7 days Trip Itinerary in chicago

Breakfast 8.9

Turu pick

Brunch, Cafe, Coffee Tea

Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe ($$)

130 E Randolph St, chicago

Established in 2004, Wildberry Café continues to delight guests with delicious dishes and welcoming hospitality. Their breakfast and lunch menus are inspired by a blend of traditional homemade recipes prepared to please the patron's taste. They use only fresh, seasonal ingredients that deliver the most delicious flavors and rich goodness.

0.8 MILES
19 minutes
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Attraction 9.5

Turu pick

1.0-2.0 hr stay

Architecture, Skyscraper, Landmark

Willis Tower Skydeck ($$)

233 S Wacker Dr, chicago

Willis tower, formerly the Sears Tower, is a 110-story skyscraper, and this skyscraper is Chicago's most dominant structure and 2nd tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. On a clear day, one can see approximately 40-50 miles (65 - 80 kilometers), allowing one to easily see four states – Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Skydeck has a ledge glass box extending 4.3 feet from the Skydeck, providing a clear view of 1,353 straight down.

0.9 MILES
22 minutes
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Lunch 8.3

Turu pick

Mexican Restaurant, Cafe

Xoco ($$)

449 N Clark St, chicago

Xoco—pronounced "SHO-ko"—is the Aztec word for "little sister." Rick Bayless, who runs the iconic flagship restaurant Frontera, opened the place. But there's nothing little about Xoco's bold Mexican marketplace flavors. This quick-service café from Rick and Deann Bayless is open early and closing late and proffers contemporary expressions of Mexico's most beloved street food and snacks: flaky empanadas, hot-from-the-fryer churros, frothy Mexican hot chocolate, crusty tortas, and meal-in-a-bowl caldos.

0.4 MILES
10 minutes
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Attraction 8.8

Turu pick

1.0-2.0 hr stay

Architecture, Historic Place, Live Shows

The Chicago Theatre (Price varies)

175 N State St, chicago

Legendary theatre in downtown Chicago hosts concerts, comedians, theatrical productions, and special events every year. The 3,600-seat auditorium is seven stories high, and the vertical "C-H-I-C-A-G-O" sign is one of the few such signs in existence today. The building is built in the French Baroque style featuring a miniature replica of Paris' Arc de Triomphe, and the grand lobby is modeled after the Royal Chapel at Versailles. The theater is exquisite and quite beautiful.

0.2 MILES
5 minutes
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Attraction 8.7

Turu pick

1.0-2.0 hr stay

Architecture, Historic Place, Landmark

Chicago Cultural Center (Free Entry)

78 E Washington St, chicago

The Chicago Cultural Center, which opened in 1897, is a Landmark housing designed to impress and prove that Chicago had grown into a cosmopolitan metropolis. The building currently boasts two magnificent glass strained-glass domes, including the world's largest stained glass Tiffany dome ― 38 feet in diameter with some 30,000 pieces of glass. It also features mosaic walls, free music, dance and theater events, films, lecturers, art exhibitions, and family events.

4.4 MILES
106 minutes
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Dinner 8.8

Turu pick

American (traditional), Comfort Food, Vegan Vegetarian Restaurant

Chicago Diner ($$)

3411 N Halsted St, chicago

Chicago Diner has been serving innovative and delicious vegan and vegetarian fare since 1983. True to their signage, "meat free since '83," all of their menus are a take on the classic American diner with a twist. It has earned numerous accolades from various media outlets for its fantastic food. They use local, seasonal ingredients and produce. All their cleaning products are eco-friendly, to-go containers are bio-degradable, and they practice bio-diesel conversion of waste oil.

Breakfast 8.8

Turu pick

American (new), Brunch

Lula Cafe ($$)

2537 N Kedzie Blvd, chicago

Lula cafe at Logan Square is inventive, market-driven, primarily organic food in a casual, funky space, hosting a trendy breakfast/brunch. They specialize in using locally sourced fresh produce and seasonal ingredients, and the patio is lovely on a warm night with the perfect atmosphere.

