Bonus: A Few Thrifting Tips
Whatre your favorite thrift stores in Chicago? What treasures have you found while thrifting? *comment below*
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Grant Park One Of The Most Incredible Free Places To Go In Chicago
- Over 300 acres of natural space.
- It includes bike trails and softball diamonds so you can play sports.
- Its also known as a public art space, so theres no shortage of things to see.
Why its so awesome: Grant Park is located between the city and the riverfront so its basically Chicagos front yard. This is the perfect place to enjoy a bit of nature, get your blood pumping with some sports, or take advantage of the free music concerts that are frequently held in the area. There are also a number of art installations around the park, so no matter what youre interested in, youll find something to occupy your time here.
What to do there: While youre in the area you can go biking, play some softball or baseball, or just sit on the grass. The gardens themselves are gorgeous and well worth a look on their own, but you should also have a look at the headless figures dotted throughout the landscape. These art installations are striking and make an interesting statement about modern life.
The Robie House A Great Place To See In Chicago If You Love Architecture
The old perfesser
- A marvel of engineering and naturalistic lines and shapes.
- Take a tour to get the most from the experience.
Why its so awesome: Frank Lloyd Wright was a maverick in the field of architecture and his work stands as a symbol of the new style he inspired. The Robie House is one of his best pieces of work and you dont have to leave the city to see it. The art-glass windows alone are worth the trip there, and the rest of the house is one of the best examples of Wrights Prairie School style that youll ever see. We really wish this place was an Airbnb, but youll have to settle for one of the great Chicago Airbnbs nearby and hope theyve copied the architecture.
What to do there: Unless youre an architecture student or an architect yourself, make sure that you take the tour through the Robie House. This is the best way to ensure that you get the full effect and that you understand just how significant this architectural style was in the past and how it still affects our present.
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Chicago Lakefront Trail A Beautiful And Scenic Place To Check Out In Chicago
Bex Walton
- Great views of Lake Michigan!
- The most scenic route you can take to Chicagos hotspots.
- A great way to get some exercise in beautiful surroundings.
Why its so awesome: Lake Michigan is iconic, and youll never be able to get a better view than along this trail. Its 18 miles of stunning views of both nature and the city and is the ideal way to travel when you have a little extra time and dont mind the walk. There are also several beaches, parks and attractions along the way, so you dont have to go one more step than you want to.
What to do there: Run, walk or job along the lakefront if you want to get some exercise in during your stay. And if youre just there for the views and the experience, walk a little way and then stop off at some of Chicagos best attractions. The Field Museum of Natural History and the Shedd Aquarium are both easily accessible from the walk, so you dont have to stick it out for the whole 18 miles.
The Field Museum A Fascinating Educational Place To Visit In Chicago

- Travel through time billions of years in one place.
- Great for history buffs and people who want to learn more about how the world came to be.
- Kids will love the animal and dinosaur displays.
Why its so awesome: If you want to understand the history of the planet then this is the place to do it. The Field Museum explores billions of years of the worlds history in living, exciting color. And if you like your displays a little closer to home, there are also displays showing the history of human civilization as well as exciting exhibitions that will make you see the world from a whole new, much smaller perspective.
What to do there: Check out the Egyptian tomb with all the trimmings including a book of the dead, mummies and other artifacts. And make sure that you spend some time in the Underground Adventure exhibition, where youll explore the world from the view point of a creature thats 1/100th of your size. From this perspective, spiders are enormous, and youll get to experience what its like to be hunted by one!
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Navy Pier An Awesome Place To Visit In Chicago For Half A Day
- A city within the city.
- Truly one of Chicagos most iconic spots.
- Theres no end to the activities that you can indulge in here.
Why its so awesome: Navy Pier is one of the most popular spots in the city for tourists and locals alike. It consists of more than 50 acres of lakefront territory and is home to shopping centers, restaurants, gardens and lots of other attractions. This area is like a city within a city, with its own energy and vibe, and you could literally spend days here just seeing what it has to offer.
What to do there: Well, what are you interested in? Some of the most popular options are the river or dinner cruises, where you can take in the city from the water. Theres a 150-foot Ferris wheel that operates year-round as well as fireworks twice a week during the summer. And if you enjoy the theater, then you must go to one of the shows put on at the Chicago Shakespeare theater, which is one of the best in the world and dedicated to groundbreaking productions. And if none of that appeals, you can just wander the area, sightsee and shop!
If you really want to make a statement, you can consider chartering a yacht in Chicago which will take you anywhere you want to go on Lake Michigan and the river for a decent price.
The Shops At North Bridge
Once known as Westfield North Bridge, The Shops at North Bridge is an upscale, urban retail-entertainment district located at 520 N. Michigan Avenue. Sprawling six chic blocks in the heart of the Michigan Avenue district, The Shops at North Bridge is named for its location within the nine-block North Bridge complex and is one of Chicago’s most stylish shopping and dining destinations. The four-level shopping center is anchored by a flagship Nordstrom and boasts than 50 world-class retailers including Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Samsonite, Kiehl’s, Stuart Weitzman, ALEX AND ANI, The Art of Shaving, ELOQUII, White House I Black Market, and Charming Charlie. With 20 sumptuous restaurants conveniently located on the premises, a casual lunch is a perfect break while shopping or an elegant dinner is just a short drive from the city center.
520 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, Phone: 312-327-2300
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Wrigley Stadium A Must Visit Place To Visit In Chicago On The Weekend
- Home to Chicagos iconic sports team, the Cubs!
- If you manage to grab a game, its a great afternoon out with snacks and an exciting vibe!
