Are you looking for some fun things to do when you only have 24 hours in Chicago? We’ve got you covered!
We loved our visit to Chicago! And even though we only had about 24 hours to explore the city, we could see a lot in one day.
Chicago has so many amazing things to do. It’s known for its world-class museums, fantastic architecture, and food! And you can enjoy a taste of everything during your short visit.
An architectural boat tour is one of the best ways to see Chicago in one day. You’ll learn much of the city’s history while seeing many of the famous buildings during a quick trip down the Chicago River.
The guide below contains even more fun ways to spend your 24 hours in Chicago, including extra options you can tailor to your taste. So, let’s dive in and start planning your day in the Windy City!
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Exploring Chicago in One Day: The Best Way to Spend 24 Hours
Chicago is such a big city! And there are so many fun things to do that you won’t even be able to see a fraction of them if you only have 24 hours in Chicago. We spent a whirlwind 24 hours in Chicago, and these are the attractions and places we squeezed in.
There is a lot of walking involved, but you can also take the CTA or ride shares around the city. If you purchase a Go City Chicago Explorer Pass, you can add the Hop On/Hop Off bus tour to help you get around town.
If you didn’t already know, Chicago is home to the first Ferris Wheel! It was created by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. for the World’s Fair in 1893. Although the original wheel no longer stands, you can still ride a Ferris Wheel in Chicago!
The Navy Pier sticks out over Lake Michigan and offers beautiful views of both the lake and the city. The Navy Pier is home to several shops and restaurants, as well as attractions like the Chicago Children’s Museum, Chicago’s Shakespeare Theater, and Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse Maze.
However, you can’t visit the Navy Pier without riding the Centennial Wheel. The views from the 200-foot-tall wheel are unmatched. It’s incredible to look out over Lake Michigan and see the city from up high. The cars are climate-controlled, making it ideal to ride any time of year.
Architectural Boat Tour
A great way to see a lot of Chicago in a short period of time is by taking an architectural boat tour. The tours allow you to sit down and learn about Chicago’s rich history and stunning skyline.
You’ll see notable landmarks like the Wrigley Building, Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower), Tribune Tower, as well as other beautiful and interesting buildings.
You have the option of a 45-minute or 90-minute boat ride from several tour companies. We enjoyed our 45-minute tour with Wendella. This is perfect for families with young children or if you are short on time. And, if you only have a day in Chicago, you might be!
🚢This Boat Tour is Run By the Chicago Architecture Center
Giordano’s Deep-Dish Pizza
After your boat tour, head over to Giordano’s for the famous Chicago deep-dish pizza. We visited the one on Randolph Street, which is a short walk from the river.
The pizza is delicious, but it can take up to an hour for it to bake. If you want to spend less time in the restaurant and more time exploring Chicago, you can order your pizza ahead of time.
Visitor’s Tip: The small deep dish pizza is enough to feed 2-3 adults.
Millennium Park
When you see photos of Chicago, most likely, one of them will feature “The Bean.” Cloud Gate is the official name of the reflective, kidney bean-shaped sculpture in Millennium Park. It’s one of the most popular spots for visitors to take photos of themselves and the reflection of the city.
If you’re visiting Chicago in the winter, ice skating is available at Millennium Park. They also host concerts during the warmer months.
Maggie Daley Park
Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park are connected by a gorgeous pedestrian bridge that crosses Columbus Drive. It’s another fantastic photo op spot in Chicago.
If you’re visiting Chicago with kids, you’ll want to head right over to the Play Garden. There, you’ll find several climbing structures and slides, as well as other unique ways for kids to enjoy themselves. We loved the bridge play area and the mirr
Visitor’s Tip: The area contains several small play areas that connect. Kids can easily slip away to the next area without parents realizing.
There are several other fun things to do in Maggie Daley Park. In addition to the Play Garden, there is a climbing wall, mini golf, ice skating in the winter, and rollerblading in the summer.
Ride an Elevated Train
Your legs might get tired after you’re done at Maggie Daley Park. This is the perfect time to enjoy a ride on Chicago’s rail lines to get to Willis Tower. Of course, you can always ride share, but where’s the fun in that?
If you want to experience an elevated train, walk over to the Washington/Wabash station on Wabash Avenue between Washington and Madison Streets from Maggie Daley Park. Once there, take either the Pink or Purple line to Quincy Station. Willis Tower is a very short walk from the station.
Skydeck at Willis Tower
If you are a fan of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, you might remember when Ferris, Cameron, and Sloane visited the Sears Tower to look over Chicago. Well, you can do the same thing!
The Skydeck is on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower). From the observation deck, you can get views in all directions of Chicago, Lake Michigan, and more! And if you’re feeling brave, you can step out onto “The Ledge,” a glass enclosure that sticks out over the streets below.
