Long Weekend in Chicago: Essential 3 Day- Chicago Itinerary

Spending 3 days in Chicago? You are in the right place! My long weekend Chicago itinerary shows you the best places to go and eat in Chicago. This itinerary also gives you many Chicago planning tips if this is your first time in Chicago.

From iconic architecture and world-class museums to deep-dish pizza and blues music, Chicago has something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, art lover, or just looking to soak up the urban energy, Chicago won’t disappoint.

I had been to Chicago previously in the winter and it was pretty miserable to be honest. But going there in the summer and early fall is a completely different (and amazing) experience.

In this 3-day long weekend Chicago itinerary, I will show you the best places to see in Chicago and how to most efficiently spend your time in Chicago. I will also address practical information like how to get around Chicago, how to save money on attractions, where to eat and stay in Chicago for your perfect Chicago trip.

This blog contains occasional affiliate links, where I receive a small commission on sales of the products/hotels that are linked at no additional cost to you. In addition, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

3-Day Chicago Itinerary Overview

Coming from New York City, I am just so impressed with how clean and neat Chicago is. There are areas that are super lively, but you can easily find some tranquility and quietness if you want in other neighborhoods. So if you want a taste of Chicago as a first time visitor, you will love all the suggestions on this itinerary.

  • Day 1: Famous Museums & Park in the Loop + Skydeck
  • Day 2: Logan Square, Wicker Park, The Loop, Architectural Tour
  • Day 3: Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park, 360 CHICAGO, West Loop

When’s the Best Time to Visit Chicago For A Long Weekend?

NOT in the winter! Ok I think we all know winter is brutal in Chicago so that’s the worst time to visit Chicago. I went to Chicago once in February and it was just pure misery.

Early Summer and early fall are the best time to visit Chicago with the warmer temperature and beautiful weather. In particular, the month of June, September, and October are great to visit Chicago because it does get quite hot and humid in July and August.

The shoulder seasons are generally cheaper and less crowded than the peak summer season and you can enjoy a lot of outdoor activities. Although if you do have to visit Chicago in the summer at least you can enjoy the beach near the city center.

Where to Stay in Chicago?

As a first time visitor, the best areas to stay in Chicago would be either near the Magnificent Mile or in the Loop. Other great areas to stay in Chicago include West Loop and Gold Coast.

The reason I suggest these two areas is because of the access to restaurants, museums, and other attractions. You can walk easily from place to place or take a local bus to get around. There are also a lot of accommodation options in these two touristy areas. You can read my detailed post on where to stay in Chicago.

The Magnificent Mile

There are a ton of hotels near on Michigan Avenue as well as between Dearborn St. and Michigan Avenue.

I have stayed at both Intercontinental and Hyatt Centric, both hotels are very centrally located and within walking distance to attractions and restaurants. I could literally walk to 360 CHICAGO or to Millennium Park, making it super convenient to explore.

Courtyard hotel Chicago | Where to stay in Chicago for a long weekend
Courtyard Hotel

Other hotels near the Magnificent Mile include Courtyard, Royal Sonesta or Hyatt. You will find a lot of chain hotels here so you know quality is guaranteed.

The Loop

The Loop is a vibrant area where you will find the Bean at Millennium Park and all the famous museums in Chicago. You will inevitably spend a lot of time in the Loop area, so it’s a good area to stay.

Some of the best places to stay in the Loop include CitizenM, Arlo Chicago, the Blackstone.

West Loop & Fulton Market

If you want to stay somewhere close to good food, then you should consider Fulton Market and West Loop, an area west of the Loop. Formerly known as the meat-packing district, the West Loop is super walkable with industrial aesthetics and amazing restaurants.

In fact West Loop is one of my favorite areas in Chicago. I went there a few nights in a row just to try different restaurants and coffee shops.

So if you don’t mind walking or taking the bus to get around Chicago, then consider staying in the West Loop.

Some of the best places in the West Loop include the Hoxton, Nobu Hotel Chicago, and the Hyatt House.

