Chicago Vacation Tips

Looking to book a trip to the Windy City this summer? Here are a few of our favorite vacation tips for your Chicago visit. We’ve got recommendations on new exhibits, special events, and insider tips for everything from getting around the city to getting Shedd Aquarium discount tickets. Save big on all your activities (and skip the line at a few!) with a Chicago Attractions Pass!

One of the best things about Chicago is the selection of world-class attractions, from museums and tours to architectural marvels and kids’ activities. If you’re looking to explore the world of high art in Chicago, consider paying a visit to The Art Institute of Chicago or to the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art. Current special exhibits at The Art Institute (recently voted #1 Museum in the U.S.!) include “Renoir’s True Colors” (an exhibit designed to study Renoir’s painting techniques), a retrospective of Christopher Wool’s career, and a collection of Egyptian art spanning the reign of Alexander to Cleopatra. The Museum of Contemporary Art also has a collection of work by Andy Warhol and Marisol Escobar, two important figures in the pop art world of the 1960s. Since Chicago warms up quite a bit in the spring, it’s a great idea to enjoy the urban outdoors. Stroll through Millennium Park, explore the Lurie Gardens, or get a bird’s eye view of Lake Michigan from atop the Navy Pier Ferris wheel. You can also enjoy a leisurely ride along the Chicago River with the ever-popular Chicago Architecture Cruise, one of the most educational tours I’ve personally ever been on. Don’t forget about the Nave Pier Bike Tour, a little stand by the water where you can join a guided bike tour or rent a bike for the day to explore on your own. Pick up a Chicago attractions pass to save on all your family activities. Look out for future blog posts on special Chicago events like the Taste of Chicago, the Millennium Park Music Series, the Chicago Blues Festival, and Bike Week Chicago. Don’t forget to pick up a CTA unlimited ride pass for convenient and eco-friendly transit. Happy Exploring!