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2 Days in Chicago – The Perfect Chicago Itinerary + Map and Tips!

November 3, 2022

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In this information, we’re going to share with you our recommendations for spend two days in Chicago.

As the third largest metropolis within the USA, there’s a lot to do in Chicago. There are world-class museums, an excellent collection of points of interest, and a few meals you simply should attempt.

There are additionally cultural sights, from first-class efficiency venues via to architectural historical past. Those of you visiting Chicago with household are additionally going to search out loads to maintain you all entertained.

We have visited Chicago a variety of instances and at all times loved our visits. Some of the museums particularly are completely world class, and naturally we love the meals!

As nicely as an in depth two-day itinerary for Chicago, this information will even comprise recommendations on the place to remain, get round, how to save cash if you’re in Chicago, recommendations on when to go to, and much extra. Let’s get began!

2 Day Chicago Itinerary

Our recommended two-day Chicago itinerary has you visiting town’s prime sights and points of interest. This could have you seeing the primary highlights of town and visiting its most well-known points of interest and museums.

It’s a busy couple of days, and as with all our itineraries, we advocate you employ it as the place to begin on your planning. Feel free so as to add and take away gadgets relying by yourself pursuits and journey type.

Chicago Day 1

Your first day in Chicago has you going to the highest of one of many world’s tallest buildings, studying about structure, seeing a Chicago icon, and taking in some gorgeous artwork.

To get round, a lot of the sights on at present’s a part of the itinerary are inside round 20 minutes’ stroll of one another.

Of course, in the event you’d want to not stroll, there’s a variety of public transport choices out there, in addition to a Hop on Hop off bus (included on the GoCity Chicago Pass).

You can see extra about getting round Chicago in a later part of this information. Let’s get going with day 1!

Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower

When we go to a metropolis, I at all times like to get a hen’s eye view of it if I can to get a really feel for the format. One of one of the best locations to try this in Chicago is on the Willis Tower (previously often called the Sears Tower).

This huge 108 flooring skyscraper dominates the Chicago skyline. When it was accomplished in 1974 it was the world’s tallest constructing, a title it held for nearly 25 years.

It was initially often called the Sears Tower and the decrease a part of the tower was the headquarters of the retail firm Sears. It was renamed in 2009 to the Willis Tower by the present lease of the constructing by British insurance coverage dealer Willis Group Holdings; nonetheless, many individuals proceed to seek advice from it because the Sears Tower.

These days in fact there are fairly a couple of taller skyscrapers world wide. However, when you get to those types of heights, precisely the place you might be on the checklist doesn’t matter a lot. What does matter is the view, and the Willis Tower positively affords a great one from its Skydeck statement deck.

Found on the 103rd flooring of the constructing, that is the very best statement deck within the United States. From right here you’ll be able to see all of downtown Chicago. On a transparent day, you’ll be able to truly see 4 states from right here, though we’ve by no means had a day that clear once we’ve visited.

There is extra to do than the views although. On your option to the elevators, you’ll move via a sequence of reveals which inform a short story and historical past of Chicago. These are a whole lot of enjoyable and there are some good picture alternatives as you move via, so plan to spend round half-hour doing this.

At the Skydeck itself you’ll additionally discover “The Ledge”. This is a set of glass floored viewing areas which jut out from the primary constructing, to offer the sensation that you’re floating proper above town. They make for a wonderful (if barely terrifying) picture alternative, and entry is included as a part of your ticket.

The Skydeck is open year-round, and you’ll see opening instances right here. It will get fairly busy, so we advocate visiting earlier within the day and reserving a timed ticket upfront. A ticket is required, you’ll be able to guide this on-line upfront right here.

The Willis Skydeck is included on the GoCity Chicago Pass and Chicago CityPASS.

There are a variety of eating places and outlets situated within the decrease a part of the constructing, often called the Catalog. So in the event you want a espresso or a chew to eat, you’ll be able to positively try this right here.

Historic Buildings

Chicago is residence to some iconic buildings and spectacular structure. Many of the buildings within the metropolis are free to go to, and a variety of these are inside simple strolling distance of the Willis Tower as you head in the direction of your subsequent cease. We suppose this may make for a pleasant option to stretch your legs.

