bridgeport cityscape

Things to do in Bridgeport, Chicago

By Dom Bewley

Heading to Chicago this year? Check out Bridgeport. This seaside district of the city has some great entertainment, from cultural shots to tasty bites. Read on and discover our picks for the best things to do in Bridgeport, Chicago!

Including:

  • Chicago Maritime Museum
  • Parks
  • Bridgeport Farmers Market
  • Bridgeport Art Center
  • Tasty bites
  • and more!
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Sea Culture

Given Chicago's penchant for the sea, it's no wonder the city has a long history of seafaring. For centuries, traders used boats to shop their wares, crossing the great lakes to smaller settlements to make some coin. But don't take us for our word; go and discover this history for yourself at the Chicago Maritime Museum!

You'll find over 6000 artifacts to see, read, and explore, including nautical gizmos from hundreds of years ago, models of ships used back then, as well as images, text, and other displays that detail Chicago's rich nautical history. See how sea travel and trade made Chi-Town the city it's become, and how even today, Chicagoans rely on boats and ships to make it great. For those of you with a passing curiosity in local history, or lovers of boats and the seven seas, this is easily one of the best things to do in Bridgeport when you visit Chicago!

Park your buns

Let's swap the open ocean for some dry, firm land, shall we? If you're looking for a little green space to take a load off, then Bridgeport's got you covered. Palmisano Park used to look somewhat different from its green and pleasant present. For over 130 years, it was a quarry, and when the quarry shut down, the big quarry-shaped hole was used to dump waste. Brilliant. Thankfully, the waste was covered up, and a park was put up on top of it! Now, you can walk around above it all, and see a fishing pond, do laps on the track field, take a picnic on the grass, or simply admire the amazing views of the city!

And right next to Palmisano Park is McGuane Park, which has a host of facilities for the athletic types reading this. Head there, and you'll find a big indoor pool, a gym, baseball fields, tennis courts, and even a playground for the little ones!

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Art for you

Do you like art? Do you like supporting the local scene? Do you want original pieces that your friends and family will envy forevermore? Well, head down to the Bridgeport Art Center! Myriad artists work there throughout the year, creating exciting pieces. However, every three weeks, they open the space to the public and let visitors explore their works, and even buy them if they want. So, if you're in the market for some unique art, head down there and beat the competition with your money.

Market Life

Looking for a little fresh produce for your Airbnb, or simply looking for something tasty to munch on? Just outside the Bridgeport Art Center, you'll find the Farmers Market, right in the adjacent parking lot! Head there on Saturday between 7-11 am, and you'll find a wealth of fresh, locally-sourced produce that'll make your dishes delightful.

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Get your eat on

If you prefer your meals cooked by great chefs and served by excellent staff, then no matter. Bridgeport has some amazing restaurants to sate your hunger.

If you like birds of the quacking variety, then go check out the Duck Inn. This cozy, retro eatery puts a DuckTales twist on American favorites. Duck hot dogs, rotisserie duck, alongside non-duck-related greatness like pasta and fried chicken. No matter your cravings, trust they'll be fulfilled at the Duck Inn; it's one of the best things to do in Bridgeport when you visit Chicago!

Or, if you're in the mood for some Asian deliciousness, hit up A Place by Damao. This traditional Asian cuisine from the Szechuan province of China, pairs national classics like dumplings, noodles, and braised duck, with different levels of spice. Simple but satisfying, go check it out if you like a little heat with your food!

Let's end our food journey on bread. Fresh bread is likely a gift from the gods, handed down to man back in ancient times. Probably. If you want the freshest, best bread in all of Bridgeport, head to Bridgeport Bakery. Whether you're picking up a fresh loaf to make your own, in the market for fantastic bacon buns, or looking for something sweet like donuts or pretzels, they've got you covered!

Cool off

Want to wash all the food down with a few beers, or looking for a destination for your night out?

