10 Days in the Windy City!

ali elrayes

21 Dec 2023

Join me on an epic adventure through the vibrant streets of Chicago! From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this blog will take you on a whirlwind tour of the city's rich history, stunning architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!

Trip to Chicago

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Unleashing the Curiosity at Museum of Science and Industry

$75

Sprawling, hands-on museum full of informative, child-friendly scientific & industrial exhibits.

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

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$75

Day 2Discovering the Marvels of Museum Campus and Buckingham Fountain

57-acre grounds with the Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium & Field Museum, plus dining & lake beach.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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Free

12 - 17 min

Directions

Among the world’s largest, Grant Park’s 3-level rococo fountain (1927) offers light & water shows.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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Free

Day 3Soaring to New Heights at Skydeck Chicago and Shedd Aquarium

$163

$ 5

103rd floor of the Willis Tower with clear observation boxes & views extending to four states.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

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$63

13 - 16 min

Directions

State-of-the-art indoor aquarium, famous for its variety of habitats & views of Lake Michigan.

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

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$100

Day 4Unraveling History at Field Museum and Gazing at Cloud Gate

$63

$ 5

State-of-the-art museum of science & invention, with the world's largest Tyrannosaurus Rex.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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$63

9 - 11 min

Directions

Huge outdoor sculpture shaped like a bean & allowing for views from its many mirrored sides.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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Free

Day 5Immersing in Nature's Beauty at Grant Park and Millennium Park

312-acre centerpiece of Downtown housing some of the city's busiest attractions.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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Free

12 - 17 min

Directions

24.5-acre green space with a video display, the reflective "Bean" sculpture & an outdoor theater.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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Free

Day 6Roaming with Wildlife at Lincoln Park Zoo, 360 CHICAGO, and Chicago Cultural Center

$63

$ 10

Small, free zoo with lions, primates, reptiles, a children's area & an interactive farm exhibit.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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Free

10 - 12 min

Directions

Observatory on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Building with a tilting glass lookout 1000ft up.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

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$63

8 - 10 min

Directions

Free art & shows in an 1897 Beaux-Arts building with vaulted lobby, mosaics & 2 stained-glass domes.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

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Free

Day 7Indulging in Fun at Navy Pier and Chicago Children's Museum

$38

Former Navy training center draws crowds with carnival rides, restaurants, shops & fireworks.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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Free

5 - 8 min

Directions

Family museum on Navy Pier with lots of interactive exhibits, including many for young kids.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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$38

Day 8Embracing the Spirit of Sports at Wrigley Field and Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago

$302

$ 5

Ivy-clad walls & manual scoreboard add retro charm to the 2nd oldest baseball stadium in the majors.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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$264

11 - 14 min

Directions

Downtown museum showcasing post-World War II paintings, sculptures, photos, videos & performances.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

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$38

Day 9Immersing in Art and Serenity at The Chicago Theatre and Riverwalk

$75

French Baroque-style 3,600-seat auditorium showcasing national musical & comedy acts since 1921.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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$75

8 - 11 min

Directions

Riverside pedestrian path featuring city views & dining, plus bridges, fishing piers & boat docks.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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Free

Day 10Appreciating Masterpieces at The Art Institute of Chicago and Garfield Park Conservatory - Reservations Required

$64

$ 5

Renowned art museum holding nearly 300,000 works from all over the world, spanning many centuries.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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$64

18 - 22 min

Directions

Garfield Park Conservatory - Reservations Required

184-acre park with a swimming pool, fishing lagoon, athletic fields & tennis courts.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

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Free

Budget breakdown: $871 In total

Activities & Food:$841

Transport:$30