Map of Chicago With Family Activities on It
The city of Chicago is 1 of the most family-friendly metropolitan areas in the Usa and there is literally so much to do there! Perchance you lot are thinking of visiting Chicago for a brusk trip or a weekend getaway and are wondering how to spend ii days in Chicago or how to see the best of Chicago in two days? This get-go-timer'due south guide to Chicago will bring you to all of the popular Chicago downtown attractions in two days. Find out!
In this commodity, we include all of the best things to see and do in Chicago in 2 days. Farther, you will learn tips on where to stay, how to go around, and what's worth a visit the most if you lot only have two days in Chicago.
In club to help you make up one's mind how to all-time plan your fourth dimension, nosotros too include an example of a suggested Chicago itinerary for two days. At the bottom of the post, you tin can observe a map featuring all the places mentioned in this guide, in club to assist you lot make the best out of your time in Chicago.
We have been to Chicago several times, simply our trips date dorsum quite a few years. So in order to requite you an up-to-date guide to Chicago, this article was written with the help of our guest writer Jen from Travel With a Plan. Virtually pictures are as well hers. Native American, she recently visited Chicago with her family and agreed to share their best tips and suggestions with our readers. Take a look at this great guide that shows y'all how to encounter the very best of Chicago in two days!
READ ALSO: Chicago Travel Tips for Your First Visit
What's so Special near Chicago
If you lot're fortunate enough to discover yourself among the other 55 million annual tourists to the U.S. city of Chicago, there are several things that you should know ahead of time.
Well-recognized for its vibrant city life, upscale shopping, music and arts scene, futuristic architecture, and miles of sandy beaches forth Lake Michigan, Chicago is a city rich in both history and modernism.
The (original) entire city of Chicago burned down in what is at present known as the Great Chicago Burn of 1871. The massive, state-of-the-art rebuilding endeavor that took place subsequently that, helped transform the urban center into the innovative metropolitan "Second City" that it is today.
World-famous for its plethora of unique architectural styles, Chicago skyscrapers include an eclectic mix of 1920s Fine art Deco, 1960s Postmodern, and 20th century Second Empire architectural designs. Chicago'south skyscrapers accept been congenital by some of the earth's leading architects. Chicago is now often referred to equally "The Urban center of Compages".
Along with being situated on Lake Michigan, Chicago is well-known for the beautiful Chicago River that winds its style through the heart of downtown. There are lots of sightseeing excursions that have place along the Chicago River, likewise as a one.25-mile Riverwalk to enjoy. The bustling Riverwalk offers visitors and guests a broad assortment of spaces to consume, drink, and play.
2 Days in Chicago – What to Practice
Due to its large size and the large variety of things to do, it is extremely important to take a well-thought-out touring programme when visiting Chicago. Fifty-fifty more so if y'all only take two days in Chicago and desire to run across all the best places in a short fourth dimension!
Our tips beneath should aid you get a better idea of what you tin come across and exercise in Chicago in just a few days and how to best plan your fourth dimension. Observe out!
The location of your accommodations is of utmost importance, in order to be able to conveniently walk to and from each attraction. Therefore, we besides included some of the best suggestions on where to stay in Chicago. You tin can jump directly to our hotel recommendations or curl to the bottom of this article, where you'll also find the suggested ii-24-hour interval Chicago itinerary and applied tips for your trip to Chicago.
TIP: If you lot are wondering, this is one of our favorite hotels in Chicago – The Palmer Business firm.
But first – the best things to do in Chicago. Have a look!
Here are the chief things not to miss when visiting Chicago for a few days:
i. Chicago River and Compages Tours
No affair if you are visiting Chicago for the first time or have been here before, you volition well-nigh definitely desire to immerse yourself in discovering and interacting with Chicago's compages. There are several ways to practice this. Take a look!
There is a large diverseness of architecture tours in Chicago. From walking tours, bike tours, kayak tours, bus tours to architectural river cruise tours. It's really interesting to visit the Chicago Compages Eye (CAC) as well.