Looking for a sports bar with some delicious, affordable beers on tap? Try Mitchell's Tap. It's a White Sox bar, but even if you don't support the local greats, you'll still be welcomed with open arms. They have some good local brews in the pipes, as well as some international drops like Belgium's Delirium.

If you want to supplement your night out with a spot of live music, go check out Bernice's Tavern. Inside, you'll find a mix of local lagers and beers, spirits, and bar snacks, along with weekly acoustic sets and open mic nights. A no-nonsense bar for a no-nonsense night out.

And finally, for the gentrified sort, there's Maria's Packaged Goods. With a name like that, you may already know what to expect. Artisinal cocktails, microbrews with kooky names, and a laid-back atmosphere where vintage hats are all the rage.

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Splash the cash

Let's end our list with some shopping, shall we? Bridgeport had a great alternative shopping scene, so if you're looking for bits and bobs, old tech, or collectibles, it'll be right up your street.

Let's Boogie Records and Tapes is your classic alternative music shop, where you can find older, unknown LPs alongside modern underground band releases. Just make sure you have a record or tape player, because the name doesn't lie. That's what they do.

Or, if you like collectibles from across the globe, check out Monster Island Toys. They specialize in all things Godzilla, from classic Japanese action figures to modern comics and everything in between. But you'll also find other figures from pop culture are represented too. So, if you're a collector, or looking to pick up a gift for your little one, stop by and see what's on offer.

And that's our list of the best things to do in Bridgeport, Chicago!

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The Field Museum in Chicago.
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Shedd Aquarium Vs Field Museum Comparison

