Budget-Friendly 5-Day Chicago Itinerary

Day 1: City Exploration

Chicago, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Yolk

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Yolk, known for its delicious omelettes and pancakes.
Yolk is located in the South Loop area. You can take the CTA Red Line to Harrison station and walk for 5 minutes.
$15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Millennium Park

Visit Millennium Park to see the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as 'The Bean'. Take memorable photos against the Chicago skyline.
Walk from Yolk to Millennium Park, approximately 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Billy Goat Tavern

Enjoy a classic Chicago-style cheeseburger at the famous Billy Goat Tavern, a local favorite.
From Millennium Park, take the CTA bus #151 to Michigan & Ohio, then walk for 5 minutes.
$10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shop at The Magnificent Mile

Explore the Magnificent Mile for shopping, with a mix of high-end retailers and local boutiques.
Walk from Billy Goat Tavern to The Magnificent Mile, approximately 10 minutes.
Varies, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Portillo's

Indulge in a Chicago-style hot dog or Italian beef sandwich at Portillo's for a true taste of the city.
Take the CTA bus #151 from The Magnificent Mile to Portillo's location, then walk for 5 minutes.
$12, 1 hour
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Day 2: Navy Pier & Riverwalk

Chicago, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe, known for its amazing pancakes and omelettes.
Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe is located near Navy Pier. Take the CTA bus #29 from your accommodation.
$20, 1 hour

11:00AM

Navy Pier

Explore Navy Pier, a waterfront destination with shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Centennial Wheel.
Walk from Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe to Navy Pier, approximately 10 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Harry Caray's Tavern

Enjoy lunch at Harry Caray's Tavern with classic American fare and a sports-themed atmosphere.
From Navy Pier, take a leisurely walk to Harry Caray's Tavern along the Chicago Riverwalk.
$15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Chicago Riverwalk

Stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, offering scenic views of the river and iconic architecture.
Continue walking along the Riverwalk from Harry Caray's Tavern.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gino's East

Savor deep-dish pizza at Gino's East, a must-try in Chicago for its delicious pies.
Take the CTA bus #29 from the Riverwalk to Gino's East location, then walk for 5 minutes.
$18, 1 hour
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Day 3: Museum Campus & Grant Park

Chicago, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Lou Mitchell's

Start your day with a classic American breakfast at Lou Mitchell's, a historic diner in Chicago.
Lou Mitchell's is located near Museum Campus. Take the CTA train Green Line to Roosevelt station.
$15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Field Museum

Explore the Field Museum at Museum Campus, home to exhibitions on natural history and culture.
Walk from Lou Mitchell's to the Field Museum, approximately 15 minutes.
$25, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Gage

Enjoy a meal at The Gage, offering a mix of gastropub fare and refined dishes near Grant Park.
From the Field Museum, walk to The Gage in Grant Park.
$20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Art Institute of Chicago

Visit the Art Institute of Chicago, showcasing a vast collection of artworks from around the world.
Walk from The Gage to the Art Institute of Chicago, approximately 10 minutes.
$20, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Giordano's

Treat yourself to stuffed deep-dish pizza at Giordano's, a famous spot for Chicago-style pizza.
Take the CTA bus #146 from the Art Institute of Chicago to Giordano's location, then walk for 5 minutes.
$20, 1 hour
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Day 4: Lincoln Park & Wrigleyville

Chicago, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Batter & Berries

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Batter & Berries, known for its creative French toast and soul food dishes.
Batter & Berries is located in Lincoln Park. Take the CTA train Brown Line to Diversey station.
$20, 1 hour

11:00AM

Lincoln Park Zoo

Explore Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the US with a variety of animals and beautiful gardens.
Walk from Batter & Berries to Lincoln Park Zoo, approximately 20 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at DMK Burger Bar

Enjoy gourmet burgers at DMK Burger Bar, located in the vibrant Wrigleyville neighborhood.
Take the CTA bus #151 from Lincoln Park Zoo to Wrigleyville, then walk for 5 minutes.
$15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Wrigley Field

Visit Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. Take a guided tour of this historic baseball stadium.
Walk from DMK Burger Bar to Wrigley Field, approximately 10 minutes.
$30, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Big Star

Enjoy tacos and margaritas at Big Star, a popular spot for Mexican street food in Wrigleyville.
Walk from Wrigley Field to Big Star, approximately 5 minutes.
$20, 1 hour
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Day 5: Wicker Park & Pilsen

Chicago, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Stan's Donuts

Start your day with freshly made donuts and coffee at Stan's Donuts in Wicker Park.
Stan's Donuts is located in Wicker Park. Take the CTA Blue Line to Damen station.
$10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Wicker Park

Discover the trendy boutiques, cafes, and street art in Wicker Park, a hip neighborhood with a vibrant arts scene.
Walk around Wicker Park, exploring its shops and murals.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Dusek's Board & Beer

Enjoy a meal at Dusek's, a gastropub in the Pilsen neighborhood known for its craft beer and elevated comfort food.
From Wicker Park, take the CTA Blue Line to the Pink Line, then walk to Dusek's.
$20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Pilsen Murals

Stroll through Pilsen to admire its vibrant street art scene and rich Hispanic culture.
Walk around Pilsen, exploring its colorful murals and local shops.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at 5 Rabanitos

Savor authentic Mexican cuisine at 5 Rabanitos, a cozy restaurant in Pilsen serving traditional dishes with a modern twist.
Walk from the Pilsen murals to 5 Rabanitos, approximately 10 minutes.
$25, 1 hour
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