5 day itinerary for Chicago

Itinerary

Here's an ideal itinerary for 5 days in Chicago:

Day 1:

• Start your day with a visit to Millennium Park, where you can see the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (also known as "The Bean") and take a stroll through the Lurie Garden.
• Next, head over to the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the oldest and largest art museums in the country. Spend a few hours exploring the galleries and admiring works by artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso.
• For lunch, grab a deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati's or Giordano's, two of the city's most famous pizzerias.
• In the afternoon, take a riverboat architecture tour to learn about the history and design of Chicago's iconic buildings.
• End your day with a visit to Navy Pier, where you can ride the Ferris wheel, play mini-golf, and enjoy views of Lake Michigan.

Day 2:

• Start your day with a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry, which has interactive exhibits on everything from space travel to genetics.
• For lunch, head to Portillo's for a classic Chicago-style hot dog or Italian beef sandwich.
• In the afternoon, explore the neighborhoods of Wicker Park and Bucktown, which are known for their trendy shops, restaurants, and street art.
• End your day with a comedy show at Second City, the famous improv theater that launched the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Steve Carell.

Day 3:

• Start your day with a visit to the Field Museum, which has exhibits on natural history, anthropology, and archaeology.
• For lunch, head to the West Loop neighborhood, which is home to some of the city's best restaurants. Try Girl & the Goat, Au Cheval, or Publican Quality Meats.
• In the afternoon, take a walk along the Lakefront Trail, which offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline.
• End your day with a visit to the Adler Planetarium, where you can learn about astronomy and space exploration.

Day 4:

• Start your day with a visit to the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is free and open year-round. See animals like lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!).
• For lunch, head to the nearby Lincoln Park neighborhood, which has plenty of restaurants and shops to explore.
• In the afternoon, take a bike ride along the 606 Trail, a former elevated railway that's been converted into a park and trail system.
• End your day with a visit to the Chicago Theatre, a historic venue that hosts concerts, plays, and other performances.

Day 5:

• Start your day with a visit to the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), which has an observation deck on the 103rd floor with panoramic views of the city.
• For lunch, head to Chinatown, where you can try dim sum or other Chinese specialties.
• In the afternoon, take a stroll through the Magnificent Mile, a shopping district that's home to high-end stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.
• End your day with a sunset cruise on Lake Michigan, where you can enjoy views of the city skyline and watch the sun dip below the horizon.

I hope this itinerary gives you some ideas for your trip to Chicago!