Chicago ~ must-try activities
Chicago is a beautiful place, but such a big city! And windy, just as its reputation predicts. It’s the state’s capital, it’s right on Lake Michigan, it has a very walkable Loop (downtown) that can keep you busy for a long time, and lots to offer.
To see a video of me spending an afternoon downtown, click here!
For restaurants recommendations, click here!
I definitely haven’t done everything there is to do in Chicago, but without further ado, here are some of my favorite things to do when I visit:
Chicago in the Fall is beautiful!
Wander Millenium Park
If only because the iconic “Bean” is in Millenium Park, you must go.
But also because of the beautiful gardens, architecture of downtown that you can see from the park, Jaume Plensa’s Crown Fountain where you can get a little cooler in the summer and watch people have fun in the water, and the Buckingham Fountain. Millenium Park is technically only one of the parks by Lake Michigan, and if you have time I really advise you to walk them all, they all have special features.
In the winter, there’s a skating ring in front of the Bean, and in the summer there are many concerts and plays organized in the park.
Taking the Pedestrian Bridge between Millenium Park and Maggie Dalley Park to get to the lake is also a must!
Explore the Art Institute
If you only have time for one museum during your stay, make it the Art Institute, one of the oldest and largest museums in the country.
It is located near Millenium Park on South Michigan Avenue and you can’t miss the entrance, guarded by two lions. Make sure to take your time inside, and if you feel so inclined, take a free guided tour (they have them in English and in Spanish!). You will see names you recognize, such as Picasso, Grant, or Hopper, and discover new names too!
To learn more about the museum and prepare your visit (it’s closed on Tuesdays), click here.
Go on the Riverwalk
Following the Riverwalk is the best way to see some of the most beautiful skyscrapers in town, and go under a few large impressive bridges.
You can start on the lake, and follow the path along the south bank of the Chicago River. You will find several restaurants/snack bars, access to the boats if you want to do a river cruise, and parks to just sit and enjoy the views.
It’s a very pleasant walk!
Don’t forget to also walk away from the city along the lake, you’ll see the syline!
Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art
This museum is slightly away from downtown, it’s on the north side. If you have enough time to explore more than just downtown, I strongly recommend it. It is near the end of the Magnificent Mile, by the Water Tower, so if you’re not too tired from doing the walk up there, check it out!
It has a large entry hall and an amazing stairwell variety of art displayed.
To learn more and prepare your visit, click here!
Go to a jazz concert
Chicago is forever associated with jazz, and there are many ways and opportunities to be able to listen to jazz in the city.
The Green Mill is probably the most famous jazz club in town, Constellation has a variety of music (including jazz) but you can also try to see Chicago Jazz Festival in the Park in September, or, a little further north out of town, the Ravinia festival in the summer,