You like animals, right? Of course you do! What kind of monster doesn’t go all gooey at the sight of cute kitties, playful pups and adorable aardvarks? Well, good news: Chicago has animals in spades. We’re talking Lincoln Park and Brookfield zoos, dedicated dog parks, cat cafés and, more specifically, critters both alive and dead at, respectively, the mighty Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum of Natural History. These Museum Campus giants are two of Chicago’s biggest, best and most popular attractions, but how do they compare against one other? We got to know their resident critters (and other key exhibits) to find out... Shedd Aquarium Vs Field Museum: A Short History First opened way back in 1930, this vast, purpose-built aquarium was for many years the largest indoor facility of its kind in the world. Almost a century later, it remains one of the biggest and most-visited aquariums in the States, welcoming over two million visitors every year. The aquarium, bankrolled by retail magnate and philanthropist John G.Shedd back in the 1920s, doubled in size in the late 20th and early 21st centuries with the addition of the vast Abbott Oceanarium and Wild Reef. As of today, it holds around 32,000 animals across 1,500 species including fish, marine mammals, amphibians, birds, snakes and insects. In 1987, it was declared a National Historic Landmark. Quirky fact: Shedd Aquarium was home to an enigmatic lungfish named Granddad who arrived at the facility for the 1933-34 Chicago World’s Fair and remained there until his death in 2017, claiming the title of longest-living fish in a zoological environment. Whether he was born with the name Granddad or had the moniker bestowed in his twilight years is unconfirmed. The Shedd Aquarium was actually built as a companion attraction to its older sibling the Field Museum, a natural history museum conceived around exhibits acquired from the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and opened in 1894. The museum was largely funded by entrepreneur and department store magnate Marshall Field, John G. Shedd’s mentor. It was, and remains, one of the biggest and best natural history museums on the planet, drawing in around two million visitors annually to a collection of some 40 million specimens and artifacts that includes – deep breath – animal dioramas, dinosaur skeletons, meteorite fragments, Ancient Egyptian mummies and a vast library. Quirky fact: the phrase ‘the customer is always right’ is attributed to OG museum benefactor Marshall Field. Shedd Aquarium: What to See and Do You’ll want to dedicate at least a half day to exploring this massive aquarium, with its multiple showcases of aquatic habitats from around the globe in zones including the Caribbean Reef, the Oceanarium and Amazon Rising. Daily shows and presentations allow you to learn more about the many thousands of critters here; you can even book behind the scenes tours and close encounters with some of the animals. Must-see highlights include... The Abbott Oceanarium Not just any old oceanarium, the Abbott is the planet’s biggest. This fabulous coastal ecosystem contains three million gallons of water and is home to majestic marine mammals including beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, sea lions and sea otters. The lower level allows you to observe these graceful animals in their natural habitat. Amazon Rising Step inside this flooded forest exhibit to get up close and personal with some of the most exotic, colorful and downright dangerous creatures in the Americas. We’re talking red-bellied piranhas, emerald green boas, dwarf caimans and electric blue poison dart frogs. Caribbean Reef Take a peep into the huge rotunda-style tank, inside which cownose rays hang out with endangered green sea turtles, bonnethead sharks cruise up to the glass to peer right back at you, and schools of colorful tropical fish including angelfish, butterflyfish and parrotfish paint rainbows in the water. Polar Play Zone Penguin suits, a mini submarine and an icy-cold touch pool make the Polar Play Zone great fun for kids. There are also (real) penguins, friendly belugas, cute sea otters and otherworldly moon jellies to keep everyone entertained. Yes, even the least-easily-impressed teen. Field Museum: What to See and Do So, if you’ve spend half a day at the Shedd Aquarium, surely the logical thing to do is pop next door and spend the other half at the Field Museum, am I right? That said, the sheer variety of things to look at here means no visit can ever really be long enough. There’s 4.6 billion years of history in the massive collection – that’s even older than some US presidents! We’re talking ancient meteorite fossils, a menagerie of stuffed animals (some of them quite famous!), Ancient Egyptian mummies and the largest, most complete T Rex skeleton ever discovered. Must-see highlights include... Inside Ancient Egypt Learn about how the Ancient Egyptians lived – and died – in this utterly fascinating exhibit. Step inside an authentic burial chamber and try to stifle a shiver as you come face to mummified face with the preserved remains of 23 humans and 30 animals. Floor-to-ceiling heiroglyphs, scenes from the Nile River Valley and a shrine to the cat-goddess Bastet add to the chilly atmosphere. The Dynamic Dino Duo Probably the most Instagrammed pieces in the entire collection, Sue the T Rex and her even larger companion Máximo, an aptly named titanosaur, are absolute must-sees on any visit. You’ll find Sue terrorizing visitors in The Griffin Halls of Evolving Planet and her somewhat more placid plant-eating pal towering over the Stanley Field Hall, where he stands at a whopping 28 feet tall and 122 feet long. That’s even longer than your average blue whale, fact fans! Animal Antics The Field Museum boasts some of the most realistic animal dioramas on the planet, with many considered to be artistic masterpieces. Check out Carl Akeley’s celebrated Four Seasons diorama, a large-scale exhibit depicting wild white-tailed deer across the seasons of the year. You can also meet the fearsome man-eating lions of Tsavo and a polar bear protecting her cubs. Fast facts: Shedd Aquarium Tickets An All-Inclusive attraction pass from Go City includes general admission and saves you money when visiting multiple attractions in Chicago. Buy a 1, 2, 3 or 5-day pass to access as many attractions as you like in that time period, including the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium and Museum of Contemporary Art. You can book tickets for general admission as well as experiences including shark-feeding and sea otter encounters via the Shedd Aquarium website. Opening Hours Generally open daily from 9AM to 5PM daily, with some seasonal variation. Check the calendar on the Shedd Aquarium website for the most up-to-date information. Getting There Both the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum are in Chicago’s Museum Campus. Get there via Chicago’s Lakefront Trail and park up your bike in dedicated racks at the East and West entrances. Buses 130 and 146 also service the museum and paid parking is available at several locations on campus. Fast facts: Field Museum Tickets You can buy tickets with add-ons including a 3D movie plus access to ticketed exhibitions direct from the Field Museum website. Alternatively, an attraction pass from Go City includes general admission plus one ticketed exhibition at the Field Museum, as well saving you money when visiting multiple attractions such as the Skydeck Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry. Opening Hours Open daily from 9AM to 5PM, with last admission at 4PM. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Save on attractions in Chicago Save on admission to Chicago attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
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guide to the field museum
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Guide to the Field Museum

