Chi-town. The Windy City. The cleaner version of New York. Whatever you want to call it, Chicago has been lovingly revered by everyone from Frank Sinatra to Kanye West. And it’s no secret why. Home to deep dish pizza, the Chicago Cubs, and loads of otherworldly architecture, Chicago attracts countless visitors every year. If you have been secretly harboring dreams of visiting Chicago, you have come to the right place. In this post, we’ll discuss all the reasons why you should buy a cheap bus ticket and start planning your Chicago trip!
See the City by Boat
You may come to Chicago by bus, but you’ll definitely want to tour the city by boat. With a river and a lake, there is more than one way to enjoy a boating excursion in the Windy City. If you’re looking for something more laidback, check out a gentle riverboat ride through the Chicago River. If you’d prefer something with a little more pep, opt for a speedboat ride on Lake Michigan. In Chicago, they’ve thought of it all and there’s a unique boat ride for everyone. For Chicago visitors who appreciate great architecture, the Chicago River Architecture cruise is a must-have experience complete with a tour of over 40 historical landmarks.
Soak in the Views from the Skydeck
A Chicago staple, the Skydeck on top of the Willis Tower (which was once the tallest building in the world) is an experience everyone should try once in their lifetime. Once you reach the top of this 442-meter building, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views of the city, as well as over 50 miles of land and four states! If you are feeling particularly daring, try hanging out on the Ledge of the Skydeck. You’ll stand on glass boxes that hang over nothing but 100 stories of air.
Stroll Around Grant Park
What Central Park is to New York City, Grant Park is to Chicago. With over 319 acres and loads of attractions, you could easily spend the bulk of your trip just in this park! Once you reach Grant Park, you’ll find the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum Campus Chicago, Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park, and the home of the Chicago Bears, Soldier Stadium. Although there are plenty of world-famous venues and attractions within the park, it’s also a great place to visit just to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. Grab a book or a picnic lunch and park yourself under a shady tree in this stunning open space.
Grab Some Dim Sum in Chi-town’s Chinatown
After working up an appetite, take a stroll over to Chinatown for some scrumptious, authentic Asian cuisine. This Chinatown neighborhood is home to a long list of excellent Chinese restaurants and if you are feeling overwhelmed, start by checking out Dolo Restaurant and Bar. And if you are a fan of pork belly entrees, you just have to try the famous dishes served up at MingHin Cuisine.
Get Jazzy from Sundown to Sunup
You can’t even think about skipping out on Chicago’s rich, historical, and still very much alive jazz and blues scene. With a total of 225 live music venues all throughout the city, there is no good excuse for missing out on some live music. Buddy Guy’s Legends is a legendary jazz spot founded in 1989 by South Wabash. Another jazz venue worth stopping by is the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, which first opened in 1907. Once you step inside, you will instantly feel the presence of old mobsters still lingering in this Prohibition-era bar. In fact, you just might end up being seated in Al Capone’s favorite booth. In addition to jazz lounges, there are plenty of major music festivals happening year round, including Lollapalooza, Pitchfork, and the Chicago Jazz Festival.
Tour the Art Institute of Chicago
Another Chicago attraction you could easily get lost in for hours is the Art Institute of Chicago, located in Grant Park. It brings art and culture enthusiasts from around the world. Second to Paris, the Art Institute of Chicago has the largest display of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings in the world. You’ll find the works of Renoir, Cezanne, and van Gogh as well as over 30 pieces by Monet. Some of the most prominent works of art that have been created over the last 150 years are found at the Art Institute of Chicago, including pieces by Grant Wood, Edward Hopper, and Seurat.
Ready to knock Chicago off your travel bucket list? Don’t wait! Buy your cheap bus ticket today!