We likewise highly recommend experiencing Chicago's architecture by river cruise. The guides are very knowledgeable and engaging. They provide insightful commentary on the passing skyscrapers and scenery during this leisurely bladder down the Chicago River.
An Architecture river cruise is a real must-do in Chicago. If you volume but one excursion in the urban center, this is it! Here you lot can discover more information and volume the all-time Chicago Architecture cruise. You can choose to outset either at the Navy Pier or at Michigan Avenue. Exist certain to book in accelerate, especially in the high flavour!
2. Chicago Skyscrapers
It'south neat to see Chicago's architecture from the h2o and it's something yous really should practice. However, no trip to Chicago would be consummate without visiting some of Chicago's most famous buildings as well. Even if you have only two days in Chicago, you lot can and should exercise this. Take a look at our suggestions below!
Two of the about iconic skyscrapers in Chicago – the John Hancock Building and Willis Belfry – have observation decks as well as interactive experiences. You cannot go incorrect with any of these. Read on!
360 Chicago and Chicago TILT
360 Chicago and Chicago TILT are located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Edifice. The panoramic birds-eye views from the 360 Chicago observation deck are absolutely breathtaking! 360 Chicago as well includes interactive learning opportunities, a gift shop, and a modern bar and cafe.
Chicago TILT involves stepping onto a moving platform that slowly tilts you – in a standing position – outside the side of the building.
As yous concord onto metal bars, the platform moves outward in iii increments until you lot are angled in suspension over Michigan Avenue and the buildings beneath.
TILT feel is a small boosted cost and is actually fun to do if y'all have no fear of heights.
TIP: Become your tickets for 360 Chicago and TILT in accelerate online and skip the lines at the ticket office.
Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Experience
The Skydeck is a similar skyline observation experience and is located on the 103rd floor of the famous Willis Tower. Guests pay to ride the elevators to the meridian of the Willis Belfry for unparalleled views of the city. For an additional fee, you tin can experience The Ledge.
The Ledge is the highest observation deck in the United states. It's a drinking glass box that extends four.three feet out from the edge of the skyscraper. When walking out onto The Ledge, it feels as if you are standing in mid-air 1,400 feet to a higher place the basis. To say that the views are both unforgettable and amazing feels similar an understatement.
TIP: Go your tickets for Willis Belfry Skydeck and The Ledge experience in advance and save time and coin.
3. Grant Park
Too chosen the Chicago's Front One thousand, Grant Park is a huge public park located at the waterfront of Lake Michigan in the Chicago Downtown surface area. Grant Park encompasses many smaller parks, such every bit Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park, but as well the Museum Campus. Buckingham Fountain and the Art Constitute of Chicago are as well located here.
As cornball as New York City'due south Central Park, Green Park is abode to Chicago'due south most photographed attractions, as well every bit its massive greenspace. Park entrance and everything to do here is free, with the exception of museums.
Below, you can discover more data about some of the most notable features of Grant Park that y'all shouldn't miss when visiting Chicago for two days. Take a look!
Millennium Park
The all-time things to run into and do in Millennium Park include taking photographs at Deject Gate, watching Crown Fountain, visiting the Lurie Garden, exploring Maggie Daley Park, and touring the Fine art Establish of Chicago.
Deject Gate
The most pop attraction in Millennium Park is the behemothic Cloud Gate sculpture. Commonly referred to as 'The Bean', Deject Gate is a kidney-bean shaped art slice.
It's a great place to accept pictures, especially off of its cogitating surface. Y'all can encounter the reflection of the Chicago skyline, walk nether The Bean, and have photos from all sides.
Despite the crowds, this infinite is big enough to accommodate big amounts of visitors. Unless y'all come hither at sunrise or offseason, information technology's highly unlikely to get a photo without other tourists in it, however.
Crown Fountain
Another highlight of Millennium Park is Crown Fountain. 2 large LED screens calorie-free up while displaying the faces of average Chicago residents.