Gold Coast

If West Loop is my 2nd favorite area in Chicago, then Gold Coast is my absolutely favorite area in Chicago.

Gold Coast is north of the Loop and it is one of the most luxurious neighborhoods in Chicago. It is the home of beautiful mansions (like the original Playboy Mansion), upscale restaurants and stores (like RH).

You can easily walk to the beach and Lincoln Park and it is a short ride down to the Loop.

Some of the best hotels to stay at in Gold Coast include Ambassador Chicago and Viceroy Hotel.

How to get around Chicago?

You can use a combination of public transportation, biking, walking and ride share apps to get around Chicago during your long weekend Chicago trip.

Chicago is a super walkable city if you are planning to stay in the downtown area and do touristy things! You can literally walk from museum to museum or just walk along Michigan Avenue.

I walked A LOT when I was in Chicago and when I got tired, I used other forms of transportation below.

Public Transportation in Chicago

Public transportation in Chicago includes the “L” (or the CTA trains), buses and the Metra Rail.

The CTA train, otherwise known as the “L” (short for “elevated”) is a convenient way to get around the city with over 140 stations located throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas.

Blue Line train in Chicago OHare airport | Best Chicago itinerary

The “L” has 8 lines, known by their colors (Blue Line, Red Line, Green Line, etc). The Blue Line and Red Line run 24 hours.

I was super confused when I was looking up directions in Chicago because some blogs would say take the “L” train but Google Maps was telling me to take the Blue Line and the airport sign says “CTA trains”. Well I am here to tell you that they all mean the same thing. L = CTA trains = whatever color Line.

Chicago L Trains on the Loop

The bus network is also expansive, with 129 bus routes covering places that may not necessarily be served by the L.

This is a photo of Chicago public bus | How to get around Chicago for your long weekend Chicago itinerary

The Metra Rail is a commuter rail train that goes from downtown Chicago to the suburbs. The closest Metra stop to downtown is at Millennium Park. You can see the Metra Rail system map.

Navigating & Paying for the public transportation station in Chicago

Google Maps and City Mapper both work well in Chicago when looking up directions with public transportation. You can also download the Ventra App which shows you public transportation information.

Paying for public transportation in Chicago is easy and there are a lot of options.

Apple Pay/ Google Pay/ Contactless Cards can be used to pay for the bus and L trains. You just have to tap your card and you are good to go. However I did notice that using contactless cards on buses costed me $5 for the full price (instead of $2.25) the first time I used it on a bus.

Ventra App: The Ventra App allows you to load money into the app and add the Ventra card to Apple Pay and Google Pay, then you can tap and pay on buses and L trains. I used this in Chicago and the bus fare was the $2.25 fare.

Chicago public transport Ventra Card screenshot | 3 days in Chicago itinerary - how to get around Chicago

CTA/Pace Pass: You can purchase a 1, 3, 7, or 30 day CTA/ Pace Pass from either the ticket machine or load onto your Ventra account.

photo of Chicago L train ticket machine at O'Hare airport | how to get from O'Hare International Airport to Downtown Chicago

For a full list of fares and options, see the official CTA website.

Taking Uber/ Lyft in Chicago

Uber and Lyft both operate in Chicago and you can easily get a car when it is too late or you simply do not want to bother with public transportation.

While I was in Chicago, I found Lyft to be a lot cheaper than Uber and the cars came faster. You may have a different experience but check both apps.

Biking in Chicago

When I was in Chicago I saw public bikes called Divvy Bikes all over Chicago.

How to get around Chicago | Divvy bikes in Chicago operated by Lyft

You can buy a Pass from Divvy, find an available bike, unlock the bike and take short rides. In fact Lyft operates the Divvy system in Chicago. When you look for cars on Lyft, you can actually see options for Divvy bikes.

For more information on Divvy Bike, see their official website.

Hop-on-hop-off bus in Chicago

If you just want to go to the main attractions in Chicago then a hop on hop off bus may be worth it.

Big Bus Hop on Hop Off Bus in Chicago

I saw a lot of people using Big Bus Tours when I was in Chicago and they are very conveniently located with stops at all the popular spots. They are also covered under the Chicago Pass and Chicago CityPASS.

