Solo in Chicago

Taking a trip to the Windy City can be very exciting, yet overwhelming. Chicago, Illinois is one of North America’s most popular cities.  It has unique architecture, sports, theater, history, and delicious food. It is a major hub with two International airports – Midway and O’Hare.

Exploring Chicago solo can be an exhilarating experience. I recently went for a weekend trip and had the best time. Many times when you think of Chicago you think of the high crime rate or the celebrities that have called the city home such as Oprah Winfrey, Barack and Michelle Obama, Kanye West,  and Chance the Rapper. There is so much to see and do that it can be difficult deciding what to do – especially if you don’t have much time. That’s why I’ve decided to go over the must-see things to do while flying solo in Chicago.

If you’re a history buff, you have to check out the various museums the city offers. The Field Museum is a natural history museum located on Lake Shore Drive. It houses the biological and anthropological collections assembled for the World’s Colombian Exposition of 1893. The Museum of Contemporary Art houses one of the largest works in the nation and often hosts major touring exhibits including works by local artists. Explore thousands of artworks, writings, and resources at the Art Institute of Chicago in downtown Chi-town. For a connection to the aquatic world, visit the Shedd Aquarium. It offers a showcase of animal exhibits from around the world.

With only one free day in Chicago, I chose to do a hop-on-hop-off bus tour to hit all this big attractions within two hours. Some places we stopped were the Navy Pier, the Shedd Aquarium, the Art Institute, Millennium Park, Willis Tower, the Buckingham Fountain, the Magnificent Mile, and the Chicago Theater.

It’s worth hopping off at any of these stops but my suggestions if your time is limited is the Willis Tower, Millennium Park, and the Magnificent Mile. The Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, offers an all-glass ledge hanging over the 103rd floor. Guests can stand on the ledge and take photos. Don’t look down If you have a fear of heights! Millennium Park is a collection of architecture and landscape design with the city as a backdrop.  Many public and private events are often held here for Chicagoans and visitors alike. Magnificent Mile is a premier commercial district  of the best shopping, hotels, and eateries stretching one mile long.

 To get around in Chicago, I recommend taking the train or catching an Uber. The trains run every 10-15 minutes and only cost about $10 for a day pass or pay $2.50 per ride. Transfers are $.25. If you’re flying into O’Hare, take the blue line train into the city. If flying into Midway, take the orange line. Also check with your hotel to see if they offer airport pickup. Chicago’s downtown is very walkable. Take normal precautions on going around sketchy neighborhoods. As a woman, I avoided roaming around alone downtown at night.

As for eating, Chicago has more than its fare share of restaurants to choose from. Over 700 restaurants in downtown Chicago. Indulge in some deep dish Chicago pizza or corned beef. I chose to be fancy at Gibson’s near my hotel. Keep in mind that many restaurants close early or are closed weekends in the financial district near Willis Tower fka Sears Tower.

 Overall, Chicago is a city after your own heart. It is my first love of domestic travel. Enjoy the city even more during special events such as Taste of Chicago, the world’s largest food festival. Come to town during St. Patrick’s day when the river is dyed green! There’s never a dull moment in the Windy City.

Do you have a favorite U.S. city? Or a favorite activity in Chicago? Please share by commenting below.