There are in fact many architectural highlights to select from, however a few our favourites embrace the Rookery Building which encompasses a Frank Lloyd Wright designed foyer and the Palmer House Hilton Hotel which has a stunning reception space.

Other attention-grabbing buildings within the space embrace the Chicago Board of Trade Building, Chicago Federal Reserve Building, the Monadnock Building (as soon as the biggest workplace constructing on the planet), the Sullivan Centre, the Chicago Cultural Centre, and the Marshall Field and Company constructing (now a Macy’s).

You may take a strolling tour which incorporates a variety of architectural highlights on this space, reminiscent of this one with the Chicago Architecture Centre, or this one with Take Walks.

A tour is usually a good option to study what you might be seeing, though in fact you would possibly have to tweak this itinerary to make sure they match into your sightseeing schedule relying on once they run.

Millennium Park and Cloud Gate

If you stroll from the Willis Tower by way of the buildings we advocate, you can find your self on Michigan Avenue close to Millenium Park.

Also, only for enjoyable, in the event you stroll down both E Adams St or E Jackson Blvd to the place they meet Michigan Avenue, you’ll move the beginning or finish indicators for historic Route 66, which begins in Chicago and runs all the best way to Los Angeles.

Ok, again to Millennium Park. This public park was opened in 2004 as a celebration of the third millennium. It’s residence to a variety of points of interest, maybe most well-known of which is the Cloud Gate sculpture.

Nicknamed “The Bean” for its form, this can be a huge reflective stainless-steel sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor. It is a very fashionable location for images, and is one among Chicago’s most recognisable icons.

You can stroll throughout and even beneath the sculpture, and the reflective floor makes for some enjoyable photographic alternatives.

Millennium Park is free to go to and is open year-round. You can see extra details about visiting on the official web site right here.

Note that the “Bean” is kind of a preferred attraction, so if you wish to get photographs with out too many different individuals in you’ll wish to come early within the day, ideally round dawn.

There are different points of interest in Millenium Park, together with the Crown Fountain, Jay Pritzker Pavilion efficiency area, and the Lurie Garden. So you would simply spend fairly a little bit of time right here. If you wish to soak up extra inexperienced area, Millenium Park is discovered inside Grant Park, which totals 319 acres.

However, our suggestion is as a substitute to go to the Art Institute of Chicago, which is simply south of Millenium Park.

Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is an epic artwork museum. We have visited a variety of artwork museums everywhere in the world, and that is positively one among our favourites.

It’s a museum that can current you with a whole lot of “wow” moments. Whether that’s strolling right into a room with a complete wall filled with Monet’s Haystacks, coming nose to nose with Grant Wood’s American Gothic, or seeing the evolution of Picasso’s type, we’re certain you will have your breath taken away in some unspecified time in the future throughout your go to as you realise you’re looking on the authentic model of a recognisable traditional.

Let’s discuss some numbers and historical past. The museum was based in 1879, and has a everlasting assortment of some 300,000 items. With 1,000,000 sq. ft of area, it’s one of many world’s largest artwork museums, and second solely to New York’s Met within the USA.

The assortment, as already alluded to, covers lots. In reality, there are round 4,000 years of artwork to discover, from Ancient and Byzantine via to Modern and Contemporary artwork. Almost each area of the world has a few of its artwork represented.

Honestly, there are too many highlights to checklist all of them. Suffice to say, even Ferris Bueller visited the museum on his time off, and we expect it’s a very worthwhile addition to your Chicago itinerary. Just ensure to not miss the Throne Miniature Rooms if you go to.

You can see opening instances for The Art Institute of Chicago right here. There’s a payment to go to, and it’s included on the Chicago CityPASS.

We truly visited on this tour with Take Walks, which was a wonderful option to see the primary highlights and get extra of an appreciation for what we have been seeing. Highly advisable in the event you would favor a guided tour.

Chicago Architecture Cruise

On a current go to to Chicago we requested our publication subscribers what they’d advocate we do within the metropolis. We bought a whole lot of nice recommendations however by far the preferred was to take an structure cruise on the river.

