{"id":10734,"date":"2019-07-31T19:18:51","date_gmt":"2019-07-31T19:18:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/?p=10734"},"modified":"2019-07-31T19:18:51","modified_gmt":"2019-07-31T19:18:51","slug":"chicago-daycation-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/chicago-daycation-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Spend a Day in Chicago"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Second City, the City of Big Shoulders, Chi-Town, the Windy City\u2014however you refer to it\u2014Chicago has a long, storied history. Even though there\u2019s a lot to digest in this city, there are many great experiences to be had in a short timeframe. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re looking for touristy daycation activities, food and drink staples or more off-the-cuff ideas of how to spend a day in Chicago, we have you covered below. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Touristy Things to Do in Chicago<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, there\u2019s a reason why a lot of people are doing something. This is certainly the case with the following things to do around Chicago, which (deservedly) attract some of the most tourists.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stand Out on the Willis Tower Skydeck<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Formerly known as the Sears Tower, Willis Tower is the tallest building in Chicago, and was for many years the tallest in the world. What makes this attraction a Chicago must-see is its unique <\/span>Skydeck<\/span><\/a> on the 103rd floor. Glass boxes built onto the side of the tower allow visitors to step out over the side of the building and look straight down. You can also get incredible views of the city and surrounding area.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Waist-down<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Catch a Game at Wrigley Field<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Chicago Cubs were long known as the \u201clovable losers.\u201d They went for 108 years without winning a World Series\u2014an incredible streak that ended in 2016. Wrigley Field is one of the most storied sports venues in the world. Even though it has been updated to modern times, it still has an old-time feel with its ivy outfield wall, vintage scoreboard, and intimate setting. Day games are a blast at the stadium. You can also get a special package to view the game from one of the <\/span>rooftops across the street<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"There's<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Get Cultured at The Art Institute<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whether or not art is \u201cyour thing,\u201d you\u2019ll have a great day at the <\/span>Art Institute of Chicago<\/span><\/a>, which isn\u2019t just one of the best museums in Chicago. It\u2019s one of the top museums in the world. Walking through, you\u2019ll see instantly recognizable works such as \u201cA Sunday on La Grand Jatte\u201d by Georges Seurat, \u201cNighthawks\u201d by Edward Hopper, \u201cThe Bedroom\u201d by Vincent van Gogh, \u201cAmerican Gothic\u201d by Grant Wood, \u201cThe Old Guitarist\u201d by Pablo Picasso, and many more. The collection comes from across the world, and ranges from thousands of years old, to the most contemporary works.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn While Sight-Seeing on an Architectural Boat Tour<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Chicago is known for being an architectural gem of a city. The downtown is full of skyscrapers\u2014some of which are over a century old. It\u2019s essential to take some time to appreciate the diverse array of buildings in the city. Taking a <\/span>guided boat tour down the Chicago River<\/span><\/a> is one of the best ways to do this. It only takes about 75 minutes, and you\u2019ll learn a lot of interesting tidbits while seeing incredible structures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"View<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Have Family Fun at Lincoln Park Zoo<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The <\/span>Lincoln Park Zoo<\/span><\/a> is a free attraction for the whole family. Located in the near-northside neighborhood of Lincoln Park, you can see animals from all over the world right in the heart of Chicago. This is open 365 days a year, so you can visit no matter when you take your Chicago day trip. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food Worth Checking Out in Chicago<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you go somewhere, it\u2019s always worth checking out some of the local cuisine. Chicago certainly has a few staple dishes that have made it famous. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stuff Yourself with Deep Dish Pizza<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s an endless debate about whether Chicago or New York City has the best pizza in the U.S. A deep-dish pizza is no light undertaking. Thick crust in a pan is topped with cheese, toppings, and tomato sauce. It\u2019s certainly not for those with a small appetite. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the best places to go for this Chicago specialty are <\/span>Pequod\u2019s,<\/span><\/a> Pizzeria Uno (only original location, or second location Pizzeria Due down the street), Lou Malnati\u2019s, and Gino\u2019s East.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stuff Yourself Even More with Italian Beef<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another hearty meal, the Italian beef is a sandwich not often seen outside the Chicagoland area. Thinly sliced roast beef is put on an Italian roll and doused in au jus. It\u2019s commonly served with cheese and giardiniera, which is a mixture of pickled vegetables. It can often be quite hot when it comes with peppers, so be careful. Al\u2019s Beef and Portillo\u2019s are two of the more popular locations for Italian beef.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Nothing<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Get Your Hot Dogs  <\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s possible you\u2019re in the know about what goes into a Chicago-style hot dog: beef hot dog, poppyseed bun, mustard, white onion, sweet relish, tomato, pickle spear, celery salt and sport peppers. No ketchup. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you don\u2019t need to adhere to this precise recipe to have a great hot dog, it can be fun to give this traditional recipe a try. The Vienna Beef factory store is a great place to go for a dog. You can also check out Maxwell Street for Polish Sausages, which are traditionally served with mustard and grilled onions. But as far as we\u2019re concerned, Jim\u2019s Original is <\/span>the<\/span><\/i> place to go.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Two<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If Meats Aren\u2019t Your Thing<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Chicago is best known for its substantial meat-based dishes. But it\u2019s also become a place with lots of quality vegetarian and vegan options. Upton\u2019s Naturals, a producer of vegan meat substitutes, is based in Chicago. You can try some of their food at their <\/span>Upton\u2019s Breakroom<\/span><\/a> restaurant. Some other great locations in the city include the Chicago Diner, Handlebar, Dimo\u2019s (for vegan pizza), Kitchen 17, Loving Heart, and a wide selection of Indian and Ethiopian food on the north side. