass for unlimited rides costs $10. Alternatively, you can grab a Divvy bike and cruise around the city for $3 per ride.

Useful Tips

If you have extra days, consider taking a trip to the Field Museum to learn about natural history or visit the Lincoln Park Zoo, both of which are free. If you have less time, consider skipping Navy Pier or the architecture tour in order to spend more time at the other attractions.

Airports

Chicago has two major airports: O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). O'Hare is located approximately 17 miles from Chicago's city center and is serviced by most major airlines. Midway is smaller, located approximately 10 miles from downtown Chicago, and primarily services low-cost airlines like Southwest.

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