CHICAGO || MUST SEE PLACES
Chicago has such gorgeous views, from Lake Michigan to high rise buildings, to shopping centers to iconic tourist destinations, this city has it all. Named "the windy city" for a good reason, you'll enjoy your visit most in July-August when the summer weather is at its peak. With a historic, vintage touch in a modernized city, we're sharing our must-visit places in Chicago so you can plan a fun getaway this summer. So get your best friends together, book your Airbnb, and get on the road!
Starting at the north end of the city, Magnificent Mile offers countless of both upscale and casual stores. For a more affordable shopping experience, check out stores like Zara, Nike, Nordstrom, and Forever 21. Even though these stores are a bit more affordable, they certainly aren't lacking in space. In fact, Forever 21 offers 3 entire floors of shopping. If you're in the mood to treat yourself or get a little something special from your trip, stores such as Burberry, Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton, Alice + Olivia, and Saks Fifth are perfect. Each store offers it's own style - from contemporary, hip boutiques like Alice + Olivia to classic, timeless stores like Ralph Lauren, you won't be disappointed by the variety and styles. Each shop offers authentic, original items that you simply cannot resist.
When your stomach starts growling after hours of shopping, be sure to try out one of Chicago's pizza places for their iconic deep dish pizza. Pizano's and Giordano's are two of several pizza parlors in the north end that offer Chicago-style, deep-dish pizza bursting with flavor paired with baked to perfection crust. Although it's a filling treat, you can't go to Chicago and not try their specialty pizza at least once.
After filling your stomach with delicious slices of pizza pies, take a walk over to Navy Pier which also rests in the north end of Chicago. Named after a former navy training center, Navy Pier offers over 3,000 feet of carnival rides, souvenir shops filled with a range of Chicago memoirs, and of course, more shopping and restaurants. Our recommendation is to go at nighttime and enjoy the magnificent display of fireworks. It's so relaxing to lean on the pier after a long day of walking, gaze into the Chicago sky, and watch colorful fireworks explode before your eyes.
Millennium Park, the heart of Chicago, offers over 24 acres of spaces for you to watch a show in the outdoor theatre, take an iconic picture with your best friends in front of the bean-shaped structure, properly called Cloud Gate, and other art sculptures. There's so much space to relax in and enjoy the entertainment the city has to offer.
If we could only recommend one place to visit in Chicago, it would be the Sky Deck at Willis Tower. The view you get to experience by being lifted up 108 stories is simply incredible. If you go during the day, you'll see an unimaginable view of the busy city, beautiful architecture, and an all-around amazing view of the city from above. We wish we could tell you to go both during the day and night, as the view at both times are equally breathtaking, but the Sky Deck is so popular that your wait will probably be long, so you'll want to pick between going during the day or night. Pro tip: Plan ahead and buy your tickets so you won't have to wait in line at all.
If you're craving a beach view, spend a few hours at the man-made beach Chicago has to offer. Located downtown amongst several apartments and businesses, the beach is so lovely as it has the clearest and bluest water you can imagine. Between the crystal clear water and central location of Lake Michigan, it definitely is a site to be seen.
After your warm beach day, talk a relaxing walk on the Chicago Riverwalk in the south side. The Riverwalk is filled with charming restaurants, bars, and shops. Located down a couple steps and just below shops and hotels, you can sit and gaze out into the river while taking a few photos for the books. As relaxing and beautiful as this spot is, you can even take a book here and read some while you wait for your friends to finish shopping before grabbing some pre-dinner drinks.
We're wrapping up our Chicago City Guide with Wrigley Field for all your spot fanatics. Home to the Chicago Cubs, this strategically built stadium offers an open air patio on the rooftop where you'll see an incredible view of the city. Even if you go in the off-season, be sure to take a tour of the newly-renovated stadium as it is located in a family-friendly environment. Ask either a Cubs fan or a local and you'll quickly be urged to visit what has been dubbed the most beautiful stadium.
There's so much to explore in Chicago - from the outdoor parks, to the art gallery, to iconic tourist destinations, and it's a city to be visited at least once in your lifetime. The historic touch displayed throughout the city mixed with beautiful eclectic spots are like none other we've ever seen. We aren't biased, but Chicago is our favorite city we've visited so far, and we highly recommend treating yourself to a lovely getaway in this beautiful, windy city.