Every five minutes, the mouths of the faces spill water onto the basis creating a shallow cogitating pool.
The fountain makes a great identify for kids to cool off in the hot summer months.
Maggie Daley Park
Much to the delight of your children, on the border of Millennium Park you lot will enter Maggie Daley Park. Here you lot will discover mini-golf, a climbing wall, and 5 playgrounds themed for different ages and abilities.
Large tube slides for older kids, innovative swings, and a splash fountain for younger ones are a few other highlights. The rolling hills and valleys of prophylactic turf, as well as perfectly incorporated green space make this a bully playground for kids. Families with younger children could easily spend a few hours here.
We enjoyed stopping at the snack cart here for an afternoon ice cream treat. For families visiting Chicago with kids, Maggie Daley Park is a must-do. So make sure to foresee some time here when planning your two-solar day Chicago itinerary.
Plan to spend i-2 hours at Millenium Park, especially if you are visiting Chicago with kids.
Art Found of Chicago
Art Institute of Chicago is the second-largest art museum in North America. It's one of the principal Chicago attractions and well worth a visit. Yet, it'southward absolutely enormous and yous can spend the whole day here…
Depending on your interests and the time that you take, you may want to skip visiting the Art Establish or just spend a few hours here. With merely 2 days in Chicago, it might feel a bit too rushed…
However, this is i of the best things to do in Chicago, so I'll get out it up to yous to determine if it'due south worth a visit if you only accept niggling time inside.
If yous visit, make sure to get the fast laissez passer tickets – it will salvage you lot some precious time!
Buckingham Fountain
This is probably one of the oldest and all-time-known landmarks of Chicago that you lot won't apace forget. Dating from 1927, the 3-level rococo fountain is a must-see in Chicago. In the evening, you lot tin see the lite & h2o prove. Must do!
Museum Campus
Another great area in Chicago downtown is the extremely popular Museum Campus. Information technology's quite far away from the other Chicago attractions just is considered to be part of Grant Park as well.
Museum Campus is home to Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, Adler Planetarium, and other museums. These are places that should not exist missed if yous are looking for fun, educational, and one-of-a-kind museum experiences.
The Museum of Science and Industry is another Chicago family unit-favorite and should be considered in your Chicago itinerary if yous have more time.
However, if you lot just take two days in Chicago, you may non want to spend all that time within the museums. Especially if the weather is nice… So keep this as an option in case of bad atmospheric condition, but otherwise, I retrieve you can better spend your short fourth dimension in Chicago enjoying the other attractions listed here.
TIP: If you decide to visit a few museums at the Museum Campus, consider Chicago City Pass – information technology can salvage you nigh half the toll if yous are planning to visit several attractions.
4. Lakefront Trail and Navy Pier
Chicago is situated along the shoreline of the corking Lake Michigan. No visit to the Windy City would exist complete without a walk forth the Lakefront Trail and a visit to the celebrated Navy Pier.
Chicago's scenic Lakefront Trail is an 18-mile paved trail that follows along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. With separate lanes for walking, running, and biking, Lakefront is a favorite amidst the locals and tourists alike.
Head due north on this trail from the Millennium Park expanse to get to Chicago'due south Navy Pier. The 15-infinitesimal walk along Lakefront Trail will let y'all to admire Lake Michigan, watch the on-water boats, kayaks, and even wild fauna.
Coming upon Navy Pier, you will observe your excitement stirring as you can hear and see all the fun that is to be had here. Over the past few years, Navy Pier has become i of the nigh exciting and popular things to do in Chicago, especially if visiting with a family.
Ride the 200ft tall iconic Centennial (Ferris) Wheel and other amusement rides, dine at one of its many restaurants or join 1 of the amazing food tours.
Other activities at Navy Pier include the Amazing Chicago'south Funhouse Maze, Virtual Rush: Chicago virtual reality experience, and, of course, Lake Michigan sightseeing cruises.
Navy Pier is usually very busy, particularly in the afternoon and on weekends. But to us, the crowds added to the fun and the unique atmosphere.