Naturally, we adopted this suggestion, and we will extremely advocate that you simply do too. By this level your ft will most likely need a break anyway, and spending round 90 minutes enjoyable because the Chicago surroundings winds by is a superb option to chill out.

There are a variety of firms providing boat excursions of the Chicago river. The majority of those are structure cruises that final from 70 – 90 minutes.

Cruises usually have reside narration, and in addition to studying about a number of the structure that makes up town skyline additionally, you will be taught a bit concerning the historical past of town. Most cruises even have a full-service bar on board in addition to restrooms.

We took this Chicago Architecture Cruise which was included on the GoCity Chicago Pass. Some different choices to think about embrace:

As you’ll be able to see, there’s a variety of choices in terms of cruising the river in Chicago.

Navy Pier

To wrap up your first day in Chicago, we advocate you head out to Navy Pier. This 50-acre pier is just some blocks east of the downtown Chicago space, jutting out into Lake Michigan.

Here you’ll discover parks, gardens, outlets, eating places and rides. Our favorite journey to do right here is the Centennial Wheel Ferris wheel, which sweeps you up into the sky above the pier and affords pretty views of the encompassing space and lake.

Other points of interest embrace a carousel, the Chicago Children’s Museum, an enormous funhouse maze and rather more. There are additionally loads of eating and ingesting alternatives, in addition to park area and public artwork.

We suppose Navy Pier makes for a enjoyable finish to a full first day in Chicago. It’s free to go to, however the rides and actions do have entry charges. The GoCity Chicago Pass consists of some rides, together with the Centennial Wheel. It additionally consists of the Children’s Museum. Just bear in mind that many rides are seasonal and don’t run within the colder months of the 12 months.

Chicago Day 2

It’s time on your second day in Chicago! Today we’re going to absorb some extra museums and sights across the metropolis. Again, be at liberty to regulate the itinerary to your pursuits.

Today’s points of interest are grouped in two areas of town, one simply south of the centre at Museum Campus, and one simply to the north close to Lincoln Park. Today you would possibly select to get round by Hop on Hop off bus (included on the GoCity Chicago Pass).

Alternatively, public transit or taxis will get you between the primary stops comparatively simply. See the part of the submit on getting round Chicago for some suggestions.

Museum Campus Attractions

Museum Campus is a 57-acre park which has a variety of points of interest. We would advocate choosing one or two to go to as every is kind of giant and can most likely take a minimum of 2-3 hours of time to discover.

Of course, if you wish to match extra in be at liberty to regulate this present day to swimsuit. Here are the three points of interest on the Museum Campus we advise you take into account on your second day in Chicago.

Shedd Aquarium

If you might be visiting Chicago as a household then the Shedd Aquarium ought to positively be in your to-do checklist.

Opened all the best way again in 1930, on the time this was the biggest indoor aquarium on the planet. Today, while it not has that title, it nonetheless has a formidable assortment of 32,000 animals.

These vary from fish and marine mammals via to birds, snakes, bugs and amphibians. Basically, one thing for everybody. The upstairs space has a variety of reveals protecting totally different habitats, while the decrease ranges are primarily dedicated to the large Oceanarium.

This is the biggest indoor marine mammal facility on the planet, with 3 million gallons of water. It’s residence to beluga whales, pacific white-sided dolphins, sea otters and California sea lions.

There is lots to see and do right here, with a variety of interactive reveals in addition to a 4D Theatre. There are additionally normally a variety of particular reveals. You may simply spend greater than half a day right here in the event you wished!

The Shedd Aquarium is open year-round, and you’ll see opening instances and a calendar of occasions on their web site right here. A ticket is required for entry, once we visited this needed to be booked upfront. You can guide on the official web site right here.

The Shedd Aquarium is on the market on the GoCity Chicago All Inclusive Pass in addition to the Chicago CityPASS.

Adler Planetarium

A five-minute stroll from the Shedd Aquarium will convey you to the Adler Planetarium, which is a must-visit for lovers of astronomy and area generally.

Like the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium was opened in 1930. It was the primary planetarium within the USA and can also be a National Historic Landmark.

Of course, having a great historical past isn’t related if it will probably’t reside as much as modern-day expectations. Thankfully, the Adler Planetarium has loads to supply.

