The Ferris Bueller Guide to Chicago

By Seren Morris

Visiting Chicago and want to experience your very own day off, Ferris Bueller style? We’ve put together a Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Chicago itinerary so you can walk in the footsteps of Ferris, Cameron, and Sloane as they enjoy the best sights and attractions Chicago has to offer. As Ferris said: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” So make the most of your Chicago vacation and visit the best attractions the city has to offer, including...

  • SkyDeck Chicago
  • The Art Institue of Chicago
  • Wrigley Field
  • And more!

Save on admission

Remember, many of these popular Chicago attractions are included with the Go Chicago pass. You could save up to 55% on admission vs gate price.

SkyDeck Chicago

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First up is a visit to SkyDeck Chicago at the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower. Head up to the 1,353-foot high observation deck for 360 views of the city. From SkyDeck, you’ll be able to see famous Chicago sights like the Navy Pier Wheel and the Magnificent Mile, plus four states. This is a great way to start your day off, as a birdseye view is a perfect introduction to Chicago. Check out our guide to SkyDeck Chicago to make the most of your visit. Lean forward and see the streets below, just as Ferris, Cameron, and Sloane did. Or, stand on the Ledge, which has a glass floor. The Ledge was partly inspired by Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, as visitors kept pressing their foreheads against the glass for a view of the city below. Now, you can simply look down for the best, unobstructed view of Chicago. Getting in: Admission to SkyDeck Chicago is included with the Go Chicago pass.

The Art Institute of Chicago

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After visiting the Willis Tower, it’s only a 15-minute walk to the Art Institute of Chicago. Wander around the museum's exhibitions and check out work by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Hopper. Be sure to visit their temporary exhibitions too – they have everything from Manet (until 8 Septemeber 2019) and art from the London Underground (until 5 September 2019.) Read more about what’s new at the Art Institute of Chicago to help plan your visit. For the Ferris Bueller experience, put yourself in Cameron’s shoes as you gaze into the faces of George Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte. Then, see Marc Chagall’s America Windows, in front of which Ferris and Sloane had a moment together. Getting in: Admission to The Art Institute of Chicago is included with the Go Chicago pass.

Wrigley Field

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Check ahead of time to see whether the Chicago Cubs are playing at Wrigley Field during your visit for an authentic Ferris Bueller experience. Read our helpful guide on how to get Chicago Cubs tickets before you go! If not, you could instead take a behind-the-scenes tour of Wrigley Stadium. You’ll tour some exclusive areas, including the field, dugout, visitor’s clubhouse, and press box. The tour will last approximately 75-90 minutes and your guide will tell you everything you need to know about the famous stadium. Getting in: Admission to the Wrigley Field Stadium Tour is not included with the Go Chicago pass and tickets must be purchased separately.

Chicago sights

While exploring Chicago, keep an eye out for other famous locations from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, including...

  • Chicago Mercantile Exchange
  • Daley Plaza
  • 22 West Schiller Street

See the Chicago Mercantile Exchange where they watch the trading pit in action. Stroll down Daley Plaza, where Ferris joined the Von Steuben Day Parade. And although the restaurant they go to for lunch doesn’t exist, you can see the exterior at 22 West Schiller Street.

In summary

We hope this guide has helped you plan your very own Ferris Bueller-inspired Chicago day off. Remember, many of these popular Chicago attractions are included with the Go Chicago pass. You could save up to 55% on admission vs gate price.

Share your trip with us

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and share your adventure with us. Tag us at @GoCity and use #GoCityPass on your travel photos to keep us up to date with your vacation!

Seren Morris
Go City Travel Expert

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Best art galleries in Chicago

