Chi-Town
My three-month vacation to Chicago was supposed to be a foodie's tour of one of the country's most gastronomic cities, but I ended up falling even more in love with the city's vitality, magnificent architecture, and dynamic culture. My main money-saving trick? The destination has a very high walk score, so try to stay close to the city center to avoid renting a car or overspending on Ubers. Last-minute Airbnbs and hotel stays in the city can be pretty pricey, so plan ahead of time!
Experience the best of Chicago on a budget
Get a Chicago City Pass. This pass gives you an easy way to visit most of the city's top attractions for a low price, and you can choose a couple of Chicago's top attractions from a curated list and save a lot with the deal. What attractions did I select?
360 Chicago - an observation deck that offers breathtaking panoramic views of Chicago from 1,000 feet above the famed Magnificent Mile
Museum of Science and Industry - a science museum located in the Hyde Park and one of the largest science museums in the Western Hemisphere
Art Institute of Chicago - one of the oldest and largest art museums in the world located in Grant Park
Shedd Aquarium - a wonderful indoor public aquarium that holds about 32,000 animals
Because a few of the attractions on the list were closed due to the lockdown, I (as an art fanatic) took advantage of the situation and visited the Art Institute of Chicago twice for the Van Gogh exhibition. It was well worth it!
Tours and experiences
Because most of the attractions I saw were within walking distance of one another, I only booked two guided tours: an architecture river cruise and a city walking tour. I strongly recommend the architecture tour and am grateful for the opportunity to view the city from the water. Chicago is famous for its buildings and architecture, and the river cruise is the best way to see the city's most famous structures while also learning about the cityscape's history from an expert.
A walking tour around Chicago is great for two reasons: first, you get a lay of the land and can become acquainted with your surroundings; second, it's another way to see Chicago from the ground level, and you get to learn about the context of the area from a local guide who is usually extremely passionate about educating others about the city.
Chicago good bites
Deep-dish pizza: Chicago's most famous dish and one of the main reasons I wanted to visit the city. Nothing beats biting into a thick wedge of bread topped with melted cheese, savory toppings, and juicy tomato sauce. YUM.
Chicago-dog: Chicago-style hot dog stands can be found in many of the city's neighborhoods. Almost every weekend, I found myself eating a juicy hot dog topped with relish, diced onions, and plenty of yellow mustard. I recommend Portillo's in the Loop and Devil Dawgs in the Central Loop.
Italian beef sandwiches: I only had this Chicago sandwich on my last weekend in the city and had major regrets for not having it sooner. Think thin slices of roast beef on fluffy Italian bread topped with sauce—need we say more? Portillo's is fantastic, and I've heard Al's Beef is also good.
Chicago holds a special place in my heart because it was the first destination I traveled alone, and it was a trip that taught me a lot about how I could travel while working. I can't wait to return someday and hopefully experience the city in the summer rather than the winter (and maybe even with my dad next time). What advice would you give to other solo travelers? Walk the city (it has a high walk score, so get your steps in), try some of the best food, and be open to new experiences—don't overthink it and enjoy the diverse culture and dynamic cityscape! I look forward to seeing you there :)
Author: Leslie Lung 