First time in Chicago , you will do the tourist sightseeings. In 48 hours you can visit Millennium Park ,Navy Pier , Chicago River , the Observation Deck or perhaps the History Museum of Chicago, which I recommend. You can shop and explore the Magnificent Mile as well as different neighbourhoods.
Pick and choose what you like because 48 hours passes quickly in Chicago because there is lots to do. Don’t forget your selfie with “the Bean ” .
Mid-westerns are charming and very friendly so don’t be surprised if a stranger just smiles & says hi. As a Canadian, you can get used to it.
Hotels & Where to Stay
What is the best area to stay in Chicago ? For first time in Chicago I recommend the Loop which is considered downtown Chicago where you can easily navigate around the city. It is a safe area so if you are a solo traveller I can recommend this. West of the Loop is the Magnificent Mile another safe and great area with local restaurants and bars. Alike most big cities of the world, always be aware of scammers . Chicago is a safe city unless you go in some suburbs it can get a little rough. Please research before navigating freely.
Chicago’s Architecture
Chicago is not only full of vibrant culture or history but the architecture is noticeably captivating & pleasing to the eyes. You can explore each building with their story behind it . You can browse by architect, location & more. If you go for 48 hrs in Chicago ,there are also tours to offer you the most at a cost between 50-55$ US .
Food Scene
Tourists are fixated on the Chicago’s Pan Pizzas & I must admit the first time I was in Chicago I HAD to try it. Every restaurant advertises it offers the best one in town so do your research before you head in to anyone. Steakhouses are still prominent in the city , as well as street food; I suppose more obvious in the summer .
Instead I discovered, with some local friends , Chicago’s West Loop ! A former meat-packing district is now a Mecca for foodies . An explosions of different cuisines and styles , it is now a dynamic destination for foodies. The restaurants are fun & trendy with history along the streets.
It runs mostly on Randolph Street or also known as Restaurant Row. I recommend exploring this vibrant area of Chicago. I have included some of the nicest places I went and they were all fabulous , as you can see.
Chicago’s History Museum
Pressed with time yet you want to learn about this great city ? For only 19$ US you can learn about how Chicago was a magnet for European immigrants like the Jews, Italians or Greeks to name a few. Visit the Chicago History Museum .Learn about Chicago’s fire in 1871 , the start of Jazz and the Gangster Empire including Al Capone.
Walking in Chicago , I felt the essence of this rich culture Chicago has to offer. The citizens are friendly & nice, museums, shows or monuments are all unique and world class. And an overall fun, vibrant city to explore. A definite YES for me. 🙂
It was actually very hard to pedal but gave me the feel of the old 1920’s Chicago.
If you would like more information on Chicago please visit Close Chicago .