Long Weekend (3-Day) Chicago Itinerary

Now you know some of the basics of how to get around and where to stay in Chicago, let’s talk about what you will actually do (and eat) in Chicago for a long weekend!

I am just so excited for you. Really, Chicago is such a nice place to visit when the weather is good (yeah don’t visit in the winter). With Lake Michigan to the east and tons of parks to relax and explore, Chicago really is beautiful when the weather is warm.

Day 1 in Chicago: The Loop (museums & parks) + Skydeck

Start your first day in Chicago with a bang! You will see some of the best museums in Chicago in what’s known as the Museum Campus. But first, let’s grab breakfast!

Breakfast at Wildberry

Best brunch spot in Chicago - Wildberry pancakes

Wildberry is a very popular brunch spot in downtown Chicago near Michigan Avenue. I went there at the recommendation of a Chicago local and the food did not disappoint. Even right after it opened there was a huge line (granted it was a weekend).

The restaurant is known for its pancakes and other brunch food items and the food portion is generous. If I go back to Chicago again I would absolutely come back again for its food.

Museum Campus (Loop)

After grabbing food at Wildberry, it is time to venture down to the heart of the Loop by bus!

Museum Campus is in the southern end of the Loop; it is an area that houses 3 of the most famous museums in Chicago: Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, and Field Museum. In addition, not too far from Museum Campus also lies the best art museum in Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago.

Besides museums, the Loop is also a beautiful area to walk around, with plenty of greens (and parks) and the view of Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. So the focus of your first day out of 3 days in Chicago is to explore the Loop, see a couple of museums and famous parks.

I will introduce all the museums here, but pick one or two to focus on since it’s not possible to see all 4 in one day.

  • Shedd Aquarium (need 3 hours): One of the largest aquariums in the US, best for those traveling with kids. There are over 32,000 sea animals at the aquarium. You can also touch some of the sea creatures, watch a beluga or dolphin show in the Oceanarium, sea sharks and sting rays, etc.
  • Adler planetarium (need 2-3 hours): The first planetarium in the western hemisphere. Another great place if you have kids. You can learn about the universe and watch a planetarium show or two.
  • Field Museum (need 3-4 hours): A renowned natural history museum that houses dinosaur fossils and has a vast collection of artifacts, specimens, and interactive exhibits as well as special temporary exhibits. This is another museum that appeals to both adults and kids

All 3 museums are included in the Chicago Pass and Chicago CityPASS.

Lunch at Devil Dawgs

Chicago hot dogs is one of the most iconic foods in Chicago so of course you have to stop by to get it during your 3 days in Chicago.

There is a super popular hot dog spot called Devil Dawgs that is not far from Museum Campus (within walking distance). The place is small but there are many options. Besides hot dogs there are also sliders and shakes as well as hand cut fries.

Grant Park

Chicago has no shortage of parks, in fact public parks make up around 9% of total Chicago land (according to my architectural guide).

After exploring getting lunch, it is time to walk it off and see one of the nicest parks in Chicago. From Devil Dawg, you can actually cut across Grant Park to explore. I personally think the nicest way is to walk up Dusable Lake Shore Dr as you will be walking next to Lake Michigan (this is why you should visit in early summer or fall and not in the winter!) Since it is right next to Lake Michigan, so you have an incredible view of the waterfront and the Chicago skyline as you walk north.

Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park Chicago photo
Buckingham Fountain

Grant Park, also known as often known as “Chicago’s front yard” is a super large park that spans about a mile along Lake Michigan. Within Grant Park, you’ll find several notable landmarks and attractions. Buckingham Fountain, one of the park’s most iconic features, serves as a grand centerpiece with its majestic water displays and ornate design.

Other landmarks in Grant Park include MAGMA, an art installation, the Turtle Boy, Dove Girl, Fisher Boy and Crane Girl fountains, a farm and rose gardens.