TIP: Our personal favorite (and one thing nosotros definitely recommend doing in this area) is the Chicago Food Tour.
Not only does it include some amazing food like Chicago hot dogs, pizza, Italian beef, and pastries, merely you likewise go to learn more almost the city from a local. Information technology's a peachy fashion to relish authentic Chicago delicacies and experience the city.
5. Magnificent Mile
Magnificent Mile is the nickname of the 13-block stretch of upscale shops and restaurants located in Downtown Chicago along Michigan Avenue. Information technology is here that you'll find the world-famous John Hancock building (abode to 360 Chicago and TILT mentioned in a higher place).
The historic Chicago Water Tower and Chicago Artery Pumping Station – two of the few structures to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 – tin can be found here every bit well.
The Magnificent Mile is Midwest's equivalent to Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive in LA or New York'southward 5th Artery. Shops like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Burberry, and Neiman Marcus are all located here. Kid-friendly stops include the Disney Store, American Girl Place, Chicago-famous Garrett Popcorn, and Dylan'southward Candy Bar.
Though most of the shops lining the pedestrian-packed sidewalks of the Magnificent Mile are department stores and brands y'all can observe elsewhere in the state, it's still worth a quick stroll. The atmosphere hither is lively and fun and lets off a memorable "big city" vibe.
TIP: The Magnificent Mile commune does indeed extend a full square mile (from North Michigan Avenue, east to the scenic lakefront). I recommend starting off past visiting the John Hancock Building and nearby historic Chicago Water Tower. Then, walk the entire length of Magnificent Mile to get to your side by side destination while admiring the Tribune Tower and the Wrigley Edifice along the way.
Walking the Magnificent Mile can be done in 20 minutes without stopping to shop.
6. Eat a Chicago hot dog and famous deep-dish pizza
No trip to Chicago would be complete without eating its ii most iconic and talked-virtually foods. And then when in Chicago, make certain to try an accurate Chicago hot dog and unforgettable Chicago deep-dish pizza. Both are then good that y'all may find yourself enjoying them more one time!
An authentic Chicago-style hot dog includes an all-beefiness hot dog, poppy seed bun, yellowish mustard, chopped white onions, sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slice, pickled sport peppers, and celery salt.
Portillo's Hot Dogs and ADB (America's Canis familiaris and Burger) both serve upwards the ultimate best Chicago hot dogs! The virtually convenient ADB location is located in the center of the food court at Navy Pier.
TIP: Our top recommendation for archetype Chicago deep-dish pizza is at Giordano'southward. With 4 locations in downtown Chicago (40+ locations total), Giordano's has been serving upwardly beloved deep dish pizza for over 40 years.
Though the 45 minutes it takes to broil one of their stuffed deep-dish pizzas requires patience, the big and bustling atmosphere of Giordano's will make you experience right at home while waiting. They take specialty pizzas, child-size pizzas, every bit well as gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.
If visiting during the dinner hr, be prepared to wait up to 2 hours for a tabular array here as Giordano'due south is widely popular.
PRO TIP: If you lot desire to taste all kinds of typical Chicago nutrient without having to spend that much time at every restaurant, consider joining ane of the popular local food tours. In just a few hours, you get to experience the best accurate dishes, coupled with fun stories and local insights. A must-practice!
This is the all-time food tour that we recommend for those who want to try all the typical dishes.
What to Come across in Chicago if You Have More than Time
Experience the Arts
Downtown Chicago is domicile to dozens of music and one-act venues, theaters, and the Lyric Opera House which dates back to 1929. If you lot have more time, consider watching Hamilton at Chicago's CIBC theater, live jazz at Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, or Lyric Opera at the 2nd-largest opera auditorium in North America.
Wrigley Field
Originally opened in 1914, Chicago's Wrigley Field is the second-oldest ballpark in America (2d simply to Boston's Fenway Park). Dwelling house to the Chicago Cubs Major League baseball team, Wrigley Field is an iconic open-air baseball game stadium rich in nostalgia and team pride.
