Your Ultimate Guide To A Day In Chicago

Are you visiting Chicago soon and want to know where to stay and what to do? I’ll give you the lowdown on the best spots to visit in Chicago.

When it comes to the midwest, Chicago is where it’s at. But despite knowing this very fact, it took me until this past spring to spend time in this great midwest city.  Although I had spent four of my formative years in undergrad in the midwest, I just made my first trip out to this great city a few weekends ago to meet my boyfriend’s family and was lucky enough to be shown the downtown and city outskirts. 

Being in Chicago will make you feel like you’re in the center of the universe; all of the hustle and bustle of the city, the smell of different foods wafting as you walk through the streets, and the diversity of its people all contribute to making Chicago a great city to visit. It may even be the perfect spot for your next girls’ trip destination. 

While I only spent a few days exploring this city, I was able to get the DL from my boyfriend on all the great spots to eat and places to visit. So, I’m here to give you all a well-rounded guide of Chicago with a dose of typical touristy things, as well as experiencing the true hidden gems that only Chicagoans would know!

Where to Stay

Acme Hotel – Located in Rivernorth, this hotel was a great spot for a weekend getaway. It was close enough of an Uber ride to Fulton Market for a great brunch spot and then a nice Sunday stroll down the Riverwalk that led back to Acme. As an added bonus, there is a Starbucks just across the street, so you can grab your coffee and go!Emily Hotel – We stayed at the Emily Hotel the first night of our visit, and it was a cool, unique hotel with a different vibe than most other hotels I have been to! It is also close enough to Fulton Market, which is great for those wanting to grab brunch before exploring the city. 

Nobu Hotel Chicago – If you’re looking for a very luxurious stay at an award-winning, celebrity-approved restaurant all in one, book a night at the Nobu Hotel in Chicago!

 

Places to Eat

Au Cheval – A popular restaurant that won’t let you down! 

Parlor Pizza – A very popular (and very tasty) place to grab food.

La Scarola – A hidden gem with some of the best Italian you can find in Chicago. 

Longman and Eagle – For a funky place with delish food, check out this restaurant for a cool vibe. 

Fulton Market – Head over to Fulton Market for some of the best brunch you’ll ever have on a nice summer morning. 

Things to Do

The Bean – You know you wanna get an IG pic standing under this famous Chicago landmark. Chicago Riverwalk – A MUST for first time visitors! This is the perfect walk if you have a mild yet sunny afternoon for a long stroll. There are many cafes and eateries to stop at along the way for a quick snack or a drink on the go. Plus, you get to see the beautiful high rise towers and all the visitors out doing touristy things, like kayaking and paddleboarding on the river. We did brunch at Fulton Market and then walked the Chicago Riverwalk until we decided to walk over to the Bean, and it was a great way to see and explore the city on foot. 

Wrigley Field – Regardless of whether or not you are a fan or even a sports fan, visiting the oldest baseball park is a must! If there is a home game, be sure to add that to your list of things to do during your visit to the windy city!

Skydeck Chicago – Warning: not for the faint of heart!

Wicker Park – This was a fun area to see on a Saturday night in Chicago. There happened to be a street festival during the weekend of my visit, and we had a great time bar hopping, enjoying live music, and checking out the Chicago social scene. There was a mix of ages from early twenties to mid thirties! 

Navy Pier – A hub for all things fun in Chicago. Grab some food, catch a concert, or simply lounge on the grass and people-watch!

What are some of your favorite things to do or places to visit in Chicago? Drop a comment and let me know!