Chicago

One Day in Chicago Itinerary

Experience Chicago in a day with our budget-friendly plan
By Casey Makovich

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!)

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

cloud-gate-bean-black-white

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

time-photo-navy-pier-centennial-wheel

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 gold coast chicago
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Things to do in Gold Coast, Chicago

So, you've chosen your vacation destination. The Windy City. Chi-Town. The real-life Metropolis, minus the superheroes. Chicago is a fantastic getaway destination, full of great food, fun nights out, and plenty of top-level entertainment. But it's a big old town, with multiple districts and areas that crisscross throughout its gargantuan layout. With so many to choose from, which one is right for you? Well, don't let choice paralysis get the better of you! We've done all the research necessary, so you don't have to. Give Gold Coast a go. It's as simple as that. With a wealth of entertainment on offer, it's the perfect vacation spot. Here are our picks for the best things to do in Gold Coast, Chicago! Including: Oak Street Beach Playboy Mansion Broadway Playhouse Washington Square Park Drake Hotel Bar and more! Hit the Beach Why not ease into your trip with a spot of lounging? After all, you've got the rest of your vacation to go see the sights. Lucky for you, the Gold Coast lives up to its namesake. Head there, and you'll find Oak Street Beach. Of course, you'll find heaps of golden sand, clean sea, and (hopefully) glistening sun - that's what the beach is all about, after all. However, Oak Street Beach is also perfectly placed to visit at any time during the day, as it's just a stone's throw from the city itself. Take a dip in the ocean, go grab an ice cream for the kids - or yourself, who are you kidding - and then check out the nearby patio bar for a cool, refreshing drink. Easily one of the best things to do in the Gold Coast when you visit Chicago. Feel like a Playboy Yes, really. Though you probably know the Playboy Mansion as the once celebrity-laded party mansion near Beverly Hills, it wasn't always there. In fact, the original Playboy Mansion was bought right here on the Gold Coast back in the '50s. The rather less impressive original is well over 100 years old at this point, and has changed hands multiple times. First, Hefner donated it to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago when he moved into his legendary LA pad. Then, the institute sold it to a redevelopment firm, and it's now been converted into condos in a rather typical fashion. However, if you want to see a piece of 20th-century American history in the flesh, you owe it to yourself to go and bask in the extravagant opulence of the original Playboy Mansion. Just don't plan on buying one of the condos, unless you've got a few mill to spare. Broadway, baby! If the weather takes a turn, or you just want a couple of hours out of the sun, why not retreat to the bright lights and comfort of broadway? Yes, even in Chicago, you can get a taste of the New York performance mile thanks to Broadway Playhouse! A stone's throw from the coast, you'll find a host of great plays and musicals being shown throughout the year, from all-time classics to the new shows on the block. You might even stumble upon a one-man show, or local play before it gathers steam. Walk in the Park Are you a fan of the color green? Do you like walking? Is the prospect of breathing in fresh air, mingling with trees, shrubs, and grass appealing to you? Answer us these questions three, and we'll give you a place you want to be. At. A park, of course! Gold Coast has you covered in flowers and grass, thanks to Washington Square Park. Go there for the giant 19th-century fountain, stay for the delightful green spaces, picnic opportunities, or simply for a stroll. So, what are you waiting for? Get Risky When you're in Gold Coast, why not grab a drink at a Hollywood monument? Sort of, at least. Featured in the '80s Tom Cruise classic Risky Business, the Drake Hotel is one of Chicago's most recognizable landmarks! But we're not talking about the room service here. We're talking about the Hotel's bar, called the Coq d'Or. This lavish hotel lounge has been warming customers' cockles since the dark Prohibition days. Head inside and find a wealth of drinks, a menu to die for, and enough comfort you'll feel like a marshmallow. A pampered marshmallow. Best Pizza in town Wow, all that doing things, seeing things, and experiences must have made you hungry. Well, Chicago is famous for one thing in the food department, and that's deep dish. The Chicagoan take on the Italian classic is known worldwide for its deliciousness, thanks to its unusual sauce-over-cheese twist. So why not go get some and see if it lives up to its reputation? Lou Malnati's, right in Gold Coast, is arguably the best in town. The name is a staple of the Chicago style, having helped pioneer it in the early 20th century. So go grab a slice of delight and take your tastebuds to pizzatown. Or something. Go Shopping Let's end this list on a shopping, surely many of our readers' favorite pastimes. Thankfully, Gold Coast is full of shops of all shapes and sizes, so no matter what item you seek, you're sure to find it there. However, for those of you with expensive tastes, you'll be looking for The Magnificent Mile. Head there, and you'll find a shopper's paradise. Over 400 stores line the 'Mile', including the likes of Chanel, Louis Vitton, and Tiffany. So, if you're looking for some dear deals and have the cash to splash, you'll be right at home. On top of all that shopping, you'll also find a slew of gourmet restaurants, snug cafes, and much more. So, if that all sounds like heaven to you, go on down and see what's cracking! And that's our list of the best things to do in Gold Coast, Chicago! If you want to know about the other areas of Chicago, check out our thoughts here. Heading to Chicago at the tail end of winter? The beaches might be a no-go, but there's plenty more to do and see!
Dom Bewley
Things to do in Wicker Park Chicago
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Things to do in Wicker Park, Chicago

