5 day itinerary
Chicago
Itinerary
Here's an ideal itinerary for 5 days in Chicago:
Day 1:
- Start your day with a visit to , 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 , 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 or , 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 , 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 , which has interactive exhibits on everything from space travel to genetics.
- For lunch, head to for a classic Chicago-style hot dog or Italian beef sandwich.
- In the afternoon, explore the neighborhoods of and , which are known for their trendy shops, restaurants, and street art.
- End your day with a comedy show at , 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 , which has exhibits on natural history, anthropology, and archaeology.
- For lunch, head to the , which is home to some of the city's best restaurants. Try , , or .
- In the afternoon, take a walk along the , which offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline.
- End your day with a visit to the , where you can learn about astronomy and space exploration.
Day 4:
- Start your day with a visit to the , which is free and open year-round. See animals like lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!).
- For lunch, head to the nearby , which has plenty of restaurants and shops to explore.
- In the afternoon, take a bike ride along the , a former elevated railway that's been converted into a park and trail system.
- End your day with a visit to the , a historic venue that hosts concerts, plays, and other performances.
Day 5:
- Start your day with a visit to the (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 , where you can try dim sum or other Chinese specialties.
- In the afternoon, take a stroll through the , 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!