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Places to Get a Drink in Chicago<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s possible you\u2019ll want to squeeze in a drink at some point during your Chicago day stay. Fortunately, there are many worthy options, even before the sun falls. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have a Few at Lagunitas Taproom<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lagunitas creates beer beloved by many people across the U.S. The <\/span>Chicago taproom<\/span><\/a> is open at noon Wednesday-Saturday, and features all the classics as well as recent experimental brews on tap. You can also take a tasting tour of the whole facility any day of the week. This is perfect for people who have a deep love of beer and brewery culture.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Artsy<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Try a Chicago Brew at Half Acre<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Half Acre<\/span><\/a> is a Chicago-born beer company that prides itself on pushing the limits of brewing, while also delivering delicious results. They offer a wide variety of high-quality beers at their two physical locations in the city. In addition to the taprooms, you can also get some delicious food, or sit out in their beer garden at their newer location. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bar Hop Logan Square<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re wanting to check out a variety of places, Logan Square might be a good bet for you. There are tons of great bars along Milwaukee avenue and the surrounding area. This can be a really fun way to spend a day\u2014especially on the weekend.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have a Classy Drink at Z Bar at The Peninsula <\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you prefer something a bit fancier, consider grabbing a cocktail at <\/span>Z Bar at The Peninsula<\/span><\/a>. This lounge opens early in the day and offers a fantastic rooftop deck. The Peninsula is one of the premier hotels in the city, so you\u2019ll get to enjoy top-quality beverages in an impeccable atmosphere. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Cool Things to Do in Chicago<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In a city so large, there\u2019s never a shortage of things to do and see. You should consider checking whether there are any special events happening during your visit. During the summer, street festivals or other events are a weekly occurrence. Taste of Chicago and Wicker Park Fest are both great summer options. There are also fantastic farmers markets throughout the city on weekends during the warmer months. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

People looking for another cool way to spend a day in Chicago can consider one of the following options:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smell the Flowers at Garfield Park Conservatory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Garfield Park Conservatory<\/a> is one of the most impressive greenhouse gardens in the U.S. It has two acres of indoor plant displays, with an additional 10 outside the main building. Visitors always dazzle over the wide variety of plant species. It\u2019s only a five-dollar suggested donation to enter, which makes it affordable for all budgets.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Visitor<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

See Cultural Gems at the National Museum of Mexican Art<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The National Museum of Mexican Art<\/a> showcases a fantastic body of works. There are currently about 10,000 in its permanent collection. This is an institution of Mexican art and culture where you can be introduced to 3,000 years of history. The museum is free for visitors and located in the historic Pilsen neighborhood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bring the Pack to Montrose Beach Dog Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whether you have a pup who likes to play and swim or just like to dog watch, Montrose Dog Beach<\/a> is the place for you. This gated area on the shore of Lake Michigan allows dogs and their owners to frolic in a serene environment. It regularly tops lists of the best dog parks in America.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Walkers,<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bike down the Lakeshore Path and the 606<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Chicago is blessed with some scenic bike paths. You can ride up and down the shore of Lake Michigan on the Lakeshore Path. Or you can go up on the 606, which is a multi-use path converted from an old train line. Both offer exceptional views and immersion in the city.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are plenty of choices out there for deciding how to spend a day in Chicago. While this list is by no means complete, it gives you a good entry point for your visit to the city.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Get<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Image Credits (by order of appearance): <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Featured Image: “Chicago”<\/a> by Roman Boed<\/a> via (CC BY 2.0)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Sears Tower Skydeck”<\/a> by Tania Liu<\/a> via (CC BY-ND 2.0)<\/a>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Wrigley Field”<\/a> by Mrs. Gemstone<\/a> via (CC BY-SA 2.0)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Chicago River”<\/a> by Rachel Kramer<\/a> via (CC BY 2.0)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The Best Pizza I Have Ever Had”<\/a> by Shaan Hurley<\/a> via (CC BY 2.0)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Portillo’s Italian Beef Sandwich”<\/a> by Krista<\/a> via (CC BY 2.0)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Mmm… Chicago style hot dogs”<\/a> by Jeffreyw<\/a> via (CC BY 2.0)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Half Acre Beer Company Truck”<\/a> by Marco Verch<\/a> via (CC BY 2.0)\ufeff<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Dinosaurs live here”<\/a> by Ryo Chijiiwa<\/a> via (CC BY 2.0)<\/a>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Chicago Lakefront Trail”<\/a> by Bernt Rostad<\/a> via (CC BY 2.0)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Second City, the City of Big Shoulders, Chi-Town, the Windy City\u2014however you refer to it\u2014Chicago has a long, storied history. Even though there\u2019s a lot to digest in this city, there are many great experiences to be had in a short timeframe.  Whether you\u2019re looking for touristy daycation activities, food and drink staples or […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":10784,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[148],"class_list":["post-10734","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-city-guides","tag-chicago"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Chicago-daycation-guide.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10734","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10734"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10734\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10784"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10734"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10734"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10734"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}