Weekend in Chicago: Chicago in two days - The Ultimate Weekend
Description:
Chicago is one of the largest cities in the country with enough to keep you entertained for weeks. A short weekend will only give you a chance to scratch the surface, but these activities will give you a flavor of Chicago culture and take you to some of the most notable tourist destinations. Chicago can certainly be done on a budget, but this trip allows you to spend a little extra on some Chicago indulgences. You will stay at the beautiful and historic Drake Hotel located right off of Michigan Avenue in the lively downtown area. Most of the first day will be spent downtown (i.e. The Loop) visiting the best attractions including, Millennium Park, the John Hancock Observatory, and the Art Institute. The second day will give you more culture at the Field Museum, but then take you up North to explore the highlights of some of Chicago’s greatest neighborhoods. Plus, the trip will give you a sample of Chicago dining and nightlife. The guide allows you to easily travel to all the destinations by public transportation.
Author: Adi
Day 1 - Chicago
Start your day early to allow enough time to enjoy all of the day’s activities. Be prepared for a morning of walking! The Fairmont Hotel is conveniently located off of Michigan Avenue, and the staff will be happy to assist you in your day plans, but we recommend beginning at the John Hancock Observatory. From the 94th floor you can take in spectacular views of the city and beyond. This is a great way to take in the size of the city, as receive city history. From here walk south on Michigan Ave to Millennium Park, and along the way enjoy the luxury store fronts and a walk over the Chicago River. Millennium Park is a nice place to rest after you gawk at the infamous Cloud Gate (“the bean”). If it is a sunny day the lawn beyond Pritzker Pavilion will be a restful mid-morning break. From here walk south on Michigan Ave. another couple blocks to The Art Institute. A whole day could be spent here, so you may just want to keep your visit to the Impressionist Exhibit and the new Modern Wing. By this time you will have certainly built up an appetite, so hop on the Brown Line at Adams/Wabash and head to the award-winning steakhouse, Wildfire, just a short walk from the Chicago Brown line stop. After you have filled up on oak-roasted prime rib, take a ten minute walk to Pops for Champagne on State Street to enjoy varieties of champagne and live jazz music. Don’t overdo the glasses of bubbly; you will want to head back to the hotel to rest up for another full day ahead.
1
The Hancock Observatory
Location:
view in google maps875 N. Michigan Ave
94th floor of the John Hancock Center, enter on Delaware St
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone:
888/875-VIEW2
Millennium Park
Location:
view in google maps222 North Columbus Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone:
+1 312 742 1168 / +1 312 744 3370 (Event Hotline)3
Art Institute of Chicago
Location:
view in google maps111 S. Michigan Ave
At Adams St
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone:
312/443-36004
Wildfire
Location:
view in google maps159 West Erie Street
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone:
1 312 787 90005
Pops For Champagne
Location:
view in google maps601 N State St
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone:
(312) 266-76776
The Fairmont Chicago Hotel
Location:
view in google maps200 North Columbus Drive
At Lake St
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone:
+1 312 565 8000Day 2 - Chicago
The second day must begin with a fantastic Chicago brunch. Chicago is an exceptional dining city, but brunch is truly favored here, especially at The Publican. A taxi may be the easiest way to get here from the hotel, but otherwise the Green line from State/Lake to Harlem will get you within a short walking distance. The creative brunch at The Publican has received rave reviews since opening; it will be a great way to start the day. Take the Green Line south to Roosevelt and walk towards the lake to Museum Campus. On a future trip take the time to visit all three museums on the campus, but for a short trip the Field Museum is a must for its world-class exhibits that will be of interest to more than just the history buff. Head back to the El and take the Red Line north to Addison, home of Wrigley Field. This is a fun neighborhood to walk around in, and will be a great place to sip on an afternoon beer in any of the many neighborhood beer gardens. Once your hunger strikes hop back on the Red Line and take a short ride to North/Clyborn in Lincoln Park and walk to Adobo Grill. Here you will enjoy an authentic Mexican meal that has wowed Chicago food critics. After filling up on guacamole and enchiladas it is time to get laughing at a late night comedy show at Chicago’s famous Second City. The performers will have you rolling on the floor with laughter, and if you still have the energy there are plenty of bars to choose from in Lincoln Park before heading back downtown to recuperate from a fun-filled weekend.
1
The Publican
Location:
view in google maps837 W Fulton St
at N Green
60607 Chicago, US
Phone:
312 733 95552
Field Museum (The)
Location:
view in google maps1400 S Lake Shore Dr
Roosevelt Rd. and Lake Shore Dr
Chicago, IL 60605-2496
Phone:
+1 312 922 94103
Wrigley Field
Location:
view in google maps1060 West Addison St
Suite 1
Chicago, IL 60613
Phone:
+1 773 404 28274
Adobo Grill
Location:
view in google maps1610 N. Wells St
At North Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
Phone:
312/266-79995
Second City
Location:
view in google maps1616 North Wells Street
In the Pipers Alley complex at North Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
Phone:
312 664 4032 /3123373992