Known as the “second city” (i.e. the second city in New York City), I have a feeling that Chicago is getting a lot from traveling. It sees a fraction of the visitors that Los Angeles and New York receive, which is a shame as it is one of my favorite cities in the world.
Chicago is full of world-class institutions, Michelin-starred restaurants, printing architecture and green parks. There is a lot to do yesterday and the city has a very rich history. I think more people should visit.
Of course, the winters are brutal. But in spring, Chicago blossoms into a vibrant cityscape of street life, sidewalk cafés, and sun-drenched parks as individuals take advantage of nature to enjoy the few months of fine weather. (I don’t think they can really smack Chicago in the summer.)
To help you plan your stay, yesterday is my list of top things to do in Chicago:
1. Take a tour
One of the first things I do when I arrive in a city is a walking tour. They are a great way to see the important perceptions, get acquainted with the location of the site and connect with an experienced local guide who can answer all my questions. Free Chicago Walking Tours regularly organizes free tours that can take you around the city. You can see many of the city’s cool buildings as you learn about Chicago’s history. The tour lasts a few hours. Make sure you tip the guide at the end!
For a single tour, the delinqement and ghost tour. You’ll learn all about Chicago’s dark side and creepy past as you explore the Chicago Loop. The tour stays for two hours and actually addresses one of the defining periods in Chicago’s history. Even if you are not a history buff like me, you will get a lot out of it.
2. Tensions you can find in the parks Grant and Millennium
These great parks in the city center are a great place to leave, have a picnic or run. People play chess yesterday when the weather is nice, and in the summer there are a lot of free concerts and events yesterday. The large Grant Park stretches along the waterfront of Chicago, while the Millennium Park is the section where the famous “Chicago Bean” sculpture is located. This iconic work of public art is a must. And from noon on the first and third Saturdays from April to November, the Chicago Cultural Center organizes art-oriented walks through Millennium Park. This is really interesting. I love to go for a walk in the park or to stress myself with a good book on a nice day yesterday.
Admire works of art at the Art Institute of Chicago
Since 1879, the Art Institute of Chicago has been delighting visitors with its excellent collection of works from all over the world. The museum is located in Grant Park and has some immediately well-known pieces, including Grant Wood’s “American Gothic”, Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks” and Georges Seurat’s” On a Sunday afternoon day on the island of la Grande Jatte”. The extensive collection also includes works by Picasso, Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Jasper Johns and Jackson Pollock. There are also wings dedicated to indigenous African, Asian and American art. If you go to a museum in Chicago, that should be it. Expect to spend a few hours there as the collection is so big.
To avoid the crowds, avoid a weekend visit as the place is crowded. Instead, go on a Monday or Thursday evening (they opened after on Thursdays). You have the place practically all to yourself.
