Author Archives: Free Chicago Walking Tours

Chicago Festivals May 2018

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It might be hard to believe this (it’s currently snowing as I write this on April 18th) – but summer will be here soon. And that means festival season here in Chicago. Also means that rooftop bars are going to open!

Chicago has fests for just about anyone and anything. Some have said Chicago is the festival capital of the US. I don’t know if that’s true or not, but whatever – there is plenty of fests to check out and here are our favorite Chicago Festivals taking place in May 2018.

Chicago Kids and Kites Festival

Kids & Kite Free Chicago Walking Tours

Photo Source: City of Chicago

May 5, 2018 (10AM-4PM), Montrose Harbor,  Admission: FREE

Here’s one the kids will really enjoy, and the adults will like it too. This marks the 20th year of the Chicago Kids and Kites Festival, and they are bringing out some big stuff. There will be professional kite flyers with oversized, gigantic crafted kites in all different forms. Come out with the whole family and sit on top of Cricket Hill while you marvel at the sea of kites flying before you. Oh and guess what? Attending this event won’t cost you a penny.

Chicago Kids and Kites Festival Website

Lincoln Park Wine Festival – May 19-20, 2018 – Jonquil Park

wine fest free Chicago walking tours

May 18, 19 & 20, 2018, Jonquil Park, Admission: From $20

Although it’s a relatively new festival, having only begun 4 years ago, the Lincoln Park Wine Festival is already a huge hit amongst fermented grape lovers. Hosted at a 2-acre park, this fest features an array of live music, food-wine pairing, and exquisite crafts from local artists and vendors. 90 separate wine tastings are offered, though each general admission ticket only comes with 12 tastings. While sipping wine and eating delicacies, there will also be wine connoisseurs present providing interesting information the featured wine, and wine in general.

Lincoln Park Wine Festival Website

Chicago House Music Festival

House music Free Chicago Walking Tours

Photo Source: City of Chicago

May 26, 2018, Logan Square, Admission: FREE!

If you like house music, this is one of the granddaddy places to go for a true house experience. Featuring 10+ different house artists, the annual show strives to educate and commemorate the origins of the house movement, and its growth thus far. In addition to listening to diverse styles of house music and browsing different stages, the festival will also feature some of the best-rated food trucks in all of Chicago. Believe it or not, this festival does not charge anything for admission.

Chicago House Music Festival

 

Money Saving Tips for your Chicago Visit

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Famously called the Windy City, Chicago is a world-renowned metropolitan area with great food, attractions, and people! In 2016, nearly 54 million visitors, both from the US and abroad, visited this magnificent city. Whether you’re here for business or for pleasure, Chicago has something for lovers of culture, art, music, food, and sightseeing. The third largest city in the USA, Chicago is also home to many world-famous museums and parks, including Lincoln Park, Museum Campus, and the Art Institute of Chicago. However, many people assume that traveling to Chicago is an expensive venture. This is not the case at all! There are quite a few ways to save money while visiting Chicago, enjoying the scenery while not spending a fortune.

Lodging

Lincoln Park Free Chicago Walking Tours

Often your lodging will be the most expensive part of your trip, but that shouldn’t stop you from spending time in the Windy City! Booking in advance can help save money by searching for good deals ahead of time, as well as using services like Airbnb to find unique, independently owned places that may be cheaper, as well as closer, to the areas that you want to visit. For young backpackers and students, hostels are also a good idea for a cheap stay. Believe it or not, Chicago has an incredible selection of hostels available.

The time of year also is a factor that can drive up the costs. Between Thanksgiving and New Years, and the summer months when children are out of school will be the most expensive parts of the year for travel and lodging, so if at all possible, plan to take a trip in either October or March when hotels are less crowded and their rooms more affordable.

Here is how you have to think about it:

Hotels – Tend to be located in the most convenient spots – walkable to many restaurants, bars, and attractions. They have a full-service staff that can answer questions and you’re welcome to check in 24hr/day. For an extra fee, you can park on site. Typically they’ll have restaurants and bars in the hotel. High scores for convenience. If you didn’t want to you probably wouldn’t have to leave the hotel. They cost the most but offer the most amenities.

