Grand Tour of Chicago

Get inspired by this suggested itinerary if you have only one day in Chicago.

If you want to see the imposing Chicago skyline, 360 Chicago is the best place to go. Situated more than 300 meters above the ground, the 94th floor of John Hancock Centre features a huge 360° observation deck from which you can admire the whole city at your feet. Next stop is Magnificent Mile, Chicago's most popular shopping street, but also pretty expensive one. Then, head to the second oldest water pump in the United States - the Water Tower. Currently, it houses the City Gallery where you can see works of local artists and photographers.

Stroll down State Street and see the Lake Point Tower - although not publicly accessible, the building's unique shape and look is surely a sight to behold for architecture lovers. After that, enjoy yourself in the Navy Pier - a cultural venue and an amusement park.

Continue to the Wrigley Building - you simply cannot miss this building thanks to its unique architecture and bright white color. Cloud Gate is another icon of Chicago - sometimes nicknamed "The Bean" for its shape, it was designed by the British artist Anish Kapoor and now it is a popular tourist attraction.

Finish your stay by relaxing in Chicago's most popular parks - visit the Millennium Park and the Grant Park. The Millennium Park is also called "the largest rooftop garden in the world" because it was constructed above a giant parking garage. The Grant Park is one of the oldest public parks in Chicago and it serves as a place of relaxation for both tourists and locals.

Day 1: Grand Tour of Chicago

360 Chicago

If you want to see the imposing skyline of Chicago, this is the best place to go.

Magnificent Mile

Magnificent Mile is Chicago's most popular shopping street and the eighth most expensive shopping street in the U.S.

Water Tower @ Sygic Traveler

Chicago Water Tower

This water tower, built in 1869, was meant to pump out clean water from Lake Michigan, and regulate the pressure of it.

State Street

What used to be a pedestrian mall with only bus traffic allowed has turned into a shopping district with options for everyone.

Lake Point Tower

Although not publicly accessible, this residential skyscraper is one of the most iconic sights of Chicago.

Navy Pier

This hundred-year-old pier was turned into a popular public meeting place with millions of visitors each year.

Wrigley Building

Strolling through the streets of Chicago, you cannot miss this building thanks to its unique architecture and bright white colour.

Cloud Gate @ Sygic Traveler

Cloud Gate (The Bean)

The iconic Chicago public art sculpture is sometimes nicknamed "The Bean" for its shape (much to the resentment of the author).

Millennium Park

One of the most popular places to visit when in Chicago. The Millennium Park offers entertainment for both the young and the older.

Grant Park

Also called Chicago's front yard by the locals, this park is one of the oldest public parks in the city, and also the largest one, spanning…

Agora

Agora is an installation of 106 headless and armless iron sculptures at the south end of Grant Park in Chicago.

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