Travel the Windy City in Two Whirlwind Days

With busy work schedules and short weekends, we sometimes get caught up in the work atmosphere of life and forget to take a break every once and a while. While we often wish we could travel all the time, sometimes it is just not an option. However there are several alternatives to week long vacations and many people are experiencing the cities they love in two whirlwind days. For those who have always wanted to visit the city of Chicago, here is two days worth of unique, fun and travel-worthy activities enjoy during your whirlwind vacation.

Day One

Your first day in Chicago should be filled natural beauty, iconic shopping, good food and maybe a baseball game. Start your day with a good breakfast and then head over to Shedd Aquarium.

Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium is world renowned for its famous oceanarium and it does not disappoint. The Chicago Abbott Oceanarium tank holds over 3 million gallons of salt water and is the largest indoor marine life habitat in the world. That being said, it is amazing to see large sea mammals like dolphins and whales serenely pass by the viewing window of the oceanarium and the jellyfish exhibit in the aquarium is beautiful as well. Guests are also often blown away by the Caribbean exhibit which is a huge 90,000 gallon circular tank that featured the colorful fish of the Caribbean.  The aquarium is a great place to start off your two-day adventure in Chicago.

The Magnificent Mile

After the aquarium, make your way to the world famous Magnificent Mile of Chicago and get in some upscale shopping. While you don’t need to spend a ton of money, it is still incredible to see the amazing shops on Michigan Ave and experience Bloomingdales for the first time. Shopping the mile is a great way to spend an afternoon before catching an evening baseball game.

Rocket Burger Bar and Wrigley Field

The Rocket Burger Bar is home to Chicago’s famous sports foods like white hot hotdogs, onion rings, beer and deep dish pizza. To enhance the sporting spirit, this famous Chicago bar is located directly across from the nation’s most famous baseball stadium and makes the perfect dinner place before catching a Cub’s game at Wrigley Field.

Day Two

For your last day, why not visit the cultural side of Chicago? The best way to begin your day is at the second largest art museum in the United States, The Art Institute of Chicago.

The Art Institute of Chicago

This museum/ art institute is truly an amazing and inspiring place that many visitors are glad they took the time to explore. It can take several hours to get though, but with entire wings dedicated to 17th century art by American artists and modern impressionist art, it is an incredible place to visit during your two-day vacation.

Millennium Park

Located next to the Art Institute is the massive and unique Millennium Park. This park is a one-of-a-kind, outdoor experience that is the center hub for Chicago’s outdoor music and art scene. It is incredible to step through “the bean” in the park and catch a few photos of its metallic reflective surface.

Alinea Restaurant

Finish up your trip by visiting one of the very best restaurants in Chicago. The restaurant called Alinea, is one of only two restaurants in the Windy City who’ve received the highest rating possible from the Michelin Guide and was reviewed in the New York Times. The food and experience here lives up to its reputation and it’s the perfect place to round out your whirlwind adventure in the Windy City.

Two Whirlwind Days

Two days in Chicago can be amazing and even if this outline isn’t for you, no trip to the Windy City is complete without stops at the Art Institute and Shedd Aquarium.  What places would you visit in a short two day vacation to Chicago?

BIO:

This post was provided by Dan Patterson. If you’re looking to save on some of the top tourist attractions in Chicago, make sure to pick up a Chicago CityPASS before you go. You’ll save on admission to the Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck, Art Institute of Chicago, and more!

Gareth

My name is Gareth Leonard, a Marketing Director turned World Traveler with a passion for slow, meaningful travel. I have been traveling the world full-time for the past 9+ years and document it all on Instagram and YouTube. Come join me!