Airbnb – By far the most options. Entire homes, rent a room and everything in between. You can find a spot in virtually every neighborhood too. We love the fact that in most cases you’ll have access to a full kitchen which can help save money by cooking a breakfast or dinner in one night. There is also something charming about being set in a residential neighborhood. It’s a much more “local” feel.

Hostels – Very underrated! We swear these are more like hotels than hostels. We love the vibe of these places and how they go out of their way to make sure your agenda is full. It’s more of a community feel than any of the other options. Often times they’ll organize tours for their guests, bar crawls and other events. If you’re the social type consider checking out on of Chicago’s hostels, you won’t regret it.

Transportation

transportation Free Chicago Walking Tours

Transportation can add up, but it doesn’t have to. While obviously, you could drive yourself around Chicago, it is a very dense city where parking is often limited and expensive in its own right. With a population of almost three million people, adding another car on the road can be quite a headache. For that of you that do brave it and drive yourself make sure to check out SpotHero to save money on parking.

Instead, consider using ridesharing apps such as Lyft and Uber, especially as these local drivers might even help you find cool spots that are off the beaten path. If Lyft and Uber aren’t your cups of tea you can always check out VIA. Rather than go right to your location, there are drop-off and pick-up areas where multiple passengers can be picked up at the same time, acting almost like a faster bus service. VIA charges a flat rate, as opposed to a ‘per mile’ transaction, which may be cheaper, in the long run, depending on where you want to go in Chicago.

If you are more green-minded and don’t mind a bit of exercise, Divvy Bikes is Chicago’s bike-sharing program. The bike-sharing service is great for those who are looking to bike through Chicago’s popular parks and other green areas. Chicago is a very bike-friendly city as well, with 111 miles of dedicated bike lanes and 27 miles of shared lanes within the city. On top of being affordable, Divvy also allows for a very hands-on experience of Chicago.

However, biking may not be practical if your lodging happens to be quite a distance away from the sightseeing and culture centers, and an Uber or Lyft ride could be expensive in this case as well.

Lucky for you, Chicago boasts an expansive public transportation network, with their elevated train, affectionately called “The L”, and other subway networks crisscrossing under Chicago. The city has a bus system as well. All options are affordable and give you a chance to see Chicago like a local.

And of course, the cheapest and most available option for you is to walk! If you happen to get a hotel close to the attractions you want to visit, walking is both extraordinarily cheap and allows for an up-close-and-personal experience with Chicago’s world-famous architecture.

Food

Food Free Chicago Walking Tours

Chicago has an incredible food scene. You’ll be able to find something that fits your budget and your appetite almost regardless of where you’re at in Chicago. But with so many options it can be daunting to find the off-the-beaten-path restaurant on a budget. We’ve compiled a list of our Favorite Chicago Lunch Specials Under $10.

For something a little more out of the box, you can always visit one of Chicago’s many indoor or outdoor markets as well. These markets have food vendors from all over the city and the world serving their favorite dishes.

Groupon is another tactic that you can use to help save some money. Groupon is a Chicago-based company that connects visitors like yourself to a variety of local restaurants by offering discounts on meals.

Attractions

Matt Tour Selfie River Free Chicago Walking Tours

There are many attractions in Chicago, and more than a few are affordable. We’ve listed some of our favorite tours in Chicago (that aren’t our tours of course!) If you only want to hit the highlights, consider getting the Chicago CityPASS or Go Chicago Card. These cards charge an upfront for entrance into a large number of attractions. If you’re determined to hit more than a handful of Chicago’s most popular attractions then you’ll definitely want to check them out.

But what if you’re on a real shoe-string budget? Not really a problem, there’s a ton of Free Things to do in Chicago. And let’s say that you have stumbled across this page and it’s snowing outside? No problem, here is our list of the best free things to do in Chicago that are indoors.

 

 

 

And can we really publish a list of free and cheap attractions without mentioning us? (Shameless plug warning) Free Chicago Walking Tours offers free 2-hour guided walking tours of Chicago’s most iconic neighborhoods! Spots are limited, so make sure you reserve online in advance. Tours run April through October.

There are many great attractions and experiences to be had in Chicago! The biggest and best way to save on a trip to Chicago is to simply plan ahead. With so many free events, exhibits, and attractions, you can have the whole Chicago experience on a dime. If you time your trip right, there is a whole plethora of attractions, sightseeing opportunities, and experiences to have while in Chicago, without breaking open that piggy bank. So start booking ahead, and we hope you enjoy your stay!

