How to Chicago: Free, Fun, Must See, Eat and Do
Have you visited or lived in Chicago? Sailed on Lake Michigan or eaten your way through Chicago? How about the first-class theater or concerts available at many Chicago venues? Have you had the opportunity to take advantage of all the free events and activities Chicago has to offer?
That whole “second city” Chicago thing is real! Australians travel a lot – to Los Angeles, New York and throughout Europe and Asia. Not Chicago. Many in the US don’t have Chicago on their travel plans. Photos are from my latest visit July 2023.
Here’s why you should add Chicago for a visit – during Summer or Fall – meaning May through October. I lived in Chicago for more than 30 years and I am over Winter anywhere including Chicago.
Chicago free stuff to do!
Besides the cost for your accommodations, food and transport, you can do Chicago without spending lots of money.
Concerts and exercise programming in Millennium Park
Walk along Lake Michigan or Navy Pier.
Chicago sunrises are spectacular along Lake Michigan
Walk along the Chicago River or take a free walking tour
Chicago fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday. Fireworks are set off from Lake Michigan. Anywhere at ground level from Navy Pier south is great viewing. Or as high as you can get along the Lake. Not free, but Signature Room on the 95th in the John Hancock building has amazing views. Some rooftops below will have views east.
Chicago rooftops are viewer friendly. These locations will let you pop up, take some pics and leave:
o Cindy’s in the Chicago Athletic Club
o The J. Parker in Hotel Lincoln
o Cerise in the Virgin Hotel
o The Wit
o Nobu Rooftop in the West Loop
o Newly opened Miru restaurant in the St. Regis has views for days!
Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo is one of very few free zoos in America. You won’t be disappointed.
Lincoln Park Conservatory is next to the Zoo they offer free days and small entrance fee.
Summer art and community festivals – what you buy is up to you!
Chicago Farmer’s Markets are all over during the Summer. Green City is the big one on Saturdays. Great option for breakfast or lunch al fresco as well as fresh fruit and veg.
Chicago parks in the city and neighborhoods offer walking paths, places to sit and rest, watch people and dogs.
Quintessential Chicago (IMHO) not free but worth the investment of your time and money. Options, exhibits and concerts change so check before you travel or plan travel around your must sees:
Museums – your pick depending on your preference for art, history, science, marine life, galaxies and special exhibits.
Concerts and theater so many to choose from – check local listings. Often national tours start in Chicago before they begin their national tour.
Food! Chicago is a foodie town. From cheap eats to haute cuisine, you will find great service, quality and fun. Open Table and Resy are your friends for those you don’t want to miss. Dining pop ups are back check local listings. Vegan, vegetarians and other dietary requirements are happily met but chefs. Pick a happy hour - any happy hour anywhere.
Transport is Plentiful
You can Uber or Lyft anywhere and if you are tight on time go for it.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has day passes for $5. You can swipe with your phone or buy tickets and passes. It costs $5 from O’Hare or Midway to the city. It is still only $2.50 for two hours anywhere else. Busses have great views. The Chicago “L”, for elevated train, is itself a tour around the city Loop, putting you three stories up with some views. Maps are plentiful online and once in the city.
Pedicabs along Lake Michigan or through downtown parks are always fun.
Chicago water taxis and river boat cruises are a must do. Chicago from the river or Lake Michigan is very special viewing.
Bike and scooter rentals are all over Chicago.
Chicago weather too hot, humid, cold, wet or rainy?
Find above mentioned museums
Chicago Athletic Association is a Hyatt now. Their second floor lobby is a quiet location with fireplaces, AC, dark wood, wifi, charging locations and comfortable seating.
Art Institute of Chicago reopened their members lounge in Terzo Piano. Your local museum membership may gain you free access to the museum and lounge. Three stories up, glass walled and brightly lit. WiFi, charging locations, free coffee, tea and light menu to purchase a bite are all available.
Beautiful hotel lobbies to people watch, rest, sip, savor as well as stay overnight if your budget allows.
o The Palmer House in the Loop – oh the history!
o The Four Seasons or Peninsula on the Gold Coast
o The Langham just south of the Chicago River
o Hotel Monaco north of the Chicago River
o St. Regis in Lakeshore East
o Lowes in Streeterville
Whole Foods Cafes in Streeterville, River North, West Loop with free WiFi
Starbucks are every where
Come visit Chicago! Have fun and come back again!