Chicago is a genuinely exceptional city. The place is known for its mouthwatering cuisine, natural beauty, sports, and abundance of historical sites. You can’t visit without giving its famous deep-dish pizza a go, strolling through the gorgeous riverside, or perhaps swiping your card at least once at the Magnificent Mile district. There are also free events, such as the Taste of Chicago food festival, which is the biggest food festival in the world. Similarly, there are music festivals that celebrate the city’s remarkable music tradition.
However, people should visit the Windy City for more than just pizza or listening to music. In the summer, you can claim a portion of the Lake Michigan riverbank, and the Millennium Park skate park sets up when the temperature drops. But with so many experiences to choose from, where do you even begin? Easy! Listen to the pros. Here is our take on the 3 best things to do in Chicago.
Dine at Award-Winning Restaurants
Chicago’s status as a gastronomic destination has grown massively over time. Chefs Grant Achatz and Stephanie Izard are among those who have helped bring the James Beard Awards to Chicago, where they plan to remain at least until 2027.
Take your choice of premier culinary artists, Beard winners, and Michelin-starred chefs on the West Loop. A popular Italian-Croatian restaurant, Joe Flamm’s Rose Mary, is among the city’s highlights. Swift & Sons caters to the power dining crowd, while Beatrix serves a delicious brunch every weekend.
If you’re feeling flush, make a reservation at Next for a delectable lunch inspired by Chicago’s 1933 World’s Fair. For more casual, low-key meals, explore the chicken kalamata at the Athenian Room, a half-century-old Greek restaurant, for the price of a glass of wine at most spots in Lincoln Park.
Check Out The Chicagoan Sports Scene
Amidst all the fantastic attractions that Chicago has to offer, sports tourism will always remain one of the major reasons people visit. The city plays host to no less than seven professional clubs that compete in six of the major sports leagues. All teams have high reputations among their respective leagues and are engaged in an intense rivalry with one another. One of which is even confined inside the city boundaries, as supporters of Chicago’s two Major League Baseball clubs, the Cubs and White Sox, can confirm.
It’s always fascinating to explore a city’s sports culture when visiting classic sporting facilities like Wrigley Field, the United Center, and Soldier Field. Consider yourself extremely fortunate if you can secure a seat in one of these hot stadiums. No matter which game you choose, the atmosphere is exhilarating.
For those who enjoy putting down a wager or two to amp up the adrenaline, always verify that your preferred online bookmaker is available in Illinois. If unsure, the usbetting.org platform has a fantastic feature that filters out bookmakers based on the states in which they operate.
Hop on a Cruise
You may take in Chicago’s metropolis from a distance while relaxing on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River. The choice of cruises varies, ranging from relaxing boat tours to speedboat rides pumped up with adrenaline. One of the most popular is the 40-minute Classic Lake Tour, which provides enough time for visitors to take in the views and the narration that comes with it.
At Navy Pier’s former Navy Training Center, you may board a speedboat for a 75-Minute Architecture Cruise, beginning on the lake and proceeding upriver to the Willis Tower. The Chicago River Architecture Cruise, on the other hand, has a more moderate pace and provides a clear view of over 40 designated structures, while an experienced guide provides the live-running commentary.