Chicago Savings Passes: Go Chicago Card All-Inclusive Pass, Go Chicago Card Explorer Pass & Chicago CityPASS

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Chicago is the 3rd largest city in the United States and we get more than 50 million visitors a year. For anyone keeping track at home that’s 137,000 visitors every single day. So naturally, Chicago has an almost endless supply of things to do. Activities can be the most expensive part of your trip an also the most memorable one. To help visitors save money there are several companies that offer savings discount cards and passes. The key to any of these passes is to make sure that you do in fact visit as many of the places as possible to maximize their savings. If you’re here and interested in Chicago Savings Passes then you’ll want to check out our Ultimate Chicago Budget Travel Guide.

We’ll help break down the costs and the benefits for you here so you can pick the best card for your trip to Chicago. Some passes you have to use in a day, some allow you to skip the lines and others make you choose between destinations.

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Go Chicago Card All Inclusive Pass

For those looking for discounts for a large number of locations, The Go Chicago Card All Inclusive Pass is a great choice. This discount card offers deals to 25+ attractions discounts for a number of days. Meaning you can go to as many attractions as you want during your stay for one low price.

The Go Chicago Card is built for travelers that are planning to see a lot of popular Chicago attractions in a fairly short amount of time. Visiting and paying for those attractions individually can add up quickly and this savings pass really starts to pay for itself once you have visited more than a handful. What is really great is they include a few really popular (and not very cheap) attractions such as the Big Bus (Hop on Hop off) and an Architectural River Cruise by Shoreline.

 

Go Chicago Card Attractions

Go Chicago Card is the leader in the number of attractions you can visit by a wide margin. With this attraction pass, you have access to more than 25 popular Chicago attractions that include Museums, Bus Tours, Boat Tours, Segway Tours, Bike Rentals, Escape Rooms, and more! The pass will almost pay for itself by using it for the Chicago Big Bus and Shoreline River Architecture Tour. Here’s a short list of their top 10 attractions. (Full list of Chicago Go Card Attractions)

  1. Shedd Aquarium
  2. Shoreline Architecture River Cruise
  3. Chicago Big Bus (Hop on Hop Off)
  4. SkyDeck Chicago (Willis Tower)
  5. 360 Chicago (Hancock)
  6. Grand Tour (Seasonal)
  7. Art Institute of Chicago
  8. Field Museum
  9. Bike Rental (Navy Pier)
  10. Chicago Theatre Tour

How does the Chicago Go Card work?

When you purchase the Go Chicago Card you are purchasing access to ALL of the attractions that are a part of their program. You have two options for how to actually get the pass. You can print the pass out on paper or download their app and show each venue your mobile phone.

In addition to the actual pass, you’ll receive a guide to all of the attractions that include addresses, descriptions of each, a helpful map and hours of operation. It’s important to note that certain attractions are seasonal so please make sure to double check before you buy!

Go Chicago Card Pricing

The Chicago Go Card is priced based on how many days you have to use it. Buying a 1-day pass is the cheapest and the prices go up from there. Prices start at $109 for the one day all inclusive pass. The base price for the card gives you access to all of the attractions, dining and restaurant discounts for a 24 hour period. You can upgrade to  2, 3, 4 or 5 day periods with the cost increases with each additional day.

For example, let’s say you purchase a 3 day Chicago Go Card. You now have access to the 25+ attractions and tours included, and the shopping/dining discounts for a full 72 hours. After that, your card is no longer valid.

The starting price is $109, and that includes one card valid for one person, for one day. Even with only the 1 day pass at $109 you are likely going to save money, but you will be busy. A one-day itinerary might look like this:

  • Chicago Big Bus ($45)
  • Willis Tower SkyDeck ($24)
  • Chicago Architecture River Cruise ($46)
  • Shedd Aquarium ($40)

Total spent without the card $155. Total savings with Go Chicago Pass $46 (30% savings). The more tours and attractions you visit, the more you will save.

