Seeing Chicago in One Day

Chicago is a special place for us, having visited it many times but many years ago before moving to California, it is a such a wonderful feeling to be able to see this city again and revisit many spots with great memories. We unfortunately only had 1 day here, but we had such a blast walking around the city just as our very first time here over a decade ago.

Millennium Park

Starting our day from one of the most iconic places in the city, Millennium Park is a must visit not only because of its unique design, but also its easy access.

And one of the most recognized sculpture in Millennium Park has to be Cloud Gate, the gigantic shiny “bean” reflecting Chicago’s skylines from all 360 degrees.

Even early in the morning, the park was already crowded with visitors. What’s so fun about this sculpture? It really gives you a different view from each angle you look at it, never repeating!

Crown Fountain is another sculpture that boldly speaks for Chicago’s artistic ambiance and creativity, some key elements constitute the success of this artwork - interaction, water, video, etc. Though each element sounds conventional by itself, the combination is so rare to even think about.

Chicago Theater

A few minutes walk from Millennium Park and its pop culture, Chicago Theater offers a more classic view of the city. The famous neon signs simply defines Chicago and is nothing less than the identity of the city - no other sign will be more Chicago than this.

Navy Pier

This waterfront destination of Chicago has pretty much all different kinds of entertainment you can think of, so even spending a full day here may not cover everything you’d like to see.

Besides the shops and restaurants, it’s also an incredible spot to see these skyscrapers of Chicago - both from afar and from the top of the famous Navy Pier Centennial Wheel.

We also had lunch at a restaurant in Navy Pier called Offshore, it is said to be the largest rooftop restaurant in the U.S.

Michigan Avenue

Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is a paradise of shopping and dining, and that is only part of the renowned Michigan Avenue. But other than enjoying the urban lifestyle here, Chicago also has so many incredible architectures to check out around town, each and every one of them with so much history to share.

A few more of those historical buildings in the heart of Chicago, so rare to see in a metropolitan city.

For dinner, we dined at Morton's The Steakhouse right next to Michigan Ave, and food was simply amazing. After logging more than 25000 steps for the day, our one day visit didn’t end here just yet, this was only the start of this city’s night life.

Chicago Riverwalk

Unfortunately we didn’t have time for Chicago Riverwalk during the day, but a night visit is equally stunning. Stroll along the Chicago River with live music and vibrant city lights, the romance of this city is definitely in the air.

Millennium Park Once Again

Ending the day from where we started, we wandered back to Millennium Park and took one more look at this lively city. Even after more than a handful visits now, Chicago never fails to amaze us, and because of that, we shall be back - again!

Hotel of Our Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago - Magnificent Mile

Great upscale hotel experience in super convenient location, well maintained and organized, large parking structure (at cost) attached so if you do not like valet parking, this will be your only few options in the city.