Oh, what’s that? Did you find yourself in the Windy City for one day during your cross-country crusade of the States? We’ve got good news for you — these might be the most exciting 24 hours ever. From towering skyscrapers to finger-licking deep-dish pizza and live blues performances, Chicago has so many fun things to offer!
After several trips to the city, we came up with a perfect Chicago in one day guide offering a wild mix of corners to explore. Tag along and stroll through historic neighborhoods, try local delicacies, and check out hidden gems along the way. Let’s make this an unforgettable experience together!
Is one day enough for Chicago? Important things to know
One day in Chicago itinerary sounds like a challenging task. Can you soak up all the sights, sounds, and flavors of this iconic American city that fast? Actually, yes! With our guide you’ll be able to go through all the best Chicago experiences in 24 hours! Let’s start with some useful things to know before you go.
Getting in and out of Chicago Airport
A short answer on how to get to and from any of the two Chicago Airports is to, as locals call it, ride the ‘L’ (short for “elevated”). City’s train system will get you downtown for just $5 and with no traffic. Plus, it’s an experience in itself — looking at Chicago’s neighborhoods from the elevated tracks of the nation’s second-busiest rapid transit system after New York’s Subway is a great way to start.
- CTA Blue Line from/to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) — operates 24/7, takes 45-60 minutes, costs $5
- CTA Orange Line from/to Midway International Airport (MDW) — operates from 4 a.m. to 1 a.m., takes 25-30 minutes, costs $5
Luggage storage at Chicago Airport
If spending the night is not on your one day in Chicago itinerary, you might be interested in leaving your luggage at the airport when you arrive. Unfortunately, both city airports don’t have lockers or any storage facilities. So what do you do in this case?
We have a way out for you — Radical Storage, an online service with plenty of secure storage locations. Just follow the link and book a desired drop-off spot. You can choose a location closest to the airport or take a train to the city center with your belongings and leave them at one of the downtown spots. The price for one-bag storage starts at just $5.90/day.
How to get around Chicago in one day
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Let’s start with the basics. Chicago is a walkable city. Major tourist attractions in the downtown area are located pretty close to each other, and there are lots of parks and nice pathways perfect for a leisurely stroll. But since you have only one day to spend in Chicago and some of the must-see things are further away from the center, you might be interested to learn about faster (but still budget-friendly) options that don’t include your own two feet.
The cheapest way to get around is, surprise, surprise… public transport. As mentioned before in the article, you can travel fast, save money, and explore the city neighborhoods from above by using the “L” (short for “elevated”) train system. Purchase a Ventra card (single ride: $2.50 for train, $2.25 for bus) and refill it on the go with the app as you need. You’ll also be able to have a free transfer within two hours.
Pro tip: A good idea for a 1-day Chicago itinerary is to buy a 24-hour unlimited pass for just $5 right at the airport.
A perfect day in Chicago — what to do?
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In this guide, we offer our take on what to do in Chicago in one day in 2024, unveiling must-see attractions, culinary delights, and local treasures of the city. Without any further ado, let’s embark on this whirlwind of a journey through the heart of the Windy City.
Join an entertaining guided tour
What makes the most sense when you have just one day in Chicago looking for things to do? A sightseeing tour, of course. It’s an exciting and time-saving way to discover the city, especially for those who visit Chicago for the first time. And how about a fun theme excursion that will create lasting memories rather than a typical route through the must-see attractions?
- One of the things Chicago is known for is its historical ties to organized crime. We took this Gangsters and Ghosts 2-Hour Walking Tour to learn about the city's dark past. This experience proved to be engaging for both history aficionados and those whose knowledge of Al Capone is limited to the 2020 film featuring Tom Hardy.
- A more family-friendly option of taking a look at the city's brighter side is the 1.5-Hour River Cruise. Discover Chicago's iconic landmarks with ease as you relax on the deck and listen to a live guide.
Take a bite out of Chicago’s Bean
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Side note: The plaza housing the Bean is currently undergoing renovations, which means no public access and limited views of the sculpture. Construction is anticipated to continue until spring 2024.
The Bean is what you might want to have for breakfast — only metaphorically, of course, since arriving early allows you to avoid the crowds. In the morning, when the square is nearly deserted, you can capture the best Instagram shots with the skyline views of Chicago reflected from the stainless steel surface of the sculpture.
Once you are done with the “main course”, check out the “side dishes” nearby. Millennium Park (home of the aforementioned Bean) also stations popular tourist attractions like Crown Fountain, an interactive digital art installation with water, and Jay Pritzker Pavilion, an outdoor concert venue known for its innovative design. For a picturesque relaxation spot, consider visiting Lurie Garden.