4.7 MILES
113 minutes
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Sightseeing 9.0

John Hancock Building & 360 Chicago images

Turu pick

0.5-1.0 hr stay

Scenic, Skyscraper, Landmark

John Hancock Building & 360 Chicago ($$)

875 N Michigan Ave, chicago

360 Chicago is an observatory located on the 94th floor of the historic John Hancock Center in the heart of downtown Chicago. It offers breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan from over 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile. Visitors can also experience "The Tilt" for an additional fee; a series of floor-to-ceiling windows slowly tilt outside the building to 30°. There is also a Bar (CloudBar) to enjoy a drink (or two) while overlooking the view.

0.2 MILES
5 minutes
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Attraction 8.5

Turu pick

1.0-1.5 hr stay

Museum

Museum of Contemporary Art ($$)

220 E Chicago Ave, chicago

A contemporary art museum near Water Tower Place is one of the world's largest contemporary art venues. Visitors can experience the work and ideas of living artists and understand the historical, social, and cultural context. The museum includes sculpture, photography, dance, performance, and music. Museum's collection consists of more than 2,000 works, 2,500 artworks spanning media and movements from the 1920s to the present.

0.8 MILES
19 minutes
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Lunch 8.1

Turu pick

Brunch, American (traditional)

Eggy’s Diner ($$)

333 East Benton Place, chicago

Eggy's, a contemporary diner, is more than just breakfast (though it does have an extensive egg-centric menu). The 60's inspired menu is full of items designed to give a home-cooked feel. Think pancakes, grilled cheese sandwiches, and burgers. But it has made national news for its crunchy French toast, featured on Travel Channel's "Food Paradise" as a can't-miss carby dish.

0.7 MILES
17 minutes
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Sightseeing 8.9

Turu pick

1.0-3.0 hr stay

Sightseeing, Neighbourhood, Shopping Place

The Magnificent Mile (Free Entry)

Magnificent Mile, chicago

Visitors can see the Blue Man Group or House of Blues show. There is also "The Comedy Bar" for a fun time. The Chicago Cubs' official store is there if you are into sports. Many eateries are either along the Mile or on cross streets. There are some great street performances on the walkways. There are always some special events; check them out at https://www.themagnificentmile.com/things-to-do/events/ before you go. Endlessly high-end brand-name stores like LV, Burberry, Gucci, and more. Public Restrooms are available at 900 North Michigan Shops, Water Tower Place (835 N. Michigan Avenue), and The Shops at North Bridge (520 N. Michigan Avenue).

2.8 MILES
67 minutes
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Dinner 8.9

Turu pick

Pizzeria

Pequod's Pizza ($$)

2207 N Clybourn Ave, chicago

Pequod's Pizza has gained a cult following for its pan-style deep dish Pizza with a caramelized crust edge. The Pizza gained popularity with word of mouth, and Pequod's became the best-known secret for Pizza in Chicago. Mozzarella cheese is cooked along the edge of a cast-iron pan creating a crust unlike any other hence the name "caramelized crust." Customers get blown away after tasting the pie with the savory sauce and flavorful toppings.

Breakfast 8.8

Turu pick

American (new), Brunch

Beatrix ($$)

519 N Clark St, chicago

Chef partners Susan Weaver, Rita Dever and John Chiakulas have created a menu inspired by food made in Lettuce's test kitchen. Beatrix is open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night offerings. All pastries and sweets are baked in house daily. It features Modern, all-day venue combining an American eatery, wine & cocktail bar & a bakery/cafe. They offer the kale juice, mushroom burger, kale salad, steak and eggs and a side of granola, and veggie burger. They also have amazing Caramel pie for dessert. They have a lot of the same vendors as the Kane County flea market, but have some city based vendors as well. The items for sale range from bookshelves to vintage Ferragamo shoes. It is a very entertaining location, great people-watching out the wall of windows. The cocktail menu is refreshing and unique, appetizers are light and flavorful, and their entrees were superbly executed.

1.9 MILES
46 minutes
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Sightseeing 8.8

Turu pick

1.0-2.0 hr stay

Aquarium, Landmark

Shedd Aquarium ($$$)

1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr., chicago

Shedd Aquarium, a national historic landmark, has been home to more than 32,000 unique animals since 1930. It welcomes more than 2 million visitors to meet beluga whales and bluegills, rockhopper penguins and rockfish, alligators and an alligator snapping turtle, and so much more from the world's oceans, lakes, rivers, and reefs. Several permanent exhibits at Shedd include Waters of the World, Caribbean Reef, Amazon Rising, Wild Reef, Stingray Touch, Oceanarium, Fantasea, One World, and 4D Theater.