Art Institute of Chicago (Closed Tue & Wed)

Hours of Operations: 11am – 5pm (8pm on Thursday)
Ticket Price: $32 for general admissions; $10 extra for special admission; $40 to skip the line
Time Needed: 2 hours at least

After walking through Grant Park, if you continue north, you will come across Art Institute of Chicago, a world-renowned art museum and cultural institution. Founded in 1879, it is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the US and one of the best I’ve been to after the Met in New York City.

Chicago Art Institute front with lion | best museums to visit in Chicago

There are over 300,000 works of art in the Art Institute’s collection, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to European and Asian masterpieces to contemporary arts and photography.

Art work at Art Institute of Chicago

The collection features renowned works by legendary artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Grant Wood, among many others. There are also temporary special exhibitions featured at the Art Institute that cost additional $10.

If you prefer art over animals, then you absolutely should spend at least 2-3 hours at the Art Institute. I’m not really into art but I was still blown away by the collection in this museum and wish I had more time to explore.

The Art Institute is included in the Chicago CityPASS only.

Skydeck

Hours of Operations: 9am to 8 or 9pm depending on day and months. See official website.
Ticket Price: $30+ (general admission); $55+ (expedited entry)
Time Needed: 45 min – 1.5 hours

After visiting all the museums and Grant Park, it is probably late afternoon at this point. We will move to our next attraction, one of the most famous one in Chicago that is.

Skydeck is an iconic observation deck in Chicago. It was formerly known as the Sears Tower and now known as Willis Tower (the naming right will change in a few years so it might be called something else).

Skydeck panoramic view in Chicago for Chicago itinerary

The Skydeck is situated on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, making it one of the highest observation decks in the United States. It offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan, and the surrounding area.

On clear days, you can see for miles, taking in the beauty of the city’s architecture and the vastness of the landscape.

The most famous feature at Skydeck is “The Ledge”, which are 4 glass bottom “boxes” that extend out from the building. You can step onto the transparent surface suspended over 1300 feet in the air.

Skydeck ledge photo in Chicago

If you have a fear of heights like I am, you might get scared standing on it.

For different sized parties, there is a different time limit. For a party of 1-3 people, you have 1 minute to take photos/ videos after the official photos finish (they have cameras latched above the ledge to take photos of you and sell you the pictures). For parties of 4 or more you get 90 seconds. The attendant will set an alarm and can help you take photos if you are traveling alone.

I highly recommend going to Skydeck around sunset time so you can see the colorful sky as well as all the lights come on in the city. So if you finished your museums early you can grab dinner first then go to Skydeck for sunset.

Skydeck is included in the Chicago Explorer Pass and Chicago CityPASS. CityPASS gives you expedited entry but I didn’t really need that when I went.

Day 2 in Chicago: Logan Square, Wicker Park, The Loop, Architectural Tour

After a whole day of touring the most famous museums in Chicago, you will spend day 2 doing a variety of things.

You will be doing a bit of venturing out today to places you may or may not have heard of. In this Chicago itinerary I am recommending places that are usually not on a first-timer’s itinerary just to give you a more local taste (and this is the conclusion I reached after Chicago locals recommended these places).

Breakfast at Lula Cafe

When I was in Chicago, my local friend kept mentioning how much she loves Lula Cafe (it helps that she lives nearby). After reading a little more about Lula Cafe, I decided it was worth venturing out for!

Lula Cafe is one of the most iconic restaurants in Chicago and no it’s not hyped up. It is almost a local legend apparently! This cafe has been open for a quarter century and it won James Beard Award in 2024.

Lula Cafe Chicago

Located in Logan Square, you can easily reach Lula Cafe using the L train. They have a changing menu but for breakfast/ brunch, they are known for their breakfast burrito. I wish I wasn’t by myself when I went so I would be able to try more dishes there.

Chicago Mural

After Lula Cafe, you can take a walk down N Milwaukee Ave until you reach the Chicago Mural. Chicago is a city full of murals and street arts, and one of the most well-known murals in Chicago is the Greetings from Chicago mural in Logan Square.

The mural was created by Victor Ving and Lisa Beggs, and it is their first “on the road” mural across the country. It’s actually located in a large parking lot, I heard sometimes there are lines but when I went there was nobody.

