Best of Chicago

Best time to visit: May to October

Late spring through early fall is warm and lively along the lakefront, with patios and festivals in full swing. Winters are long and bitterly cold.

Day 1 · Lakefront & Parks

1
Millennium Park
Iconic 'Bean' sculpture and beautiful gardens.
2
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class collection, plan to spend a few hours.
3
Maggie Daley Park
A fun, active park for all ages, with skyline views.

Day 2 · Architectural Marvels & River Views

1
Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise
The best way to see the city's famous architecture.
2
The Magnificent Mile
Stroll and admire the historic buildings and upscale shops.
3
Giordano's
Experience classic Chicago deep-dish pizza.
4
360 Chicago Observation Deck
Breathtaking panoramic views, especially at sunset.

Day 3 · Museum Campus & Pilsen

1
Field Museum
Home to Sue, the most complete T-Rex skeleton.
2
Shedd Aquarium
One of the oldest and largest aquariums in the world.
3
Pilsen Murals
Explore vibrant street art and rich Chicano culture.
4
National Museum of Mexican Art
Free admission and a fantastic collection of Mexican art.

Day 4 · Lincoln Park & Sweets

1
Lincoln Park Zoo
Free zoo with a wide variety of animals and a beautiful setting.
2
Lincoln Park Conservatory
Historic Victorian glass house with stunning plant collections.
3
Margie's Candies
Old-school ice cream parlor serving legendary sundaes since 1921.
4
Kingston Mines
Two stages of live blues music, a true Chicago experience.

Day 5 · Hyde Park & Promontory Views

1
Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
Interactive exhibits, including a German U-boat.
2
University of Chicago
Explore the beautiful Gothic architecture of this prestigious university.
3
Promontory Point
Relaxing spot with incredible skyline views, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Make it your own

Start from this curated plan — Runes copies it into your trips so you can tweak dates, budget, pace, and stops. Personalized to your style soon.