1.9 MILES
46 minutes
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Lunch 8.8

Turu pick

British Food

Pleasant House Pub ($$)

2119 S Halsted St, chicago

In 2011, husband and wife Art and Chelsea Jackson opened Pleasant House Bakery, a small pie shop specializing in Royal Pies—their own various handmade, artisanal meat and vegetable savory pies. In 2016, they expanded their signature British-inspired, locally sourced menu in a new location, Pleasant House Pub, which also features a full bar and cafe.

2.1 MILES
50 minutes
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Attraction 8.7

Turu pick

0.5-1.0 hr stay

Landmark, Scenic

Buckingham Fountain (Free Entry)

301 S. Columbus Dr., chicago

Buckingham fountain, one of the largest in the world, runs daily from early May through mid-October. Visitors can enjoy a major water display for 20 minutes every hour when the water goes 150 feet in the air. It is considered one of the finest ornamental fountains in America.

0.6 MILES
14 minutes
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Sightseeing 9.1

Turu pick

0.75-2.0 hr stay

Scenic, Hike, Outdoor Activities

Chicago Lakefront Trail (Free Entry)

Lakefront Trl, chicago

Chicago's 18-mile-long scenic Lakefront Trail is an 18-mile-long stretch that extends from Ardmore Street on the North Side to 71st Street on the South, connecting to great neighborhoods, parks, and beaches. The trail passes through Edgewater, Uptown, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, South Loop, and Hyde Park neighborhoods. Each neighborhood offers its own unique experiences and a lot of things to do. Visitors and locals enjoy walking, running, biking, and rollerblading on the trail. Popular places on the route include south park shore, Jackson park, promontory point, 31st street harbor, northerly island, grant park, Maggie Daley park, Ohio Street beach, North Ave beach, Lincoln Park zoo, Belmont harbor, Montrose beach, and Foster Beach.

0.6 MILES
14 minutes
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Sightseeing 8.6

Turu pick

0.5-1.5 hr stay

Scenic, Architecture, Hike

Chicago Riverwalk (Free Entry)

Riverwalk, chicago

The 1.25-mile path from the lakefront to Lake Street, Chicago Riverwalk, is an open, pedestrian waterfront located on the Chicago River in downtown Chicago. It connects four distinct districts; The Confluence, The Arcade, The Civic, and the Esplanade, with many places to stop and relax, various tours, and food vendors. The riverwalk offers glamorous architectural views of the city and refuge from the city's hustle and bustle.

0.2 MILES
5 minutes
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Dinner 8.7

Turu pick

Tapas, American (new), Mediterranean Food

The Purple Pig ($$)

444 N Michigan Ave, chicago

Jimmy Bannos Jr., a fourth-generation restaurateur, opened this place after graduating from the College of Culinary Arts at Johnson and Wales University and working for other nationally renowned chefs in Italy and New York City (Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich). He also traveled through Italy, Greece, and the United States, cultivating his culinary approach from the region's culture and food. Since opening in 2009, The Purple Pig has received numerous accolades. In 2014, Chef Jimmy received his first James Beard Award for "Rising Star Chef." The Purple Pig has been a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand recipient since 2011 and has collected numerous culinary and wine awards nationally.

Breakfast 8.5

Turu pick

Brunch, Coffee Tea

Batter & Berries ($$)

2748 N Lincoln Ave, chicago

Established in 2012, Batter and Berries is the result of founders Dr. Tanya & Craig Richardson's desire to add an eclectic world-class restaurant to the vibrant Chicago brunch scene. The idea was simple: offer the freshest food possible with flavors that people would come from all over the world to experience and want to return for more. They partner with local communities and businesses, several local artisans, craftspeople, and purveyors to provide a uniquely Chicago experience.

3.9 MILES
94 minutes
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Sightseeing 8.5

Turu pick

1.0-3.0 hr stay

Piers And Boardwalk, Landmark, Novelty Attraction

Navy Pier (Free Entry)

600 E Grand Ave, chicago

Chicago's lakefront treasure, Navy Pier, is 50 acres of unparalleled attraction space. Nearly nine million people visit Navy Pier annually, making it the most visited attraction in Illinois and the Midwest. There are many indoor and outdoor attractions at Navy Pier, such as Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Chicago Children's Museum, impressively large Centennial Wheel, Carousel, Drop Tower, Navy Pier Beer Garden, and many more. You will also find shops, eateries, and theatres.

