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How to spend your first day ever at Chicago
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Ananth Mohan profile picture
Ananth Mohan
In case you are planning your first visit to Chicago and is overwhelmed with the plethora of things to do in the city - here's a starter list
Map
Sections
5
 
Iconic Places
 
Eat
 
Other places worth going
 
Best place for the views
 
Parking

Iconic Places

Must visit places in Chicago if it's your first time

 
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Right across downtown. While some sections are not free, there are some free areas too
The Art Institute of Chicago
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I really don't know why it's a big deal, but that's a must go place because it's known, and the park around it is nice to walk
The Bean (Cloud Gate)
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Must go if your first trip is your last trip. This is like the empires state building. You can absorb in all of Chicago from this one place
Skydeck Chicago
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Great for walk during spring or fall. The architecture tours here are good to learn a tad bit about Chicago history
Chicago Riverwalk
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Eat

Some selected places near downtown which are accessible and iconic

 
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Iconic place for brunch and right across millenium park
Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe
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Well, Chicago is known for this it's Deep Dish Pizza. This won't disappoint you, but can get crowded during peak hours
Giordano's
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The crepes and hot chocolate here is worth going and the location is ideal too
Nutella Cafe Chicago
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Get some warming ramen here
Kyuramen x TBaar - Downtown Chicago
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Other places worth going

If you want to have some unique and modern experiences in Chicago

 
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This place is new but the collection and scale of items is mindblowing even for non-HP fans
Harry Potter Shop Chicago
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It's crowded but their cocktail collection is quite an experience. You mostly would have to wait to get a place
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
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The Tilt here is quite an experience
360 CHICAGO
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Best place for the views

You can't go back without absorbing and enjoying the full skyline of Chicago

 
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Worth going for the full experience - children's museum, the deck for fireworks, and just the skyline views from there
Navy Pier
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Best place for the skyline views. There's nothing between you and the skyline
Adler Planetarium
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Parking

Parking is expensive and often times a pain in Chicago

 
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This place is cheap for all day parking, you get it around $20 per day!
Millennium Park Garage
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