Chicago on a Budget: A Day of Adventure

Discover the Windy City without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

Visiting Chicago on a limited budget is still possible with some careful planning. Opt for budget-friendly accommodation options such as hostels or Airbnbs in less touristy neighborhoods. Take advantage of public transportation and free activities such as visiting Millennium Park, the Lincoln Park Zoo, and exploring the city's diverse neighborhoods for a fun and affordable trip to Chicago.

Day trip plan

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Day

Windy City Wanderlust

  • Start the day at Millennium Park, take selfies with the famous "Bean" sculpture and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the park.
  • Head to the Art Institute of Chicago and appreciate the works of the masters like Van Gogh, Picasso, and Monet. Students get a discount!
  • Lunchtime at Portillo's Hot Dogs, try the classic Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches or a chocolate cake shake for an affordable price.
  • Continue to the Navy Pier and ride the Ferris wheel for a panoramic view of the city. Don't forget to grab some Garrett Popcorn on the pier.
  • End the day watching sunset at the lakefront, sitting on the grass or the beach, and soak up the city's beauty before heading back to your lodging.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Chicago by plane is to fly into O'Hare International Airport or Midway International Airport, both of which are served by major airlines from most major cities in the world. You can check prices and schedules on websites like Expedia or Kayak.

Car

The best way to get to Chicago by car is to take one of the major highways, such as I-90 or I-94, which both run through the city. However, be aware of traffic congestion during peak travel times.

Train

The best way to get to Chicago by train is to take an Amtrak train, which connects the city to other major cities in the United States, such as New York, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles. The main train station in Chicago is Union Station.

Boat

The best way to get to Chicago by boat is to take a ferry from Navy Pier to locations such as Michigan City or St. Joseph. However, this mode of transportation is not as common as the others and may have limited availability depending on the season.

Bus

The best way to get to Chicago by bus is to take a Greyhound bus, which connects the city to most major cities in the United States. The main bus station in Chicago is the Greyhound Station.

More travel plans

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Exploring Chicago on a limited budget is possible with the city's many free attractions including Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Budget-friendly accommodations can be found in the city's hostels and Airbnb's located in the trendy neighborhoods of Wicker Park and Logan Square. Delicious local cuisine at affordable prices can also be found in the city's diverse dining scene ranging from deep-dish pizza to ethnic street food.

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