Discover the city in another way, away from the crowds
All tourist guides lead to the same places. Visiting a city like Chicago in high season can be hell with crowds, selfie sticks and camera flashes. However, it is also one of those cities that It offers you alternative plans almost identical to the original ones, but cheaper and in which you enjoy more.
Let's live it like a real local
WILLIS TOWER VS JOHN HANCOCK TOWER
The Willis Tower skyscraper is one of the most popular stops in the Windy City. Going up to the tallest building in Chicago has a price of 20 dollars (about 19 euros), with a long wait included.
John Hancock Tower is the ideal alternative. This is a more modern building and no queues. Save admission to the Willis Tower and use them to **have a cocktail in The Signature Room** (prices range from $11 to $15 - €10 to €15). The views are just as spectacular from the 96th floor of the Hancock Tower, and there's nothing like having a drink on top of a skyscraper. You also have the option to make a reservation at your restaurant , overlooking Lake Michigan.
ARCHITECTURE TOUR BY BOAT
Another of the most frequent activities in the city is to take a boat tour on the Chicago River. A plan with which you will know part of the history of the city , including the famous Great Fire of the 19th century , and you will make a pleasant tour among its spectacular skyscrapers . There are dozens of tours available every day.
We recommend booking Wednesday or Saturday night for the last tour at 9:00 p.m. This circuit is priced at 35 dollars (33 euros) and lasts two hours, a little longer than the rest of the options. Its final part takes place in Lake Michigan and as a climax, a fireworks show in the middle of the night, with the skyscrapers behind us.
The city from another perspective
BROOKFIELD ZOO VS LINCOLN PARK ZOO
If you're planning to spend a day at the zoo, cancel your plans to go to Brookfield Zoo: **Lincoln Park Zoo offers an entire wildlife show completely free** and open to the public.
Inside you will find elephants, orangutans, tigers and even a botanical garden. Before you know it, you will have spent a whole day walking through this immense park. On Sunday mornings it is a good option to visit it quietly. If you need a break, there are a couple of restaurants at the entrance of the park where you can eat lightly, at a good price and with good views.
A day among animals at the zoo
POOL VS BEACH
One of the peculiarities of Chicago is its 'beaches'. In the city you will find dozens of hotels with swimming pools on their rooftops, but the best alternative is to grab your towels and head to one of Lake Michigan's beaches. A lake that is lost on the horizon as it is one of the largest in the United States. The one who warns is not a traitor: it is a good plan, but the water is cold.
This lake has beaches. And what beaches!
NAVY PIER VS LAKEFRONT
Navy Pier is a typical place that is quickly visited. It is full of tourists and gives us the option to take a couple of photos with the river and the skyscrapers. However, if our time is limited, the best option is rent a bike and ride around Lakefront . It is a path that extends through more than 40km in the city , but the activity is extremely easy to do, since Chicago has bicycle rental stations in every corner.
Rent a bike and start seeing the city
CHICAGO FAST VS TRADITIONAL FOOD RESTAURANTS
We do not forget the lovers of gastronomy. Many tourists fall for the routine, popularity, ease and affordability of fast food, but there is nothing like trying the local cuisine.
Chicago's most famous dish is its particular pizza, whose thickness reminds us more of a lasagna. Several places in the city offer this delicacy packed with cheese and tomato sauce. But don't eat only pizza. There are other alternatives like an elegant dinner at STK with a modern atmosphere or, if you miss the gastronomy of tapas, dare with a combination of Latin and Spanish flavors at Café Ibérico.
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A combination of Latin and Spanish flavors