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 Bridgeport, Chicago

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Should I buy Go City’s Chicago pass or get individual tickets?

Let’s cut to the chase: the Chicago pass generally works out cheaper, handier and more fun than buying attraction tickets individually. Read on to find out why!
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