Things To Do
Wendella Tours & Cruises
We've both been on the architecture tour many times, and it's always amazing! You get a great view of the Chicago skyline from the river, and you get to learn a lot about the history of the city through its buildings. Even if architecture isn't your thing, you can still enjoy being on the river :) $28 for the 45-minute tour, $44 for the 90-minute tour
The Art Institute of Chicago
As undergrads at Northwestern, we got free admission to the Art Institute, so we've gotten to explore a lot of the exhibits - but there's always something new to see! In addition to all of the historical and contemporary masterpieces, we recommend checking out the Thorne Miniature Rooms on the lower level. $32 admission
North Avenue Beach
Lake Michigan doesn't really get warm until August, but a beach day is always nice on hot summer days! The beach is free, but check out the ocean-liner-looking beach house for boat rentals, concessions, and sunrise/sunset beach yoga classes.
Lincoln Park Zoo
The zoo is free and a great place to spend an afternoon! Also feel free to check out the nearby conservatory and walking paths right by the lake.
Millennium Park
Located right near the Art Institute. Go for a stroll and see the famous Bean sculpture! It's shiny!
Kingston Mines
A cornerstone of the Chicago Blues scene, Kingston Mines also gives excellent student discounts (even for grad students visiting from Maryland!). The vibes are impeccable, the music is amazing, the beer is cheap, and the barbecue is to die for. $20 admission. $10 with a student ID (free on weeknights)
Schubas Tavern
This is one of our favorite bars/concert venues, and we've been to a bunch of shows here over the years! It's small, but very cozy and the sound quality is great. Check their website to see what's on, go to hang out at the bar for a bit, or get a table at the Tied House restaurant next door.
Off Color Brewing Taproom The Mousetrap
This is by far our favorite brewery in Chicago! If you like funky, creative beers, Off Color is perfect for you - they do a lot of things with wild yeasts, unique flavors, and barrel aging, and have also done some collaborations with the Chicago Field Museum to recreate some historical brews. If you can, get tickets for the brewery tour and tasting ($12)!
London House
Right on the Chicago River, the rooftop bar of this upscale hotel has great cocktails and amazing views of the city skyline. We were there when they announced the results of the 2020 election, when fireworks were going off all across the city - really nothing like it!
The J. Parker
Another of our favorite rooftop bars! It's right by the Lincoln Park Zoo, with amazing views of the lake. There's nothing like Chicago in the summer!
Utopian Tailgate
Another rooftop bar (you might be noticing a theme)! This one's right by Second City, and it has a ton of backyard games, fun cocktails, and great music. Take some friends and play a round of cornhole!
Tortello
One of our Wicker Park favorites! If you don't have time to stop in to eat the (amazing) food, you can just walk by their window and see the chefs making pasta by hand, and get some pasta to-go.
Volumes Bookcafe
We love books, we love coffee and tea, and we love Volumes Bookcafe!
Lost Larson (Wicker Park)
This Scandinavian bakery is another important stop on our Wicker Park tour! Order ahead or go early - we recommend the tebirkes (like a croissant, filled with almond cream and topped with poppy seeds), the afternoon tea bun (earl grey pastry rolled in citrus sugar), and the country loaf.