One Day in Chicago Itinerary

Whatever the reason for your whirlwind trip to Chicago, there are plenty of ways to have a great time without breaking the bank (and making sure you're back at the airport on time!)

By Casey Makovich
Published: July 18, 2024
Chicago

Traveling to Chicago with only one day to explore and a tight budget? It can be hard to decide what to do with such limited time in your schedule. Fortunately, we’ve put together a budget-friendly, one day in Chicago itinerary to help you make the most of your time during your trip, while keeping spending under control. 

This one-day itinerary includes:

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour
  • Millennium Park (free!)
  • Navy Pier Centennial Wheel
  • The Field Museum
  • Shedd Aquarium

📅 Spending more time in Chicago? Then take a peek at one of our sample weekend in Chicago or popular 3-day itineraries.

Stop #1: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour

The hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour is one of the best ways to start your one day in Chicago--it's the perfect introduction to the city layout and you'll get an overview of all the top monuments, museums, and historic sites.

The best part? You'll be able to hop on and off at any of the stops along the way to help make your trip as customized as possible. Popular stops along the route include:

  • Skydeck
  • Art Institute
  • Adler Planetarium
  • Shedd Aquarium
  • Navy Pier
  • John Hancock Center & 360 Chicago
  • And more!

If you want to combine this bus ride with other attractions to maximize your one day in Chicago, keep in mind that it takes about 2.5 hours to ride the entire route.

Getting In: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Chicago tour tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Stop #2: Millennium Park

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One of the country’s most beautiful urban parks, Millennium Park is the heart of downtown Chicago. Filled with gardens, fountains, musical venues, and more, it’s a must-see for any Chicago visitor. Don’t forget to explore the art and architecture within the park itself, including the Crown Fountain and the classic Cloud Gate sculpture (aka The Bean). Snap some photos while you’re at it!

Depending upon what time of year you are visiting, there might be some amazing free or inexpensive events going on in the park. Check the attraction website or download the new Millennium Park app to see what's on during your visit!

Getting In: Entry to Millennium Park is free. You may wish to purchase souvenirs or food from some of the vendors. Leave at least an hour to visit the park.

Stop #3: Explore Navy Pier

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Head down to this premier entertainment destination and marvel at all the wonders of Chicago’s historic pier. There are museums, performing arts venues, an IMAX theater, and other attractions, but kids will most likely want to ride the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel.

You'll probably want a good hour or two to explore everything that Navy Pier has to offer, whether that's going on the wheel, delighting in some of the rides, or just taking in the view of the city with the lake glimmering behind you.

Getting In: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel tickets and rides are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Stop #4: The Field Museum

Where else in the world can you find 4.6 billion years of history under one roof? The Field Museum’s legendary collection of fossils, artifacts, gemstones, and other objects of natural and historic importance is practically unparalleled.

Their most famous exhibits span the gamut from dinosaurs to tombs to pottery, with highlights like SUE, the world’s largest and most complete T. Rex skeleton, and the Ancient Egyptian tomb that holds over 20 real mummies!

Another popular exhibit with the kids is the Underground Adventure area, where you get the chance to experience life on a bug-sized scale. This is one of the top attractions in the entire city and should be on your must-see list for one day in Chicago.

Getting In: Field Museum tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Stop #5: Shedd Aquarium

shedd-aquarium-chicago

Since you'll already be on Chicago's amazing Museum Campus after your last attraction, your final stop of the day should be a no-brainer: the fascinating Shedd Aquarium. Filled with maritime creatures great and small, Shedd has something to appeal to the entire family. It’s both educational and fun, so it's an ideal kid-friendly attraction.

Given the size of both the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium, if you think you'll want to spend multiple hours at each it might be worth heading down to the Museum Campus earlier and skipping another attraction or part of the hop on-hop off bus tour to give yourself more time.

Getting In: Shedd Aquarium tickets are  included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Save up to 50% on Chicago attractions  

Planning your Chicago trip? With Go City®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots, and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  

☀️See all Chicago attractions ☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a Chicago pass ✈️ 