Explore the history of our planet at the Field Museum! Bursting with fantastic exhibits, wonderous sights, and plenty of hands-on experiences, it's one of America's best museums. Kids and grown-ups alike can get lost for hours in its history-soaked walls. Come face-to-face with the world's largest dinosaur, experience a bug's life, and learn about ancient civilizations. If you're in Chicago and looking for some culture to invigorate you, the Field Museum has got you covered. Image courtesy of Carlos Yudica/Shutterstock How to get Field Museum tickets? We've got you covered – Field Museum tickets are available with the below money-saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that's right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do. Includes admission to over 25 attractions. 2. Explorer Pass – Choose as you go. Includes admission of up to 7 attractions. Tips for visiting the Field Museum When you arrive at the Field Museum, you may enter through the main South entrance on McFetridge Drive. The East entrance is also open and accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. It is no longer a requirement to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or wear masks for museum visitors. However, we strongly encourage guests to wear masks while in the building. Wear some comfortable shoes, because you'll be doing a lot of walking and standing. It's a museum, after all, and there are lots of things to see! When is the best time to visit the Field Museum? The Field Museum is an indoor experience, so no matter the weather, your discoveries will be undisturbed. As such, feel free to visit any time of year! Image courtesy of Vlad G/Shutterstock What is there to see and do at the Field Museum? From fossilized dinosaurs to 10,000 years of Chinese history, you'll be doing a lot of learning and discovering at the Field Museum. But don't worry, all that information is given a fun twist, with plenty of interactive to get your hands on, and surprising things at every turn. Field Museum highlights Máximo – meet Máximo the Titanosaur - the largest dinosaur ever discovered. Cyrus Tang Hall of China – explore a culture of deep tradition and dynamic change, and travel across thousands of years of Chinese history. Underground Adventure – in this immersive exhibition, you'll shrink to the size of a bug and explore the world at one hundred times its normal size. Inside Ancient Egypt – walk along the Nile River to see how the ancient Egyptians celebrated life--and death. Griffin Halls of Evolving Planet – check out 4 billion years of life on Earth, walk among dinosaurs, and see scientists prepping fossils in the lab. DNA Discovery Center – watch actual research in the making as you observe and interact with DNA-extracting scientists. Grainger Hall of Gems – see exquisite rare jewels sparkle and gold objects gleam in one of the world's largest collections of gems and stones. What attractions are near the Field Museum? The Adler Planetarium is a short walk from the Field Museum, as both are located in Soldier Field. The Museum of Contemporary Photography is a 5-10 minute walk from the museum. The Arie Crown Theater is a 10-minute walk through Soldier Field. Image courtesy of Creativity lover/Shutterstock Where is there to eat nearby? Fancy some delicious authentic pizza? Check out Giodano's, which is just a few minutes walk from the museum. Want to have your pizza in a pub environment, and wash it down with a refreshing beer? Flo & Santos has got you covered. Want something spicy? Check out the Mexican affair at La Cantina. In the market for some dumplings? Qing Xiang Yuan has plenty to offer. Need to know Your pass includes all general admission exhibitions and one ticketed exhibition. For more information, visit the Field Museum website. Directions and Address The Field Museum 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605 United States Image courtesy of James Kirkikis/Shutterstock Closest Subway Stops Museum Campus/11th St., or 18th St. Save on Tickets with Go City Remember, Go City is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which can include Field Museum tickets, plus admission to your choice of other top attractions. You'll make great savings on entry to top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple attractions for one low price.
Dom Bewley

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