Chicago 1 Day Itinerary – Chicago in One Day

First and most important thing I would recommend you to start your trip with Chicago downtown if you are on 1 Day trip. As we all know the challenge of getting a parking in Chicago downtown, I would recommend you to use public transportation instead of having your personal car or car rental. I am sure you don’t want to spend tons of money just on parking. So people, get ready to use public transportation. Chicago has the best local transportation in entire Midwest region. Hmmm… I would say in United States. No matter where you are, start your journey by catching Green, Orange, Brown, Purple or Red Line. If you are taking Green, Orange, Brown, Blue or Purple line then you need to exit at Adams station. For all Red Line travelers need to exit at Jackson. Metra train is also a good option if you are starting from suburbs. Metra train travelers need to exit at the last station: Union Station or OTC station.

1. Willis Tower Skydeck
Start your day with the world famous Willis Skydeck tower, formerly known as Sears Tower. I would say that No trip to Chicago can be completed without experiencing the “7 wonders of Chicago”- the tallest building in entire western hemisphere. Sounds exciting isn’t it? You will be more excited and thrilled when you watch the 360 degree view from the top. Yup, you will be able to view four states from the top of the tower. In 2009, newly opened glass bottom thriller skydeck has its own impression on tourist.

Address: Willis Tower Skydeck – 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL – (312) 875-9696

2. The Art Institute
The Chicago Art Institute is located right across from the Chicago Architecture Foundation. If you are on one day tour then you must visit this museum to take advantage of world renowned galleries. Among all galleries do not miss to visit European and American contemporary art galleries.

Address: The Chicago Art Institute – 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL – (312) 443-3600

3. Chicago Architecture Foundation Tour
Chicago offers world famous architecture. And without a doubt, if you are interested in knowing the revolution of Chicago’s architecture then Chicago Architecture Foundation is your gateway to the knowledge. You can start your tour by going through the orientation center featuring the large scale model of downtown Chicago and explores the innovative ideas behind today’s one fine well shaped Chicago. You can select the tour of your choice – Walking or boat tour. If you are traveling with kids then I would recommend river boat tour to avoid walking hassle. Hop on the boat and go around the downtown and learn the architecture history.

Address: Chicago Architecture Foundation – 224 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL – (312) 922-3432

4. Millennium Park
Once you are done with Art Institute then go little north to Millennium Park. Millennium Park is the place where everybody loves to get together and have fun. Especially kids love it! Do you know why? Kids love the huge video-screen faces with fountain.  Kids can easily have fun time dancing in the fountain. Fountains will be closed during winter. But, my 5 cents, visit bean-shaped sculptures desinged by Anish Kapoor before you go for the fountain. You MUST see the bean.

Address: Millennium Park – 201 East Randolph Street, Chicago, IL – (312) 742-1168

Break Time
Well, If you are visiting Chicago during summer then either you can choose to sit in the Millennium park and enjoy your snacks/food or go to any restaurant or fast food place to quench your thirst and hunger. But all winter vacationers do not have choice of eating outside in the park. You have to find some warm place to eat and you can only get it at restaurants.

5. Michigan Avenue Bridge
Time to capture memories… Yup, walk further north on Michigan Avenue and stop at the Chicago River Bridge. On a nice day you will see other vacationers taking pictures on the bridge.

Address: Michigan Avenue Bridge – N Michigan Ave, Chicago – (312) 744-9050

6. The Magnificent Mile
Michigan Avenue offers 14-block wide area for people watching. Magnificent Mile is stretched from the river to Oak Street. Magnificent Mile is famous for shopping. You can take advantage of malls, boutiques and other small clothing brands. Whether you want to spend money buying cloths or not but stroll on the street will make your day full of energy and fun. It’s fun to get into the energy of vibrant metropolitan city.