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Lincoln Park Chicago

Dear reader! Do you like presidents? Do you like parks? Do you like doing fun things in a specific location? Well, you're in luck! Because Lincoln Park might just be the perfect place for you! There's so much to do in the area, you may never want to leave. So, whether you're a Chi-Town resident, or visiting from further afield, you might be wondering why you should visit Lincoln Park? We hear you, we see you, and we've got you covered. Read on, and discover our guide for all the things you can do in Lincoln Park, Chicago! Featuring: A trip to the zoo Tasty bites Get horticultural Go for a ride Feel historical and more! Lincoln Park Zoo Let's kick off this Lincoln Park funfest with a bit of animal action. Head to Lincoln Park Zoo if you want to hang out with sea lions, primates, and big cats too. They have a bunch of specific areas for you to explore, each with their own theme and group of animals to see. And, if that wasn't enough, there's also a host of rides and activities you can enjoy after you're all animal'd out. Join the Lionel Train Adventure to see more of the surrounding woodland, and join a cruise of the South Lake Lagoon and enjoy the ride! Perfect for big and little kids alike. Get some delicious food No matter what you're in the mood for, Lincoln Park's got your hunger under control. Grab some authentic Greek at AVLI Taverna, get classy with Alinea's tasting menu, or get some good old-fashioned deep dish pizza at Pequod's. In the market for some tasty beer to wash it all down? Head to Goose Island's Brew House. This world-renowned craft beer is Chicago born and bred, beginning back in 1988 at this very place. Lincoln Park Conservatory Want a little nature in your life? Take a walk to the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Not only will you find exotic species of flora from across the globe, but every plant and tree grown in the park starts here. Be sure to visit the four display houses, each showcasing different breeds of beautiful flowers and greenery. So, if you're visiting Chicago, it's definitely one of the best things to do in Lincoln Park! Bike ride Need to get the blood pumping? Why not ride your bike around Lincoln Park? If you don't have yours with you, rent one! It's a great way to get about and explore every nook and cranny of this massive green space. Better yet, bring some picnic supplies with you, find the perfect spot and set up your own snack bar. Nothing quite beats lounging on the grass and enjoying a delicious snack! Second City Hilarity Need a bit of a pick-me-up? Well, they say laughter is the best medicine. Put that theory to the test at Second City. The home of sketch and improv comedy, every night, you'll discover a hilarious act or two performing on stage. But don't take our word for it. Comedy greats like Bill Murray, Tina Fey, and Steve Carrell cut their teeth on Second City's stage. Why not discover comedy's next big thing today? Chicago History Museum Want to learn a little more about Chicago's history? You'll want to stop by the Chicago History Museum! Learn how the city grew from a humble town to the metropolis it is today. Discover the events that shaped it, like the Great Fire of 1871. And find out more about our favorite president, and the namesake of the very park, Abraham Lincoln. Nourish that withered pea you call a brain with some succulent knowledge and information. Hit the beach If the weather is fine and the clouds are away, why not go to the beach, even just for a day? Just a stone's throw from Lincoln Park is North Avenue Beach, one of the city's most popular spots come summertime. Find a stretch of sand, lay down a towel, and get your tan on. Or, go take a dip in the ocean. Just remember to pack some sunblock. Chicago already has enough lobster. Go see Lincoln And why you're there, why not go and see the man himself? Head to the Lincoln Monument and go tip your hat to one of the greats. There, you'll find the Standing Lincoln sculpture, a beautiful crafting of Abraham Lincoln, standing before his presidential chair. Standing at a whopping 12ft tall, and designed by Irish sculptor Saint-Gaudens, it's a must-visit in Lincoln Park. Connected to the statue are delightful gardens, so feel free to walk around and take it all in. Stroll through Oz Park No, you're not in Kansas anymore. Or, maybe you never were. Anyway, if you're a fan of the weird and wonderful Wizard of Oz, you owe it to yourself to take a stroll through Oz Park. As you may have guessed, it's themed around the book and film of the same name. You'll see statues of all the main cast, including Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion. There's plenty for kids to do too, including day camps, tennis and basketball courts, and a big garden called Dorothy's Playground. Green City Market And finally, let's end this list of things to do in Lincoln Park, Chicago with some food. Glorious food. Do you like your food fresh and your produce local? Then go check out Green City Market! It's a market dedicated to sustainable farming, and ensures all food is sourced from environmentally-conscious farmers. Visitors will be welcomed by a host of stalls selling everything from fruit and vegetables, to premade meals you can tuck into in the park. There's also a big focus on education, so you can learn about sustainable farming and where to buy groceries. And that's our list of the best things to do in Lincoln Park, Chicago! Are you visiting Chicago from out of state, or across the pond? You might want to read our guide to getting around the city. Coming by yourself? We've got you covered. And if you're thinking about heading to Chinatown, you absolutely should! Here's everything you need to know for your visit.
Dom Bewley
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The most relaxing things to do in Chicago