Go Chicago Card Pricing Tiers

(Prices subject to change, please see their website for most up-to-date pricing)

# of Days.    Adult/Child

1 day pass      $95 / $69

2 day pass      $135 / $95

3 day pass      $165 / $110

5 day pass      $195 / $135

This is the easiest of the passes to use as each attraction can just scan a barcode from your mobile phone. The Go Chicago Card also comes with a handy guidebook that helps you keep track of all the attractions and where they’re located. The guide is a very useful tool in mapping out the path you’ll take to maximize your savings.

Determining the exact savings you’ll get from this card is hard to do because it depends on what passes and what attractions you visit. The more you visit the more you save. It’s fairly common for purchasers to save more than 50%.

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Go Chicago Card Explorer Pass

The Go Chicago Card Explorer Pass is a variation of the all-inclusive pass but instead of unlimited visits in a short time window, you choose the number of attractions you want to visit and get 30 days to do so.

Your choices of attractions are the same as the Go Chicago Card All-Inclusive.

So you get more time to use the pass, but it’s not unlimited visits – you have to choose 3, 4 or 5 attractions and the price of the card is based on how many you choose.

 

Go Chicago Explorer Card Pricing Tiers

3 attractions    $79 /$49          (Adult/Child)

4 attractions    $104 / $69         (Adult/Child)

5 attractions    $119 / $79       (Adult/Child)

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Chicago CityPASS

The Chicago CityPASS is more like a VIP access pass to a curated assortment of attractions. One of the big draws for the CityPASS is that you’ll get line-skipping VIP entry everywhere and all “add-ons” are included which is such a nice feature. You can really spend time and explore everything they have to offer and not worry about being nickeled and dimed.

What you need to know: Chicago CityPASS gives you 9 days to use the pass and you can select up to 5 attractions from a list of 7. Recap: 5 attractions, 9 days.

 

Chicago CityPASS VIP Admission

Your Chicago CityPASS includes VIP admission to the following 3 attractions (note, we’re only calling out VIP admission here. You get access to 5 total attractions, these three you get expepetited entry)

  • Shedd Aquarium

With the CityPASS you’re granted VIP entry here ($39.95 value), access to the 4D Experience at no extra cost ($4.95 value), allowed to see animal presentations, and are invited to partake in the Stingray Touch for free.

  • Skydeck Chicago

With the CityPASS, you get fast pass admission ($49 value) that allows you to skip the at times very long lines. Regular admission to the SkyDeck is $24.

  • Field Museum

With your CityPASS, you get VIP entry and an all-access pass to the rest of the museum ($38 value). These include areas such as ‘Traveling The Pacific’, which centers around life on Tropical Pacific islands, and ‘Restoring Earth’, the museums own program that focuses on natural conservation techniques and strategies to help protect our environment.

Chicago CityPASS Attractions

Now you choose between Museum of Science and Industry or 360 Chicago Observation Deck.

  • Museum of Science and Industry

With the CityPASS, you get access to everywhere within the museum, and it includes a free experience in their motion simulator ride. ($33.95 value)

OR..

  • 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

The CityPASS includes express entry admission that allows you to skip the lines ($18.90 value)

For you last attractions you choose between the Adler Planetarium or Art Institute of Chicago.

  • Adler Planetarium

With the CityPASS, you’ll get an all-access pass ($34.95 value). However, you must choose between this, or seeing the Art Institute of Chicago when purchasing your pass.

OR…

  1. Art Institute of Chicago

With the CityPASS, you get fast pass admission and access to everything in the institute, including an audio guided tour. (Value $35)

Chicago CityPass Value

Visiting all of these locations would cost you over $217. The Chicago CityPASS costs $106, so you are saving $111! Purchasing a pass is simple. You can choose to print the pass at home or collect yours at the first destination that you visit.

The Conclusion

All 3 of these options deliver on their promise to save you money. Your decision will depend on what your travel style is. Do you prefer to cross as many things off your bucket list as possible (Chicago Go Card) or take it slower while enjoying every corner of the place (CityPass Chicago)? You really can’t go wrong; all these savings passes will enhance your visit to Chicago!

Our favorite rooftop bars in Chicago

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One of the greatest things about Chicago is the nightlife~ Chicago is full of great clubs, bars, and after hour eating establishments. Now that the weather is getting warmer, it’s time to switch from indoor bars to exciting outdoor rooftop bars! Rooftop bars in Chicago are great places to visit for many reasons; not only will you get to grab a drink in a cool establishment, but you can also grab a view of the Chicago skyline! Check out the list below and be sure to stop by one of these great locations.