Pro tip: If you do actually need a cup of coffee and a real snack, pay a visit to Hero Coffee Roasters. We really enjoyed this cozy shop tucked away in a charming alley. Here, you can never go wrong with an order of a classic latte ($4,25) and one of the cafe’s iconic bagels (Sausage, Egg & Cheese for $8,5 is guaranteed to keep you full till lunch).
Discover Chicago’s art gems
Located pretty close to Millennium Park, the Art Institute makes for an ideal follow-up destination on our one day in Chicago itinerary. It houses a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and textiles, featuring well-known masterpieces like Grant Wood's “American Gothic”, Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks”, and Vincent van Gogh's “The Bedroom”. We recommend buying tickets on the website ahead of time, particularly for special exhibitions.
If you are not an art enthusiast, let us offer you a few other notable mentions of Chicago’s most popular museums:
- The Field Museum boasts the largest, most complete T. Rex skeleton ever discovered (affectionately nicknamed as SUE, after the woman who unearthed it in the 90s), making it a great spot for travelers with kids.
- Shedd Aquarium, another family-friendly choice, showcases a wide variety of aquatic life.
- The History Museum is a must-visit for those intrigued by the rich history of Chicago.
Savor the ultimate Chicago deep-dish pizza
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After having some food for thought, let’s have some real food. Chicago one day itinerary would be incomplete without a world-renowned pizza. A thick and hearty iconic Chicago-style pie known for its deep, buttery crust, layered structure, and generous toppings is the perfect culinary delight for a hungry traveler.
The top contenders for the title of the best deep-dish pizza in Chicago are the well-known chains, Giordano's and Lou Malnati's. Some locals prefer the former for its signature stuffed pizza with layers of cheese and toppings, while others lean towards the latter for its buttery, flaky crust and chunky tomato sauce. To settle this debate, we suggest you taste both and come up with your own opinion on the matter.
Admire architectural marvels
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After having a fulfilling meal, it might be a good idea to get a little exercise. And what's a more enjoyable way to do it than by taking a relaxed stroll and checking out Chicago's wonderful architecture? Many of the most iconic sights of the central area are located within walking distance from each other.
🔸 The Chicago Theater — a legendary lit-up marquee sign is a famous symbol of the city and a go-to spot for awesome photos.
🔸 Marina City — two towers shaped like corn cobs symbolize Chicago's mid-20th-century architecture.
🔸 The Jeweler's Building — according to urban legend, Al Capone used this building with a unique terraced crown as a hideout.
🔸 Carbide & Carbon Building — this fine example of Art Deco is also referred to as champagne bottle building due to its appearance.
🔸 Wrigley Building — a historic building famous for its elegant design and an iconic clock tower.
🔸 The Tribune Tower — a neo-Gothic skyscraper features rocks from global landmarks embedded in its exterior walls.
Take a scenic route
After exploring the architectural wonders mentioned earlier, we recommend using the Chicago Riverwalk as your pathway to the next stop on our 1-day Chicago itinerary. This charming promenade lined with bars and restaurants offers great views along the way. You can get a new perspective on the city's skyline and take some impressive photos.
What’s more, the Riverwalk features riverfront gardens, public art installations, and cozy benches that add to the serene atmosphere and provide ideal relaxation spots. And if you are visiting Chicago in mid-March, you're in for a cool bonus — the chance to witness the green dyeing of the river in celebration of St. Patrick's Day.
One of the best things to do in Chicago if you only have one day is hanging out at the city's most famous pier. Whether you prefer leisurely walking along Lake Michigan or capturing memories aboard the iconic Centennial Wheel, you're in for a treat with fantastic views!
It’s also a great idea to visit the pier in the evening — the sparkling lights, the cool lake breeze, and the shimmering water combine to create a truly magical experience!
If you're feeling artsy, dive into the Gallery of Stained Glass to admire incredible colored windows. Alternatively, for a day of family fun, the Chicago Children's Museum is a must-visit destination where you and your kids can have a blast.
Soak in Chicago’s skyline
If you happened to miss out on the breathtaking views from the Navy Pier’s Ferris wheel, we’ve got you covered with this attraction. Welcome to 360 CHICAGO! Enjoying stunning panoramas from the 94th floor of the John Hancock Building is an essential addition to any one day in Chicago itinerary. General admission starts at $30 but we recommend adding access to a tilting glass lookout for just $9 more.
