Is Chicago Safe For Solo Female Travellers
Just as Chicago is a cool, interesting, never boring, and fun city to explore for males travelling alone, the same goes for solo female travellers. If you are all about music venues, if you love art, or if you love exploring a citys food scene its all here for you.
Cities are cities though, and like many of them all around the world, spending time in Chicago can pose more of a risk to women by themselves than to men.
Thats not to say that Chicago is not safe for solo female travellers, however it just pays to know a little bit more about the destination, so to start with here are our curated tips for lone women in the Windy City.
As a solo female traveller in Chicago, its good to exercise some street smarts. The city is safe to visit, as the many millions of visitors who have trouble-free time here will attest to, but you should still be paying attention to your surroundings and making good judgement calls.
What Is There To Do In Chicago In Covid In The Winter
Things to do outdoors in the winter
- Skate the ice ribbon in Maggie Daley Park.
- Skip town for a ski trip.
- Take a chilly zipline ride at The Forge.
- Head for the hills and go sledding.
- Bundle up for a trek on the Lakefront Trail.
- Explore the Chicago Botanic Garden.
- Embrace the spirit of the season in Millennium Park.
Gorge On Art At The Art Institute Of Chicago
Nestled in Grant Park, is the gorgeous Art Institute of Chicago. Founded in 1879, this magnificent institution is one of the oldest art museums in the whole of the US!
Theyre over 300,000 different artefacts to see, so make sure you set aside a few hours to see it all. It really is one of the best things to do in Chicago if youre an art fiend. That being said, you might wanna give this spot a miss if youre not interested in art.
For a great breakfast spot in Chicago, head over to Lou Mitchells . Its so yummy and will totally set you right for a day of exploring.
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Devour A Delicious Brunch On The Chicago Odyssey Cruise
Captivating views of the Chicago skyscrapers are aplenty on board the luxurious Chicago Odyssey.
On a typical 2-hour cruise, guests have access to a fresh brunch buffet, offering the best of the breakfast and the lunch menu, and complemented by a gourmet coffee bar.
Cap off the journey with a mouth-watering mimosa before disembarking at the 3,300-foot-long Navy Pier.
Have A Romantic Dinner With Your Sweetheart
If you are celebrating Valentines Day in Chicago, then many restaurants have a fixed four-course meal to enjoy the day with your sweetheart. Or you can attend a romantic dinner cruise on Lake Michigan followed by music and lots of quality time. Or you can enjoy the views from the Signature Lounge in the John Hancock tower. Chicago has quite a few romantic things going on for Valentines Day.
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Hold Your Event At Navy Pier
Planning a special event in Chicago? Wow your guests with a private event venue unlike any other in the city: Navy Pier.
From weddings to corporate retreats to festivals to trade shows, Navy Piers breathtaking venues and unmatched service provide an unparalleled private event experience, ensuring that no detail goes unnoticed.
Tilt Over The Side Of A Skyscraper
Skydeck is the observatory located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower. Many come for their chance to step out on the ledge. extending 4 ft. out the side is a glass balcony. Visitors can step out and stare 1300 feet straight down, or if youre like me, crawl out and take a lil nappy poo. It also happens to be one of the most incredible spots to watch the sunset over the city.
360 Chicago takes the thrill to a whole other level. Located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock tower 360 Chicago offers so much room for activities including the insane Tilt a ride that tilts your ENTIRE body 45 degrees over the ledge of a skyscraper. 1,000 feet up to be exact.
They also host tons of activities including the Thursday night Hoppy Hour from 6-9 pm. Visitors can sample crafts from local Revolution Brewing, entertain with bar games, and enjoy epic views.
REMEMBER: Both of these attractions are included with a CityPASS purchase.
Take 10 steps away from the crowd and you get this. Can we stop and appreciate the framing of the leaves.
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See The Museum Of Science And Industry
TripSavvy / Cory Giguere
The Museum of Science and Industry is in Hyde Park and is worth seeing it’s not only a part of Chicago history, but its collections are also fascinating. The museum was initially part of the Columbian Exposition of 1893.