Explore Wicker Park & the 606

I had never heard of Wicker Park prior to my visit but after two of my Chicago local friends insisted that I go see Wicker Park, I decided to add it to my Chicago itinerary.

You can keep walking down N Milwaukee Ave from the mural for about 20 minutes to reach Wicker Park, but you can also just take the Blue Line (or a bus).

Wicker Park is a very trendy neighborhood in Chicago and some people have described it as the Brooklyn of Chicago. There are a ton of cafes, restaurants, second-hand shops, boutiques and art galleries in Wicker Park.

Chicago-Wicker-Park-The-606

One “attraction” in Wicker Park is the 606, an abandoned rail line that has been repurposed as a recreational trail. It actually reminded me a lot of The High Line in New York City!

There are various access points of the 606, and you don’t need to complete the 2.7 mile of trail. I only walked for about a mile and got off and I felt like it was good enough from an exploration point of view. There are bicyclists and joggers on The 606 and it was really nice to feel a sense of calm and tranquility in such a big city like Chicago.

After exploring the 606, you can walk around Wicker Park. I went to a couple of stores on N Milwaukee Ave, such as Myopic Books, some second-hand clothing store, and chilled inside a cafe called Brü Chicago (they have crepes and drinks). If you happen to visit Wicker Park later in the day, you can stop by The Up Room, a popular rooftop bar with a nice view.

Chicago Cultural Center

Hours of Operations: 10am – 5pm
Ticket Price: Free!
Time Needed: 30 min – 1 hour

After you are done exploring Wicker Park, take the L train or bus back to the Loop area to explore a few more things that you didn’t get to do on the first day. One of the most underrated things to do in Chicago is the Chicago Cultural Center.

The Chicago Cultural Center is in a beautiful historical building right across from the Bean. Originally built in 1897 as the city’s first central public library, the Chicago Cultural Center is a stunning example of Beaux-Arts architecture. The building itself is a work of art, featuring grand marble staircases, intricately designed mosaics, and ornate decorative elements.

There are 2 beautiful stained glass domes in the Cultural Center and an art gallery. There are also cultural events and programs that are hosted at the Cultural Center regularly. It is free to visit so it’s the perfect attraction for those who are on a budget.

Happy Hour at Cindy’s Rooftop

About a block or two south of the Chicago Cultural Center is a popular rooftop bar called Cindy’s Rooftop. Located inside a hotel on the top level, Cindy’s Rooftop has a perfect view of the Bean at Millennium Park.

If you are craving for a drink, or simply want to rest your legs, then be sure to stop by Cindy’s Rooftop. Just keep in mind that it can get a bit crowded after work since tons of people do Happy Hours here!

Check out the Bean at Millennium Park

Officially known as the Cloud Gate, the Bean is one of the most iconic symbols of Chicago. Located in Millennium Park (which is in Grant Park), it is a must-see attraction for all first-time visitors.

Chicago the Bean photo Chicago Pass vs. CityPass | How to save money in Chicago

Designed by renowned British artist Anish Kapoor, the Bean is a massive, highly polished stainless steel sculpture that reflects and distorts the surrounding cityscape.

You can walk around and under the sculpture and take some artistic photos with it. But be warned that the bean does get crowded so if you want an instagram worthy photo you will have to go fairly early.

Close to the Bean is another famous art installation called Crown Fountain.

Crown Fountain at Millennium Park in Chicago

Designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, the fountain consists of two towering glass block towers facing each other across a shallow reflecting pool. The fountain uses digital technology within the glass block towers to display the ever-changing faces of Chicago residents.

BP Pedestrian Bridge in Millennium Park | How to spend a weekend in Chicago

Millennium Park is more than just the Bean! As you explore the park, you will see some other highlights, such as the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, an outdoor concert venue, Lurie Garden, a tranquil oasis in the middle of Millennium Park, and you can walk across BP Pedestrian Bridge, a famous stainless steel bridge that connects Millennium Park with Maggie Daley Park.