Address: 14 Block on Michigan Avenue between Michigan Avenue Bridge to Oak Street

7. Oak Street Beach
Head north of Magnificent Miles and you will hit the Oak Street Beach. Oak Street beach is one of the most popular spots of Chicago. To be honest, it’s the most popular people watching place. From spring to fall season time oak Street Beach is always crowded with skaters, bikers, sunbathers and tourists. You will see people enjoying sunbath on sandy beach as well as concrete area. You can spend time on the beach until it gets little dark or twilight time.

8. John Hancock Center – Signature Bar & Lounge
If you are not traveling with kids then you might want to consider John Hancock Signature Bar & Lounge located on 97th floor. You can have couple of drinks. Just beware drinks will cost more on 97th floor compare to ground floor. But it is worth spending as you will be amazed with night view of Chicago from 97th floor.

Address: John Hancock Centre – 875 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL – (312) 751-3680

Chicago 1-Day Itinerary Map for Understanding:

Related Chicago Itineraries:

• Chicago 2 Day Itinerary
• Chicago 3 Day Itinerary
• Chicago 4 Day Itinerary

Chicago 2-Day Itinerary – Chicago in Two Days

Chicago 2-Day Itinerary is planned in combination with Chicago 1-Day itinerary. After experiencing Chicago downtown and key architectural attractions on first day, now it’s the time to move to the Chicago city oriented attractions. That includes city’s Museum Campus, Fountain, Chicago Zoo, Aquarium and many similar renowned Chicago attractions. Trust me, these attractions you can consider on your things to do in Chicago list. So, get ready to feel the city like the local Chicagoans.

1. Field Museum of Natural History
The Field Museum of Natural History is renowned museum holding rare exhibitions in the world. The Museum is known as the home to world’s largest Tyrannosaurus  Rex (T. Rex) named Sue. You will explore and enjoy the exhibits including the famous man-eating Lions of Tsavo Africa, Inside Ancient Egypt and Evolving Planet. At ‘Inside Ancient Egypt’, visitors can learn and discover the Egyptian skill through 23 mummies and 5,000-year-old hieroglyphics reside.
Address: Field Museum of History, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60605 Phone: 312-922-9410

2. Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium Chicago is the largest indoor aquarium in the world. Currently there are more than 8000 aquatic animals for your fun at the aquarium. It was known for being the largest indoor aquarium with saltwater fish collection. Good place to spend time with family or beloved one.

Address: John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605 Phone: 312-939-2438

3. Adler Planetarium (Optional)
You can consider Adler Planetarium as optional things to do in Chicago if you are not big fan of space. Adler Planetarium features award winning skyline views including shows and exhibits related to space.

Address: Adler Planetarium, 300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60605 Phone: 312-922-STAR

4. Buckingham Fountain
Buckingham Fountain is located in Grand Park. It is famous stone fountain where you can enjoy the water jets raising in the sky on musical notes. The fountain show is scheduled to happen every hour. So try to be there on the hour. If you have time in the evening then come back to the fountain and watch the show with colorful lights. Buckingham fountain is closed during winter months – November to March. Night show is worth watching so if you have extra time then try to make it once it gets dark.

Address: Buckingham Fountain, 500 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL – (312) 742-7529

5. Lake Michigan Skyline Boat Tour or Chicago River Architecture Cruise
Lake Michigan Skyline tour or Chicago River Architecture cruise are great option. Shoreline Sightseeing offers cruises and water taxis starting from Navy Pier. Tour begins from the conveniently located dock station close to Navy Pier. Lake Michigan Skyline tour will take you around the Michigan Lake to see the amazing Chicago skyline. Guided Chicago River cruise are designed to explore Chicago’s architecture. You can consider both or at least one cruise.

Address: Shoreline Sightseeing, 585 East Illinois Street, Chicago, IL Phone: (312) 464-6432‎

6. Navy Pier
Trip to Chicago is not complete without visiting Navy Pier. Navy Pier has been always crowded with Chicago local as well tourists from around the world. Navy Pier is opened since 1995 providing great entertainment to people through rides, restaurants, exhibitions, shopping, dining cruises and boats. You can get everything at one place.