A haven for art lovers, Chicago had more galleries than anywhere in the United States bar New York. Its artistic heritage goes right back to the early days of the city, and has escaped its gallery walls to spread across its streets. Chase Tower Plaza provides a home for Marc Chagall’s Four Seasons mural, Daley Plaza a 50 foot sculpture by Picasso, Brunswick Plaza Miro’s Chicago and Millennium Park Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate – otherwise known as ‘the bean’. What’s particularly wonderful about the best art galleries in Chicago is that they encompass all artistic styles and ages – from contemporary photography to outsider art. Nor is it limited to the second city’s grand institutions. Chicago’s smaller independently run art galleries have equally captivating collections. Where should you spend your time as an art lover in Chicago? The answer lies within the next 800 words. Art Institute of Chicago Founded in 1866, the Art Institute of Chicago is the gallery from which much of the city’s pleasure in artistic pursuits has developed. Its collection is both expansive and world class, totaling some 300,000 individual objects from ancient Middle Eastern artefacts to modern textiles. Some of its most famous residents include Hopper’s Nighthawks and Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, alongside Grant Wood’s American Gothic. Museum of Contemporary Art Whilst it cannot compete with the 5000 years of human endeavor covered by the Art Institute, the Museum of Contemporary Art more than holds its own with its rotating series of exhibitions focused on the art of the latter twentieth century to the present day. Its box-like gallery space provides a home for works including Andy Warhol’s Vote McGovern – a ghoulish image of President Richard Nixon. Borrowing much of the art that hangs on its walls both nationally and internationally, a visit is never the same twice. Zolla/Lieberman Gallery It’s only because of Zolla/Lieberman Gallery that the River North Art District exists. When it arrived in 1976, the area was a down-on-its-luck industrial district whose industry had long gone, leaving ‘Smokey Hollow’ all but derelict. Since its first show, the gallery has sought a path which isn’t restricted by either genre or the status of its artist. It supports a great deal of new talent as well as those who have already made their name. Each exhibition lasts just a couple of months. Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art It was the early 1990s which witnessed the birth of Intuit, a gallery created to celebrate and promote the work of outsider and folk artists. It means that many of the 1100 pieces in its permanent collection were created by self-taught artists who felt in some way marginalized, providing a fascinating insight into the thoughts of populations often underrepresented within artistic communities. Their artists may not be household names, but that’s not to say you won’t find something thought-provoking or touching should you choose to visit when in Chicago. Rhona Hoffman Gallery The West Town district’s Rhona Hoffman Gallery is one of Chicago’s small art galleries with a big personality. Heavily involved in community events such as EXPO Chicago, its main remit is to bring young and emerging artists to new audiences. Global in scope, it has historically lent towards female artists, with notables it has championed including Cindy Sherman and Barbara Kruger. As a mixed media gallery, expect anything from video installations to sculpture. Stephen Daiter Gallery Another River North pick, Stephen Daiter Gallery dedicates itself to twentieth century photography from America and Europe. From traditional portraits and still lives to experimental styles and photojournalism, it focuses on the very best vintage photography from the Bauhaus school to the homegrown Chicago School of Design. Its contemporary program brings it right up to date. Vertical Gallery One of the newest kids on the block, Vertical Gallery was the dream of Patrick Hull, former Vice President, Marketing & Sales at Birkenstock USA and opened in 2013. Aiming to rival all the east or west coasts can offer when it comes to street art and pop culture, it has become the jumping off point for several artists entering larger galleries in Chicago and beyond. If their work doesn’t bring a wry smile to your face, you’ll be one of very few who leave unimpressed. Chicago Truborn Literally unmissable due to its front facing multi story mural, Chicago Truborn was unveiled in 2011 as a place to see art in an unintimidating environment. A must-visit Chicago gallery for anyone who’s ever considered becoming a collector, Truborn’s art is some of the most affordable in the city, although this shouldn’t suggest its artists are somehow less talented. What’s more, there’s a new exhibition every five weeks to look forward to from the hottest crop of street, urban and graffiti artists. Corbett vs Dempsey The Corbett in question here has taught at the Art Institute of Chicago for more than 40 years, whilst Dempsey has had an illustrious career as the house manager of a Chicago film center. The result is a gallery just as eclectic. The mix of brick, plaster and polished floors shows off the contemporary paintings well, with film and musical works creating a very special ambience. There’s also an art bookshop and record store selling the gallery’s Corbett vs Dempsey label, whose list contains the likes of Sun Ra. Chicago Gamespace Much has been made of the artistic integrity of video games in recent years, and Chicago Gamespace came about as a living museum of the most important arcade games – most of which can be played. As well as a permanent collection of machines from Pac-Man to Mortal Kombat, the walls hang with stills and origin artworks, with prints available from the onsite shop. Roughly a mile west of Chicago History Museum and the animals of Lincoln Park Zoo, the only downside is that Chicago Gamespace is only open on Sunday afternoons. See the best art galleries in Chicago with Go City What unites the best art galleries in Chicago isn’t the size of their permanent collections or the focus of their curatorial teams, but the energy and love they put into sharing their art with the public. Big and small, classic and contemporary, together they form one of the most important cultural gatherings in the entire country. Head to Chicago with Go City and you can bask in reduced admission to many of the windy city’s top attractions, including the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Ian Packham
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10+ things to do in Chicago with teens

It's never easy planning a vacation that keeps everyone happy, but we think Chicago has got you covered. Read on for our top tips and crowd-pleasers for teenagers.
Katie Sagal
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Things to do in Logan Square, Chicago

