Summary of key points
Chicago, renowned for its beautiful architecture, vibrant arts scene, and historic baseball park, is the perfect city to visit for a weekend escape. There’s something for everyone to do, from more “touristy” activities to hidden gems of the Windy City. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Chicago for a three—to four-day weekend, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a look at what Chicago has to offer the first-time visitor.
Explore Unique Neighborhoods
With over a few million people in the Chicago area, its population is spread across various areas to capture the city’s uniqueness. Each neighborhood has its charm, from River North to Wrigleyville, and each can take a day alone to explore. Chicago is a walkable city, but can also be accessible by public transit, bicycle, scooter, or car, so it’s easy to navigate the differing neighborhoods one after another. The differing scenes of each neighborhood should keep you engaged throughout your time in Chicago.
Taste the Flavors of the Local Scene
Chicago is one of America’s best food cities. Don’t get fooled by someone who tells you Chicago is solely known for their deep-dish pizza. And especially, don’t get fooled by someone trying to convince you that deep-dish pizza is not real. But aside from their Italian cuisine, Chicago’s unique neighborhoods allow you to experience a variety of food offerings all throughout the city. The Chicago hot dog is a staple, nested on top of a poppy seed bun, topped with mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, pickles, and peppers.
Embrace the Outdoors
A summertime visit to Chicago wouldn’t be the same without spending time outdoors. Its riverfront location makes the city ideal for biking, walking, and enjoying the great outdoors in one of Chicago’s many public parks and green spaces (such as Millennium Park). Between April and September, you have to visit Wrigley Field for either a Cubs baseball game or a stadium tour. Wrigley Field has been home to the Cubs since the early 1900s and is one of the most historical landmarks in the United States. It’s situated in the Wrigleyville neighborhood, making it a true staple of not just Chicago, but of the little neighborhood itself.
Arts and Culture: Experience the Very Rich Arts and Culture of the City
Instead of visiting one of the indoor museums in Chicago, which can become quite crowded quite quickly, consider visiting one of the city’s smaller, more unique venues. Explore the displays of the Chicago Cultural Center, which is home to daily performances, free concerts, and art exhibits. Another must-see is the Museum of Contemporary Photography. They constantly have something new to offer, and their imaginative photo exhibits are just the beginning of the experience. For the musical theater lover, Chicago is home to many fantastic in-house theaters, such as the Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Second City, which feature plays and great improv that highlight the city’s talent.
Groupon states, “As one of the world’s major cultural hubs, Chicago offers a myriad of activities for all types of visitors. Perfect for lovers of art, history, and culture, Groupon’s discounts allow everyone to experience the city’s prestigious institutions.”
Ride The L
Most Chicagoans travel throughout the city via public transportation. The ‘L’ trains and buses, which provide affordable and useful modes of transportation for exploring various parts of Chicago, cost just $2.50 per ride. To make using the Chicago transportation system easier, buy a Ventra card at the beginning of your trip. It will allow you to navigate the train lines without worrying about paying for each ride thereafter. Riding the L is a unique way to explore the city like a local does.
For good reason, Chicago is one of the most populated cities in the United States. It offers abundant entertainment options, delicious food, summertime baseball and entertainment, and convenient modes of transportation. If you’re considering going to the Midwest anytime soon, Chicago should surely be on your bucket list.