The J. Parker

1816 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

rooftop bars in Chicago

Source: The J. Parker

We put The J. Parker first on our list for a reason. Most of the popular rooftop bars are located in The Loop or River North, and we totally get it. They’re awesome. If however you’re looking for something a little different head north to Lincoln Park and to the 14th floor of the Lincoln Hotel and you’ll find yourself the beneficiary of panoramic views of Lincoln Park, the shores of Lake Michigan and a spectacular view of the Chicago skyline looking south.

My wife and I lived in Lincoln Park for a couple of years and grabbing a drink here in the summer never got old. Head to the Green City Farmers Market on Saturday morning and then cross the street to grab a cocktail and soak in the views. Now that’s a great start to the day!

Cindy’s Rooftop Restaurant

12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

rooftop bars in Chicago

Source: Cindy’s Rooftop Bar

When people think rooftop bars in Chicago, they think of Cindy’s. Not only will this bar give you great views of Lake Michigan and Millennium Park, but you also get a five-star dining experience.

Cindy’s is open until 1am on weekdays, and 2am on weekends, making a great late night spot too for a nightcap drink or even a midnight meal. This bars rooftop is covered, so you can enjoy Cindy’s year round, even in the bitterly cold Chicago winters!

AIRE

100 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603

Rooftop bars in Chicago

Source: Hyatt Centric

AIRE is the hidden gem of rooftop bars. You will pay a bit of money to dine here, but remember, it’s about the atmosphere! There are very few rooftop bars in Chicago that offer the high end atmosphere that AIRE does. Make sure to plan your time here on a clear night, there is no awning covering the lounge area. If it’s a rainy or windy night, reschedule for another time. It will be worth it!

Drumbar

201 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611

rooftop bars in Chicago

Source: Drumbar

Forbes magazine named Drumbar the best rooftop bar in Chicago, and they did so for a good reason. Drumbar was also named the “Best Whiskey Bar” by GQ Magazine. They have an incredible indoor lounge, as well as an outdoor terrace with downtown and speakeasy-style decor. Located at the top of the Raffaello hotel, this rooftop bar is a must-see for locals and tourists alike. With all cocktails being $16, you know exactly what you are going to pay. No hidden fees or upsells. Spots fill up fast, so be sure to fill out a reservation!

Raised

1 West Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601

rooftop bars in Chicago

Source: Raised Bar

Not only is Raised a great place to grab drinks, but they have an incredible menu. All of their menu items are made using ingredients sourced from within 200 miles of the restaurant. Sometimes, you want to grab a meal while you are at a bar, and this is the place to do it. The cool thing about this bar is that there are no reservations, making it a great choice for you and your friends when you just randomly decide that you want to attend a rooftop bar.

No matter which rooftop bar in Chicago you want to attend, going to either one of these locations means you will have a great night filled with memories!

The Chicago Markets You Have to Visit

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Chicago doesn’t have a shortage of things to do. In fact, we’ve written about Chicago FREE Things to Do, non-free Chicago Things to do and the top paid tours in Chicago. Almost no matter what the number one question we receive is “what are the best non-touristy things to do?” Markets. Chicago Markets. And here are the best of the best.

These markets contain dozens of vendors all under one roof (or at least in the same vicinity if a roof doesn’t exist). It’s easy to explore new foods, new cultures, and check out all the best new “stuff” that is available. Instead of heading to an Italian restaurant, head on over to an Italian market where you can explore different restaurants and vendors, and even buy some food to take home with you!

Here is a list of the top four markets you MUST check out in the Chicago area.

Eataly

43 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611

Chicago Markets

© 2013 Galdones Photography/Eataly

Ok, we admit it, this one is sort of touristy. But still, if you are looking for an authentic and eventful Italian marketplace, look no further than Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich’s Eataly Market. There are several different locations all over the world, but the Chicago location is actually the largest, spanning 65,000 square feet.

This marketplace is full of retail stores, restaurants, and ‘street sellers’ selling different authentic foods just like a real Italian marketplace. Not only will you get to buy delicious foods and wine, but you will also get an incredible experience.

