Chicago is the third largest city in the United States meaning that there are a lot of places within the city to visit. And while the natives have the city down, visitors are more than likely to be overwhelmed. So here is your Chicago tourist guide to make sure you hit all the tourist attractions worth seeing.
1. Millennium Park
This is where you will find the iconic Bean sculpture that you can feature on your Instagram with an equally iconic pun caption like “Chicago, it's bean a good time.” Not to mention Millennium Park also has other fun features such as concerts at the pavilion in the summer, ice skating in the winter, and other cool picture opportunities.
2. Sears (Willis) Tower
Another famous spot that is great for photo ops is the Skydeck of the Sears Tower. While it is technically named the Willis Tower, no Chicago native calls it that, so when asking for directions, stick with Sears Tower.
3. Portillos
When I come home, the first thing I do is get Portillo's on the way back from the airport. Portillo's is a Chicagoland restaurant that has an array of delicious food including the famous Chicago Style hot dog. Not in the mood for a hot dog? Try their chopped salad, Italian beef, burger, cheese fries, chocolate cake, or cake shake; nothing on the menu will disappoint you.
4. Museums
Chicago has a lot of unique museums such as the Field Museum, The Science and Industry Museum, Museum of Contemporary Arts, and the Art Institute. All of the different museums have free days or family and student discounts so they will not use up your whole travel fund.
5. Navy Pier
Navy Pier is located along Lake Michigan and offers a lot of fun activities such as a Ferris Wheel, mini golf, and tons of stores where you can buy your Chicago T-shirts and key chains. After buying your $70 worth of Chicago swag go catch a show at the Shakespeare theater which is conveniently located right on the pier as well.
6. Chicago Conservatory
The conservatory is full of beautiful plant life even in the dead of winter making for great photo opportunities when it is -15 degrees out. Even better, the conservatory is free 365 days a year.
7. Shedd Aquarium
Chicago has one of the coolest aquariums with a ton of exhibits housing aquatic animals from all over the world including the always adorable penguins. There are also interactive exhibits where you can touch stingrays and sharks.
8. Adler Planetarium
You do not have to be a space nerd to appreciate this tourist attraction. General Admission tickets are cheap and like any other museum they also have their free days. For a little extra, you can see the sky show or visit the Doane Observatory.
9. Cubs Game at Wrigley Field
After 108 years the Chicago Cubs currently hold the title as the 2016 World Series Champions so they must be worth watching. Not to mention they have some pretty cute players that are even better to watch play in person. Not baseball season? Don’t worry, you can still visit Wrigleyville or get tickets to see another Chicago sports team like the Blackhawks.
10. Magnificent Mile
This one will burn a hole in your travel fund for sure, especially if you are a shopaholic. The Magnificent Mile is exactly what you think I would be: a mile strip of expensive, aesthetically pleasing stores and restaurants.
11. Chicago Style Pizza Restuarnt
Pretty much everyone has heard of Chicago style pizza, so when visiting you have to get an authentic Chicago pizza. There are tons of pizza places, so you don’t have to look too hard to find one but just in case you can’t seem to find any and are craving pizza, search for the nearest Giordano's or Lou Malnati’s.