Do the Chicago Architectural Cruise

Hours of Operations: 9:30 – 8:45pm (see schedule here)
Ticket Price: $45-50
Time Needed: 75 min – 90 min

The Chicago Architectural Cruise tours are a popular and highly recommended way to explore the stunning architecture of the city. These boat tours take you along the Chicago River, providing a unique perspective and an in-depth look at the iconic buildings that define the city’s skyline.

Shoreline Cruise Chicago Architectural Tour

Led by knowledgeable guides, the architectural cruise tours offer fascinating insights into Chicago’s rich architectural history and the visionary architects who shaped the city. You’ll learn about the different architectural styles, from Beaux-Arts to Art Deco to modernist designs, and how they contribute to the unique character of Chicago’s skyline.

Shoreline Sightseeing Cruise Architecture Tour in Chicago

There are several different companies that offer architectural cruises. I took the Shoreline Cruise because it was covered by my Chicago Explorer Pass (and also Chicago CityPASS) but you can also choose other ones like this one.

Dinner at the Purple Pig

If you look up restaurants in downtown Chicago, the Purple Pig is probably the top reviewed restaurant by far. Since it is such a popular restaurant, I would highly recommend getting a reservation way ahead of time to avoid disappointments.

The Purple Pig Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and has a pretty large menu. Since I was only by myself, I unfortunately couldn’t try a lot of things. But the hummus and meat ball pasta I got were really good!

Day 3 in Chicago: Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park, 360 Chicago, West Loop

Your last day in Chicago is another fun day exploring other parts of Chicago. You have the option to do everything or just chill, eat, shop or check out some other museums.

You can start your day at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery to grab some coffee and pastries before window shopping on the Magnificent Mile. If you are visiting on a Friday or Saturday, you can do a tour inside the magnificent Chicago Theatre. If not, wander on the Riverwalk and take in all that Chicago has to offer.

Get lunch then take the bus over to Lincoln Park where you can check out the free Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory. Finish your day at 360 Chicago for a magnificent view of the city and check out the West Loop area for great food.

You can also take a food tour and try all the iconic food of Chicago.

Breakfast at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery

Hours of Operations: 8am to 8pm M-Th; 8am to 9:30pm Fri – Sun

Located on the magnificent mile, the Chicago Starbucks Reserve Roastery is a fantastic place to stop by for some coffee and pastry early in the morning.

This is no ordinary Starbucks Reserve, in fact this particular location is the largest Starbucks in the world. There are 5 levels inside and each floor has something different. It also offers a bakery with a wide selection of freshly baked goods, artisanal bread, and delicious pastries.

On the top floor there is also an outdoor rooftop terrace, where you can see Michigan Ave from the top.

Walk Around Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile, often referred to as “Mag Mile,” is a world-famous stretch of North Michigan Avenue. It is renowned for its upscale shopping and beautiful architecture.

Chicago Michigan Avenue Magnificent Mile

Stretching for approximately one mile, the Magnificent Mile is lined with a dazzling array of high-end boutiques, department stores, luxury brands, and flagship stores of renowned fashion designers. You can find brands like Burberry, Cartier, Rolex on Michigan Avenue.

Aside from shopping, the Magnificent Mile is also home to a plethora of renowned landmarks and architectural gems such as the Wrigley Building, the Tribute Tower, the John Hancock Center (where 360 CHICAGO is), and the Chicago Water Tower.

You will also see street performers, Architectural Cruise ticket booths, Chicago Riverwalk, theaters, and Museum of Ice Cream on the Mag Mile. From the Starbucks Roastery, you will actually walk SOUTH on Mag Mile (you can always explore the northern part later).

The Chicago Theatre

Marquee Tour Hours: 12pm Friday & Saturdays
Ticket Price: $24 (ticket link)
Time needed: 75 min

The Chicago Theatre is a famous landmark in downtown Chicago.

Chicago Theater Sign

Built in 1921, this theater is known for its grandeur, architectural beauty and its significance in Chicago’s cultural and entertainment scene.