They have a Nutella bar. You can walk around with a beer or glass of wine in your hand. Do you need more reasons to go?

French Market in Ogilvie Transportation Center

131 N Clinton St, Chicago, IL 60661

Chicago Markets

From Italy to France. The French Market in Ogilvie is an indoor, year-round, farmers market full of amazing foods, gifts, and other merchandise. The French Market brings in some of the best vendors that Chicago has to offer from all sorts of different neighborhoods. This marketplace contains smaller vendors who are entrepreneurs and families who own their own businesses. Not only are you getting some great stuff, but you are also supporting local small businesses in Chicago.This market’s vendors sell cheeses, meats, wine, seafood, and even ice cream.

Lincoln Park Farmers Market

1817 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Chicago Markets

The Lincoln Park Farmers Market is one of the most popular farmer’s markets in the Chicago area. This farmers market is a one-stop shop to get all of your in-season produce fresh from the farms themselves. Farmers from all over come to the Lincoln Park Farmers Market every Saturday morning to showcase their goods. Imagine buying fresh apples from a farmer in Indiana, or amazing grapes from the infamous southwest Michigan vineyards! There are so many great options here. This farmers market is open every Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm from May-October.

Logan Square Farmers Market

2363 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Chicago Markets

The Logan Square farmers market is a one-stop shop for organic foods, retail merchandise, and live music. This market is year round, but it moves outdoors every spring! You can come visit this market on Sundays from 10 am – 3 pm. With new vendors all the time, you can come by and find something unique!

Chicago Public Transportation Guide

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Taking Chicago public transportation is a great way to get around town on a budget. Chicago has a huge public transit system, so be sure to take advantage of it! After you read this guide you’ll be able to use Chicago’s public transportation to arrive at the meeting points of our Free Chicago Walking Tours.

‘L’ train (as in elevated)

Chicago Public TransportationThe ‘L’ or ‘el’ train is one of the most popular methods of Chicago public transportation. The Chicago elevated railway operates 24 hours a day and can pretty much get you anywhere you need to go. You can download the CTA app (CTA = Chicago Transit Authority – the organization that runs Chicago public transportation) to get routes and live schedules! A fare is roughly $2.50 and you have several options to pay. You can also get a Ventra card which allows you to load 30 days of unlimited travel for $100. There are also 3 and 7 day passes available for those who may be visiting Chicago for a little while.

The ‘L’ will be jam-packed during the business rush hour which is weekday mornings until 9am and then again from 4-6pm.

Buses

chicago public transportationSo maybe you’re not near an L station, that’s OK. The buses are literally everywhere which means there is a good chance you can catch one nearby. They run 24 hours a day, have a fleet of 1,800 buses and run more than 2,400 routes covering over 2,200 miles. Fares are affordable and you can also use your Ventra card or pay as you go.

We recommend an app to help you plan. The Transit App will use your location to show you the nearest buses, where they’re heading and when they’re arriving. This app is a game changer!

MetrA Trains

Chicago public transportation

The Metra is another train system in the Chicago area that unlike the L, the Metra extends all the way to Wisconsin (Illinois’ neighbor state to the north) Aurora and Joliet. (both suburbs of Chicago) This option is great for those who have to take a trip outside of Chicago to one of the major suburbs or for those who commute into the city. Unlike the L, it won’t get you everywhere, but if you have a route near you it is a great option. Fares vary from $4-$12 per single rides, and monthly passes cost anywhere from $120-$260 depending on the route you need.

Other methods of transportation

For those looking for another way to get around the city, Divvy bikes are a great alternative option. Although not entirely considered public transportation, there are hundreds of Divvy stands all over the Chicago area. This system is very cool! Basically, you sign up for Divvy with an app, and you pay a small fee to borrow a bike. You can rent by the hour, day, or even get an unlimited pass. You can pick up the bike at any stand, and return it to any other stand that is near your destination. With hundreds of stands and more being added every month, you will not have trouble locating one!

Best Tours in Chicago

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Our #1 goal is for you to enjoy your visit to Chicago. Let’s assume that includes a Free Chicago Walking Tour, what will you do with all the money you save? Sure you could go shopping, treat yourself to fine-dining experience or take one of the best tours in Chicago (that isn’t Free Chicago Walking Tours).

