48 hours in Chicago
Day 1:
See the city’s architecture from the Chicago River. Chicago is a city known for architectural achievements, not least the birthplace of the skyscraper. The best vantage point to see it all? From the water. Book a spot on this architecture tour and find yourself in the heart of downtown, making your way along all three branches of the Chicago River as your tour guide tells the story of the city from the ground up. You’ll need a bit more time for the Lake and River Cruise optionas you’ll also go through the Chicago Locks to enter the vast Lake Michigan, but it’s worth it for the best views. In winter, when the water is probably ice, brave the hop-on hop-off tour’s top deck for an up-close look.
Day 2:
Visit the John Hancock Center and take in the morning rush from the observation deck of 360 Chicago. After riding the fastest elevators in North America to the 94th floor, you’ll have panoramic views of the entire city and Lake Michigan. You can skip the ticket line by booking in advance, and if your morning coffee hasn’t done its job yet, give yourself a jolt of adrenaline by upgrading your ticket to the TILT experience. Leaning out over Michigan Avenue from 1,000 feet will surely wake you up, right?
Shop at Magnificent Mile
From the Chicago River to Lake Shore Drive, the Magnificent Mile stretches along Michigan Avenue and is filled with upscale shopping, restaurants, outlet stores, and iconic buildings. See if you can pull yourself away from snapping photos of the historic Water Tower and Tribune Building, home to the city’s favorite newspaper, to head inside the chic department stores, jewelry boutiques, and gift shops. Star Wars and LEGO fans won’t want to miss the life-size model of Darth Vader greeting customers at the Water Tower Place store entrance.
Indulge in a Chicago
Get the best food experience in town.
Places To Stay
The home for unique & authentic travel
