7 Days in the Windy City

Tyler white

10 Mar 2024

Embark on a thrilling adventure through the vibrant streets of Chicago. Immerse yourself in iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and stunning architecture. Discover the rich history and culture of the Windy City as you explore its hidden gems and famous attractions. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!

Trip to Chicago

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Sky-high Thrills and Architectural Marvels

$169

$ 38

Chicago Getaway Hostel

Depart from your stay 🏨

9 - 11 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$94

8 - 10 min

Directions

Beloved 1924 addition to the city skyline, whose clock tower stands 425 ft above street level.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

19 - 23 min

Directions

Notable 1910 Prairie-style house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, offering tours 5 days a week.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

$75

21 - 26 min

Directions

Art deco skyscraper, once Chicago's tallest, topped with a statue of Roman goddess Ceres.

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

•

Free

Day 2Unleashing the Curious Mind and Harmonious Melodies

$225

$ 23

Chicago Getaway Hostel

Depart from your stay 🏨

22 - 27 min

Directions

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

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$113

15 - 18 min

Directions

Built in 1904, music complex that hosts the Chicago Symphony Orchestra & classical & jazz concerts.

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$113

Day 3Sacred Sights and Cultural Wonders

$150

$ 38

Chicago Getaway Hostel

Depart from your stay 🏨

12 - 15 min

Directions

An 1800s Catholic church with a vaulted ceiling & colorful stained glass, offering guided tours.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

10 - 12 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

9 - 11 min

Directions

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

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

•

$94

15 - 18 min

Directions

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

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

•

$56

Day 4Symphony of Nature and Celestial Delights

$132

$ 23

Chicago Getaway Hostel

Depart from your stay 🏨

17 - 21 min

Directions

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

8 - 10 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

9 - 14 min

Directions

Interactive exhibits & high-tech sky shows entertain stargazers, lakefront views are a bonus.

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

$131

Day 5Bridging the Gap to Aquatic Wonders

$150

$ 38

Chicago Getaway Hostel

Depart from your stay 🏨

14 - 17 min

Directions

Long-standing drawbridge honoring a founder of Chicago & decorated with sculptures & plaques.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

7 - 9 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

8 - 10 min

Directions

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

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

•

$150

9 - 11 min

Directions

Public sculpture with 2 50-ft. LED towers & a reflecting pool, by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa.

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

Free

Day 6Urban Oasis and Architectural Legacy

$75

$ 38

Chicago Getaway Hostel

Depart from your stay 🏨

29 - 35 min

Directions

Created on a former rail line, this elevated, 2.7 mile landscaped trail draws runners & bikers.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

24 - 29 min

Directions

Home & studio of the famous architect, with guided tours focused on his early career.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$75

17 - 21 min

Directions

Garfield Park Conservatory - Reservations Required

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

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

19 - 23 min

Directions

North America's 2nd-largest opera venue has over 3,500 seats & houses the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

Free

Day 7Historical Gems and Natural Marvels

$225

$ 15

Chicago Getaway Hostel

Depart from your stay 🏨

16 - 20 min

Directions

Chicago's oldest high-rise, this 1888 Romanesque structure has a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed lobby.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$56

7 - 10 min

Directions

Untitled 50-ft., 160-ton Cor-Ten steel sculpture by artist Pablo Picasso, dedicated in 1967.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

5 - 8 min

Directions

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

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$113

14 - 17 min

Directions

Thousands of exotic plants in an 1890 glass structure, plus outdoor gardens & fountains.

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

4 - 6 min

Directions

Environmental museum with outdoor walkways for observing local wildlife & kid-friendly exhibits.

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

•

$56

Budget breakdown: $1335 In total

Activities & Food:$1125

Transport:$210