While in the neighborhood, don’t overlook the Chicago Water Tower. Not only does it showcase exquisite Gothic Revival architecture, but it also serves as a powerful symbol of resilience. The historic water tower is one of the few structures that survived the devastating Great Chicago Fire!
Explore Lincoln Park
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What to do in Chicago for a few hours? Lincoln Park will keep you occupied with plenty of engaging activities.
For starters, it offers access to North Avenue Beach with opportunities for summer swimming and water sports. A short stroll away, you'll find Chicago's picturesque waterfront trail — a favorite spot for jogging and biking among locals, as well as a great lookout for gazing at the downtown skyscrapers.
Lincoln Park should also be at the top of your list of the things to do in Chicago this fall. The trees burst into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a picturesque backdrop for your visit. With the summer tourist season winding down, you’ll be able to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax by one of the beautiful ponds.
Last but not least, the park is home to one of the best things to do for free in the city, Lincoln Park Zoo. If you have one day in Chicago and are in desperate need of activities that will entertain your little ones, this is an ideal destination for exploring a diverse array of animals and beautifully landscaped gardens. Keep in mind though that the zoo closes at 5 p.m.
Chill at Chicago’s best bars
You might feel a little tired after a long day. A perfect way to relax and wrap up your 24-hour stopover in Chicago is by immersing yourself in the city's rich musical heritage at renowned venues like Buddy Guy's Legends and the Jazz Showcase.
Not particularly interested in live music and just want to know cool spots in Chicago to grab drinks? Go on a bar crawl through Old Town. The area boasts a wide range of bars, making it a popular choice for nightlife.
If you are willing to experience Chicago's famous speakeasy ambiance during your short stay, the Violet Hour is an ideal destination! It perfectly captures the hidden, Prohibition-era vibe the city is famous for, offering a unique and memorable way to end your visit.
BONUS: Experience city’s unique neighborhoods
If you end up having extra time looking for more things to do in Chicago in 1 day, consider taking the Bloomingdale Trail, also known as the 606.
Once an abandoned rail line that is now a recreational trail and park; it provides a fantastic way to wander through distinctive neighborhoods such as Wicker Park and Logan Square, each boasting its own unique character and charm. It's a great way to delve deeper into the local culture and experience more of what Chicago has to offer in a short time.
What to do in Chicago for a few hours?
When you have less than 24 hours in Chicago, making the most of your visit is crucial. Given that a typical ride to the airport takes about 60 minutes, a 6-hour stopover offers a fantastic chance to explore the city's highlights.
Since absorbing all the best landmarks of Chicago is such a time-sensitive mission for you, let us give you a helping hand.
Here are our answers to “What should I not miss at a stopover in Chicago?”
1. Millennium Park: Enjoy the beautiful greenery, admire art installations like Crown Fountain, and take a look at the legendary Bean.
2. Art Institute of Chicago: Pay a brief visit to witness masterpieces like Grant Wood's “American Gothic” and Vincent van Gogh's “The Bedroom”.
3. Chicago Riverwalk: Take a leisurely stroll with scenic views of the Chicago River and architectural wonders like Marina City and The Tribune Tower.
4. Quick Bite: Sample city’s signature foods like a Chicago hot dog at Portillo’s or a slice of deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s.
5. Navy Pier: If you have a little extra time, head to the iconic pier for a Ferris wheel ride and magnificent views of Lake Michigan.
While a short stay like that won't let you see everything Chicago has to offer, it can give you a taste of the city's culture, cuisine, and attractions and a reason to come back!
Where to eat in Chicago?
We've figured out what to do in Chicago in one day in 2024, now let’s take a closer look at the best places to eat. The city is renowned for a variety of culinary delights. We’ve already mentioned some great food in Chicago like mouthwatering deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s and Lou Malnati’s or Chicago-style hot dogs at Portillo’s, but here are more of our city favorites:
- La Josie — an authentic Mexican restaurant in the heart of the trendy West Loop neighborhood. Delicious tacos, creative cocktails, and nice atmosphere.
- Kanela Breakfast Club — a diverse menu of mouthwatering brunch dishes. Close to major landmarks like Navy Pier and Lincoln Park.
- Beatrix Market — a grab & go market with a focus on fresh, healthy, and seasonal ingredients. Perfect for a quick lunch.
- Hero Coffee Bar — high-quality coffee drinks and light snacks to kickstart a perfect day in Chicago.