Before you take the elevator to the 103rd floor, there are several exhibits and photo opportunities along the way. You’ll learn about the history of Chicago’s architecture and some of its notable citizens.
Visiting the Skydeck and The Ledge will take up a large chunk of your day in Chicago. Plan to spend about two hours enjoying the exhibits and the view.
Other Ways to Spend One Day in Chicago
Museums
Chicago is home to several world-class museums, a great option to fill your day in Chicago. Many museums are in Downtown Chicago and easy walking distance from Millennium Park like the Art Institute of Chicago.
You can also head to the southernmost portion of Grant Park, where you’ll find the Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium.
🏛 This pass offers admission to both Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the country’s oldest and most cherished zoological parks. Situated in Lincoln Park along Lake Michigan, this FREE zoo is home to almost 200 species and more than 850 plant species.
The zoo is about a 10-15-minute drive north of Downtown Chicago. There is even more to do in and near Lincoln Park, like the Lincoln Park Conservatory, the Chicago History Museum, and North Avenue Beach along the lake.
360 Chicago
Although it’s not as high up as the Skydeck, 360 Chicago, situated atop the iconic John Hancock Building, still offers visitors a breathtaking view of the city skyline and Lake Michigan.
For those who aren’t afraid of heights, you’ll want to try TILT. It leans visitors outward from the building’s 94th floor, providing a scary but cool view of the streets below.
Frank Lloyd Wright
If you want to focus more on architecture during your 24 hours in Chicago, you’ll want to visit some of Frank Lloyd Wright’s creations. His groundbreaking designs, such as the Robie House and Unity Temple, showcase his organic architectural style, which left a mark on the city’s landscape.
In Downtown Chicago, you can tour the Rookery, a multi-story office building built in the late 19th century. If you really want to see more of his designs, take the Green Line to Oak Park. His home and studio are a short walk from Harlem Station.
Take a Self-Guided Mural/Street Art Tour
Chicago, like many other major cities, has beautiful murals, street art, and graffiti around town. It’s fun to walk around, enjoy the art, and even strike a pose!
You can always take a professional tour if you want more information about the artists and have a better idea of where to go.
Best Time of Year to Visit Chicago
The best time to visit Chicago, especially for an architectural boat tour, is during the late spring to early fall months, typically from May to September.
The weather is ideal for exploring its architectural wonders along the Chicago River, and the weather tends to be milder, allowing visitors to enjoy the city’s beauty comfortably.
Additionally, the longer daylight hours will give you more time to enjoy the breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and iconic buildings.
Where to Stay in Chicago
If you’re only in Chicago for one night, you’ll want to stay close to all of the attractions on this list. These hotels are some good options:
- Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk sits on the Chicago River and is a short walk to the Navy Pier and Millennium Park.
- Embassy Suites Downtown Magnificent Mile offers large suites, a made-to-order breakfast and indoor pool and is in walking distance to the Navy Pier and Millennium Park
- Sable at Navy Pier offers rooms with amazing views of Lake Michigan on the Navy Pier.
🏩 Find the right hotel for you in Chicago here
Getting Around Chicago
For your one day in Chicago, most of the attractions listed above are within walking distance of each other. Walking is easy in Chicago with the wide sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly crosswalks.
Riding the loop is a fun way to explore Downtown Chicago. It is very easy to navigate and only costs $2.50 per trip. You also can get a 1-Day pass for $5.
Another option to get around Chicago is by ride share. Ubers are plentiful in the Windy City.
🚌 Get around Chicago using the Hop On/Hop Off bus on this pass!
Places to Eat in Chicago
As noted above, one of the best places to eat during your visit to Chicago is Giordano’s for their deep-dish pizza. They have locations scattered all over the city, but we recommend eating at their Prudential Plaza/Millennium Park location.
Another excellent restaurant near Navy Pier and the Chicago River is D4 Irish Pub & Café. Their corned beef sandwich and D4 burger are delicious and perfect for lunch or dinner. And if you’re visiting Chicago with kids, they have a great children’s menu.
FAQs About Visiting Chicago For One Day
Is One Day Enough For Chicago?
Even with only one day in Chicago, you can do a lot of the big touristy stuff. You just have to plan in advance and try to see many things that are close together.
What Is Chicago Known For?
Chicago is known for its architecture! Which is why we recommend taking an architecture boat tour during your 24 hours in Chicago.
🚢 This boat tour is a great way to see Chicago’s architecture
Wrapping Up 24 Hours in Chicago
Chicago is a HUGE city with so many things to do. You won’t be able to see everything in one day, but you can get a taste of what Chicago offers. We can’t recommend an architectural boat tour enough. It’s really the best way to see a lot of Chicago in a small amount of time.
No matter how you choose to spend your day in Chicago, remember to plan to see things closer together so you can maximize your time. And have fun! Chicago is a fantastic town.
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