It has three theatres with quite a lot of programming, quite a lot of exhibitions that are devoted to area science, an authentic Gemini program capsule, and a set of vintage scientific devices.

All in all, there may be loads to see and do right here to make it a worthwhile cease. The solely factor to notice is that it has extra restricted opening hours than a number of the different areas on our checklist, so it would be best to remember to examine when it’s open previous to your go to, which you are able to do on the official web site right here.

Tickets could be bought on the official web site right here. It can also be included on the GoCity Chicago Passes in addition to the Chicago CityPASS.

Field Museum

The third attraction we advise you take into account visiting at Museum Campus is the Field Museum.

This is among the world’s largest pure historical past museums, and it has an enormous assortment of reveals protecting the pure world.

These naturally embrace a whole lot of dinosaurs, with Sue the T-Rex being a very common attraction. You’ll additionally discover reveals protecting animal, hen and vegetation from world wide, geology reveals, reveals on the Ancient Americas and Ancient Egypt, in addition to tons extra.

A spotlight for us was seeing the Tsavo Man-Eaters on show. This pair of lions gained notoriety for his or her killing spree on building employees in Tsavo, Kenya, part of the world we have now been fortunate sufficient to go to. Their story was instructed within the film the Ghost and the Darkness, and it was attention-grabbing to see them at their remaining resting place.

Of course, there’s a enormous quantity to see and do right here, and just like the Shedd Aquarium you would simply spend a minimum of half a day right here. It’s one other common place to go to as a household, so in case you are in Chicago with children then this could positively be in your to-do checklist.

The Field Museum has an entry payment, and you should purchase tickets on-line upfront right here. It can also be included on the GoCity Chicago Passes in addition to the Chicago CityPASS.

Chicago History Museum

If you have an interest in historical past, and haven’t already crammed your day with museums, then we positively advocate a go to to the Chicago History Museum.

This is discovered within the Old Town space of Chicago, the place additionally, you will be near the free Lincoln Park Zoo.

If you might be utilizing the Hop on Hop off bus at present this may get you a lot of the method, though you’ll have to stroll the previous couple of minutes. Alternatively, you’ll be able to take public transport or a taxi.

This museum dates all the best way again to 1856, when it was based to review and doc Chicago’s historical past.

By this level in your go to to Chicago you’ll seemingly have picked up a number of the issues that the museum covers, and right here it is possible for you to to get a extra in-depth understanding of what made Chicago town it’s at present.

From the Great Fire of 1871, to the civil rights motion, to the historical past of crime, business and transportation within the metropolis, the museum covers an excessive amount of each Chicago particular historical past in addition to American historical past generally.

We actually loved visiting this museum, and suppose it is extremely a lot well worth the go to. There’s a payment to go to, and you’ll guide tickets on-line right here. It can also be included on the GoCity Chicago Passes.

360 Chicago

Your final cease on your time in Chicago is the John Hancock Centre, one other of Chicago’s well-known tall buildings.

When this constructing was accomplished in 1968 it was the tallest constructing in Chicago, though in fact the Willis Tower took over that title.

The foremost motive to go to is the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, discovered on the 94th flooring of the constructing, simply over 1,000 ft above road degree. The viewing platform here’s a significantly common location to go to when it’s darkish, so you’ll be able to see town lights, though you get an excellent view of town at any time of day in fact.

As nicely as glorious views of town skyline and Lake Michigan, you even have the choice of using the TILT attraction. For a further payment, you’ll be able to stand in a window that tilts to 30 levels out of the constructing. We didn’t do that, nevertheless it appeared like a whole lot of enjoyable primarily based on the reactions of the oldsters we did see doing it!

You can see opening dates and instances for 360 Chicago on their official web site right here. You can purchase tickets on-line right here. It can also be included on the GoCity Chicago Passes in addition to the Chicago CityPASS.

That wraps up our foremost itinerary for Chicago. Of course, we missed lots with solely two days within the metropolis.

There’s loads extra to see and do, from studying about Frank Lloyd Wright to visiting Hemingway’s birthplace to visiting one of many world’s largest science museums, one other favourite of ours within the metropolis.

