Chicago Weekend: Top 5 Things To Do (You Won’t Want To Miss These!)

So, you are planning a weekend escape to Chicago? Good call. This city is absolutely packed with, I would say, cool things to check out, and narrowing it down can very, very easily get tricky. There’s culture, food adventures that you could go on, and, that is, without me even mentioning that skyline, which honestly might be worth the visit all on its own. Below, find the top five things that could make your weekend something you won’t be forgetting any time soon. Get ready, I’d say, for some seriously fun stuff!

1. Millennium Park: More Than Just “The Bean”

Millennium Park is not, it could be said, just where “The Bean”—officially Cloud Gate—lives. That is to say, though snapping a pic with Anish Kapoor’s creation is essentially a must, there’s much, much more to this spot than meets the eye. You have, potentially, the Crown Fountain with its faces that spurt water, and the Lurie Garden that could provide, arguably, a calmer natural getaway from the city buzz. I remember the first time I actually saw the Crown Fountain; it was sort of like a scene out of a movie, you know? These giant faces smiling down at everyone, then, really suddenly, water. Kids were loving that part, honestly, so, too did a few of the grown-ups. So, that’s Millennium Park; it’s not, clearly, just a quick photo stop, but it’s that place where, probably, anyone could just hang out all day.

2. Art Institute of Chicago: A World-Class Collection

For art fanatics, arguably, the Art Institute is, actually, your paradise. Housing iconic things like Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” and Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks,” this place might feel more like wandering, say, through the pages of an art history textbook, that it is a simple museum visit. What is that makes this so good, is it? I reckon it’s more the sheer range of styles and periods covered; so, from ancient Egyptian artifacts all the way to modern masterpieces, very, very easily, you’ll spend hours wandering through, that is, these galleries. That’s what happened when I took a friend visiting from out of town—we came in at 10 AM and practically needed, by the way, to be dragged out by closing time! Basically, plan your visit properly if that is to see everything because you won’t, probably, want to miss out on this.

3. Chicago River Architecture Tour: See the City Differently

Ok, this thing might be my most favorite way to see Chicago. The Chicago River Architecture Tour offers, pretty much, a different point of view of the city; and, that is, instead of walking down busy streets, arguably you get to float along the river, all the while soaking up insights from an informed guide. See all of the different styles represented on the city skyline, from Gothic all the way to modern. I remember one guide telling, kind of, a really wild story ’bout the reversing of the Chicago River—and stuff; honestly, that kinda blew my mind, really. These trips typically last 90 minutes, or so; that is, they can be a pretty relaxing yet remarkably interesting slice of Chicago history.

4. Navy Pier: Entertainment and Views

So, you fancy entertainment combined with spectacular views? Very well, then, it’s off to Navy Pier you go! That place is packed with all sorts of diversions, like your the iconic Ferris wheel—you get these stunning looks right from the top—and, arguably, even the Chicago Children’s Museum for families and stuff. Food-wise, right, you will get a really very decent amount to select; so, from casual bites up to more restaurant experiences. Oh, very, very nearly, I was gonna miss it. Keep an eye for seasonal occasions or shows too; there always looks to be some kinda interesting thing happening over there! Actually, walking along the pier at night, and you get that city glow that lights all of the lake… it is genuinely worth it.

5. Explore a Chicago Neighborhood: Beyond Downtown

Chicago is more than, I’d say, just its downtown landmarks. Each locality provides, very, very possibly, its own taste and feel, right? Pilsen flaunts these vivid murals; that’s the neighborhood; and stuff, that’s steeped with a Mexican heritage; Wicker Park gives those hip boutiques and cafes, arguably; whilst Boystown has, just a little, a great community environment. Jump, right, onto the “L” and go discovering a different side of Chicago; this looks to me like an extremely excellent means really to soak up that neighborhood’s true culture and get yourself into the very day by day rhythms of city folk.