Business trips, weekend getaways, layovers — there are a lot of reasons you might find yourself in a new destination but with only a limited amount of time to explore. And when it happens in a city like Chicago, it can be daunting to try and figure out which attractions deserve your few hours of attention. Everywhere you look in Chicago, there’s a new restaurant to try or a new activity to experience. How is one supposed to see and do everything there is in Chicago in just one day? Short answer, you can’t. But you can certainly try! With the help of this travel guide you can narrow down some of the best spots in the city and maximize your time to get the most out of your 24 hours in Chicago.
But First, Brunch
Start the day slow with simple brunch at Lula Café, located in Logan Square. Lula Café is consistently highly rated as one of the best brunch spots in all of Chicago. Their menu consists of all the brunch classics, from fluffy pancakes to a wide selection of salads and sandwiches. Many items can also be made to accommodate dietary restrictions. And let’s not forget to add morning coffee or cocktail to our order.
Shop Til You Drop
After brunch, check out Chicago’s vibrant commercial district, Magnificent Mile. This less-than-a-mile-long street is home to some of the city’s most luxurious brand-name stores — from apparel to cosmetics to home goods and more. Buy a new outfit for time out on the town or pick out a few souvenirs to take when you head home. Mag Mile also has restaurants, hotels, and other attractions available if you’re looking to spend more time in this alluring area.
Grab a Slice of Deep-Dish Pizza
Hungry for a Chicago classic? Make your way to Giordano’s, just north of Millennium Park. Because a trip to Chicago wouldn’t be complete without trying the city’s infamous deep-dish pizza — however, I’ve heard locals claim that tavern style is the true Chicago way. Whatever the case, we’re tourists here, and a tourist trip definitely includes some deep-dish pizza. Savor the crisp crust and the smooth cheese as you pull each piece away and melt into its deliciousness.
See the City
Chicago is a tourist town. While there are plenty of features that aren’t as publicly promoted, there are certainly some tourist traps that are worth paying a visit to. Take Cloud Gate for example. Who doesn’t want to take a picture of themselves reflected in that shiny, silver bean? Walk off that hearty pizza by touring some of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks, including Cloud Gate — AKA The Bean — and Buckingham Fountain. If you have some extra time on your hands, considering visiting the notable Art Institute of Chicago or take a ride up the tallest building in Chicago and walk the Skydeck of Willis Tower.
Snag a Sweet Snack
While you’re in Downtown Chicago, stop by Nutella Cafe for a sweet afternoon snack. Just as the name suggests, the staple at Nutella Cafe has all things Nutella. Nutella bread, Nutella waffles, Nutella coffee even. You can even take your Nutella obsession to the extreme and create your very own personalized jar of Nutella. It’s a dream for chocolate-lovers everywhere and unique feature of this inventive city. Nutella, Nutella, Nutella.
Bum Around at the Beach
Break out your bikini and spend the rest of your afternoon bumming around at the beach. Oak Street Beach is a fun favorite located just south of Lincoln Park, near Navy Pier. There are chair rentals, bike rentals, and volleyball rentals available here. And if you happen to get a hunger on, there’s also an on-site café. A visit to the beach is a great way to escape the crowded city for a while and a nice reminder that Chicago really does have something for everyone. While you’re here, remember to be mindful of others by following beach rules, like not bringing your pets and properly disposing of your trash and recycling.
Dine at Chicago’s Finest
Chicago has various dining options spanning several types of cuisines at multiple different price points. If you’re keen to try some fine dinning, head over to Maple & Ash, an elite steakhouse, with tender wood-fired cuts that’ll leave you feeling full and fancy. For seafood lovers, Sushi by Bou provides an intimate and traditional Sushi Omakase experience, which means the chefs will take care of everything for you. All you have to do is sit back and relax. Costera Cocina Tulum is a modern Mexican restaurant designed to immerse you in the full resort experience, both in food and atmosphere. And there are so many more diners, restaurants, and eateries scattered throughout the city. There’s no way to go wrong.
End with a Nightcap
A trip to Chicago isn’t complete without at least one skyline attraction for the books. And Cindy’s Rooftop is the perfect place to check that last item off your list. Sip on a creatively-crafted cocktail and order a late-night snack for the table as you take in the view of the night sky. Capture these memories of your full day in the city before heading off to bed and ending your whirlwind adventure in Chicago.
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