Looking for a cool place to stay in Chicago? Give Logan Square a go. This up-and-coming district is full of modern fun for any discernable customer. Let us tell you why! These are the best things to do in Logan Square, Chicago! Including: Logan Theater Logan Arcade Farmers Market Lincoln Lodge Rosa's Lounge and more! Catch a flick Suggesting a cinema visit might seem a strange suggestion for a vacation, but when your theater is named after the district you're in, and its sign is one of the area's most recognizable, that changes things somewhat. Inside The Logan Theater, you'll find multiple screens playing both big-budget blockbusters and lesser-known indie darlings. The sound and visual quality on offer are well known throughout Chicago, so you can expect an excellent experience when you go. Compound all that with the theater's lounge, where you can grab a drink or even catch a comedy show or pub quiz, and myriad midnight screenings of cult gems, and you've got yourself a nailed-on night out. Game on Want to put your friends and family to the proverbial digital sword? Take them down to Logan Arcade. Inside this repurposed hardware store, you'll find a number of excellent old-school arcade cabinets featuring nostalgic greats like Pac-Man, Q-Bert, and Street Fighter 2, as well as pinball machines themed around old films and games. Keeping the whole thing aloft is a fantastic bar with local craft beers, spirits, and cocktails to keep you refueled. And, if all that gaming gets you hungry, Fry Like An Eagle is in residency there, offering delicious vegan junk food to all and sundry. Farm to your table Do you long for fresher produce than your local supermarket? Do you want to give back to the local community? Are you planning on making your own meals while visiting Chicago? If you answered yes to some or all of these, go seek out Logan Square Farmers Market. Every Sunday, you'll find seasonal produce, fresh meats, delicious fruit and veg, and even some baked delights ready to be eaten! In warmer months, you'll find the market sprawled out to make the most of the sunshine. When things take a turn, they retreat into a nearby building. To the benefit of everyone, we're sure you'd agree. Get funny When they say laughter is the best medicine, are they insinuating that it's only needed by the sick and infirm? Something for you to ponder. In the meantime, leave your existential thinking at the door and enjoy some great comedy at the Lincoln Lodge! The self-proclaimed longest-running independent comedy shop in America, Lincoln Lodge host a number of improv, stand-up, and sketch performers every week. With previous luminaries including the likes of Hannibal Burress, you've every chance to find the next big thing when you go! Music and drinks Many things don't go hand in hand quite like music and drinks. So why not combine the two and head to Rosa's Lounge, Logan Square's premier blues club? For nearly 40 years, it's been the go-to for blues lovers who want to sit, sip a cocktail, and tap their foot to some old-school R&B. The real old-school R&B, not the synchronized dancing sort. This family-run joint has a rotation of regular acts throughout the week. However, every weekend, performers from across the country make the pilgrimage to play on the lounge's stage. So, if you want some great music to pair with a cocktail or two, give Rosa's Lounge a look in. Park hangs Let's move from inside to out, into the warm embrace of nature. Parks are the city dweller's escape from the concrete jungle, giving them the chance to touch grass and look at colors other than grey. Lucky for you, Logan Square has some great spots to sit down and take a breather. Humbolt Park may be a far cry from its original, animal-rich self, but there's still plenty of green to see and things to do. Take a tour of the lagoons, play a few sports on the available courts, go for a run on some of the back paths, or go see the Humboldt Boathouse for yourself. They don't make buildings quite like it anymore. Or, go for a walk around The 606. This disused railway track worms its way through parts of the city, giving you the chance to see many of Chicago's amazing landmarks. It's popular, mind, so you will not be alone. However, ignore the pedestrians and pretend you're an explorer in the post-apocalypse. Or something, you do you. Food for thought All that exploring's gonna get you hungry, there's no doubt. Thankfully, you've got some great spots that'll sort that rumbling tummy right out. Nothing beats pie, and nothing beats Bang Bang Pie Shop's pie. Sweet pies, savory pies, meat pies, veggie pies, they've got it all, along with a fantastic selection of freshly-made biscuits with just about whatever you want on them. Yes, please. Formerly acclaimed joint Fat Rice, Noodle Bird has now taken over. Offering up a delicious selection of Asian street food, it's as good on the go as it is at the table. Their signature dish is live-fire charcoal-grilled chicken, with an assortment of veg and rice. Pick up some canned wine while you're there, and pretend you're more sophisticated than you really are. How about some New American cuisine to make you feel even more sophisticated? Daises do just that, with a seasonal rotation of pasta dishes with a New American twist. And as a modern joint, you can expect vegetarian alternatives for each dish. Do yourself a favor and get the gnocchi. Sublime. Chicago Nights Let's end this list on the nightlife. Your last port of call when the daylight hours are dwindling. Surprising no one, Logan Square has a great selection of nighttime haunts to test out. Longman & Eagle is a hipster spot where you can expect '60s whiskey cocktails from Millennials with tattoos. It's a great spot to spend the night and strike up a conversation with the bar hands or patrons. And hey, why not make new friends in a new city? You never know when you'll be back. Another great cocktail spot is Scofflaw, which has a more colorful variety of drinks on offer. Their focus is gin, which is all the rage these days. Mother's ruin has become the go-to spirit of the millennial crowd. And with good reason. Or, have a dance and play a few rounds of Skee Ball at Slippery Slope, which has plenty of beers, cocktails, and LGBT-friendly nights to boot! And that's our list of the best things to do in Logan Square, Chicago!
Dom Bewley

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