Chicago Weekend Trip

11 Tips for Chicago

Tip #1:

If you ignore everything else in this blog...DO NOT forget to check the day and times that restaurants are open.  I have checked restaurants in more than 50 cities and never once have I ran across a restaurant that was closed on the weekends.  Guess what...in Chicago...some restaurants are closed on the weekend.  In fact some restaurants aren't open for lunch or for dinner.  So do yourself a favor...CHECK before you go!

Tip #2:

Go see the bean at night!  My group went to see it both during the day, and a night, and I can tell you it's a total different experience.  At night there are almost no crowds making for some amazing shots if you're into photography.

Tip #3:

Toni Patisserie & Café: Check out this place for breakfast, it's incredible.  This little french bistro is right across from the bean and has an overflow section for seating (which it needs).  The food is pretty much as close as you can get to Paris in Chicago.

*Picture courtesy of Andrianna Cortez

Tip #4:

Chicago is a architecture gold mine.  The buildings make you feel like you're back in the 1920's.  Across the street (literally) from the bistro is the Tiffany dome.  Chicago offers several architecture tours, but if you don't go on one, don't miss this dome.   It's free to visit and open 10AM-7PM (M-F) and 10AM-5PM (Sat, Sun) and worth approximately $35,000,000.

Tip #5: 

Don't miss out on the speakeasies!!  While we were in Chicago we ended up at the Green Door Tavern for a cheap dinner and drinks and stumbled upon the best night of our lives.  When you go into the Green Door you can't miss the big subway sign in front of the stairs at the back of the restaurant.  Follow those stairs to get to a bookcase.  We got there around 8 pm and there was a 45 minute wait.  This ended up being perfect since we hadn't had dinner yet.  We gave the door guy our cell and got on the list.  45 minutes later (and a really delicious meal) we were in!  The cocktails were amazing and the shows were....interesting :-)

**Pictures courtesy of Robert Cortez

Tip #6:

Even if you visit in winter...the beach is still the place to go!  The water might be frozen over, but it makes for some pretty incredible pictures.

Tip #7:

If you're down for some interesting facts about the crime life in Chicago, don't miss out on the Crime and Mob tour offered by Viator.  The guides are extremely knowledgeable, and it's nice to get off your feet and enjoy the city in a bus.

Tip #8:

If you're a fan of pop culture there's a lot of places not to miss.  Everything from SNL's skit about cheeseburgers to High Fidelity, you'll see it here.

Tip #9:

If you're a fan of graffiti the Wabash Arts Corridor is a must see.  The streets are lined with amazing art.  Check it out online to get a map of where to go and what to see.

Tip #10:

 If you're in to seeing everything you want to see at the cheapest price possible don't forget to get the city pass.  I've done the city pass before in several cities and none came in as useful as it did in Chicago. If anything it's worth it just to skip the line at the sky deck!

Tip #11:

The weather changes like the mood swings of a teenager so be prepared!!!  In the short time I visited, it snowed, rained, and then was beautiful and sunny.