How to See the Best of Chicago in a Day

Chicago is overflowing with world-class attractions, but if you only have one day in the Windy City, you’ll want to see the best bits.

Here’s an itinerary that will help you do exactly that.

Enjoy Breakfast at Lou Mitchell’s

Start your day with breakfast at Lou Mitchell’s – an old-school diner on W Jackson Boulevard.

Kick off with free donut holes and milk duds before tucking into pancakes, waffles, or an omelette from Uncle Lou’s “Best Breakfast on the Planet” menu.

Image via Flickr by wolfsavard

Wash it down with the “world’s finest coffee” or a freshly-squeezed juice.

Tour Downtown With a Chicago Greeter

Chicago Greeters offer two- to four-hour tours of the city, but since you’re pushed for time, hop on the 151 bus outside Lou Mitchell’s and take the ten-minute ride to the Chicago Cultural Centre on E Randolph.

At 10 a.m., you can go on a one-hour guided tour of the Loop with an InstaGreeter (available Friday through Sunday).

Enjoy the View From Skydeck Chicago

After your tour, it’s a mile’s walk to Skydeck Chicago on S Wacker Drive.

Head into a multimedia elevator for a speedy ride to the 103rd floor – then it’s time to see what you’re made of.

Image via Flickr by David Berkowitz

Dare you step into the Ledge’s glass boxes? If you can muster the courage, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the city.

Grab a Slice at Lou Malnati’s

It’s time for lunch, and in Chicago, that means pizza. Head south from the Skydeck, through Oscar O. D’Angelo Park, before heading east on W Harrison Street.

Turn right on to S State Street and you’ll find Lou Malnati’s. Tuck into a slice or two of deep dish Malnati Chicago Classic pizza, with a colorful Malnati salad on the side.

Explore the Museum Campus

From Lou Malnati’s, it’s a pleasant stroll to the Museum Campus. Wander through the picturesque park alongside Burnham Harbor, and choose between the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium, or the Field Museum of Natural History.

Image via Flickr by JohnLeGear

As tempting as it will be to visit them all, your next stop awaits.

Visit Millennium Park

From the Museum Campus, head north along S Lake Shore Drive until you reach the Art Institute of Chicago, enjoying the views of Monroe Harbor as you go.

Millennium Park is much more than a park, and you’ll want to spend an hour or two checking out the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Cloud Gate, and the Lurie Garden.

Kick Back in Andy’s Jazz Club

It’s time to bring your day to an end, but not before you enjoy dinner and blues. Head north across the river to Andy’s Jazz Club and Restaurant on E Hubbard Street. Savor Caribbean grilled salmon or duck breast jambalaya, then choose your favorite cocktail and relax to the sounds of talented local musicians.

It’s likely that you’ll have so much fun during your day in Chicago, you’ll be tempted to book a hotel via Gogobot and stick around, but if that’s not possible, don’t worry – Chicago will welcome you back with open arms any time you like.

Hear about new posts on Facebook: Please click “like”!