If you’ve extra time within the metropolis, you’ll discover tons to fill your time! However, you’ve a minimum of gotten a great style of the highlights.

2 Day Chicago Itinerary Summary

Here’s a fast abstract of this itinerary for reference.

Chicago Day 1 – Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower, Historic Buildings, Millennium Park and Cloud Gate, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Architecture Cruise, Navy Pier
Chicago Day 2 – Museum Campus Attractions (Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium or Field Museum), Chicago History Museum, 360 Chicago

Chicago Itinerary Sightseeing Map

To show you how to visualise this itinerary, we’ve put collectively the beneath map which incorporates all of the sights in addition to our advisable resorts. You may see this map on Google Maps right here.

When to Visit Chicago

Chicago has a reasonably variable local weather, with sizzling summers and really chilly winters. Some points of interest should not open within the winter season, for instance not all cruises function and lots of the Navy Pier rides are additionally closed over winter.

With this in thoughts, we’d advocate one of the best time to go to Chicago goes to be from mid-May via to mid-October. This gives you a greater probability of excellent climate and attraction availability.

If you wish to keep away from the summer time crowds, then May and early June, in addition to September and early October are most likely your finest choices.

It’s additionally value noting that Chicago is a very fashionable metropolis for conferences and enormous occasions, and when these are on the town resort charges can go up. So, when planning a visit, it’s value checking convention schedules on-line as these can positively make town a costlier vacation spot.

What to Eat in Chicago

When you consider Chicago, you most likely consider a number of the iconic meals town has to supply. Whilst Chicago has an enormous vary of cuisines to select from, there are some quintessential Chicago dishes you must positively attempt if you’re within the metropolis. Some of those embrace:

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. Probably one among Chicago’s most well-known meals, this dish was invented in Chicago. It’s baked in a pan, with the cheese beneath the tomato sauce, and it’s scrumptious. We’ve eaten it at each Pizzeria Uno (who declare to have invented it) and Giordano’s Pizzeria, and each have been glorious. Definitely to not be missed.
Chicago-style Hot Dogs. Whilst the new canine wasn’t invented in Chicago, town has its personal distinctive tackle the new canine. Generally you get a beef sausage in a bun, with yellow mustard, chopped onion, sliced tomato, candy pickle relish, a dill spear, and celery salt. There are a great deal of locations serving good sizzling canine in Chicago, we advise trying out a department of Portillo’s.
Italian Beef Sandwich. Invented in Chicago, that is basically a sub with slices of juicy sizzling roast beef inside. The sandwich is often dipped into the meat juices, and infrequently spicy pickled greens (giardiniera) are added to the highest. This one could be discovered at most pizzerias and Italian-American eating places.

Of course, there are numerous extra unimaginable dishes to attempt in Chicago, with a complete checklist of choices out there right here. We don’t suppose you’ll go hungry.

One good choice if you wish to attempt a variety of totally different meals and be taught a bit concerning the historical past of Chicago is to take a meals strolling tour. We did this glorious tour with Devour Tours in Chicago, however there are a vary of choices to select from.

How to Get Around Chicago

Chicago is a comparatively simple metropolis to get round. Many of the points of interest are close to the downtown space across the river, and could be reached on foot. Other points of interest are both a brief taxi journey away, or could be reached by public transport.

The most iconic public transport in Chicago (and likewise one of many best to make use of) is the “L” prepare. These elevated trains (therefore the title “L”, for ELevated) cowl a lot of the metropolis, and fares are good worth. You may even take the “L” all the best way out to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, which is a superb worth option to get to and from the airport.

Taxis and ride-sharing apps could be handy, nonetheless bear in mind that costs for the latter can differ dramatically primarily based on time of day and automobile availability.

For licensed taxis, they need to use a meter however remember to examine earlier than beginning the journey as we have now had drivers attempt to cost a excessive fastened fare for a brief downtown journey. You can see the meter fares right here.

There are additionally buses in Chicago, in addition to the Metra commuter rail system which covers a large space. You can discover out extra about getting public transport in Chicago on the Transit Chicago web site.

When we go to Chicago, we usually discover a mixture of foot journey, L trains and taxis fits our wants finest.

