Chicago – Day 1 Itinerary
Welcome to Chicago
There are lot of things to do in Chicago. Everyone has their own preference as how they want to spend their time. Some are foodie, some want to just visit iconic places, few of them want to just stroll around the buildings, some of them look only for romantic places and few just depend on google reviews and Travel Advisory.
I am local to Chicago and have visited bunch of places. This Windy City has lot to offer, and I am much more delighted to share my experiences. Fyi: I am a foodie, so my blogs would cover some good food places . My moto is If your tummy is happy you will be happy and if you are happy you will get patience to appreciate the beauty of nature and architecture. Or else you will be frustrated and lose patience and will just glimpse through and would want to go to your cozy bed and see some Netflix series.
If you are in Rush or in middle of your self guided tour and looking for some more places to visit or places to eat .. Visit my direct page; I have hyperlinked.
Pizza Places
Speak-Easy-Bars
Iconic Places – My Day 2 Itinerary
Piece of advice: You cannot cover everything in one or 2 days. And if you have just one complete day to see Chicago, please visit my Day 2 Itinerary. Or you can mix and match depending on your time and interest.
Top things to do in Day1:
Lincoln Park Zoo
360 Chicago
Shopping
Starbucks Reserve
Dusable bridge
Architecture Tour
Lincoln Park Zoo:
(2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614)
Experience the Wildlife in the Heart of Chicago. The zoo was founded in 1868, making it the fourth oldest zoo in North America. It is also one of a few free admission zoos in the United States.
There are about 1,100 animals from some 200 species. Also located in Lincoln Park Zoo is a “burr oak tree” which dates to 1830. The animals’ enclosures are meant to mimic their natural habitats. There’s an entire department dedicated to conservation and science, and improving animal management. These disciplines are organized into five primary centers and programs, each with its own research staff, support staff and funding.
Its fun seeing all the animals and different kinds of plants the zoo has to offer. Nice spot for Nature Photography too. If we completely cover the zoo it will be like a small nature trail with tint of Modern and Old architecture.
Little hard to find the parking. And it will take minimum 1-1.5 hrs to look over the place. There are couple of view points and View of the skyline is also pretty awesome.
Now I am pretty sure you guys might feel hungry after a short trail. If you like a deep dish pizza. I would suggest you to go to “Pequod’s Pizza”.( 2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614). Don’t get disappointed by seeing the look of the building, but pizza taste is awesome. If I am not wrong its 3-4 miles tops if not feeling to drive you can visit one near to the zoo Chicago Pizza company and Grinder: 2121 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
There is one famous Fondue place near by “ Geja’s Café” (340 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614) better to have a reservation or you can pickup. Ambiance is so perfect- Ideal for a romantic date. My favt: Belgian Chocolate Fondue.
Now that you got your tummy full. Head down to 360.
Park your car using spothero. Or if you are lucky you may find street parking or metered marking.
360 Chicago.
(875 North Michigan Avenue)
It’s time for you to spend some time 1000 ft above the ground
It’s similar to what you may have seen on any other skyscrapers only difference is “Tilt”. Do try that if you go inside. Small thrill, as if you are falling. Stick yourself towards the window and you will understand. They have nice view and a wine bar you can try.
If its not busy it will take 1-1.5hr to wrap it up.
Once you are done you can walk all the way to Dusable Bridge. Straight road I think it will be 0.5 – 1.3 miles walk one way. Sounds a lot of walk but by seeing the building and doing pitstops at shops you wont find a difference.
Shopping:
One of the famous street in Chicago-North Michigan Avenue. It’s also called The Magnificent Mile. Huge array of shops, international cuisine, live entertainment, and take in some of the most beautiful natural and architectural sites in the city.
The Mile is a total of 13 blocks along Michigan Avenue, stretching from the banks of the Chicago
River up to Oak Street. With over 275 restaurants, 460 stores, 60 hotels, and all sorts of fantastic attractions, the Magnificent Mile is a must-see for anyone in Chicago.
Starbucks Reserve:
This I believe is one of the biggest Starbucks you would ever see – 4 floors . They have got a bar at the top and Chocolates at one section, coffees in other. It’s a must visit.
Once you are done with coffee, You could head towards Dusable bridge.
Dusable bridge:
It’s one of the famous bridge as it was proposed early 20th century as part of a plan to link Chicago’s south side and North side. It has good architecture on to it and nice photoshoot place. If you go to the center of the bridge you could see Trump Tower.
Architecture Tour:
Just below the bridge there is Wendella Tours and Cruise. Do an advance booking for it. It should not be more than 30$/ person. But best way for the architectural tour. Trust me it’s not boring minimum for the first timers and you will have some rest to your legs 🙂
They will take you inside the city on water and explain you about the buildings when they were built who built and it’s significance and History of Chicago. And at the end they will take you to the Lake Michigan and skyline view at the evening is awesome. Minimum for that I would take this tour. The tour itself will be around 45-90 mins.
I would close my day here and head back to hotel to take rest. If you are a night person there are lot of taverns and speak easy bars you can try out. If you still have patience and want to cover some more places.
Please visit my Day 2 Blog 🙂
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