Relaxing may not be the first word that comes to mind when thinking about the windy city. But if you’re asking ‘how can I relax in Chicago’ don’t dismay. Follow our lead and you’ll soon realize there’s a real wealth of relaxing things to do in Chicago. Know where to look and the rush hour traffic and crowds of the Magnificent Mile will become a distant memory. So what are you waiting for? Let’s check out the best ways to go zen in the home of Al Capone and the World’s Fair. Picnic in the parks The obvious place to head for a bit of tranquility in any city is its parks. Since the 1830s the official motto of Chicago has been the Latin phrase urbs in horto, or ‘the city within a garden’. Tot them up and the city’s public parks come close to topping 600 in number, equivalent to almost 9% of its area. North of downtown, Chicago Botanic Garden was only opened in 1972, although you’d never guess from its landscape of lakes, prairie and woodland. Covering 385 acres, it is made up of 25 display gardens within these habitats, bringing the world of horticulture to this part of the city. Aside from providing an attractive place to relax, it also plays an important role in helping preserve rare and disappearing species. Constructed 50 years earlier by the architect it’s named after, the intention of Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool was always to provide Chicagoans with a space to think. Sharing the same naturalistic appearance as the Botanic Garden, the almost Japanese scene of woodland and trickling water is situated in Lincoln Park, alongside the Conservatory glass house – a perfect alternative should a rain shower sweep over. Explore your artistic side Especially calm during office hours, the Museum of Contemporary Art provides exactly the right ambience for taking your time over its permanent collection of 2500 artworks, substantially supplemented by loans from other galleries. Puzzle over Jeff Koons’ stainless steel Rabbit, Andy Warhol’s screen prints of Jackie Kennedy, and Magritte’s The Wonders of Nature before heading out into the sculpture garden or tucking into something tasty in the restaurant designed by award-winning artist Chris Ofili. If you’ve ever lost a few hours in the comfort of a good book, you’ll understand the serenity the written word can impart. Where better to head then when looking for relaxing things to do in Chicago than the American Writers Museum? From Nobel prize winner Ernest Hemingway to poets and playwrights, it celebrates storytelling in all its forms. With creativity sparking off every nerve ending, you may well want to roll up your sleeves with an art workshop. Lillstreet Art Center has been at the heart of the community since 1975 and is just one of a number of galleries hosting regular sessions incorporating metalwork and jewelry making, screen printing and ceramics. Take to the water Edged by Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes, and cleaved in part by the various branches of the Chicago River, taking to the water is another way in which to enjoy the city without setting your heart pulsing with anything but fascination. Step aboard a Shoreline Architecture River Cruise for a jaunt along all three channels of the river. The south branch soon reveals one of the city’s most famous structures – the Willis Tower – tallest building in the world for a generation. The main branch is lined by further architectural points of note, whilst the north branch helps reveal how the city has changed over its 200 year history. Should you wish, it’s also possible to explore the river not by boat but by kayak. However, to really absorb the Chicago skyline you’re going to need a little more distance, such as that offered by Skyline Lake Tours. Aside from the city views, these 40 minute tours give ticket holders a potted account of the growth of the city as you take in Navy Pier, Harbor Lighthouse and Museum Campus from onboard. Enjoy a gentle stroll Taking in a portion of the river’s south branch is Chinatown, where there are plenty more lazy things to do in Chicago. Centered on Cermak Road and Wentworth Avenue, it has an expansive range of independent stores, teahouses and dim sum restaurants very different to the offerings on the Magnificent Mile. Check out the Chinese American Museum of Chicago for a little more on the background of how it developed, or satisfy yourself with the replica of Beijing’s 15thCentury Nine Dragon Wall. Other spots in the city to take a leisurely walk include the 606 (or Bloomingdale) rail trail, following the westward path of an old railroad track. Replaced with the largest greenway project of its kind in the US, it runs for 2.7 miles, meaning even if you follow it to its western trailhead you still won’t be too far from the center of the city. Turn in the opposite direction and you’ll soon reach Lakeshore Trail, following the water’s edge of Lake Michigan for more than 18 miles, giving ample opportunity whether you’re after a walk to the nearest coffee shop or a daylong hike along the whole path. For shorter ambles, Navy Pier makes for a great target. Packed with old style rides and Centennial Wheel and extending for over 3000 feet, it’s one of Chicago’s most popular attractions. Relaxed in body, mind and wallet With a little effort it’s possible to find a wide array of relaxing things to do in Chicago, from spending time in the city’s multitude of gardens to hitting the heights of Centennial Wheel. Another way to stay relaxed when on vacation is by traveling with Go City. Set yourself up with one of our pre-pay passes and you’ll know you've got huge discounts on entry to many of Chicago’s most popular attractions and things to do!
Ian Packham
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Things to do in Pilsen, Chicago

