3 day itinerary for Chicago

Itinerary

Chicago is a vibrant city with a rich culture, stunning architecture, and a fantastic food scene, including plenty of vegetarian options. Let’s dive into a fun-filled 3-day itinerary that will let you soak in the best of what the Windy City has to offer!

## Day 1: Exploring Downtown and the Riverwalk

Morning:

• Breakfast at Lou Mitchell's: Start your day at this iconic diner known for its hearty breakfasts. They have delicious vegetarian options like fluffy pancakes and fresh fruit.
• Chicago Riverwalk: After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll along the Riverwalk. The views of the city’s stunning architecture are breathtaking, and you can snap some great photos!

Midday:

• Architecture Boat Tour: Hop on a boat tour to learn about Chicago’s architectural history. It’s a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective, and you’ll get to see some of the most famous buildings.
• Lunch at The Chicago Diner: Head over to this legendary spot known for its vegetarian and vegan comfort food. Try their famous “Radical Reuben” or a classic veggie burger.

Afternoon:

• Millennium Park: After lunch, visit Millennium Park. Don’t miss the iconic Cloud Gate (aka "The Bean") and the beautiful Jay Pritzker Pavilion. If you’re lucky, there might be a free concert or event happening!
• Art Institute of Chicago: Just a short walk away, this world-class museum is a must-visit. You can spend hours exploring its vast collection of art.

Evening:

• Dinner at Althea: Treat yourself to a fine dining experience at this upscale vegan restaurant by celebrity chef Matthew Kenney. The dishes are beautifully presented and bursting with flavor.
• Nightcap at The Aviary: End your day with a creative cocktail at this trendy bar. The atmosphere is chic, and the drinks are works of art!

## Day 2: Culture and Neighborhoods

Morning:

• Breakfast at Beatrix: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Beatrix, where you can find a variety of vegetarian options, including avocado toast and smoothies.
• [Lincoln Park Zoo](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Lincoln%20Park%20Zoo&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround"): After breakfast, head to [Lincoln Park Zoo](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Lincoln%20Park%20Zoo&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround"). It’s free and a lovely place to wander around, plus you can enjoy the beautiful gardens.

Midday:

• Lunch at Native Foods: This casual eatery specializes in plant-based comfort food. Try their “Buffalo Cauliflower” or the “Native Nachos” for a tasty treat.
• Explore Lincoln Park: After lunch, take some time to explore the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Check out the shops, and if you’re interested, visit the nearby Chicago History Museum.

Afternoon:

• Wicker Park/Bucktown: Head over to these trendy neighborhoods for some boutique shopping and local art. You can also find some cool street art to admire.
• Coffee Break at Intelligentsia: Stop by this local coffee roaster for a caffeine fix. Their coffee is top-notch, and the atmosphere is perfect for people-watching.

Evening:

• Dinner at The Purple Pig: This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant has plenty of vegetarian options. Don’t miss their “Crispy Brussels Sprouts” and “Eggplant Parmesan.”
• Live Music at Lincoln Hall: Check out the schedule and catch a live show at this popular music venue. It’s a great way to experience Chicago’s vibrant music scene!

## Day 3: Museums and Views

Morning:

• Breakfast at The Bongo Room: Indulge in some of the best pancakes in the city at this beloved breakfast spot. Their “White Chocolate and Raspberry Pancakes” are a must-try!
• Field Museum: Spend your morning exploring the Field Museum. It’s home to fascinating exhibits, including Sue, the famous T-Rex skeleton.

Midday:

• Lunch at The Field Bistro: Located within the museum, this spot offers a variety of vegetarian options. Grab a quick bite before heading out.
• Shedd Aquarium: After lunch, visit the Shedd Aquarium. It’s one of the largest aquariums in the world, and you’ll be amazed by the diverse marine life.

Afternoon:

• Skydeck Chicago: Head to the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and take the elevator up to the Skydeck for stunning views of the city. Don’t forget to step out onto “The Ledge” for a thrilling experience!
• Shopping on Michigan Avenue: Spend some time shopping along the Magnificent Mile. There are plenty of stores to explore, from high-end boutiques to popular brands.

Evening:

• Dinner at Giordano’s: You can’t leave Chicago without trying deep-dish pizza! Giordano’s offers a delicious vegetarian option that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
• Evening Stroll at Navy Pier: End your trip with a stroll along Navy Pier. You can enjoy the views of Lake Michigan, and if you’re up for it, take a ride on the Ferris wheel for a beautiful nighttime view of the skyline.

And there you have it! A fun, vegetarian-friendly 3-day itinerary in Chicago that balances food, culture, and stunning sights. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! 🌆🥗