Chicago 2 Day Itinerary
Chicago 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1:
Morning (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
- Willis Tower (Sears Tower): Start your day with panoramic views of the city from the Skydeck on the 103rd floor.
- Address: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
- Hours: 9:00 am - 10:00 pm
- The Art Institute of Chicago: Spend a few hours exploring one of the top art museums in the country.
- Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
- Hours: 10:30 am - 5:00 pm
Lunch (12:00 pm - 1:30 pm)
- Portillo’s: Try a classic Chicago-style hot dog or Italian beef sandwich at this local institution.
- Address: Multiple locations, including 520 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
- Hours: Vary by location
Afternoon (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)
- Millennium Park: Take a stroll through this beautiful urban park and snap photos of the famous “Cloud Gate” sculpture.
- Address: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
- Hours: 6:00 am - 11:00 pm
- Navy Pier: End your afternoon with a visit to this lakefront attraction, featuring boat cruises, an amusement park, and entertainment options.
- Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
- Hours: Vary by attraction
Dinner (6:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
- Girl & the Goat: Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at this trendy restaurant from Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard.
- Address: 809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
- Hours: Monday - Thursday: 4:30 pm - 10:00 pm, Friday - Saturday: 4:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Evening (8:00 pm - 10:00 pm)
- The Signature Room at the 95th: Cap off your day with a drink and stunning views of the city from the 95th floor of the Willis Tower.
- Address: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
- Hours: Monday - Thursday: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Friday - Saturday: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Day 2:
Morning (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
- Lincoln Park Zoo: Visit this free zoo in the heart of Lincoln Park and see over 1,100 animals from around the world.
- Address: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
- Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- North Avenue Beach: Take a short walk to this popular beach and enjoy the views of Lake Michigan.
- Address: 1600 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60610
Lunch (12:00 pm - 1:30 pm)
- Alinea: Experience avant-garde cuisine at this Michelin three-star restaurant. (Reservations recommended)
- Address: 1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
- Hours: Vary by day
Afternoon (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)
- The Magnificent Mile: Take a stroll along this famous stretch of Michigan Avenue and shop at high-end boutiques or visit the Tribune Tower.
- Address: N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
- Hours: Vary by store
Dinner (6:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
- Au Cheval: Try a trendy burger or diner-style fare at this hip restaurant in the West Loop.
- Address: 809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
- Hours: Monday - Thursday: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Friday - Saturday: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Evening (8:00 pm - 10:00 pm)
- The Second City: Catch a comedy show at this legendary improv theater.
- Address: 1616 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614
- Hours: Vary by showtime
Where to Stay:
- The Langham Chicago: Enjoy luxurious accommodations and exceptional service in the heart of River North.
- Address: 330 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
- Hotel EMC2: Experience a unique blend of art, science, and hospitality in this boutique hotel in the Loop.
- Address: 228 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611
Transportation:
- ‘L’ Train (Elevated Train): Use the convenient and affordable ‘L’ train system to navigate the city. Buy a Ventra Card for easy travel.
- Ride-hailing Apps: Uber and Lyft are widely available in Chicago.
Tips and Other Things of Interest:
- Weather: Be prepared for unpredictable Midwestern weather with layers, umbrellas, and sunscreen.
- Tipping: Aim to tip 15-20% at restaurants and bars.
- Safety: Avoid traveling alone at night and stick to well-lit areas. Keep valuables secure.
- Chicago-style Pizza: Try a deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s or Pequod’s Pizza.
- Festivals and Events: Check the city’s event calendar for festivals like Lollapalooza, Pitchfork Music Festival, and Taste of Chicago.
Enjoy your trip to Chicago!