Address: Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 Phone: (312) 595-7437

Break Time
Consider to take some break at Navy Pier. You can take a break by finding sitting area in food court or nice restaurants located at Navy Pier.
From Navy Pier, take the free Navy Pier shuttle to the Grand El station (Red Line), and ride north to the Addison stop.

7. Wrigley Field
For baseball fans, Wrigley Field would be like the most considerable spot, home of Chicago Cubs. Wrigley Field is considered as the second oldest stadium. You will be able to get Cubs souvenirs from the shops around the stadium. Oh well, if you really want to watch a game during your trip then you might want to plan little bit earlier before you come to Chicago to book tickets. You can take a chance by just coming to the stadium one hour before the game starts and check if someone is selling tickets outside the door. Overall the place is worth visiting.

Address: Wrigley Field, 1060 West Addison Street, Chicago, IL 60613 Phone: (773) 404-2827

Chicago 2-Day Itinerary Map for Understanding:

P.S. – Due to space limitation, Wrigley Field is not displayed on the Itinerary Map.

Related Chicago Itineraries:

• Chicago 1 Day Itinerary
• Chicago 3 Day Itinerary
• Chicago 4 Day Itinerary

Chicago 3-Day Itinerary – Chicago in three Days

I believe by the time you are starting your third day in Chicago, you must have completed your Chicago one day itinerary and Chicago. Chicago 3-Day Itinerary is planned to follow after the Chicago 1-Day Itinerary and Chicago 2-Day Itinerary. During third day of your Chicago Vacation, now it’s time to go further north away from the Chicago downtown. You can start with CTA bus 151 or 156 from downtown or you can start from O’Hare Airport through Blue Line. Check Transit Chicago for more route detail.

Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago is one of the oldest zoos in United States of America. Currently zoo is taking care of 1200 animals related to around 230 species. Lincoln Park Zoo is the best place to have some family time with kids because zoo offers Children’s zoo, paddle boats and carousel. Best thing about the place is that there is no entrance fee or tickets. Yup, Lincoln Park Zoo has FREE admission.

Address: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 Phone: (312) 742-2000

Also, The Farm-in-the-Zoo is the place where visitors can interact directly with animals growing on the farm. Place where cow can be fed, Chicken, rabbits, goats and Ponies can be seen up close and met.  The Main Barn features exhibits for guests of all ages where you can learn about bees, “hatching out” of an oversized egg, experience the rush of a tornado, lightning and rumble of the thunder. Overall you can enjoy something different from the usual at the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Break Time
Lincoln Park zoo offers variety of food to satisfy all appetite. Park Place Cafe is open through out the year where you can enjoy pasta, tacos, burgers and sandwiches at Park Place Cafe. If you are foody and want to try something else then Zoo food area has bunch of restaurants on the premises where you can pick the food that interest you most.

North Avenue Beach
North Avenue Beach, Chicago is the right place for people-watching. Yup, during summer season North Avenue Beach is full of people, you can say between Memorial Day and Labor Day. During peak season, beach is always crowded with singles and families with kids. Nicely well maintained place where you can enjoy running, biking, volleyball and many more activities. Beach House is located right on the beach featuring restaurants, casual food place, restrooms and shops for visitors’ convenience.

Address: 1603 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60614 Phone: 312-742-PLAY

Baha’i House of Worship (Optional)
After the long day at Lincoln Park Zoo and North Avenue Beach activities, I am sure you will be tired. But, If you still have energy and you are ready to pay some bucks for Taxi then you might want to consider Baha’i Temple. It is around 12 miles away from North Avenue Beach. Currently there are only seven Baha’i temples in the world and Chicago has one of them. Baha’i temple is famous for unique structure symbolizing unity and prayer to God.

Address: The Baha’i House of Worship – 100 Linden Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone: 847-853-2300

Chicago 3-Day Itinerary Map for Understanding:

P.S.  – Due to space limitation on Map, We haven’t marked Baha’i Temple.

