Chicago River by j.o.h.n. walker is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Visit Chicago in one day for everyone travelers

Introduction

This one-day itinerary is designed to help you explore the city of Chicago, located in the United States. Chicago is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant arts scene, and delicious food. This itinerary will take you to some of the city's most iconic landmarks and provide recommendations for dining and accommodation.

Itinerary

Morning

Millennium Park

• Location: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
• Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Description: Start your day at Millennium Park, a beautiful urban park known for its iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as "The Bean." Take a stroll through the park, admire the unique architecture, and enjoy the beautiful views of the city skyline.
• Tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds and take memorable photos at Cloud Gate.

Art Institute of Chicago

• Location: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
• Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
• Description: Visit the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. Explore the impressive collection of artworks, including famous pieces like Grant Wood's "American Gothic" and Vincent van Gogh's "The Bedroom."
• Tips: Consider purchasing tickets in advance to skip the lines and make the most of your visit.

Afternoon

Navy Pier

• Location: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
• Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• Description: Head to Navy Pier, a popular tourist attraction on the shores of Lake Michigan. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the pier, take a ride on the Ferris wheel for panoramic views of the city, and explore the various shops and restaurants.
• Tips: Check the schedule for any special events or fireworks happening at Navy Pier during your visit.

Chicago Riverwalk

• Location: Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601
• Time: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
• Description: Take a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, a scenic promenade that runs along the Chicago River. Enjoy the picturesque views of the river and the city's architecture. You can also find various dining options along the Riverwalk if you're looking for a quick bite to eat.
• Tips: Consider taking a river cruise to learn more about the city's history and architecture.

Evening

Willis Tower Skydeck

• Location: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
• Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
• Description: End your day with a visit to the Willis Tower Skydeck, offering breathtaking views of the city from the 103rd floor. Step onto the glass ledge and experience the thrill of standing high above the city.
• Tips: Purchase Fast Pass tickets to skip the lines and make the most of your time at the Skydeck.

Dining Recommendations

Breakfast

Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe

• Location: 130 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
• Cuisine: American, Breakfast
• Description: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe. They offer a wide variety of pancakes, omelets, and other breakfast favorites.

Lunch

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

• Location: 439 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654
• Cuisine: Italian, Pizza
• Description: Enjoy a classic Chicago deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria. Their pizzas are known for their buttery crust, gooey cheese, and flavorful toppings.

Dinner

Girl & the Goat

• Location: 809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
• Cuisine: American, Contemporary
• Description: Indulge in a memorable dining experience at Girl & the Goat, known for its creative and flavorful dishes. The menu features a variety of small plates and a unique blend of flavors.

Accommodation Recommendations

• Budget: HI Chicago Hostel - Located in the heart of downtown, this hostel offers affordable accommodation with shared and private rooms. It also provides a communal kitchen and social areas for guests to mingle.
• Mid-range: The Palmer House Hilton - This historic hotel offers comfortable rooms and a central location near Millennium Park. It features elegant architecture and modern amenities.
• Luxury: The Langham, Chicago - Experience luxury at its finest at The Langham. This five-star hotel offers spacious rooms, a spa, and stunning views of the city skyline.

Emergency Information

• Local emergency contact number: 911
• Nearest Hospital: Northwestern Memorial Hospital - 251 E Huron St, Chicago, IL 60611

Getting There

• By Air: Chicago is served by two major airports: O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). Both airports offer various transportation options to the city center, including taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transportation.
• By Train: Chicago has a well-connected train system, with Union Station being the main hub for Amtrak and regional train services. From Union Station, you can easily access the city's public transportation network.
• By Bus: The city's main bus terminal is the Chicago Greyhound Station, located at 630 W Harrison St. It offers connections to various cities within the United States.

Getting Around

• Public Transportation: Chicago has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and trains operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). The CTA offers various fare options, including single-ride tickets and unlimited passes.
• Car Rental: If you prefer to rent a car, there are several car rental companies available in Chicago. However, keep in mind that traffic and parking can be challenging in the city center.
• Bike Rental: Divvy is Chicago's bike-sharing program, offering rental bikes at various stations throughout the city. It's a convenient way to explore Chicago's neighborhoods and enjoy the city's bike-friendly routes.