Don’t get us wrong, there are plenty of free things to do in Chicago other than our walking tours. We felt it’s only fair to rank the best tours in Chicago that are going to cost you a few bucks. All of these tours bring something different to the table and are well worth the price of admission.

Chicago Big Bus

best tours in chicago

For those spending a day in Chicago, one of the best ways to tour the city is to get a ticket for the Chicago Big Bus. This bus tour will take you all over the city so you can explore great landmarks with live tour guides. One of the coolest features of this attraction is the ‘hop on, hop off’ feature where you can get off and explore the city’s landmarks yourself, and then hop back on!

Honestly, when the weather is beautiful this is one of our go-to things to do in Chicago. Sit on the upper deck, soak in the sights and listen to the guide. So relaxing, so enjoyable. Even as a local we hop on at least once a year.

This one day pass is $40, but you can save 10% by pre-booking online, making the total per ticket $36. If you purchase a premium ticket for $10 more, you also get a ticket for Centennial Wheel! This is a great way to view the Chicago skyline and get some great views of the city.

Tip: Take 5 minutes to review their stops and see if you can plan out an entire day without having to use other modes of transportation. You might save half or more of the price of the ticket by not having to pay for cabs!

 

Chicago Helicopter Experience

best tours in chicago

With the Chicago Helicopter Experience, you can feel like a king for a day. You can book a tour over the city, a private charter, a group charter, or even a shuttle to O’Hare. With the Chicago Helicopter Experience, you can travel or view the city in style. The cost of a helicopter tour is $180 per person, but you can bring that down to $99 per person if you book in a group of 12 or more, or book an early bird flight.

Also, if you want an incredible experience as you are departing the city, let the Chicago Helicopter Experience be your own personal pilot on your way to the airport. You won’t regret it

 

Willis Tower Skydeck

best tours in chicago

Probably the most iconic building in Chicago is the Willis Tower, formerly called the Sears Tower. Until the Freedom One tower was built, this tower was the tallest building in the Western hemisphere. It was also once the tallest building in the world!

Tickets are $24, and $10 less for children. Sky Deck is included in the Chicago CityPASS which will save you a bunch of money and give you access to more attractions. They also offer a ‘Pie in the Sky’ deal, where you can enjoy a deep dish Chicago pizza while looking over the city. You can also visit ‘The Ledge’ where you can look over the entire city while standing out on a ledge!

Some of our guests have wondered out loud “is this too touristy?” That is such a hard question to answer. On one hand, sure – this the Wilis Tower Skydeck is very popular and sometimes the wait can be over an hour long on a clear day. But it’s so popular because honestly, it’s that cool. If you are in Chicago and you have the opportunity this is one of those things that you have to do, or should strongly consider. The views are absolutely breathtaking.

Tip: Weekends are the busiest if you can try going on a Tuesday or Wednesday.

Wendella Boat Tours

best tours in chicago

This is definitely one of the best tours in Chicago. How can you beat drinking an ice cold beer and relaxing on a boat during summer in Chicago?!

Their flagship tour is the Chicago Architecture tour. We’ve done. Several times. Just last year. The tour takes you up and down the main artery of the Chicago River, up the North branch and then out into Lake Michigan briefly for a view of the skyline you just can’t get from land.

Wendella offers their Chicago Architecture tours throughout the day, so pick the time that works best for you. If you love architecture and want a more intimate up-close look make sure to check out our Chicago Total Loop Tour.

Tip: Arrive 30-40 minutes before boarding to be one of the first in line and have your choice of seat. It’s first come, first serve.

Chicago Style Hot Dogs: A Brief History

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Chicago has a proud and unique history full of music, movies, Chicago Deep Dish Pizza, Chicago Beef and now a World Series win! But when many people think of Chicago, they obviously think about the hot dogs. Chicago style hot dogs are so iconic that other cities and restaurants started copying them. You can even buy a Chicago Style Hot Dog starter pack on Amazon. These hot dogs may contain the same ingredients, but they will be nothing like the real thing. If its not made in Chicago, it’s not Chicago style!

hot dog history

Chicago isn’t the only city to claim hot dogs as their own. It’s not really clear which city was the first to introduce them in America or when exactly they started being sold on the streets. There is a lot of speculation that Chicago was one of, if not thee first, city to start pushing dogs on the streets from vendors selling out of a cart.