Both gameday and non-gameday tours are available to larn its history and go a behind-the-scenes await at the stadium. Wrigley Field tours are perfect for the sports fanatics in your family.
With just 2 days in Chicago, it's probably non a must. But if y'all have extra fourth dimension to spend in Chicago, it's definitely worth a visit.
TIP: Y'all tin can also get tickets for one of the Chicago Cubs games. There's no better way to feel this identify than watching a game!
Sports & Events
Chicago is also home to several other well-known sports teams such as Chicago Bulls, Chicago Blackhawks, and others. Cheque the schedule here to see if there are whatever games on the days when you lot're visiting. Attending a sports game with local fans is a great affair to do in the windy city!
Chicago besides hosts lots of concerts and other events that might exist a dainty addition to your city visit. Here you lot tin find the schedule and tickets for the upcoming concerts in Chicago.
However, there are merely a few events and they are probably not as easy to fit with your Chicago itinerary as the local sports events that are happening every couple of days.
Suggested Chicago Itinerary for ii Days
Below you can see our suggestions on how to all-time programme your fourth dimension if you want to meet all the all-time places in Chicago in just two days.
Day 1
- Start off the morn with coffee and donuts at Stan's Donuts located on the Magnificent Mile.
- Walk e on Magnificent Mile until you achieve the John Hancock Building. Visit 360 Chicago and TILT. Terminate to take photos of the Chicago Water Tower and Pumping Station that are located adjacent to the John Hancock Building.
- Walk south on Magnificent Mile while window shopping and viewing Chicago'due south architecture.
- Cheque-in for your xi.30 AM Chicago Nutrient Tour and eat your style around the urban center.
- Spend some fourth dimension at Millenium Park and Maggie Daley Park. If not doing the food tour, yous can accept light lunch at Wildberry Cafe which is next to Millenium Park.
- From Millenium Park, walk the Lakefront Trail to Navy Pier.
- Lath the iii.15 PM Chicago River Architecture Cruise at Navy Pier or Michigan Avenue.
- Later, spend time exploring the Navy Pier and riding the Centennial Wheel at dark. Take a dinner cruise on Lake Michigan from Navy Pier.
Day ii
- Depending on what y'all program to exercise, it might be wise to go tickets for BigBus Chicago for this day. You can ride the bus around the city for the entire day getting off at your called stops and destinations.
- Start the day with a tour to the Willis Tower and Skydeck.
- Later, take the hop-on hop-off motorcoach and get off at Finish #4, Millennium Park. Take some more pictures hither, get a handbag of Garrett'southward popcorn, and visit theArt Constitute of Chicago.
- Walk through Grant Park and see theBuckingham Fountain.
- Later on, walk or board the BigBus again and get off at Stops #6 and #seven to tour the Adler Planetarium and the Museum Campus attractions of your choice. This will take the rest of your afternoon.
- For dinner, visit either Giordano's Pizza at Navy Pier or take a dinner cruise on Lake Michigan described on day one.
- Alternatively, meet if yous can find tickets for a local sports game. Some games have identify in the afternoon, while some others – in the evening.
Map of the best things to do in Chicago in 2 days
To make it easier to program your trip to Chicago, I created this map indicating all the all-time places to see in Chicago mentioned in this article.
Our suggested itinerary above is simply an indication of how you can programme your two days in Chicago. Manifestly, you tin create your own Chicago itinerary based on your interests. This map will help you either manner!
How to Utilise This Map: Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more data about each place. Click the arrow on the left tiptop corner for the index. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open up Google Maps, click the menu button, and go to 'Your Places'/'Maps'.
Practical Tips for Visiting Chicago
- The best fourth dimension to visit Chicago is Apr – May and again in September – Oct. During these months, temperatures are balmy and crowds are well-nigh manageable. Almost boat tours run from aroun mid March to the end of Oct.
