🏙️ Chicago in 72 hours: a complete guide to the Windy City
Chicago is charming. Here you will find modern architecture , famous museums, and places with live music every evening. The city's gangster past also adds a special atmosphere. In terms of popularity, the “Windy City” is second only to New York and Los Angeles. But is this fair? Now we’ll tell you what to do, what to eat and where to stay so that Chicago takes first place, if not in the popularity ranking, then certainly in your heart.
What to do in Chicago?
Make art
Do you like watercolors by Monet or Picasso? You are in the right city. Go to one of the oldest universities in the USA – the Art Institute of Chicago – yes, yes, they do not only study there. It will amaze with its depth and breadth of presentation of modern masterpieces. It contains works by almost all artists of the 20th century – Renoir, Monet, Picasso, Hopper, Van Gogh and many others.
You can linger for hours in this place, so allow plenty of time for your visit. Be sure to pay attention to one of the museum’s most famous works, “American Gothic.” There are also miniature Thorne rooms – there are 68 of them in total. These are small rooms that depict the interiors of famous buildings and museums. On your way out of the museum, stop by the local souvenir shop.
Tickets can be purchased directly on the university website. The standard version will cost $26-32 depending on age and preferential category. You can also purchase a Chicago City Pass, which includes visits to several locations at once. Its cost starts from $104. There are also “fast tickets” that will allow you to skip the lines – from $34.
Do you get incredible pleasure from Hemingway's prose? You are in the right city again! Only this time you're going to the American Writers Museum. Here are Hemingway, and McCarthy, and Plath, and Didion, and many, many others. Your must-have list of “summer books” will definitely expand. The museum also has a special children's area and interactive stations, such as typewriters, that will help you create the first page of your debut novel.
Admission prices range from $9 to $14. Please note that tickets include a sightseeing tour. The museum also regularly hosts various events. More details on the museum website.
Not far from the museums above, there is the public Millennium Park, one of the city's many public art spaces. Head here to see the famous “Cloud Gate” by British artist Anish Kapoor. Visitors can walk around the installation and even under it. The object itself resembles liquid mercury. You will be guaranteed a great photo for Instagram.
Take a bike tour of the city
Be sure to see the city on two wheels with Bobby's Bike Tours. They have many different routes depending on time and skill. The programs include not only sightseeing, but also places to eat. For example , you can see the mansions of the Gold Coast, the home of the Cubs baseball team and the Lake Michigan waterfront. And along the way you can try the classic “Chicago dogs” – aka hot dogs.
Life hack: start exploring the city with a bike ride. This way you will get a feel for the geography of the city and can make your list of desired places.
Take a river cruise
The Chicago River snakes through the city, touching its center, and flows into Lake Michigan, which is so large that it seems like a sea. A river cruise is a great way to experience the city's architecture. You will see Trump Tower, the Wrigley Building, the St. Regis Chicago and the Pendry Chicago Hotel. The trip should be booked in advance. Details on the company website.
Travel to Pilsen
For a unique view of the city among the museums and skyscrapers, take a day trip to Pilsen. This Mexican town is located about half an hour from downtown Chicago. It is far from the stars, roads and the American atmosphere.
Here you'll find gorgeous taquerias, Mexican bakeries with piñatas hanging from the ceiling, tattoo studios, street art featuring Frida Kahlo and the brilliant Museum of Mexican Art.
Helpful Tip: Book your Chicago CityPASS in advance and install the app on your phone. This will allow you to gain VIP access and save on admission to some of the city's biggest attractions.
Where to eat in Chicago?
In the race for Chicago's best deep-dish pizza, there are two top contenders: Lou Malnati's Pizzeria and Giordano's. It is called deep because of its high sides. Locals prefer classic thin-crust pizza, but deep-crust pizza is something of a delicacy even for locals.
But what Chicagoans have in their diet are hot dogs. Locals eat them regularly and are very proud of this dish. Just be careful not to confuse a Chicago hot dog with a regular one: there are very strict rules about what to put on top. There are seven toppings in total, ranging from neon green relish to pepper, celery and yellow mustard. And remember: under no circumstances should you ask for ketchup. Top spots include Superdawg Drive-In and Wrigleyville Dogs. It retains its retro charm, no-frills approach and purely American atmosphere.
For something a little less traditional, head to the Time Out Market. There you will find many street food options from all over the world. The area is full of cool bars, trendy restaurants, and breweries. The Big Kids burger is worth a try.
Chicago is also famous for its steakhouses, Italian-American cuisine, and, more recently, fine dining. For example, Avli On The Park is a great option in the Greek style. Be sure to try spanakopita – a pie with spinach and cheese. By the way, you can learn more about Greek cuisine in this text.
Also check out the Goa Bar, which is full of charm. It has a British pub vibe, but with South Indian food, cocktails and DJs every night. This is a great place to start your Friday or Saturday night in the city.
Where to listen to live music in Chicago?
Chicago is synonymous with live music, from the Smashing Pumpkins to Jennifer Lawrence, Kanye to Earth, Wind & Fire. But the city is most famous for its blues. Be sure to head to one of the legendary blues bars Buddy Guy's for an evening of live music. The bar's clientele ranges from bachelorette parties to tourists to regulars who come every week.
Where to stay in Chicago?
One of the best value-for-money options is the CitizenM Chicago Downtown Hotel. It's perfect for digital nomads. There are coworking spaces on site with small booths, coffee tables and banquet benches. It's also easy to find a nook filled with art, coffee table books, or fun neon signs.
