Chicago-Razzle Dazzle Top Things to Do in Chicago: A Comprehensive Guide.
Chicago, I love the city, but sometimes, just like in the musical, it feels “razzle-dazzle”! A state of confusion between the chic and beachy feel of this city. Walking along the Magnificent Mile, past expensive shops like Chanel and Burberry and ending up on the beach of Lake Michigan, but with a view of the ocean. It goes in all directions!
This means that if this is your first time visiting Chicago, it can be a razzle-dazzle for you too. This blog helps you with
- Info about transportation
- The first things you want to visit in Chicago
- Describes the atmosphere as experienced by me
- Bonus tips
“The third most populous city of the USA with more than 2.5 million residents. Chicago is an international hub for finance, culture, commerce, industry, education, technology, telecommunications, and transportation” (Wikipedia) and you can experience it.
✨ This blog was originally published in 2021 and updated in December 2024 to include new ideas and current recommendations.
Transportation
- Trains (“The L”): The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates eight “L” train lines connecting neighborhoods to the city center and beyond. It’s reliable, affordable, and iconic.
- Buses: CTA buses run extensive routes, including major streets and smaller neighborhoods.
- Biking: Chicago is bike-friendly, with bike lanes, trails, and Divvy, a bike-share system. The Lakefront Trail is a favorite
- Driving is an option, especially if you want to visit other parts of the region. Traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours. Parking is available but often expensive downtown.
- Ridesharing and Taxis: Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxis are widely available for convenient door-to-door travel. If you arrive on O’Hare airport, be aware that taxis and Uber are directed to different locations.
- Walking: Many neighborhoods and downtown areas, including the Loop, are highly walkable.
- Airports: Chicago has two major airports: O’Hare International and Midway, both accessible by public transit or car.
- Water TaxisIn warmer months, water taxis are a unique and scenic way to travel along the Chicago River.
Ventra Card is a convenient payment method for both trains and buses.
What to visit in Chicago!
Millennium park
Everybody in Chicago is proud of this park. There is a lot to experience.
Location: 201 E. Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60601
Park Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Cloud Gate – The Bean
The official name is Cloud Gate but everybody talks about the Bean. It is a public sculpture by Anish Kapoor. This British-Indian sculptor is specializing in conceptual and in installation art, using simple materials and simple curved forms. Color is often monochromatic or in a bright color. The Bean reflects the surroundings. And every part of the year this looks stunning (great for taking pictures).
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Frank Gehry, well known architect, and his partners designed the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. It is an outdoor Music Pavilion, an Amphitheater for classical music as well as rock music and other performing arts events. The performance venue is designed with a large, fixed seating-area, a Great Lawn, a trellis network to support the sound system and a signature Gehry stainless steel headdress. Because it is in the center of Millennium Park, it links the park to the Lakefront via the BP Bridge.
The BP Pedestrian bridge
BP Bridge between Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park. It is also a Frank Gehry design with brushed stainless-steel panels, complementary to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Like a snake the bridge meanders through Millennium Park, forms an acoustic barrier from the traffic noise and creates accessibility for people with disabilities
Crown fountain
Designed by Jaume Plensa, a fountain with video projections of about 1000 Chicago citizens. The fountain reminds of mythological figures with open mouths. Water, a symbol of life, flows out of the mouths. In spring/summer the water around Crown Fountain forms a shallow pool, attracting all those who suffer the heat. (water feature opens in May)
Lurie garden
A park with a Dutch accent because Piet Oudolf designed the planting. See my posts about Piet Oudolf and the New York Highline or your garden inspired by Piet Oudolf. This time some pictures of a cold Lurie Garden but still interesting. The seasonal planting offers new experiences year-round, so decay is also beautiful.
Art institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is a stunning Beaux-Arts building located near Millennium Park. Explore thousands of artworks in the museum’s collection “from our renowned icons to lesser-known works from every corner of the globe.” Famous for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, the museum also features modern art, ancient artifacts, and decorative arts, offering a truly immersive cultural experience. (I spotted a Marcel Wanders chair in the collection 😉)
Architectural boat tour
All those skyscrapers. Do you want to know more about them? Take the architectural boat tour. It tells you how Chicago rose from the Ashes of the great Chicago Fire. in another blog, i will emphasize the architecture in Chicago. because there is a lot to experience in that area.
Coming soon: Exploring Chicago’s Architectural Heritage: A Weekend Trip Plan
Chicago River walking tour
Free to the public | Hours 6 am – 11 pm
There are ADA compliant ramps providing vertical connection between Upper Wacker and the Riverwalk.
I remember the first years I visited Chicago. Because you could not walk close to the river you saw it from the street above. In phases a 1.25-mile long path has been constructed. perfect for exploration with a guide or on your own. Stunning skyline views, peaceful seating areas, I think it’s a great improvement.
Former John Hancock tower now 875 North Michigan Avenue
A very tall skyscraper with a beautiful view from the restaurant (96th floor). The name has changed into 875 North Michigan Avenue. This is one of the attractions that belongs in: Top Things to Do in Chicago: A Comprehensive Guide.
Bonus Tips
- Ice skating in Millennium park in winter
- Music, in the summer free concerts every week in Millennium Park
- Bikes, along the coastal line and in the parks. There are good bicycle paths. You can rent bikes at Navy Pier
- The river is green on St Patrick’s Day (March 17th)
- Chicago is beautiful for a walk at night.
I hope you can use these Top Things to Do in Chicago: A Comprehensive Guide. If you enjoyed this blog, don’t miss out on more! Subscribe to our newsletter for regular inspiration, tips, and updates delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up today!
Enjoy Chicago,
If you enjoyed this blog, don’t miss out on more! Subscribe to our newsletter for regular inspiration, tips, and updates delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up today!