- Summertime is also a great time to visit Chicago, especially if yous want to attend some of its unique festivals. Come prepared for big crowds, nonetheless.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as you will do a lot of walking.
- Bring your own reusable h2o bottle.
- Be prepared for the weather and apparel in layers, yr-round. The cakewalk off the lake can make it experience really dank.
- If you are looking for an easy-to-use guidebook for Chicago, you lot may want to become this Alone Planet pocket guide. It also has a user-friendly pull-out map.
- If you are visiting Chicago with kids, they'll probably enjoy the city even more if they are already a scrap familiar with it. Here you can find some prissy children'southward books about Chicago.
How to Get Around
Chicago is a actually walkable city. All the master things to see and exercise during your ii days in Chicago are within walking distance from each other, except for the Museum Campus. This is a major perk and what makes visiting Chicago so fun and relaxing!
For longer stretches, taxi or Uber are highly prevalent and can typically exist found inside 2 – 3 minutes of any given address. In addition, Chicago is well-known for its convenient street labeling organisation and elevated public ship system.
Chicago's unique double and triple-decker roadway system results in some streets having an upper-level riverfront boulevard, a lower-level roadway for commercial and through traffic, and a recreational walkway at h2o level.
Though this may sound confusing, it is very straightforward and piece of cake to go effectually downtown Chicago. Street signs, walking maps, and enough of friendly faces are readily available to inquire for directions.
TIP: A fun mode to cut down on the walking while touring Chicago is to volume a hop-on-hop-off bus sightseeing experience. It'due south not only convenient transportation between all of the major attractions, but it likewise provides an insightful narration of the city and its highlights.
Though there are several different companies to choose from, nosotros loved our tour on BigBus Chicago. With their frequent selection-upward times, helpful narration, and handicap accessibility, touring the city this mode was a fun addition to our two days in Chicago.
Additional planning tip: I recommend downloading the Google Maps app and using the "walking road" feature to assist you get around. Also, download the Transit App for real-time arrival projections if you plan to use Chicago "L" trains or bus routes.
Where to Stay in Chicago
No matter how much time you accept in Chicago, I highly recommend that yous stay in the heart of downtown Chicago. That will permit yous to fully feel the urban center.
We recommend staying in the Magnificent Mile, The Loop, or River N area.The Magnificent Mile is close to the John Hancock Edifice, Navy Pier, and 1-of-a-kind shopping. The Loop is close to the Willis Belfry and Millennium Park. On the other hand, River North hotels are still within walking distance to all major attractions but provide budget-friendly options that frequently include pools and gratis breakfast.
Here are some of the best-located hotels in Downtown Chicago that offer great value and take fantabulous customer reviews:
- $$$$$ The Langham
- $$$$ Hyat Regency
- $$$ Hyatt Place – The Loop (one of the most popular mid-range hotels)
- $$ La Quinta past Wyndham
- $ Congress Plaza Hotel
Our personal favorites:
- Palmer House – historic downtown hotel with fantastic location and facilities.
- The Blackstone – a boutique hotel that offers a more unique experience than staying at a large hotel chain.
- The Drake Hotel – a more luxurious option with an first-class location and dozens of family-friendly amenities. The Drake besides offers an American Girl doll feel that includes admission to the hotel's library of American Girl books, every bit well as a bed for American Girl dolls. The Drake can also accommodate a personal shopper if visiting the adjacent American Girl Place.
Then, this is our guide for your visit to Chicago in ii days. Equally you can meet, yous tin do a lot in Chicago in two days, so it'due south as well a great destination for a weekend getaway. I hope that this guide and practical tips will aid you program a fun and memorable trip to Chicago. Savor it!
For more tips and info for your first trip to Chicago, run across our first-timer's guide via the link beneath. Check information technology out!
Acquire More: Tips for Visiting Chicago
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- Utah: All-time Things to do in Moab
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- National Parks: 15 Astonishing Lesser-known National Parks in the The states & About Popular National Parks
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Source: https://fullsuitcase.com/2-days-in-chicago/
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