Another choice is the Hop on Hop off bus. We at all times prefer to journey a hop on hop off bus, particularly when visiting a brand new metropolis, as it may be a simple option to get between sights and points of interest and likewise to get a bit of data as we go.

Most of the stops on our itineraries are on the Chicago Hop on Hop off bus route, and it’s included on the GoCity Chicago Pass. Alternatively, you’ll be able to purchase hop on hop off bus tickets right here.

Walking Tours of Chicago

We at all times take pleasure in taking strolling excursions once we go to a metropolis, and Chicago is not any exception. Walking excursions could be an effective way to study an space, a selected attraction, or the native delicacies from a educated native professional.

On a current go to to Chicago we did two strolling excursions, this meals strolling tour with Devour Tours, and this tour of the Chicago Art Institute with Take Walks. They have been each glorious and we’re completely satisfied to advocate them each.

Of course, there are extra excursions to attempt within the metropolis. Here are some recommended choices to take a look at.

If you do resolve to take a number of of those excursions, you could want to regulate this itinerary to swimsuit in fact.

Save Money with Chicago Attraction Passes

As you’ll be able to see from our Chicago itinerary, there’s a lot to see and do within the metropolis. Unfortunately, while there are numerous free and low-cost choices, a lot of the main points of interest in Chicago have entry charges.

If you intend on visiting fairly a couple of points of interest throughout your keep then these will shortly begin to eat into your price range.

The excellent news is that like most main cities world wide, Chicago has some nice worth attraction passes which might prevent fairly a bit in your entry charges.

There are three metropolis attraction passes we advocate you take into account on your time in Chicago. These are:

Each of those passes works barely in another way and covers totally different points of interest, so the best move for you’ll differ relying on precisely what you wish to go to. Let’s take a fast take a look at how these passes can prevent cash.

GoCity Chicago All Inclusive Pass

First, the GoCity Chicago All Inclusive Pass. This consists of over 20 points of interest in Chicago, together with all the things on our checklist excluding the Art Institute.

You purchase a move that’s legitimate for a sure variety of days, after which as soon as activated on the first attraction, you need to use the move to go to the points of interest it consists of for the validity interval.

For a shorter go to the place you wish to see a whole lot of points of interest, the GoCity All Inclusive Pass most likely makes essentially the most sense. It consists of the main, larger priced points of interest such because the Chicago Architecture River Cruise, Hop on Hop off Bus, SkyDeck, Shedd Acquarium and much extra. This was the move we used on a current journey to Chicago.

GoCity Chicago Explorer Pass

Next, you would possibly take into account the GoCity Chicago Explorer Pass. With this move, you resolve what number of points of interest you wish to embrace if you purchase the move, from 2 to 7. Then you’ll be able to go to that many points of interest over a 60-day interval from the time you first use the move.

This is a superb choice if in case you have a bit longer in Chicago and don’t wish to see all the things in a brief time frame.

The notable exception on this move in comparison with the GoCity All Inclusive Pass is that it doesn’t embrace the Shedd Aquarium.

We used the three-attraction model of this move on a go to to Chicago the place we had solely a smaller variety of points of interest we wished to go to, and it labored nicely to avoid wasting us cash on that journey.

Chicago CityPASS

Finally, one other move to think about is the Chicago CityPASS. We haven’t personally used this metropolis move in Chicago however we have now used it in a variety of different US cities and achieved nice financial savings.

The Chicago CityPASS consists of entry to 5 Chicago points of interest. Three of those are fastened: the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum and Skydeck Chicago.

You then get to decide on two from the next: the Art Institute of Chicago, The Museum of Science and Industry, the 360 Chicago Observation Deck or the Adler Planetarium.

This move is legitimate for 9 days from the date of first use.

The Chicago CityPASS is an efficient choice in the event you particularly wish to go to simply the points of interest it covers. However, it does miss out on some common Chicago choices such because the River Architecture Cruise. The foremost benefit it has it that it consists of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Pass Comparison

We’ll take a look at a real-world instance now to see which passes would possibly prevent cash. I’ll use our itinerary to offer you an thought of doable financial savings with every move.