4.9 MILES
118 minutes
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Lunch 8.0

Turu pick

Cafe, Brunch

Southport Grocery and Cafe ($$)

3552 N Southport Ave Ste 1, chicago

Specialty grocery-cafe fusion place uses local ingredients to create artisanal culinary dishes, lunch boxes, ready-to-cook food, and gift baskets serving breakfast and lunch all day. They showcase numerous local food artisans. Customers come here to experience the from-scratch fare and unique dishes, including the occasional secret supper.

4.5 MILES
108 minutes
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Sightseeing 8.8

Chicago Architecture River Cruise images

Turu pick

1.5-2.0 hr stay

Scenic, Architecture, Tour

Chicago Architecture River Cruise ($$)

112 E. Wacker Drive, chicago

Chicago's riverboat architecture tours are well known among visitors and locals alike. The 90-minute tour discusses more than 50 famous historic and modern landmarks, including Willis Tower, Navy Pier, the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Merchandise Mart, Lyric Opera, 333 West Wacker, Marina City, and many more. The tour guide also tells the fascinating stories of how a small settlement grew into a world-famous Chicago city.

1.7 MILES
41 minutes
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Sightseeing 8.8

Turu pick

0.5-1.5 hr stay

Theatre

The Second City (Price varies)

230 W North Ave, chicago

The improv comedy club has launched some of the biggest names in the business, including John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Mike Myers, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, and about 500 others. They also offer improv lessons. The comedy shows are filled with never-ending laughter. There are many levels of shows, from amateur to professional, with their own charms. It is the oldest running improv club.

2.2 MILES
53 minutes
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Dinner 8.3

Turu pick

American (new), Burgers

The Marq ($$)

60 W Adams St, chicago

The Marq offers an ever-evolving, globally inspired menu of seasonal fare with a delicious, upscale, and easily approachable experience paired with handcrafted cocktails, a moderately craft-focused beer list, and a dynamic wine list. Named for its historic home, the Loop's Marquette Building, with its hard-to-miss central bar and beautiful views, attracts locals and tourists. It features breakfast, lunch, and Dinner in a beautiful setting.

Breakfast 8.6

Turu pick

American (new), Brunch, Cafe

M.henry ($$)

5707 N Clark St, chicago

This award-winning cafe opened in 2003 and has been a local favorite since then. The place is known for its organic fare, locally sourced seasonal ingredients, creative comfort food, and delicious healthy breakfast/brunch. M. Henry's incredible breakfast and brunch offerings have been featured in the Food Network and Thrillist as one of the top brunch spots in America.

4.3 MILES
103 minutes
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Sightseeing 8.7

Turu pick

1.0-2.0 hr stay

Sightseeing, Neighbourhood, Shopping Place

Lincoln Park (Free Entry)

N Lincoln Ave & W Fullerton Pkwy, chicago

Lincoln Park is one of the most affluent and picturesque neighborhoods in Chicago. It's a few stops from the city with many exciting places, including the namesake park (Lincoln Park), beach, restaurants, museums, theatres, shops, and bars. The neighborhood is home to the country's oldest free zoo. Visitors will enjoy the manicured gardens, many lakefront green spaces, and breathtaking city views.

3 MILES
72 minutes
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Lunch 8.6

Turu pick

American (traditional), Seafood Restaurant

The Dearborn ($$)

145 N Dearborn St, chicago

The Dearborn was opened by two sisters in 2016, Amy and Clodagh Lawless, with 40-plus years of hospitality experience and a passion for heartfelt service from their Irish roots. Executive Chef Aaron Cuschieri creates dishes that lean into Midwestern seasonality with unfussy but rooted classical techniques. They also serve creative cocktails and deliciously nostalgic desserts with a modern twist. Chicago's past inspires the restaurant's murals, leather booths, and other details.

2.1 MILES
50 minutes
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Sightseeing 8.5

Turu pick

0.5-1.0 hr stay

Beach, Hike, Scenic

North Ave Beach (Free Entry)

1600 N Lake Shore Dr., chicago

One of Chicago’s most famous beaches, it features a unique and popular beach house with 22,000 square feet of space that features something for everyone and is permanently docked along this beach. This sleek, ocean liner-inspired building, decked out in a crisp blue and white, boasts one of the best views in the city. The beach house has upper decks and portholes for looking at the magnificent horizon or the multitudes of bikers, runners, walkers, and rollerbladers streaming down the lakefront trail.