- Lockwood Express — try a famous Palmer House brownie in an elegant setting. Plus, savor Bertha's Brownie Latte for an ultimate brownie experience.
- Intelligentsia Coffee — a range of exceptional coffees in a stylish and welcoming atmosphere. Locations right in the heart of Chicago.
- Garrett — a chain of gourmet popcorn shops with their signature combo of cheddar and caramel flavors, known as the “Chicago Mix”.
- Goddess And The Baker — delicious baked goods, from colorful and decadent cakes to fresh pastries and sandwiches.
Where to stay in Chicago?
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You have a day in Chicago sorted, it’s time to take care of the night! Unless you plan on partying hard and bar hopping, you’ll need to know what is a good place to stay in the city. Here are our recommendations:
1. Downtown/Loop: Stay in the loop with all Chicago’s main attractions like Millennium Park and the Art Institute right around the corner. You'll discover a range of accommodations to suit various budgets, from luxurious options like 5* The Langham to more economical choices like 3* Central Loop Hotel (from $104/night) — a convenient and affordable base for travelers seeking comfort right in the heart of the city.
2. River North: The area is known for its vibrant nightlife, art galleries, and trendy restaurants and offers a mix of upscale and mid-range hotels. Where to stay in River North? 3* Freehand Chicago (from $99/night) is a blend of private and shared accommodations in a great location.
3. West Loop: A trendy neighborhood known for its dining scene, great bars, and artsy vibe. A great choice for foodies and those seeking upscale accommodations. Where to stay in West Loop? 4* The Hoxton (from $179/night) is a stylish boutique hotel with cozy ambiance, comfortable rooms and a rooftop pool.
Pro tip: Consider spending the night at one of the Sonder apartments. We enjoyed our stay at their South Wabash location, and it was quite budget-friendly, coming in at just around $100/night for 2 people. Our studio was very well-furnished and comfortable.
More tips for visiting Chicago in 2024
Now that we know how to spend 1 day in Chicago, we would like to share some extra useful tips and answer a few popular questions.
🔹 The best time to visit Chicago is late spring or early fall. The weather is mild, so you can enjoy outdoor activities. Plus, there are fewer crowds than in summer.
🔹 How many days to spend in Chicago? We would say that 2 or 3 days allow you to see all the major landmarks and experience all the fun things at a relaxed pace. But if you don’t have that kind of luxury and your time is very limited, then this guide will help you make the most of your 1-day stopover in Chicago.
🔹 Start your day early to beat the crowds. You will need some fuel to wake up at the crack of dawn: One of the best cups of coffee in Chicago can be found at Hero Coffee Roasters.
🔹 Buy a 24-hour CTA Pass for just $5 to save money on transportation. It gives you unlimited access to the “L” train and bus rides for the day.
🔹 Consider investing in an All-Inclusive Go City Chicago Pass (priced at just $129), which grants you unlimited access to some of the best places to visit in Chicago in 1 day, including Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, 360 Chicago, Navy Pier Ferris Wheel, and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. Plan to explore less than 4 attractions? Save money with the Explorer Pass (starting from $87 for 2 choices).
🔹 If you don’t want to puzzle over what can you do in Chicago in 24 hours, you might want to throw caution to the wind and not plan ahead, apart from booking a guided tour for a hassle-free and entertaining experience. Get to know the city with a knowledgeable guide, and then go with the flow: Whatever area you choose to explore in Chicago, it’s bound to have some interesting locations to discover (just steer clear of the South Side, and you’ll be golden). The aforementioned Gangsters and Ghosts 2-Hour Walking Tour and a 1.5-Hour River Cruise are fantastic choices for getting the feelers out on the overall vibe of the Windy City.
🔹 Since we’ve mentioned avoiding particular areas of Chicago (we see you, South Side), don’t think about visiting the iconic Shameless house from the TV show: Not only is it an actual house that is occupied by an ordinary family, but it’s also located in a pretty sketchy Chicago neighborhood. Lip and Fiona won’t come to save your butt from getting jumped in the alleyways, that’s for sure!
🔹 If you get a Chicago-style hot-dog, don’t commit a tourist faux-pas by putting ketchup on the dish. The vendor won’t actually harm you for dousing one of the best hot-dogs in the world with ketchup, but they will judge you pretty harshly.
The perfect one day in Chicago: in conclusion
We hope that with the help of our article you will have the most amazing time in Chicago: Whether you have only a day or a whole week in the Windy City.
Feel free to drop any additional tips or suggestions on what to see in Chicago in one day in the comments below. Your insights and recommendations are greatly appreciated!