Feeling hip? Chicago's Wicker Park is one of the coolest places in the city. If you're visiting Chi-Town from out-of-town or simply a local who doesn't know, why not find out why? Here's our guide to Wicker Park, which highlights some of the best things to do! Including: Exploring the outdoors Classic arcade fun Refreshing beverages Poignant performances Comedy clubs and more! Go exploring! Firstly, if you're new to the area, get out there and explore! There are plenty of green spaces that are worth your time. Wicker Park is a park named after Wicker Park the place. Once you've wrapped your head around that one, you'll find one of Chicago's coziest but classiest outdoor spaces. Pack a picnic basket and go enjoy the ambiance! Lots of events also occur throughout the year, like film screenings, markets, and live performances. Or, for a more urban escape, follow the abandoned 606 train tracks. The 606 has become a tourist destination in its own right, with a winding walk that will take you past some of the city's most recognizable landmarks. It's also full of creative street art for you to check out, and put on your socials if you crave the attention of others so incessantly. Alongside the fantastic views, there are a wealth of events on all year round, from bakesales to outdoor exercise classes. So, go explore. Right now! Play on, player Fancy trying your hand at some retro arcade video games, air hockey, and other '80s entertainment? Then check out Emporium at Wicker Park! Bring some friends along and get to grips with some classic arcade games. Then, when you've lost all your lives, hop on a pool table and play a few rounds, challenge them to a spot of foosball, or get clinking at one of the many pinball tables. Then, to wet your whistle, grab a refreshing craft beer from the bar, or maybe a bite to eat if you need to refuel. They even have live music on occasion, if you need some tunes to get your pinball fingers pumping. Emporium is awesome, and easily one of the best things to do in Wicker Park if you're visiting Chicago! Grab a drink After all that activity, you might want to just sit back, relax, and get a refreshing drink or two down your gullet. Well, Wicker Park has got you covered, with a wide variety of relaxed watering holes that'll help you take the edge off. One of Wicker Park's most popular is Phyllis Musical Inn, a saloon-style pub with countless beers on tap, live music, and a massive garden where you can soak up the rays when the weather's good. Or, if you want to stuff it down with brown, head to Whiskey Business. Besides a delightful and grandiose selection of whiskeys, they also serve a mean cocktail, local craft beers, and you can enjoy it all on their vibrant rooftop! Or, if you fancy something fancy and a little pricier, check out The Violet Hour. This stylish, sophisticated joint has a bevy of master craftsmen who can whip you up whatever you desire, all paired with delicious bites. Catch a secret show If you like your music raw, and your favorite acts unheard-of, then wade through the cool and pull up a pew at Hideout. This Wicker Park hang spot features local acts and up-and-coming artists from the world of alternative music. On any given week, expect to see post-punk one day and then acoustic indie the next. If you like your venues grungy, your music noisy, and your beer just the way it should be, head down to The Hideout and see if you discover your new favorite artist. Just don't expect they'll have any merch. That's for posers, bro. Have a laugh We all like the giggle. It's said that laughter is the best natural way to gain a six-pack. And you don't even have to do anything, just laugh. How awesome is that? If you want to work on your six-pack and laugh till your sides hurt, why not check out The Comedy Clubhouse? Widely thought of as the premier Chicago comedy club, it's one of the best things to do in Wicker Park. You'll find a slew of shows on there, from stand-up gigs to improv shows. Many comedians you find on cable comedy greats like Parks and Rec and The Office cut their teeth at this very club, so you have some idea of the quality you can expect when you visit. Pair all them funnies with some refreshing drinks and delicious pizza, and you've got yourself a night out right there. Dig in the crates This one's for the collectors. If you're a muso and big into vinyl, do yourself a favor and check out Reckless Records. Inside, you'll find wall-to-wall rare vinyl from bygone eras, new EPs from up-and-coming artists, and even old movies if you're so inclined. A lot of it's second-hand, understandably, so make sure to check your purchases before you wreck your purchases. Or, God forbid, they wreck you. If you want to lose multiple hours and come away with a collection to make all of your weird friends froth at the mouth, go check out Reckless Records. Get artistic Need to be inspired? Go check out some of Wicker Park's quirky art galleries! The Flat Iron Building has a whole collection of galleries where you'll find mind-blowing, or mind-altering, works from local artists. If you like your art with a hint of street, check out The Vertical Gallery for some thought-provoking pieces on modern life, local culture, and antiestablishmentism. Or, if you like more experimental art, or are at least open to it, head to Johalla Projects. Step inside, and you'll find a huge gallery space filled with images, sculptures, movies, and paintings. Now that's art, baby. Grab a bite And finally, this one's for the hungry. Luckily for you, Wicker Park has a handful of great restaurants to get some chow. If you want some southern fun with your food, check our Ina Mae's delicious menu full of New Orleans-inspired dishes. Their potato salad is to die for. Want to go even further south? Try Antique Taco, which offers a selection of gourmet tacos and Mexican appetizers, alongside some tequila-based cocktails to wash it down. Or, if you want your mind blown with some New American cuisine, a few dollars more will get you a delicious meal at Schwa. Many locals think it's the best restaurant in town. Best you find out for yourself! And that was our list of the best things to do in Wicker Park when you visit Chicago!
Dom Bewley
Chicago
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Chicago itinerary – 3 days in Chicago for first timers

Chicago offers diverse cultural experiences, world-class museums, exciting culinary adventures, and renowned architecture.
Katie Sagal

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