As of November 2022, the passes are priced as follows:

A 2 Day Go City Chicago Pass prices $174 for an grownup, and $129 for a kid (aged 3-12)
A 7 Choice Go City Chicago Pass prices $169 for an grownup and $119 for a kid (aged 3-12)
A Chicago CityPASS prices $114 for an grownup and $93 for a kid (aged 3-11)

	2 Day Go City Chicago Pass	7 Choice Go City Chicago Pass	Chicago CityPASS
Skydeck	FREE	FREE	FREE
Art Institute	$25	$25	FREE
Architecture Cruise	FREE	FREE	$47
Navy Pier Rides	FREE	FREE	$45
HOHO Bus	FREE	FREE	$50
Shedd Aquarium	FREE	$40	FREE
Field Museum	FREE	FREE	FREE
History Museum	FREE	FREE	$19
360 Chicago	FREE	FREE	FREE
Total Attraction Entry with out Passes for two People	$670	$670	$670
Cost of 2x Adult Passes	$348	$338	$228
Total Additional Cost for two	$50	$130	$322
Total Cost with Passes and Attraction Entry for two	$398	$468	$550
Total Saving	$272	$202	$120

As you’ll be able to see, all of the passes supply a great saving in the event you plan on visiting a variety of points of interest. The financial savings will in fact differ relying on which points of interest you intend to go to, so you will have to resolve upfront which these could be.

In abstract although, in the event you plan to go to all of the points of interest in our itinerary, then the GoCity All Inclusive Pass will seemingly be the most suitable choice.

It covers all of the points of interest we point out, excluding the Art Institute. Even then, you’re looking at over a $270 saving for 2 individuals, which is fairly spectacular. Even in the event you skip fairly a couple of points of interest from our itinerary you might be nonetheless prone to save a great sum of money.

However, in the event you plan on visiting fewer points of interest or spending longer within the metropolis, then one of many different passes would possibly prevent more cash. It can also be at all times necessary to examine opening instances, costs and any free opening days on the points of interest you intend to go to to make sure you get one of the best deal.

Where to Stay in Chicago

Chicago has a great vary of lodging choices, from hostels via to high-end five-star resorts. To minimise journey, we advocate staying nearer to the downtown space if doable.

The space across the Art Institute, Millenium Park and the DuSable Bridge particularly will put you inside comparatively shut strolling distance of a lot of the points of interest in our itinerary.

Note that costs can differ dramatically relying on time of 12 months and if there are main occasions occurring throughout your go to. If you might be versatile together with your journey dates it’s value attempting totally different dates to see if costs change.

Below are our suggestions for the place to remain in Chicago throughout quite a lot of types and budgets. These are roughly ordered by worth, from low to excessive, however pricing can change so do at all times examine a couple of choices earlier than reserving.

Centrally Located Chicago Accommodation Recommendations

CitizenM Chicago Downtown – this can be a nicely rated and centrally situated resort providing good worth personal en-suite rooms
Hotel EMC2 Autograph Collection – discovered by Chicago’s well-known Magnificent Mile, this can be a nicely rated boutique resort inside simple strolling distance to many points of interest
Congress Plaza Hotel – this 3* resort is a traditional, however it’s exhibiting its age a bit. However, it is extremely nicely situated and could be nice worth for the placement. We’ve stayed right here and had a great keep.
Pendry Chicago – this can be a nicely rated and extremely central resort inside simple strolling distance of most of Chicago’s points of interest
The Peninsula Chicago – a really nicely rated and well-known 5* resort in Chicago providing all the things from an Olympic sized pool with metropolis views to beautiful en-suite rooms. An glorious high-end choose in Chicago.

Alternative Options

If you don’t thoughts being a bit away from the downtown, the next choices are additionally value contemplating. These would require a bit extra transport time to achieve a lot of the points of interest.

Chicago Getaway Hostel – discovered close to Lincoln Park, this can be a nice worth nicely rated hostel providing each personal and shared lodging choices in addition to a kitchen for visitor use.
Nobu Hotel Chicago – discovered within the fashionable West Loop space of Chicago, this can be a nicely reviewed 5 star resort near many glorious eating places

Of course, there are numerous extra choices. You can see tons extra choices for lodging in Chicago, together with residences, resorts, hostels and extra, on reserving.com right here.