Twenty-four hours in Chicago, Illinois, seems like an insufficient amount of time to actually do anything that would allow you to get to know this amazing city. However, that is not quite right. If you make a plan and stick to it, you can actually cover a lot. Here are some suggestions on how to spend your time in Chicago if you only have one day to explore it.
Get a Chicago-Style Hot Dog
Don’t overthink it. Start your day with a Chicago-style hot dog from the closest food cart or hot dog joint, and get moving. If you don’t eat meat, don’t worry, there are plenty of places that offer vegan hot dogs that taste great as well.
See “The Bean” at Millennium Park
Millennium Park should be your first destination. Of course, you will want to see Anish Kapoor’s famous sculpture Cloud Gate, aka The Bean, but there are also plenty of other worthy features to check out, like Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Crown Fountain, and Lurie Garden.
Enjoy Artworks at The Art Institute of Chicago’s Collection
When you finish exploring Millennium Park, make your way to The Art Institute of Chicago, which is just a few minutes away on foot. Among the oldest art museums in the world, this famous institution houses a collection of 300,000 works of art, including prehistoric objects, ancient sculptures, Japanese prints, paintings by Pablo Picasso and Edward Hopper, jewelry, and much more.
Marvel at the View from Skydeck Chicago
Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower is the tallest observation platform in the United States. It not only offers a panoramic view of the Chicago skyline but also allows you to peek inside the borders of four different states.
Make Your Way to Navy Pier and Get Deep-Dish Pizza
Navy Pier is one of the most-visited places in Chicago, so you have to cross it off your list. The waterfront features parks, restaurants, live music shows, museums, and all sorts of other intriguing tourist attractions. It is a perfect place to do some exploring and grab a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.
Grab a Drink in The Loop
The Loop is part of Chicago known for its vibrant nightlife. Hit the street, find a bar that plays your favorite music, and relax with a drink after an eventful day.