Chicago

Exploring The Windy City

Written and Photographed by Alyse Messmer

Travel has not been the same since the COVID-19 pandemic began, but more cities are starting to open up and welcome visitors. Larger cities such as Chicago, New York and Seattle have been reopening their restaurants, attractions, businesses and more to welcome in tourists and allow them to experience the city.

When looking for a new travel spot, The Windy City is one of the most popular U.S. cities to visit. Known for the Chicago River, The Cloud Gate sculpture, museums, The John Hancock Building and Observation Deck, Chicago Deep Dish Pizza, Wrigley Field, great restaurants and much more, Chicago holds many amazing spots for visitors.

The Chicago River

The Chicago River runs through downtown Chicago, offering visitors beautiful views from its many bridges, or a great tourist opportunity on a water taxi or boat tour. Water taxis offer tourists and Chicago natives alike an alternate way of transportation around the city, offering greater views than your typical yellow cab. Boat tours along the Chicago River also take guests around the great city to explore the architecture, history and even some nighttime fireworks. In March, the Chicago River is dyed emerald green, drawing thousands of visitors for St. Patrick’s Day weekend.

The Chicago River is colored bright green to honor St. Patrick’s Day.

The Cloud Gate

The Cloud Gate sculpture, or “The Bean” as many know it as, was created by Indian-born British artist Sir Anish Kapoor in 2004-2006. This mirror-like sculpture is one of Chicago’s most popular tourist photo spots, warping a person’s appearance as they walk around and under its curving shape and sides. Millennium Park is also home to rotated art exhibitions, concerts and film showings at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink, Lurie Garden, and the Maggie Daley Park full of suspension bridges, tube slides, 40-foot climbing wall and 18-hole mini golf course with Chicago-themed obstacles.

Union Station

Chicago’s Union Station is known for its beautiful architecture. As many visitors come for the photo ops and beautiful space, this train station is a stop for trains from as far as the West Coast. The station is also a stop for Chicago Metra trains. Inside the station there is also a Dunkin’, Starbucks, and a Gold Coast Dogs for a Chicago hotdog fix.

Goddess & The Baker

Goddess and the Baker is local cafe, with three locations in downtown Chicago.This cafe is perfect for breakfast, lunch, a quick bite or just a cup of coffee. Whether a black almond honey matcha latte, glitter gold lattes, nitro cold brew on tap or a house made drink from the juice bar,Goddess and the Baker has a perfect drink for every visitor that can’t be found on a menu like Starbucks. For breakfast, their homemade granola, avocado toast, pastries and huevos rancheros tostadas cause their morning rush to be quite busy. Their menu also includes salads, sandwiches, mac &cheese and acai bowls.

The Chicago Board of Trade stands beside buildings with scenic architecture.

LondonHouse Rooftop

On top of one of the most famousChicago hotels holds the perfect spot for drinks or a meal, while also offering beautiful scenic views of the Chicago River and architecture. The LondonHouse Hotel in downtown Chicago, right off of theChicago River, offers luxury hotel rooms for visitors and tourists in the center of the most visited spots of Chicago. But for those only visiting for a day, their rooftop bar isa hidden gem for visitors. With offerings like parmesan truffle fries, a prime NY strip steak, lobster mac & cheese and snickerdoodle creme brulee, the LondonHouseRooftop bar is a great spot for visitors of any age. The views of the city, Chicago River and horizon offer visitors one of the best spots to truly see Chicago. ➤

Big Star

Big Star can be found directly across the street from the famous Wrigley Field in Wrigleyville, Chicago and is home to authentic Mexican street food. This two-story location is open for lunch and dinner and brunch on weekends. From their famous Big Star Nachos, ensalada and churro pop ice cream, Big Star is know for their family-style served tacos. With six different kinds of tacos, they have something for every tourist. They offer al pastor (pork), papas con rajas (potatoes), panza (pork belly), pescado (fish), pollo (chicken) and “Walking Tacos” that are served in a Fritos chip bag with beans and other toppings. They also offer a walk-up window for to-go orders.

Big Star serves delicious and renowned, family-style chicken tacos.

Wrigley Field

A 20-minute drive from downtown Chicago holds another must-see, the famous Wrigley Field and Wrigleyville, home of the World Series-winning Chicago Cubs. Wrigleyville surrounds Wrigley Field, packed full of restaurants, bars, and gift shops for sports lovers. The stadium began construction in 1914, and opened up as Wrigley Field in 1926. Since then, it has remained a hub for tourists and diehard Cubs fans alike. This neighborhood provides a great summary of the city of Chicago and the loyalty of Chicagoans to their favorite team.

Cyclists pass by Wrigley Field, home of the famous Chicago Cubs.

As these are just a few of the many “must-see” spots Chicago holds, even having only a day in The Windy City can provide visitors with a great look at what the city is about. On trips longer than a day, other key places to visit are the Nutella Cafe, The Chicago Skydeck, The Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier and Shedd Aquarium.

The city of Chicago holds many treasures, hidden gems and “must-do” tourist attractions, making it one of the most popular cities in the United States and a great location for a post-COVID trip. ◆