Chicago is well-known for its jaw-dropping architecture, so I had been looking forward to admiring the city’s buildings in person!
The weather during the summer months is beautiful and it was perfect for exploring everything that makes Chicago so unique.
While we spent a full week in the suburbs of Chicago, specifically Clarendon Hills, we drove to Chicago one day during our stay. Now that I got to spend time in the Windy City, I’d love to help you discover Chicago!
In case you ever find yourself in Chicago for a day or less, let me share four things we did that I absolutely recommend you do.
6 Hours in Chicago – Things To Do
1. Chicago Architecture Center River Tour
If you are visiting Chicago in the summer, you have to do the Chicago Architecture Center River Tour! You will enjoy learning about the city’s history as well as its notable buildings like the Willis Tower, the Wrigley Building, Navy Pier, and the John Hancock Building while cruising down the river.
We booked this river tour for 10:00 AM. Before this tour, I never would have known that there are eighteen movable bridges over the Chicago River!
The reason why we selected this tour over every other option available is because this is the only tour organized by Chicago’s Architecture Center.
One tip, though; book your Chicago Architecture Center River Tour tickets in advance.
Here is another highly rated Chicago River Tour.
Here’s the river cruise organized by Chicago’s Architecture Center:
2. Lunch at 3 Arts Club Café at RH Chicago
After the boat tour, make your way to 3 Arts Club Café located at RH Chicago.
We walked along Michigan Avenue until we reached the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, and from there we took an Uber and arrived at RH Chicago, in time for our 2:00 PM lunch reservation.
The garden courtyard at RH Chicago is just gorgeous!
3. Millenium Park and Cloud Gate (The Bean)
If you are running short on time, skip lunch, and head over to Millenium Park!
Here you will find the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, commonly known as “The Bean.”
Checking out the highlights of the park, Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and Lurie Garden will take you at least one hour, depending on your pace.
4. Stroll along North Michigan Avenue
Michigan Avenue is a north-south street in Chicago with beautiful architecture, historic hotels, coffee shops, luxury designers, restaurants, and more than 450 retailers!
This 13-block stretch, known as the Magnificent Mile, is one of the country’s most iconic shopping districts.
Be sure to check out Water Tower Place, 360 Chicago (John Hancock Center), and TILT, Chicago’s Tilting Glass Ledge, on the 94th floor.
More Things To Do in Chicago
These are popular activities to add to your itinerary:
- Chicago Sunset Cruise
- Skydeck at the Willis Tower
- Chicago Food & Walking Tour
- Ghosts Tour in Chicago
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO CHICAGO
Where is Chicago?
Chicago is located on Lake Michigan in Illinois and is one of the largest cities in the United States.
What are the two airports in Chicago?
Chicago has two major airports, O’Hare and Midway International Airports.
How far is Chicago from New York by plane?
The flight from Chicago to New York takes between 2-3 hours, on a nonstop flight.
How far is Chicago from New York by car?
The distance from Chicago to New York is 796 miles (1,281 km), via I-90 and I-80, and the drive usually takes 12.5 hours under normal driving conditions.
How long is the train trip from Chicago to New York?
The shortest train ride from Chicago’s Union Station to New York City’s Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station is a little over 20 hours.
What’s the best hotel in Chicago?
My #1 hotel recommendation in Chicago is the Four Seasons Chicago.
More activities for your visit to Chicago:
