I had a nice, quick getaway to the Windy City this past weekend. If you’re used to warm sunny California weather like myself don’t forget your jacket. Luckily, the weather wasn’t so bad when we went, which was late March/ early April and we caught a good weekend where we just missed the rain, wind and cold. Apparently 50 degrees farenheit is warm according to local Chicagoan’s.

We stayed at the “W” hotel which is smack dab in the City Center and everything was mostly within walking distance. About 10-20 minutes walk at MOST from our hotel to any point of interest. We used the buildings as a guide, mainly looking for Willis Tower as a point of reference to find our way back to the hotel as we navigated throughout the city.

For the most part getting around was easy. Although the city is pretty large everything is easily accessible. We did not bother to rent a car, but mainly got around via Lyft. And if the walk was greater than 20 minutes, a Lyft ride was approximately only $8-13 USD shared amongst two people. And the locals swear by the local subway system they call the CTA, which is probably even more affordable.

So many places to see and things to do in Chicago, most of which were free! Because the best things in life are free. And saving money is sexy. So here’s a list of just SOME of the major must-see, touristy things to do if you plan to visit Chicago for yourself.

1. Millenium Park

Everyone will know what you’re talking about when you ask about the big, shiny bean. CLOUD GATE is it’s formal name, which is this huge outdoor art instillation created by the artist Anish Kapoor. Random facts: It’s made of stainless steel. And ever wonder how it stays so shiny? Workers actually wipe down the touchable areas of the sculpture several times a day to remove away all the dirt, mud, grime and fingerprints left behind from all those curious, goo-goo-eyed tourists.

2. The Art Institute

Check out the art museum! Always, ALWAYS on my to-do list anywhere I go. Get cultured and learn some stuff so you’ll sound smart at your next cocktail party.

Located just South of Millenium Park and Cloud Gate. It’s $19 for students and approximately $23-$24 dollars for adults/general admission.

Currently featured and on display are Marc Chagall’s America Windows, and only for a short period of time the painting famously known as “Whistler’s Mother” by James McNeill Whistler (seen below, respectively.)

Many different exhibits to see include, American art, contemporary, greek sculpture, asian artworks from Japan and SouthEast Asia, photography, and thousands of artifacts from the many different time eras of the world.

Other famous and noteworthy arts of work which include the artists Andy Warhol, Van Gogh, Renoir, and much more. I personally love the French Impressionists/ impressionism, as you can see here.

3. Lincoln Park

Do even MORE walking and enjoy the outdoors and fresh air, as you walk off those extra calories you just ate for lunch because, WHY?!, you’re on vacation. Admission Free! Approximately about a quick 15- 20 minute drive from City Centre/the Loop.

4. Lincoln Park Zoo

Located within Lincoln Park. It’s open to the public and admission is entirely free! See the monkeys, lhamas, snakes and reptiles, fish and birds. Very family friendly.

5. Lincoln Park Conservatory

Also admission free! After finishing our walk through the zoo, we wound up here. Look for the big green, glass-domed building located at the North end of Lincoln Park. My favorite things include plants and flowers, this was the highlight of the trip for me.

6. Willis Tower

Get a panoramic view overlooking the city. It’ll cost you about $24 dollars to get up to the observation deck. Unfortunately on this particular day, it was overcast and the register was kind enough to let us know that visibility was limited, so we opted out.

7. The Cultural Center/ Public Library?

Cost of admission: free! Located immediately across from Cloud Gate and Millenium Park. We stumbled upon this place because outside of the building said “Chicago Pvblic Library” spent some time walking around and getting lost within the building expecting to find shelves of books but didn’t find any library!

Later we learned, this was actually the City’s Cultural Center. One of Chicago’s landmark buildings where free public events are held. Not a library anymore, but there was still some beautiful architecture inside and an art exhibition going on at the time of our visit.

8. Navy Pier

Again, Free admission! More shops and attractions as you walk around the pier and get a nice skyline view of the city and Lake Michigan. Lots of food and drink along the pier. There is the large Navy Pier ferris wheel, carousel, and Children’s museum as well.

My favorite part of the pier was the Crystal Gardens, which is another indoor botanical garden. It is also an event space and ballroom which can be rented out for weddings and corporate events. We spent our time here eating the candy we bought from one of the shops downstairs and people-watched and pretended to dance like Belle and Beast from Beauty and the Beast.

9. The Magnificent Mile

AKA “The Mag Mile” The place to go to for your shopping needs with lots of high-end shops and restaurants.

10. Chicago Riverwalk

Take a nice stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk. Watch the boats pass by and admire the old, rusty beautiful architecture of Chicago’s bridgeways. There are also many sites to see and famous buildings along the riverwalk ; i.e. the corn cobs, and (the still infamous) Trump Tower.

MUST-EAT.

A few noteworthy, Chicago-only things to eat include:

1. Chicago Deep Dish Pizza at Lou Malnati’s

2. Garrett’s Popcorn

3. Chicago Dog

There isn’t just one particular place to get a Chi-dog. There are MANY, several different restaurants which specialize in making an authentic Chicago hot dog. But, one I hear most mentioned is Portillo’s. Go check it out.

That’s the list! We did so much in so little time, and yet still more we have yet to see the next time we come back to Chicago. I hope you find this guide useful in planning your next trip to CHI-TOWN.

-Stay curious