If you are not watching a show in the theater, your only option to visit the inside of this magnificent building is to do the Marquee Tour.

The tour will lead you inside to see the grand lobby, sweeping staircase and beautiful auditorium. You will get a chance to stand on the stage and learn about the history of the building.

The Chicago Theater Marquee Tour is included with the Chicago Pass and Chicago Explorer Pass.

Chicago Riverwalk

If you are not doing the Chicago Theater Marquee Tour don’t worry, you can either spend more time shopping or check out the Chicago Riverwalk.

The Chicago Riverwalk is a scenic and vibrant promenade that runs along the south bank of the Chicago River. It stretches for 1.25 miles and you can stroll, relax, dine, and enjoy the stunning views of the city’s iconic architecture.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Hours of Operations: 8am – 5pm on weekdays; 8am – 7pm on Sat & Sun. See seasonal hours here.
Ticket Price: Free!
Time Needed: 1-2 hours

After you are done exploring downtown Chicago, you can take a local bus to go north to Lincoln Park. One of the most popular attractions at Lincoln Park is the zoo. This is one of the oldest zoos in the US and it is completely free to visit!

Spanning over 35 acres, the Lincoln Park Zoo is home to a diverse collection of animals, from gorillas to lions to exotic birds and reptiles. The Farm-in-the-Zoo is a popular attraction where children can interact with farm animals, learn about agriculture, and engage in hands-on activities.

Besides animals, there is face painting and train rides for little kids. Depending on your luck, you may be able to see a ton of animals or nothing. I actually visited twice during my visits to Chicago and the first time I really didn’t see any animals but the second time I went, I saw almost all the animals which was really cool!

Lincoln Park Conservatory (Closed Monday and Tuesdays)

Hours of Operations: 10am – 5pm Wed – Sun
Ticket Price: Free, but reservation needed.
Time Needed: 45 min – 1 hour

Located right next to the Lincoln Park Zoo, the conservatory is a hidden gem that you should definitely not miss.

Lincoln Park Conservatory

The conservatory, built in the late 1800s, showcases an impressive collection of tropical plants, flowers, and trees from around the world. As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a lush and vibrant environment, with soaring palm trees, colorful blooms, and cascading vines that create a truly enchanting atmosphere.

The conservatory is divided into several distinct rooms, each with its own unique theme and plant life. The rooms include the Palm house, the Fern Room, the Orchid Room and the Show House.

Lincoln Park Conservatory photo of inside

If you are visiting the zoo you should definitely stop by the conservatory and enjoy the tranquility from the bustling city.

360 CHICAGO

Hours of Operations: 9am – 11pm
Ticket Price: $30+ for general admissions; $39+ to Tilt & View; $46.5 for View & Sip
Time Needed: 1-2 hours

360 CHICAGO, formerly known as the John Hancock Observatory is one of the two popular observation decks in Chicago. After you are done with Lincoln Park, take a bus or Uber down to 360 Chicago, on the northern end of Mag Mile.

Located on the 94th floor of this iconic building, 360 CHICAGO offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s skyline and Lake Michigan.

One of the unique features of 360 CHICAGO is the TILT experience. This exhilarating attraction allows you to step into a glass-enclosed moving platform that tilts outward from the building, giving you a thrilling downward-facing perspective of the city below.

TILT with people at 360 CHICAGO photo

There is also a bar and some seating areas at 360 CHICAGO so you can relax while enjoying the view. I visited during sunset and I thought the view was amazing.

If you can only visit one observation deck in Chicago, you should check out my detailed comparison guide between 360 CHICAGO and the Skydeck to see which one is better for you.

360 CHICAGO general admission is included in the Chicago Explorer Pass and Chicago CityPASS.

Dinner in West Loop

For your last meal in Chicago, you should definitely take a Uber (or train) to West Loop, an area known for its restaurant scene that is west of downtown Chicago. This is the area where you will find popular restaurants like Girl & the Goat and Au Cheval. But there are so many more places to eat besides these two restaurant.

Personally I thought Girl & The Goat was pretty good, but other great places I loved include Carnivale, avec, Aba, and Monteverde. Essentially every time I go to Chicago (which is very often) I try one or two different restaurants in the West Loop.

