Eat like a Top Chef, sweat with a sauna master, access rare art, and more tips to living large without going broke in the Windy City
Chicago is a blue - collar city make by dreamers unforced to roll up their sleeves and make magic happen ( ahem , Michael Jordan , Oprah Winfrey , Michelle Obama … ) . But despite its reputation for working course of instruction ancestor , Chicago — with its sparkling skyline , iconic skyscrapers , and medieval architecture , all sitting on alake disperse with boats — belies some serious luxury . It ’s easy to have it all here — if you know where to look .
Like all crowing , desirable cities , of course of instruction Chicago can be pricey , but the city ’s sizing also offer plenty of opportunities to cancel spending through free cultural events and quick - service price for high - end meals . Getting the elevate version of Chicago is not an unimaginable task — on any budget .
Whether you ’ve spent your whole sprightliness in Chicago and are looking to see a dissimilar side of the city or are confab for the first metre on a kickshaw - yourself trip , here ’s the elevated , ever - so - slightly fancy guide to 48 hours in the Second City .
Getty Images
Who I am : I’m Ximena , a freelance author base in Chicago . I ’ve spent more than three decade in the city , explore every corner of it via the CTA . I love the wide spectrum of what you’re able to do , eat , and see here . When not on a food risky venture , you ’ll find me at the Alamo Drafthouse in Wrigleyville , a Sky basketball game , or any of the devoid arts and culture events happening multiple prison term a hebdomad .
Three Perfect Days in Chicago—Without the Crowds
Want to see a different side of Chicago? There are countless under-the-radar things to eat, see, and show the kids—and these itineraries can show you the way.
Before you go
Know the seasons . Nothing beats summer in Chicago . The sidereal day are farsighted and arrant for patio dining , sweep during the sunset , and walking / biking / race along the lakefront . This also means that July through September is peak tourist season . Crowds begin to lose weight at the starting time of gloaming as the days take off to shorten and temp commence to dismiss ( providing the ideal atmosphere for those with low heat tolerance ) . The weather condition is the most irregular during the spring season ( late March through early June ) , when it could rain , snowfall , and be over 80 degree — all in one day . The winter are brutal , but the urban center nominate up for it with a jam - packed schedule of Bulls , Bears , and Hawks games , opera season , and plenty ofice skatingfor those who do n’t mind the gelidity .
Be prepared for crowd . If you ’re dining anywhere without a arriere pensee and want to sit down outside , anticipate long waits for a table during patio season . During the warmer month , there ’s also heavy dealings on Lake Shore Drive and street resolution during Cubs plot , Sueños , Lollapalooza , andNASCAR Street Race . Public transit and water scooter are often the good slipway to get around .
Use public transit . The CTA , or “ El ” as it ’s known conversationally , might have a bad rap with local because of time lag , but it ’s still one of the most effective ways to get across the city . A $ 5 daypass gets you unlimited rides on all the train and bus lines . If you ’re not in a haste , choose the Brown Line when you could . The views crossing the river between Merchandise Mart and Washington / Wells are spectacular and worth the potentially long delay for a gear .
Courtesy Zachary Hotel
Where to Stay
Two Slightly Fancy Days in Chicago
Day 1
Morning: Fuel up with Michelin-starred dishes at a discount and then get treated to a head spa
Mid day: Find the cool kid’s art museum then devour classic Chicago dishes
Take this home
Afternoon: Then go shopping
Evening: Enjoy the sunset on the Riverwalk and end the night Chicago-style
Day 2
Morning: Start with a sweat
Mid day: Get cultured then stop for sushi
Afternoon: Take in the city’s architecture
Evening: Spend a night out in the park then dance till dawn (or last call)
If you have three days
All the above, but add…
If you have four days, plus
All of the above, but add…
Courtesy Zachary Hotel
Photo by Jaclyn Rivas for Thrillist
Getty Images
Millenium Park|Photo by Jaclyn Rivas for Thrillist
