10-Day Budget Solo Trip: Los Angeles & Chicago Exploring Disneyland, Universal Studios, and City Highlights

Day 1: Arrival & Relax

Los Angeles, California, USA on September 1, 2025

9:00AM

Arrival and settle into accommodation

Check into an affordable hostel or budget hotel near Anaheim to be close to Disneyland. Rest and prepare for the next day at Disneyland.
USD50-70 per night, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Earl of Sandwich, Anaheim

Classic and affordable sandwiches to fuel up before your big theme park days, open 10AM-8PM.
USD10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Downtown Disney District

Free entertainment, shopping, and atmosphere to experience Disneyland vibes without a ticket. Open 10AM-10PM.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Tortilla Jo’s in Downtown Disney

Casual Mexican dining with budget-friendly options, open 11AM-11PM.
USD15-20, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Disneyland Day

Anaheim, California, USA on September 2, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Starbucks inside Disneyland

Affordable and quick breakfast options to start an active day at the park. Opens at park opening.
USD10, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Disneyland Park

Spend the full day exploring Disneyland’s numerous rides, shows, and parades. Purchase a single-day ticket for budget access; park hours typically 9AM-10PM.
USD104, 9 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Plaza Inn

Affordable meals with character dining options inside Disneyland, perfect for a quick break.
USD15, 1 hour

7:00PM

Evening relaxation near hotel

Return to accommodation to rest after a long day.
Free, Rest of evening
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Day 3: Universal Studios

Universal City, California, USA on September 3, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at local café near hotel

Light and affordable breakfast to prepare for a day at Universal Studios, opens around 7AM.
USD8, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Travel to Universal Studios Hollywood

Take public transit or rideshare to Universal Studios to maximize budget and convenience.
USD5-15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Universal Studios Hollywood

Explore attractions and shows at Universal Studios; ticket prices are reasonable with one-day entry at roughly USD109, open 9AM-7PM on weekdays.
USD109, 8 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Three Broomsticks

Enjoy budget-friendly wizarding world-inspired meals within Universal Studios.
USD15, 1 hour

6:30PM

Return to accommodation and dinner

Dinner at In-N-Out Burger for an iconic, affordable California fast food experience (open until 1AM).
USD10, 1 hour
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Day 4: Los Angeles City Tour

Los Angeles, California, USA on September 4, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Original Pantry Café

A historic and budget-friendly LA eatery open 24 hours, great for hearty breakfast.
USD12, 45 minutes

9:00AM

Visit Griffith Observatory and Park

Free public observatory with stunning views of LA and the Hollywood sign. Open 12PM-10PM, but park hiking trails accessible anytime.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Walk Hollywood Walk of Fame

Explore celebrities’ stars and historic theaters on Hollywood Boulevard. Free to visit any time.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Pink’s Hot Dogs

Famous and affordable hot dogs, open until 12AM.
USD10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore The Getty Center

Free entry museum showcasing art and architecture with beautiful gardens, open 10AM-5:30PM (closed Tuesdays).
Free, parking USD20, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at HomeState

Budget Tex-Mex food in LA, open till 9PM.
USD15, 1 hour
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Day 5: Flight to Chicago

Los Angeles to Chicago, USA on September 5, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Grab a quick breakfast before heading to the airport.
USD8, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Fly from Los Angeles to Chicago

Budget flight, approximately 4 hours in air, book in advance for best rates.
USD100-150, 6 hours (including airport time)

3:00PM

Check into budget accommodation in downtown Chicago

Choose an affordable hostel or budget hotel with good transit access.
USD50-80 per night, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Millennium Park

Free outdoor park, home to Cloud Gate (The Bean), an iconic photo spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Portillo’s Hot Dogs

Famous Chicago-style hot dogs at wallet-friendly prices.
USD15, 1 hour
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Day 6: Chicago Museums & Architecture

Chicago, Illinois, USA on September 6, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe

Affordable and highly rated breakfast spot near Millennium Park, open 7AM-3PM.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit The Art Institute of Chicago

World-class art museum with discounted tickets if booked online in advance. Open 10:30AM-5PM.
USD25, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Giordano’s Pizzeria

Try Chicago’s signature deep-dish pizza without breaking the bank.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

Affordable guided boat tours starting from Navy Pier highlight Chicago’s architectural gems. Tours run 1PM-6PM, reserve in advance.
USD40, 90 minutes

4:00PM

Walk along Navy Pier

Free to visit, explore shops and lakeshore views.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

Another iconic deep-dish pizza place with affordable portions.
USD15, 1 hour
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Day 7: Neighborhood & Park Day

Chicago, Illinois, USA on September 7, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ann Sather

Famous for cinnamon rolls and affordable breakfast, open 7AM-3PM.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory

Free admission zoo and botanical garden, open 10AM-5PM; great for relaxed budget-friendly outing.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Chicago Diner

Popular vegetarian diner, affordable and filling, open 11AM-10PM.
USD12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Wicker Park neighborhood

Trendy but affordable shops and cafes to experience local culture. Best explored on foot.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Big Star

Casual Mexican food spot with good tacos, open until 10PM.
USD15, 1 hour
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Day 8: Museum Campus & Lakefront

Chicago, Illinois, USA on September 8, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Goddess and the Baker

Comfortable café with breakfast under budget, open 7AM-3PM.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Field Museum of Natural History

Explore impressive exhibits, with discounted tickets available online; open 9AM-5PM.
USD20, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Museum Campus food court

Affordable dining options near the museums.
USD12, 1 hour

1:30PM

Shedd Aquarium

Top aquarium with diverse marine life, entry ticket budgeted; open 9AM-5PM.
USD25, 2 hours

4:00PM

Walk along Lake Michigan lakefront trail

Free and scenic, perfect to relax before dinner.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Portillo’s or local budget eatery

Enjoy affordable American Chicago classics.
USD15, 1 hour
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Day 9: Free Day & Shopping

Chicago, Illinois, USA on September 9, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Yolk

Well-priced breakfast in downtown area, open from 7AM.
USD15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Magnificent Mile shopping district

Window shop or browse budget-friendly stores; free to explore anytime.
Free, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Shake Shack

Affordable burgers with quick service, open till 10PM.
USD12, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Chicago Cultural Center

Free art and cultural exhibits in iconic building, open 9AM-9PM.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pequod’s Pizza

Famous deep-dish with affordable options near Magnificent Mile.
USD15, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Departure Day

Chicago, Illinois, USA on September 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Affordable quick breakfast to start the departure day.
USD8, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Last stroll at Millennium Park

Enjoy some fresh air and photos at The Bean one last time before heading to airport.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Travel to Chicago O’Hare or Midway Airport

Take affordable CTA train or shuttle to airport for departure.
USD5, 1 hour
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