Regardless of where you go, you should definitely make reservations at these restaurants!

Is 3 Days Enough For Chicago?

3 Days in Chicago is the perfect amount time for a first time visitor to see the highlights of Chicago.

From world class museums to renowned restaurants to beautiful parks, you can see the best of Chicago over a long weekend (3 days) in Chicago.

Of course you can always spend more time in Chicago to explore things a little further away from city center, such as Garfield Park Conservatory, the largest conservatory in the US, relax on a beach, check out Hyde Park and the Museum of Science and Industry, or venture out to the beautiful Baha’i temple or the magnificent Hindu Temple of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.

Where to Eat in Chicago

Chicago is a food lover’s paradise, with a vibrant culinary scene that offers a diverse range of dining options. Whether you’re craving deep-dish pizza, sizzling steaks, ethnic cuisine, or innovative fine dining, the city has something to satisfy every palate.

I tried to include some of the iconic Chicago foods in this itinerary, but there are other foods that I’ve had in Chicago that I think are worth trying.

Chicago hot dog photo | Best things to eat in Chicago

For Chicago hot dogs, I would recommend Superdawg Drive-in, the Wiener’s Circle, Portillo’s and Devil Dawg.

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza at Giordano's | Iconic things to eat in Chicago for a first time visitor

For deep dish pizza, the three most famous places are Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Giordano’s, and Pequod’s Pizza.

Chicago's Italian Beef Sandwich at Portillo's | Best food to eat in Chicago for a long weekend

When it comes to Italian beef sandwiches, be sure to check out Portillo’s or Al’s Italian Beef. I’ve actually had the sandwich at both places and personally I liked Portillo’s better, it just felt more juicy. Al’s is not bad and I know people that prefer it over Portillo’s. Portillo’s does have a bigger menu if that matters to you.

There are just so many amazing and famous restaurants in Chicago that I can’t list them all. Some of the most noteworthy restaurants include Alinea, Girl & the Goat, Au Cheval, XOCO, Grand Lux Cafe, and the Purple Pig. If you want a really beautiful restaurant then head to the RH store and eat in their 3 Arts Club Cafe (super overpriced though!).

Alternatively you can just book a walking food tour and get a taste of everything famous and iconic.

Saving Money on Chicago Attractions

If you are planning to visit all the major attractions in Chicago, then the best way to save money is to get one of the Chicago discounted attraction passes.

The individual attractions do cost between $30 – $50, and they add up to quite a lot of money if you want to see all the famous ones.

With these Chicago discount passes you pay upfront for the pass then you can visit the available attractions for free (within a particular time period or with a particular number of attractions).

Using the first day of this 3 day Chicago itinerary as an example, visiting the 3 museums and Skydeck turn out to be about $144 but with a one day Chicago Pass you only pay $112 (after discount) so you can save quite a bit of money.

You can read this detailed Chicago pass comparison to see which pass is the best for you (hint: my favorite is the Chicago Explorer Pass because of its versatility).

Other ways to save money in Chicago is to take public transportation and walk instead of taking Uber everywhere unless it’s late night.

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Pinterest Pin 3 Days in Chicago Itinerary and Travel Guide with 4 photos. upper left: girl in front of tank at Shedd Aquarium; upper right: stained glass ceiling at the Chicago Cultural Center; lower left: girl standing on the ledge at skydeck; lower right: cloud gate in Chciago
pinterest pin: 3 amazing Days in Chicago Itinerary and Travel Guide with upper left corner a photo of the Lincoln park conservatory; upper right is view of Lake Michigan from 360 CHICAGO during sunset; lower left is photo of cloud gate; lower right is photo of girl with view of Chicago
Pinterest Pin: 3 day Chicago itinerary with 4 photos. Upper left: sign of Chicago Theater; Upper right: Beluga whale swimming at Shedd Aquarium; Lower left: girl standing on the ledge on Skydeck Chicago; Lower right: phot of the Bean Cloud gate in Chicago