2.8 MILES
67 minutes
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Sightseeing 8.7

Turu pick

1.0-2.0 hr stay

Sightseeing, Neighbourhood, Shopping Place

Wicker Park (Free Entry)

N Damen Ave & N Milwaukee Ave, chicago

Wicker park is famous for being an artsy neighborhood that always has something cool going on. There is something for everyone, including unique shopping places, trendy restaurants, coffee houses, and bars. The neighborhood is home to the historic victorian style homes built between 1873 and 1903.

2.2 MILES
53 minutes
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Sightseeing 8.5

Turu pick

0.5-1.0 hr stay

Trail, Scenic, Hike

The 606 (Free Entry)

1805 N Ridgeway Ave, chicago

The 606 is a former elevated rail line, the Bloomingdale Line, converted into a combination walking, jogging, and biking path from Ashland Avenue to North Ridgeway Avenue. The trail connects to ground-level neighborhood parks, an observatory, art installations, and other amenities. There is a lot to see architecturally, lovely plantings along the way, with many entrances and exits along the route.

2.6 MILES
62 minutes
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Dinner 8.8

Turu pick

Barbeque, Southern Food

Smoque Bbq ($$)

3800 N Pulaski Rd, chicago

Since opening in Chicago's Old Irving Park neighborhood in late 2006, Smoque has garnered a large and loyal following of locals and visitors alike, BBQ devotees. They have been consistently ranked among Chicago's best restaurants and the nation's best BBQ spots, winning many awards along the way.

Breakfast 8.5

Turu pick

American (new), Brunch, Cafe

Yolk ($$)

1120 S Michigan Ave, chicago

Yolk started in 2006 in the south loop of Chicago before it became a national family-friendly chain. It has been voted the best breakfast in Chicago and is Zagat's top-rated place. Yolk has an innovative yet familiar family-friendly classic menu. Their menu is enormous, with many offerings sure to satisfy everyone, including many healthy options.

4.9 MILES
118 minutes
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Sightseeing 8.2

Turu pick

0.75-1.5 hr stay

Conservatory, Scenic, Botanical Garden

Garfield Park Conservatory (Free Entry)

300 N Central Park Ave, chicago

One of the largest and most stunning conservatories was designed by renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen and was opened to the public in April 1908. This two-acre "Landscape art under glass" occupies contains many permanent plant exhibits incorporating specimens from around the world. The beautiful glass building is separated by theme and temperature/ humidity. There is a room for desert plants, one for food-producing plants, and a treehouse room for kids. Beautiful specimen plants, exquisitely well maintained. There are also ten-acre outdoor gardens.

6.2 MILES
149 minutes
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Lunch 8.3

Turu pick

Bistro, Brunch, Swedish Food

Tre Kronor ($$)

3258 W Foster Ave, chicago

Tre Kronor is a quaint European-style café and the only Nordic Bistro in Chicago serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Owner/Chefs Patty Rasmussen and Larry Anderson strive to create a fantastic experience with customers returning for years to come. The place is cozy and beautiful, with Swedish decorations, giving a cabin vibe. Locals and visitors line up to get European food and hospitality experience.

3 MILES
72 minutes
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Attraction 8.4

Turu pick

0.5-2.0 hr stay

Architecture, Historic Place, Theatre

Music Box Theatre ($)

3733 N Southport Ave, chicago

Opened in 1929 with a capacity of 700 seats, Music Box has been a premier venue for independent and foreign films in Chicago for the last two decades and is the largest theatre space operated full-time in Chicago. The theatre has the same architecture and design as it was when it opened with a dark blue ceiling with twinkling stars and moving cloud formations as we see in the night sky. The walls, towers, and blue ceiling take the viewers to an Italian courtyard in an open-air Tuscan palazzo.

3 MILES
72 minutes
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Dinner 9.5

Turu pick

Steak House, Seafood Restaurant

Penumbra ($$)

3309 W Fullerton Ave, chicago

Penumbra, in Chicago's Logan Square, is a casual/fine dining experience that provides American fare, steaks, and seafood with Latin-inspired flavors. The name Penumbra is inspired by the owner's experience living her childhood in Ecuador using candles to create partial illumination without electricity.