A Perfect Day in Chicago

It’s kind of ironic that I didn’t post this sooner, when I was actually living in Chicago. I think I procrastinated it because I kind of wanted it to be perfect. In my three years living there, I had many visitors and I think just before moving, I got the tour down to perfection.

This is not one of those “local tour guide” posts. In fact, a lot of these things are pretty touristy. But I liked going to them, and no matter how many times I went, I never got tired. I think that’s just kind of the person I am. The place might be the same no matter how many times I visit, but the experience is different every time.

Okay without further ado here is what a perfect day in Chicago is for me.

1. Parking
Most parking lots on Wabash cost $15-$20 a day. I always drove to the city because parking ended up costing the same amount as a round-trip train ticket from the suburbs with the exception of gas. I also usually went with someone so if you split that cost, it’s definitely cheaper. I also somehow managed to always park in the same parking lot with the painting of a moose. (I can’t seem to find my photos of it.) So, if you park there you’re already beginning your trip with some amazing photos!
Address: 525 S. Wabash Ave. (You’re welcome!)

2. Chicago Athletic Association Hotel – Cindy’s Rooftop
Once you get out of the car, I would suggest walking towards the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, taking the elevator up to the rooftop bar and getting a peak out at the city. It’s FREE to go up and you get to see an overview of the city that you are going to walk through.

3. Chicago Cultural Center
Next, head over to the Chicago Cultural Center, which is also FREE. Not only is the building gorgeous, but there are usually beautiful and interesting exhibits that are fun to look at. Also, this is a great spot to use the restroom. I know you probably don’t need to use the bathroom at this point but it’s just a good thing to know if you are across the street in Millennium Park.

Can you tell how much I love this building?  4. Millennium park – The Bean
Then, cross the street to Millennium Park in which we have the very famous art piece by Anish kapoor, The Bean. I’ve gotten so many different reactions to this piece that I wish I had recorded them all. Some people are underwhelmed and some are quite amazed. Me, I can appreciate it and I think it looks magical at night!

5. Maggie Daley Park (for kids)
This is not somewhere I go every time, but it is nice for kids in the summer. It’s a huge play ground and frankly I am annoyed that it’s only for kids 12 years and younger. You have access to it from millennium park and the pavilion.

6. Jay Pritzker Pavilion
The pavilion is a cool design by Frank Gehry and is the home to Grant Park Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.

It’s fun to take photos of it or have a picnic on the grass under the shell. They also show free movies out here in the summer. I always wanted to go to one, but unfortunately never made it to any of those!

7. Crown Fountain
Once you’ve taken about a million of the same photos of the bean, you start heading towards the Art Institute. On your way there, you pass some art installations that change throughout the year. However, there are a set of fountains that are designed by Jaume Plensa. These are entertaining to watch during the day and the night.

8. Food trucks on Michigan & Monroe
Once you get over the fountains, you start heading towards Monroe where you will see several food trucks. This is a good time to grab a quick snack. Check out their twitter to know when and what trucks are there. Additionally, here it the Chicago Food Truck Finder map to help you find those trucks throughout the city.

9. Art Institute Gardens & Fountain
The Art Institute has an amazing gallery that includes work from famous artists like Van Goh and Georgia O’Keeffe. I didn’t know that or see it until just a bit before I moved. However, I always walked through their gardens. The trees here are enchanting and I love sitting under them for a quick break with a snack I brought or one that I got from the food trucks.

10. Buckingham Fountain
Next up is, the Buckingham Fountain located in Grant Park. It’s one of the largest in the world! What I like about coming here is that you can walk across to Lake Michigan from this spot. I love watching the boats in the lake and usually find myself sitting on the concrete for a while to enjoy those views. Then, If you walk towards the Shedd Aquarium, you can catch a water taxi to the pier.

10. Water Taxi to Pier
Make sure you call ahead to see if they are open. They are generally open in the summer months from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This is such an affordable way to get some gorgeous city views and enjoy a water ride on the lake.
Price: Mon-Fri $8 Adult $4 Child; Sat, Sun, Holiday $10 Adult $5 Child

11. Navy Pier – Eat Dinner at DMK Burger
The pier has a lot of food and activities. The ferris wheel has just been reinstalled, it’s brand new and covered so you can go on it in the winter months too without freezing your butt off. They also have something called the #WheelWednesday which means that on select Wednesdays they offer free rides on it! So check out their website to know when that is. Other than that, there are some rides for the kids here and a lot of food options.

For food, I have taken my friends to DMK Burger which is my favorite spot to eat on the pier. I love the burgers, they are freshly made and juicy! I also tried a red fish taco once which was also amazing!

On another occasion; however, a friend of mine tried their bison burger and it didn’t look like she liked it. And visually, it looked dry to me. So I wouldn’t recommend that. Just get yourself a nice cheeseburger and fries and you’ll be happy!

12. Magnificent Mile
After the Pier you can walk back down towards Michigan Ave. and walk the Magnificent Mile. Shopping has never been my thing so I never really went towards that (I’d rather eat and sight see;). The city views over the rivers are nice and if you want to grab a dessert from the Nutella Bar at Eataly, that could be a nice treat.

Although I enjoyed walked along this route many times while living there, I would also recommend visiting Lincoln Park, my favorite area!

I hope you learned something and are inspired to visit my favorite metropolitan city (in terms of beauty, food, cleanliness and ease of mobility). Otherwise, my favorite place to live so far, has been SOCAL (just to be clear;)