Things To Do
The Art Institute of Chicago
We never get tired of coming here! You'll never run out of things to see. Highly recommend starting with the Miniature Rooms, Impressionist Wing, Textiles, and Arts of the Americas. Download the museum's free app and bring some headphones to listen about key art pieces as you stroll! Pair with Chicago's best (and most affordable lol) high tea at Russian Tea Time a block away afterwards! Or, head over to Mindworks for further reflection - it's both a working lab and an interactive discovery center for behavioral science!
Chicago Architecture Boat Tour
This is absolutely our #1 recommended activity! Floating on the Chicago River, looking up at gorgeous skyscrapers, is unlike anything else. There is so much to learn about the city of Chicago through its architecture. There are quite a few boat tour options you can book through, but this Groupon is always a good way to go. Make sure you book at least a few days in advance to guarantee the time you want - they book up fast!
See a show!
Click the link to see what's happening while you're in town! We love Chicago for all the incredibly creative, moving theatre that artists put on here. I'd recommend looking at GORGEOUS at Raven Theatre, ART at Remy Bumppo Theatre, 42 BALLOONS at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and AN AMERICAN SWEET at Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Garfield Park Conservatory
It is unbelievably peaceful sitting on a bench and people watching here. The conservatory has some incredible plants, and so many rooms to choose from. Admission is $10 for out-of-towners, but totally worth it. If driving, you can easily find street parking for free. If taking the CTA, it's an easy trip over taking the Green Line. Just make sure to keep your wits about you, as there can sometimes be some interesting characters on the Green Line!
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the best in the country! And the best part (other than their conservation efforts)? They're free! If you're driving, make sure to book a parking spot on the app SpotHero ahead of time. It can be tricky to find parking! There are also a few buses that can take you right there. A fun activity to pair with the Zoo is a walk through Lincoln Park over to Oak Street Beach! This gives you a beautiful view of the park AND the chance to experience the gorgeous Lakefront Trail. Some of our favorite views of the city are found biking this quick route. Download the Divvy bike app to rent bikes in the Park, and find a drop-off site near the beach!
The Neo-Futurists
With shows Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, "The Infinite Wrench" by The Neo-Futurists is one of our favorite shows to take visitors to. This isn't your traditional theatre experience! Get ready for something rowdy, creative, and wholly Chicagoan. Tickets are $20! "Each play offers something different, be it funny, profound, elegant, disgusting, topical, irreverent, terrifying, or a song; all are truthful and tackle the here-and-now, inspired by the lived experiences of the performers. With new plays every week, THE INFINITE WRENCH is The Neo-Futurists’ ongoing and ever-changing attempt to shift the conventions of live performance and speak to those unreached or unmoved by traditional theater."
The Green Mill
One of the most famous historic bars in the country, and certainly in Chicago! You can grab a drink and catch a jazz act just about every night of the week here. Make sure you bring cash, as there's often a cash only cover fee of $10 most weekend nights after 8pm. If you need a good dinner rec, head to Demera across the street for delicious Ethiopian food!
Avondale Bowl
This quirky, vintage bowling alley is our favorite date night spot. They have a bar you can hang out in before your reservation (21+ after 7:30pm), then take your drink with you to bowl time... Make sure you make a reservation at least a few days in advance as they book up on weekends QUICK! Oh, and bring your ID whether you plan on drinking or not. We can speak from experience that it is not fun going home to get it and missing half of your reservation...
BRUNCH+BEANS
Looking for a delicious cup of coffee? Want to sit down for a tasty brunch? Here's where we'd recommend: - Dark Matter Coffee (Various Locations, best coffee ever!) - La Boulangerie (Various Locations, delicious French pastries) - Lula Cafe (Logan Square, the BEST breakfast in Chicago although a bit upscale) - Avondale Coffee Club (Avondale, our home base coffee shop!) - Sawada Coffee (West Loop, best matcha in the city) - The Chicago Diner (Lakeview and Logan Square, delicious vegetarian diner) - Kasama (Ukrainian Village, tastiest pastries - order ahead of time to skip the line!) - Sugar Moon (Logan Square, also the best pastries - but there will be an unavoidable line)
GOOD EATS
Here are some of our favorite places to go for dinner: - Mi Tocaya (Logan Square, our favorite upscale Mexican spot) - The Whale (Logan Square, elevated American fare with swanky vibe) - Middle Brow (Logan Square, best pizza!) - Pizza Lobo (Andersonville, Logan Square, also best pizza) - Sushi Taku (Wicker Park, if you're wanting a solid All You Can Eat sushi near Villanelle) - Lao Peng You (Ukrainian Village, delicious authentic Chinese near Villanelle) - Rootstock (Humbolt Park, great wine bar with pub food near Villanelle) - Dear Margaret (Roscoe Village, delish fancy French fare!)
BEST BARS
Check out one of these spots to grab a drink! - Ludlow Liquors (Avondale, our favorite neighborhood spot with a great patio) - Consignment Lounge (Logan Square, bar where you can buy almost anything off the walls) - Whiskey Girl Tavern (Edgewater, one of the only lesbian bars in the country!) - Mother's Ruin (Avondale, more punk vibes with delicious pub food and good drinks) - Bar on Buena (Buena Park, cozy bar with a small patio tucked away in the neighborhood - can easily go for a walk by the lake from here) - The Athletic Association (The Loop, it's an old hotel - walk up to the second floor for cozy fireplace vibes to get a drink and snacks)