A Weekend in Chicago: What to See + Do
My weekend in Chicago was a whirlwind that ended in my group and I witnessing a driveby shooting on our final night in Chiacgo which, I guess you can say, is symbolic of crime in Chicago.
WHERE TO STAY:
The Godfrey Hotel Chicago
ADDRESS: 127 W Huron St. Chicago, IL 60654
COST: Varies, check website
Surrounded by a variety of restaurants and bars and just a short walk to Magnificent Mile, The Godfrey is the ideal place to stay if you’re looking for the convenience of location while taking into account affordability.
WHAT TO SEE + DO
Visit the Navy Pier
ADDRESS: 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, located on Lake Michigan
Located along the shoreline of Lake Michigan is one of Chicago's favorite spots for both tourists and locals alike. Here you will find everything from Chicago’s Shakespeare Theatre, Chicago’s Children’s Museum and an array of shopping stores and restaurants. This is also an ideal spot for booking cruises and speedboats.
Try Chicago’s Infamous Devil Dawgs
ADDRESS: There are locations throughout Chicago.
Found in the bustling neighborhoods of Chicago is Devil Dawgs, is casual no-frills counter-service setup that feels both modern and classic. The menu leans into comfort food favorites, offering char-grilled hot dogs piled with fresh toppings, juicy burgers, crispy hand-cut fries, and rich milkshakes.
Take pictures at Cloud Gate (The Bean)
Located in Millennium Park you will find one of the most notorious sculptures in the Midwest, Cloud Gate. Better known as “The Bean,” this sculpture is known for its abnormal size and distorted reflections and is a favorite for photo takers.
Try Chicago’s Deep Dish Pizza at Gino’s East
ADDRESS: 62 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611
Although Giordanno’s seems to be a favorite franchise throughout Chicago, my group decided to go a different route and ordered the deep dish pizza at Gino’s East, a Chicago staple for over 60 years. Paired with the ice cream parlor located inside the restaurant and a Photo Booth, this would be a fun option for families as well.
Step onto The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago
Take the elevator to the 103rd floor, walk through a series of Chicago themed photo backgrounds and a mini museum mockup, and finally find yourself high above the city where you can step out into a glass balcony.
ADDRESS: Skydeck Chicago is located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) at 233 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606.
COST: $32 per adult, $24 per child
Visit Starbucks Reserve Roastery
This is a fun stop for coffee connoisseurs and Starbucks fans. The building has five floors, each tailored for a different experience. Floors 1-4 feature a bakery, coffee bars and a 56-foot coffee cask. The fifth floor features a rooftop terrace offering views of the Magnificent Mile. There are Starbucks Reserves in several locations around the world each offering its own unique experience and menus. The Chicago reserve is one of three located in the US.
