The Ultimate Chicago Tourist Travel Guide

If you are visiting Chicago for a few days or need help planning your Chicago vacation, this checklist is perfect for you. These are the top things everyone should do while they are in Chicago.

  • If you are interested in doing a bus tour skip the Ghost Tour and do the Gangster Tour. It's really cool and you will learn so much about Chicago history and famous Chicago gangsters

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  • Skip the Sears/Willis Tower and head to The Hancock Building (better view, less expensive, and you can enjoy a drink in the Signature Lounge)

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  • During the summer, the Riverwalk is a must and make sure to enjoy a glass of wine at City Winery, it's great people and boat watching

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  • There are so many amazing rooftop bars in the city. But, if you want the best view you have to go to Cindy's at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

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  • Skip the Nutella Cafè and enjoy a Nutella crepe at Eataly plus tons of other amazing Italian foods and restaurants

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  • Unless you have children skip Navy Pier and instead enjoy explore, stroll, and picnic in Millennium Park

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  • For the best deep dish pizza the only place you should go is Lou Malnati's or Pequods

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  • Taking the Water Taxi to Chinatown is a must-do during the summer

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  • Movies in the Park are so much fun but if you don't have time for both enjoy FREE music almost every night at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion which is really magical

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  • If you want to see a Chicago sports team, the Cubs is a must! Enjoy a Chicago style hotdog (no ketchup) and sit in one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the U.S., Wrigley Field

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  • If you are looking for amazing food and restaurants you must head to the West Loop to indulge in some of the best restaurants in the city.

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  • If you want to enjoy the best steak in the city go to Mastros, get a filet Oscar style, a loaded baked potato or the lobster mac and save room for the butter cake

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  • For a great place to take some photos of the skyline, lake, or beach head to Olive Park next to Navy Pier

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  • For the best shopping experience you can't go wrong with Michigan Avenue anytime of the year

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  • If you are looking for the best jazz in the city go to Andy's Jazz Club or The Green Mill

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  • Don't go to Michael Jordan's Steakhouse on Michigan Avenue for dinner instead go underneath Michigan Avenue to Billy Goat Tavern for a famous Cheezborger

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  • Walking the Lakefront is a must even during a winter's day

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  • Lincoln Park and Lincoln Park Zoo are so beautiful and they are free!

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  • All the museums in Chicago are wonderful but if you don't have much time the Shedd Aquarium and the Art Institute are a must

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  • Don't go to Rock N' Roll McDonalds, go right across the street to Portillo's for a Chicago style hot dog and the best chocolate cake

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  • If you are looking for a really nice place to get an evening cocktail head to The Langham during the winter and Shanghai Terrace during the summer

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  • Garrett's Popcorn is ok but getting a donut at Stan's Donuts and Coffee is better

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  • Skip the wait at Quartino's on State Street and go across the street to Osteria via Stato

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  • For more information about this Chicago travel guide head to the Girl\'s Guide Chicago blog http://girlsguidechicago.com/girls-guide-ultimate-chicago-tourist-travel-guide/

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This checklist was created by ggc

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