- You can also visit the souvenir store and take home some Cubs memorabilia!
Why its so awesome: Chicago is a city that loves its sports which, is why going to a game is a must-do while youre in Chicago. Even if you dont like sports, the trashy food, the excitement, and the entertainment that goes on throughout the day make it well worth the trip.
What to do there: If its the right time of year, then you absolutely must go and see a game. Theres something about seeing a sport in real life, with thousands of other fans, that just cant be missed. Games are a big deal in this city, so theres no shortage of food and non-stop entertainment for you to enjoy on game days.
Chicago Neighborhoods For Boutique Shopping
Chicagos eclectic array of neighborhood boutiques are packed with cool finds waiting to be uncovered. You can hunt for vintage treasures, locally made goods, unique finds, and so much more. From chic shops in charming Lincoln Park to funky finds in bohemian Wicker Park and Bucktown, youre sure to find something one-of-a-kind.
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The Art Institute Of Chicago
FeyginFoto
- Voted one of the best art museums in the world by travelers.
- Home to some of the most famous paintings in the world.
- A great place for art lovers.
Why its awesome: Have you ever heard of American Gothic with the farmer and his wife standing with the pitchfork? Or wanted to see a work created by Van Gogh in real life? Well, you can do all of that here. The Chicago art museum is one of the best in the world and now it includes the recently completed Modern Wing, which houses artwork from around the world and from different times in history.
What to do there: Make sure you take a look at the Modern Wing with its artwork from ancient Greece and Rome. Another favorite houses the Thorne Miniature rooms, which have tiny, detailed houses from key times in European and American history. Youll quite literally be able to see how people from other times lived and marvel at the amount of detail in each piece.
Millennium Park One Of The Most Incredible Free Places To Go To In Chicago
- A brand-new attraction thats become one of the citys hotspot.
- Holds hundreds of free concerts and events, so youll definitely get to see something good!
- A lovely natural area where you can escape from the busyness of the city.
Why its so awesome: Chicago is a busy city and sometimes its nice to get away from the streets and the pollution and spend time in a natural area. Millennium Park is the best place in the city to do that. Not only is it a beautiful park, but there are also lots of unique art pieces throughout the area for you to enjoy and sometimes puzzle over.
What to do there: While youre in the Millennium Park, make sure you check out the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, where the city holds free concerts and events throughout the year. Even if you dont catch a concert, the park is a lovely natural area so spending some time wandering around. And if you dont like to walk, you can hire a bike or a Segway and see the park on wheels!
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Best Thrift Stores In Chicago
Whether youre moving to Chicago on a budget, looking for one-of-kind fashion pieces, in the resale game, or just love finding hidden gems Chicago has a multitude of thrift stores perfect for your needs. Here are some of my favorites.
*Remember to check website for current hours. Some businesses have limited hours right now*
The Top Shopping Streets & Neighborhoods In Chicago

The nickname “Magnificent Mile” — hyperbole to some, an understatement to others — refers to the roughly mile-long stretch of North Michigan Avenue between Oak Street and the Chicago River.
In terms of density, the area’s first-rate shopping is, quite simply, unmatched. Even jaded shoppers from other worldly capitals are delighted at the ease and convenience of the stores concentrated here. Taking into account that tony Oak Street is just around the corner, the overall area is a little like New York’s Fifth Avenue and Beverly Hills’s Rodeo Drive rolled into one. Whether your passion is Bulgari jewelry, Prada bags, or Salvatore Ferragamo footwear, you’ll find it on this stretch of concrete. And don’t think you’re seeing everything by walking down the street: Michigan Avenue is home to several indoor, high-rise malls, where plenty more boutiques and restaurants are tucked away. Even if you’re not the shop-till-you-drop type, it’s worth a stroll because this stretch is, in many ways, the heart of the city, a place that bustles with life year-round .
For the ultimate Mag Mile shopping adventure, start at one end of North Michigan Avenue and try to work your way to the other. Below I’ve listed some of the best-known shops on the avenue and nearby side streets.
A North Michigan Avenue Shopper’s Stroll
The Magnificent Malls — Many of the Magnificent Mile’s shops are tucked away inside high-rise malls, most of which take up a whole city block.
Chic Shopping on Nearby Oak Street
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Top 5 Places To Splurge And Indulge In Chicagos Western Suburbs
Written by Top Cash Buyer on July 16, 2021. Posted in Local
Chicagos western suburbs are a popular spot for city residents and tourists to visit. The suburbs feature sprawling residential communities and some of the best attractions and shopping outside of the city. If you live in Chicago, most of the western suburbs are just a short train ride away, and if you head to the Chicago area for a vacation or business trip, the west side is worth checking out. Here are some of the best places to splurge and indulge in Chicagos western suburbs.
Skydeck Chicago One Of The Most Amazing Places In Chicago
- The tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
- Great for photographers and anyone who wants a shot of the iconic skyline of Chicago.
- The best place to take in the whole city.
Why its so awesome: This is the tallest building in the Western hemisphere and that makes it a great spot to get photographs of Chicagos famous skyline. The observation deck is on the 103rd floor and youll be able to see some of Chicagos most famous buildings from this vantage point. This is definitely not a place for people who are scared of heights, but its the best view in the city!
What to do there: If youre really brave, you can step out onto The Ledge, a glass-enclosed balcony where theres nothing between you and the city but air. Make sure you have a strong stomach if you try this because youll have a clear view all the way down. And its a really long way down. Otherwise, just take some great pictures with the skyline in the background and try to pick out some of the buildings youve already seen in your travels around the city!
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