Chicago- My Favs
Chicago- My Favs
Hayley Taggart
Available for hire
I love Chicago! It has the perfect amount of things to do and see
Vibrant cultural communities, a bustling downtown and some of the yummiest food!
Updated ago
2
Share
How to Get Around
Using the L Train
Highly recommend using this to get to Chicago from the airport. It's only $5 and I loved flying past all the cars in traffic.
Using the L is the most reliable within Chicago proper and downtown and is a bit harder to get to the outskirts so make sure to check the train times!
Divvy Bikes
I also used them through the Lyft app to get around downtown!
Iconic Foods
Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago
@hayleytaggart
Try their famous polish sausage, hot dogs, Italian Beef, and chocolate cake shakes!
Add to
Details
Al's #1 Italian Beef
@hayleytaggart
most famous Italian Beef spot in Chicago
I thought it was alright and a little dry in general
Add to
Details
Giordano's
@hayleytaggart
deep dish pizza is not my thing but it's something everyone should try while in Chicago!
Add to
Details
Kasama
@hayleytaggart
Filipino breakfast spot made famous in The Bear
Pro tip- skip the hours in line and put in your pick up order exactly at 9 am when they open. You will still have to wait an hour but you will be at home!
You literally cannot go wrong with anything on the menu!
Add to
Details
Coffee Shops
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago
@hayleytaggart
One of only six cities in the world have one!
It is special in the selection of food and drinks on offer
If the weather is nice make sure to check out the rooftop!
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Fantastic Restaurants
The Chicago Diner, Logan Square
@hayleytaggart
Iconic veggie forward diner
you will not regret their radical rueben or vegan shakes!
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Fry the Coop (Lincoln Park)
@hayleytaggart
several locations!
Get their messy fries for a whole meal only $8.99 !!
Add to
Details
Margie's Candies
@hayleytaggart
Add to
Details
Great Outdoor Walking
Riverwalk
@hayleytaggart
A perfect walking path in the middle of downtown. There is a great selection of places to eat and it is usually cooler right by the water!
Add to
Details
Lakefront Trail
@hayleytaggart
You can walk or ride your bike with spectacular views of the lake and city skyline!
Add to
Details
The 606
@hayleytaggart
What a fantastic elevated walking space! If you have time to stop along the way make sure to check out coffee at DayGlow and the Logan Square neighborhood!
Add to
Details
Magnificent Mile
@hayleytaggart
destination for shopping and other commercial things!
very pretty buildings as well
Add to
Details
Can't Miss Activities
Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours
@hayleytaggart
I used Chicago's First Lady to book tickets and was impressed!
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Local Book Stores
Add to
Details
Open Books Pilsen
@hayleytaggart
with several locations (this is their largest)
just a huge warehouse of like new and sed books
pay what you wish!
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Some Shopping
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
* * *
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hayley Taggart
Available for hire
Hey it's Hayley !!
Latte enthusiast, used bookstore connoisseur and huge fan of walkable neighborhoods
Having spent at least one day and night in 42 states and counting my specialty is traveling within the USA. I grew up in Southern California, lived for six years in Utah, had a brief stint in Orlando and now on year 2 in New York City.
Want to know the cheapest times and places to fly? My day job is a flight attendant based in NYC!
Trains more your speed? I once spent a month backpacking from Utah to Boston using Amtrak!
Love a long road trip? I have driven across the country three times!
After years of travel planning for my friends and family I thought I would share my resources with the world wide web :) I enjoy planning the trips more then actually leaving for the trips so this is the perfect place for me.
Send A Tip
Support Hayley Taggart’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount
Explore related destinations
Read more about places in this guide
Powered by Thatch
The home for unique & authentic travel
The home for unique & authentic travel
Powered by Thatch: Where great trips are made.
© Hayley Taggart 2025 • Help • Privacy • Terms • Copyright • Become a Seller • Seller Academy • About • Careers • Blog • Explore Places
Ask ThatchGPT
Ask ThatchGPT
Suggest a local expert to plan my trip
Suggest an unique itinerary for my Chicago, IL, USA trip
What foods do Chicago, IL, USA locals eat
What are some true hidden gems in Chicago, IL, USA
Help me brainstorm trip ideas for Chicago, IL, USA
Help me plan a family-friendly trip to Chicago, IL, USA