When Chicago style hot dogs started hitting the streets, they actually were a bit different than they are today. At first, hot dogs were sold as a way to profit from the less desirable meat waste from the factories. Using the technology of meat curing brought to Chicago by German immigrants, these ‘waste dogs’ were turned into a tasty treat!

There is no doubt that the hots dogs of years past were delicious, but they were nothing like the Chicago style dogs we have today. The version of the story we like to is that during The World’s Fair of 1893 (hosted in Chicago) two immigrants gave the ‘waste dog’ an upgrade by making the sausage with kosher meats. Good idea.

Chicago style hot dog ingredients

So what is a Chicago style hot dog? We’re glad you asked!

Chicago Style Hot Dog

introducing the chicago style hot dog

It wasn’t until the Great Depression that the Chicago style hot dogs we know and love today came to be. When food was harder to come by, these street foods became more than just cheap eating. They became meals that people used to feed their families. Chicago style hot dogs were cheap to make, had what seemed to be an entire day’s serving of vegetables and were being sold throughout the city making them the depression-era food of choice.

And for those who do not live in Chicago, NO, ketchup does not go on a hot dog! Chicago style dogs prove that ketchup has no place on one of these tasty treats. Tomato’s on the other hand make a great condiment! So if you want to give Chicago hot dogs a try, be sure to go to Chicago to get the real experience. If you want to make one at home, do us a favor and skip the ketchup please!

Free Things to Do in Chicago

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If you are heading to Chicago and want to experience the city on a budget, you came to the right place. We have built our entire business on offering free tours of Chicago,  But we aren’t the only game in town. Luckily we’ve narrowed down the top free things to do in Chicago for you. The great thing about these attractions is that they are always free. There is no special date or time you have to be there to get free admission. That way, you don’t need to plan your schedule around getting free admission and you can go whenever you want.

Chicago is full of free attractions, but the list below is picked from our favorites.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Free Things to Do in ChicagoThe Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the only free zoos in the country. The Lincoln Park Zoo is also one of the oldest zoos in the country! It may not be as large as other zoos, but it has over 230 different species of animals on a 35 acre lot. A great place to spend an hour with your family, or take a walk on your lunch break. This zoo has monkeys, reptiles, polar bears, and even tigers!

There is even an oak tree present here that has been around since 1830, before the city was founded!

Millennium Park

Free Things to Do in ChicagoMillennium is one of the largest public parks in Chicago. Its original intention was to celebrate the entrance into the third millennium. You can view exhibits, architecture, a beautiful garden, and even go ice skating! This park even offers concession stands. This is among one of the best places to go in Chicago, and admission is always free. Get an unclose and personal experience on our Millennium Park Tour.

 

 

Chicago Cultural Center

Free Things to Do in ChicagoThis place is so awesome we either stop in or talk about it on almost all our Free Chicago Walking Tours. The Chicago Cultural Center offers so many different things to do so there is always something for everyone. Admission to the center is always free as well as the events. Be sure to check their calendar when coming into town! You can view free theater, music, dance and even films right here in the cultural center. The center also has great art on display and you can attend lectures and get guided tours for free.

 

Navy Pier

Free Things to Do in Chicago

Although Navy Pier’s attractions costs money, you are able to walk up and down Navy Pier and join in on the fun for free! Sometimes, concerts and events are offered that are free of charge, so be sure to check your schedule if you want to make the most out of Navy Pier without breaking into your wallet.

 

 

National Museum of Mexican Art

Free Things to Do in ChicagoFor those who love art, the National Museum of Mexican Art is a completely free attraction open to the public. The museum is divided into separate sections for each era of latin american art and culture! This approach also makes this museum appeal to lovers of history. Exhibits change frequently, so check out what they have before you make an appointment. If you have been before, chances are that you can go again and see some entirely new works of art!

 

Buckingham Fountain

Free Things to Do in ChicagoLocated on Columbus Drive, Buckingham Fountain is one of the largest fountains in the world! For those who want a fun experience in Chicago should come on by and check this fountain out. This is also a great place to spend your lunch break, or take your family to see the fountain go off! This is one of our favorite places to get a group picture after the Millennium Park Tour!