Related Chicago Itineraries:

• Chicago 1 Day Itinerary
• Chicago 2 Day Itinerary
• Chicago 4 Day Itinerary

Chicago 4-Day Itinerary – Chicago in Four Days

By the time you are planning to complete Chicago 4-Day Itinerary, I assume that you have completed your Chicago 1-Day itinerary, Chicago 2-Day itinerary and Chicago 3-Day itinerary. There is always a chance to shuffle itineraries based on your preference.

Chicago 4-Day Itinerary is planned around Water Park. If you are visiting Chicago during winter, which is rare, then you might want to consider Coco Key Water Resort Clock Tower Resort & Conference Center indoor water park located in Rockford, IL otherwise Chicago Summer Vacationers must consider Six Flags.

Winter travelers can check out list of Chicago Indoor Water Parks list for reference.

1. Six Flags Great America & Hurricane Harbor, Chicago
Fourth day in Chicago can be more joyful and thrilling at Six Flags. The Six Flags Great America is very well known park in United States for record-breaking thriller rides as well as mild rides. Long story short, Six Flags Great America Chicago got all kinds of rides for everyone featuring 7 miles of intense coaster tracks, classic carousel and famous wet rides at Hurricane Harbor. Six Flag Great America and Hurricane Harbor offers rides of different speeds which includes Mild, Moderate and Max speed rides.

• Mild – When you want to go for a ride, not break the sound barrier.
• Moderate – Fun and fast, but just enough to get the blood pumping.
• Max – Better warm up your vocal chords because you’re gonna scream.

Park offers different kind of rides which includes – Thriller rides, Family Fun rides, Kids only rides and Hurricane Harbor Water Rides.

The Six Flags Great America is always famous for Thriller rides which include fastest, tallest and wildest rides. You will be challenged by those record-breaking rides. Also, Six Flags Great America is a place for family fun and union. For family fun, Park offers Kids Only Rides and Family Group Rides.

Kids Rides are designed by considering their height and age. Kids will have tons of fun at Six Flags through their own rides or accompanied rides with parents. You would be amazed with their giggle and laughter when rides spin and fly them safely. Six Flags Great America offers three kids zone for young which also includes Wiggles World and Skull Island. Check out printable Six Flag Great America Kids Map.

Also in addition to Kids Rides, park offers Family Fun rides where entire family can take part together. Trust me they have got plenty of rides to enjoy together.

Hurricane Harbor has become the center of attraction at Six Flags. These wet and wild water rides are perfect to enjoy the splash of water. You would experience the largest wave pool in United States of America. You and your family will enjoy multi-passenger rafting adventures including other many water slides and rides. So get ready to have full day of thrilling family fun at Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is open early May to early September.

Break Time & Food at Six Flags:
Park offers many food places conveniently located throughout the park. You can take a break from the action and refresh with fresh food and drinks at food places.

Apart from rides, you can enjoy shopping and games at Six Flags Great America & Hurricane Harbor Chicago.

Tips: Park entrances get very busy during peak summer season. Try to arrive early than the usual get opening times (10 am -11 am).

Address: Six Flags Great America – 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL 60031 – Located on I-94 at Route 132 (Grand Ave.)

2. Rain Forest Cafe Restaurant
You can end your long day by having dinner at Rain Forest Cafe Restaurant. Rainforest Cafe is located in Gurnee Mall right across from Six Flags Great America & Hurricane Harbor. You need to cross the I-294 through bridge to reach the restaurant. It is a tropical rain forest theme restaurant where you can enjoy good food and educate your kids about rain forest. Restaurant theme features thunder, lightning and serene sound of rain along with rain forest animal sounds in background. Good place to eat, especially with kids!

Address: Rainforest Cafe – 6170 Grand Avenue, Gurnee, IL 60031-4554 Phone: (847) 855-7800

Chicago 4-Day Itinerary Map for Understanding:

Related Chicago Itineraries:

• Chicago 1 Day Itinerary
• Chicago 2 Day Itinerary
• Chicago 3 Day Itinerary