Chicago 7 Day Itinerary

Here’s a 7-day itinerary for traveling in Chicago, using markdown format:

Day 1: Explore Downtown Chicago

• Morning:

  • Start your day at Millennium Park and take a picture with the iconic Cloud Gate (the “Bean”).
  • Visit the Art Institute of Chicago to marvel at its impressive collection of art.

• Afternoon:

  • Stroll along Navy Pier and enjoy views of Lake Michigan.
  • Ride the Ferris wheel or visit the Chicago Children’s Museum.

• Evening:

  • Dine at Girl & The Goat, a popular restaurant with innovative small plates.
  • Take a nighttime architecture boat tour on the Chicago River for breathtaking views of the city skyline (Architecture Center River Cruises).

Day 2: Museums and Neighborhoods

• Morning:

  • Explore The Magnificent Mile (North Michigan Avenue) with upscale shopping and iconic buildings like the John Hancock Center and Tribune Tower.
  • Visit the Shedd Aquarium, home to thousands of aquatic animals.

• Afternoon:

  • Head over to the Lincoln Park Zoo for free admission and a variety of exhibits.
  • Grab lunch at The Purple Pig, known for its Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

• Evening:

  • Explore the vibrant Wicker Park neighborhood, filled with indie shops and bars like Supperclub and Emporium Arcade Bar.

Day 3: Architecture Tour and Lincoln Park

• Morning:

  • Take a guided walking tour of Chicago’s architectural gems (Frank Lloyd Wright Trust).

• Afternoon:

  • Relax at Lincoln Park and visit the Lincoln Park Conservatory or the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
  • Grab a bite at Alinea, one of Chicago’s most famous restaurants with an innovative tasting menu.

Day 4: Navy Pier, River North, and Street Art

• Morning:

  • Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier.

• Afternoon:

  • Explore the River North neighborhood, known for its vibrant street art scene. Take a guided graffiti tour (Chicago Graffiti Art Tour).

• Evening:

  • Dine at Alinea or enjoy casual Asian fusion cuisine at Au Cheval.

Day 5: Millennium Park, Willis Tower, and Loop Neighborhood

• Morning:

  • Revisit Millennium Park for a closer look at the Frank Gehry-designed Bandshell and the Lurie Garden.
  • Visit the Willis Tower Skydeck for panoramic views of the city.

• Afternoon:

  • Explore the Loop neighborhood, home to iconic buildings like the Wrigley Building and Union Station.
  • Grab lunch at Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, famous for its Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.

Day 6: Lakefront Trail and Hyde Park

• Morning:

  • Rent a bike and follow the Lakefront Trail for scenic views of Lake Michigan.

• Afternoon:

  • Visit the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) in Hyde Park, home to over 35,000 artifacts and interactive exhibits.
  • Grab a bite at The Promontory or A10 Café & Eatery.

Day 7: Wrigley Field and Final Dinner

• Afternoon:

  • Take a guided tour of Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs baseball team.

• Evening:

  • For your final dinner, enjoy a classic steakhouse experience at Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse or try contemporary American cuisine at Blackbird.