As you visit the museum, you’ll encounter Colleen Moores Fairy Tale dollhouse made out of gems, tour a real German submarine highlighting WWII history, and learn about flight while riding in aircraft simulators.
Royal Oak Farm Orchard
Kids of all ages can have a great time at this Christian farm, where apple and pumpkin picking are the main attractions, but the free entertainment area comes in a close second. They close for a few months every year, but in summer and fall, this place is packed. The onsite restaurant serves delicious, fresh-from-the-farm food, and the farmers markets almost always offer delicious fare to take home.
Price: Free-$$
Face masks and social distancing are likely to be required again for the 2021 season.
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Attend The Chicago Jazz Festival
Taking place annually over Labor Day Weekend in Millennium Park, Chicagos Jazz Festival is a four-day, toe-tappin extravaganza.
Musicians venture from near and far to perform, free of charge, across multiple pavilions, for the thousands of visitors who regularly turn up.
Its a scintillating atmosphere and an unmissable event, providing the dates coincide with your visit.
Slather Yourself In Chicagos Bbq Scene
It aint quite KC or Memphis, but Chicagos barbecue landscape has certainly come a long way, baby. From iconic haunts like Lems and Earls to more modern outposts like Lillies Q and Smoque, BBQ is enjoying something of a Renaissance as newer spots like Babygold continue to push the envelope.
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Get A Birds Eye View On A Helicopter Tour
Take to the skies for an unrivaled perspective of the Windy City. By day, passengers can see the picturesque city in full force by night, the skyline illuminates for a completely different view.
The pilot will point out all of the citys icons as they come into view, while also providing fascinating insights into the history and culture of the city.
Theme Parks And Outdoor Adventure Spots In The Windy City
Looking for something a little more active than your average park or nature center? This section has a host of theme parks and outdoor adventures that will tucker out the tiniest members of your family and offer lots of laughs and fun in the process. Chicago architecture center is one of the most out-of-the-world attractions that can bring together people from all apart.
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Smoke Some Of Illinois Most Essential Legal Green
Who knew that just a few months after Illinois became the 11th state to legalize recreational marijuana, a full-blown public health emergency would bring our society to its knees? And, furthermore, can you imagine dealing with the past year-and-a-half without a little green? We dont even want to think about it, and you dont have to either. Deemed “essential” businesses with more than $1 billion in sales in 2020, legal weed is clearly here to stay in Illinois. Check out our full dispensary guide for all the hairy details.
Enjoy The Black Friday Shopping
Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora is a great place to line up at midnight and enjoy shopping for Black Friday holiday deals and discounts. Other favorite outlet shopping places are Gurnee Mills Outlet Mall they even have a Rainforest Cafe, Fashion Outlets of Chicago, etc.
If you dont want to leave the city, but still get shopping done then try the Maxwell in South Loop. For best window shopping opportunities, try Magnificent Mile and Water Tower Place. We love visiting the Water Tower Place with our kids as it has the American Girl store as well as the Lego store.
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Is The Food In Chicago Safe
Not only is the food in Chicago safe, but it is also diverse and delicious! You may be thinking that it is all just Chicago style deep dish pizza, which you can obviously find here, but in fact, there is so much more to Chicagos food scene than mere pizza.
Here are some pointers on how to eat your way around the city like a pro and without upsetting your stomach in the process.
In terms of food hygiene, its safe to eat the food in Chicago. Read reviews, as you should anyway, and if a restaurant is getting consistently bad reviews then it is best avoided otherwise, theres nothing to worry about.
Feed A Giraffe At Brookfield Zoo
Catch the kangaroos at Australia House, feed the giraffes at Habitat Africa, admire the alligators at The Swamp, and wander through plenty more exhibits at the renowned Brookfield Zoo.
With so many cute animal ambassadors ready for a meet-and-greet, Brookfield Zoo promises to be a great day out for the whole family.
Take the experience to the next level by competing in a zoo-wide scavenger hunt!
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Check Out Trippy Paintings Come To Life At Immersive Van Gogh
The stateside premier of this international project continues to wow crowds at Chicagos Germania Club Building for an immersive experience featuring moving images illustrating the works of Vincent Van Gogh. The 600,000-cubic-foot experience includes bright flashing lights set to soundtracks in a historic Gold Coast building. For dessert, peep the Art of Banksy, the worlds largest traveling exhibit devoted to the legendary street artist, open now through Halloween.