Do you like your neighborhoods to have the perfect mix of cool, community, and culture? Then give Pilsen a go! This district of Chicago has some great and unique entertainment opportunities for travelers and locals alike. So, if you're visiting Chi-Town on vacation, these are the best things to do in Pilsen! Including Live music BBQ with a glamorous twist Some culture Parks Street art and more! Get live We begin today with music. Live music, to be exact! Nothing quite beats seeing a band jam in the flesh, and lucky for you, Pilsen has a few awesome venues to check out. One of Pilsen's oldest landmarks is Thalia Hall, which is over 120 years old and still going strong! This powerhouse of live entertainment hosts comedy greats like Dave Chappelle as well as huge bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, among many others. In recent years, the addition of several bars, restaurants, and alternative stages have grown Thalia Hall's entertainment opportunities. So go check out what's on when you're visiting Chicago. If you prefer your music noisier, your performance wilder, and your gigs more carefree, then check out The Dojo. Chicago's premier underground music venue hosts local noise bands, leftfield artists, and much more. Every weekend they have new and exciting alternative acts gracing the stage, so head down there and see what all the fuss is about! Carnival BBQ BBQ is the backbone of America. For decades, we've ventured out of our abodes, fired up the grill, and invited friends and family over for a cookout. Nothing brings the community together better than BBQ. And Pilsen has a quality BBQ joint with a musical twist. We're talking about Honkey Tonk BBQ, where hungry souls can go to fill their bellies and their minds, thanks to the jazz and blues parties they host most nights. Chow down on some delicious BBQ meat, and then work off the calories through the night. But one Saturday a month, they mix things up a bit, as the place is taken over by an improv burlesque quintet. They'll have you dancing and laughing in no time. Easily one of the best things to do in Pilsen when you visit Chicago! Get cultural Next, let's switch gears to something more cultural. If you're looking for some inspirational, mind-opening experiences, then Pilsen's got you covered. At the National Museum of Mexican Art, you'll find art from Mexicans both in the US and across the border. Chicago is known as the 'Mexico of the Midwest', and this museum is a testament to the artistry of many Mexicans who now call Chi-Town home. Wander through over 7000 pieces, and learn about the stories that helped create them. Or, if your tastes lie a little leftfield and you want something exclusive, then House of the Apocalypse might be just what you're looking for. Only open for four hours every month, this weird and wonderful collection of artwork is quite the sight. Featuring sci-fi and post-apocalypse influences, House of Apocalypse's collection is something you won't quite find anywhere else. Street art named desire If you prefer your artwork of the outdoor, urban variety, or simply want to peruse in the glow of the sun, then go check out the massive collection of street art on 16th Street. Brought together thanks to a collaboration between multiple local institutions, you'll find a wealth of works from global street artists. In fact, this collaboration has helped restore a lot of the area, which was once derelict and dirty. So, two birds with one stone then! At the same time, it's ensured that Pilsen remains true to its roots, and doesn't sway too far into the gentrification we've seen happening all over America and other parts of the world. Pilsen is community-first, and always should be. More eateries! And when all that activity brings on the hunger prangs, Pilsen's got some great restaurants to sate your grumbling tummy. Head to Barrio for some authentic Mexican cuisine and a whole menu dedicated to tequila-based cocktails! What some fresh, farm-to-table dishes at a reasonable price? Go check out Dusek's Tavern. Their fixed menu of exciting, New-American cuisine means you get delicious food and a great price. In the market for some delicious East-Asian delights? Give HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen a look. With a mix of street food, fixed dishes, unique family recipes, and a fine line of cocktails to boot, it's a must-visit for anyone visiting Pilsen. Drinks After all of those activities and food, the next stop on your Pilsen journey should be one of its many watering holes. Thankfully, Pilsen is full of them, so you have the pick of the litter. Want some classic pub food, refreshing craft beer, and cool aesthetic on your night out? Skylark's the one. Want to try something a little kookier? How does a hidden basement bar with creative punches sound? That's Punch House, which has a whole menu full of fruity punches to try, as well as sandwiches, all rolled into a retro-vintage vibe. Doesn't get more Pilsen than that! Or, grab a slice of pizza and pick from any number of craft beers at The Green Room Tap. Whichever way you decide to go, you're bound to have a blast! Find a park-ing spot Let's end this list on a walk through some of Chicago's green and pleasant land. Of course, we're talking about parks. And, of course, Pilsen's got its share of great ones! Firstly, there's Harrison Park, which has a gym, indoor pool, and even meeting rooms housed within the Fieldhouse. So, if you like to get active, you can do it inside or out. Beyond that, you'll find over 18 acres of sweet green space to go sit, have a jog, or prepare a picnic. Look out of the bust of Emiliano Zapata, one of the biggest names of the Mexican Revolution. Or, check out Dvorak Park, which boasts a baseball field, its own pool and unique water feature, soccer pitches, playgrounds, and a whole heap of comfortable, welcoming grass. You may even catch the odd performance there on the right day, as there's a big art scene that calls the park home. The playground is perfect for kids, if you're bringing the little ones. And that's our list of the best things to do in Pilsen, Chicago!
Dom Bewley

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