Barrack For The Bears At A Soldier Field Nfl Game
If hockey, basketball, baseball, or soccer dont spark much of an interest, theres one more sport on offer which the locals take religiously: football.
The Chicago Bears, who line up at Soldier Field during the season , foster a wild atmosphere and the only way to really experience it is to join in on the action!
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Enjoy The Views At The John Hancock Center
The John Hancock Center is a massive skyscraper located on North Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago. For me, the 100-story tall building, which stands at 1,127 feet tall, is one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the city.
Oh, and dont forget, you can head to 360 CHICAGO, an incredible observation deck on the 94th floor of the building, for breathtaking views of the city, Lake Michigan, and the Magnificent Mile.
Its really great at sunset or if theres really low fog. Sometimes, the viewing deck will actually be above the clouds. Its magical.
Unleash The Youngsters At Pirates Cove Childrens Theme Park
Specifically designed for kids aged two to nine, the Pirates Cove Childrens Theme Park is a formidable way for the youngsters to burn off some energy while imaginatively exploring the parks attractions.
They can climb aboard Petes 18-century Pirate Ship, go round and round on the Captains Carousel, watch an interactive show at the Swashbuckler Wharf Fun Stage, and plenty more.
Pirates Cove is only open in the warmer months of June through August.
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Hidden Oaks Nature Center
From archeology to geothermal heating to natural habitats, Hidden Oaks Nature Center offers children of all ages the chance to explore the natural world around them. Inside, the exhibits offer a look at some of the areas birds and animals. The center also places a focus on restoring the local ecology.
Price: Free
The nature center is closed until further notice. However, the trails and other outdoor spaces are open to the public. Visitors are expected to wear face coverings and practice social distancing.
Best Things To Do In Chicago In The Winter By A Local
Posted on Last updated:
By: Author Ketki R S
Planning to visit Chicago in the winter? Here is a guide to great winter activities and holiday-themed events in Chicago along with where to stay and what to eat. For more indoor things to do in Chicago, check out our post on 39 Best Things to do in Chicago.
The first time I stepped foot in Chicago? On Christmas Day more than a decade ago! The city looked gorgeous. The holiday lights sparkled brilliantly everywhere and downtown was a dream draped in twinkling lights and ribbons. So festive. Chicago in winter looks almost ethereal.
The city also packs a punch of holiday-themed activities plus has many indoor attractions. Also, flights to Chicago are often cheap in the winter making Chicago a great winter holiday destination or even better, the perfect place to head to if you want a White Christmas.
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Catch A Performance Of The Chicago Symphony Orchestra
As the Chicago Symphony Orchestra edges its way toward 13 decades of captivating performances, it solidifies its reputation as one of the worlds best.
With brass, percussion, string, and woodwind instruments, coordinated by renowned Italian conductor, Riccardo Muti, its quite literally music to our ears.
Performances regularly take place at the Symphony Center in the Loop area.
Pizza Popcorn & Pumpkin Pie
There are three things you just have to try when youre in Downtown Chicago. Theyre all iconic foodstuffs which the city claims to have created or has adopted as its own.
Chicago-style pizza is double deep-dish high and when its cut, as thick as a slice of cake. Oozing with chunky tomato sauce, melted cheese and layer upon layer of whatever other ingredient takes your fancy, its been a staple comfort food of the city for over seventy years. Sink your teeth into a slice at Pizanos on Madison Street or Giordanos on Randolph Street.
Chicago-style popcorn is an unusual, but tasty combination of two different flavors of popcorn. Cheesy kernels are mixed with others which have been coated with caramel for a unique taste sensation which has not just Chicago, but the whole state of Illinois, addicted. No one knows for sure how it came about and no ones too worried so long as they keep making it. You can get yourself a bucketful at Garretts on E Madison Street.
The official pie of the state of Illinois is pumpkin pie. Spiced with cinnamon and with a pastry crust base to keep all that pumpkin custard under control, its a filling sweet treat. Dont miss out on grabbing a slice or two while youre in the Loop.
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