3 Days 2 Nights Solo Trip Guide to Chicago ๐๏ธโ๏ธ
๐ง Pre-Trip Prep Accommodation: Stayed at Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile. The location is absolutely perfect! ๐จ Right in the city center โ super close to attractions and shopping, walkable to many spots. The hotel is modern, clean, and cozy with super comfy beds. TravelWithMe CityPass: Compared the standard version and the C3 version โ ended up choosing C3 (pick 3 out of 6 attractions). Around $110 ๐ต. You can book timeslots in advance and cancel easily if plans change. Super convenient and budget-friendly โ totally worth it! โ Fireworks Tour: Watching fireworks over Lake Michigan is pure magic! โจ (Every Wednesday around 9 PM in summer). To keep it simple, I booked with the same company as the CityPass cruise โ $50. There were tons of boats on the lake, and even kayaks up close โ great alternative for adventure lovers! ๐ฃ ๐ Day 1 Landed at the airport โ bought a 3-day transit pass on the Ventra App ($15). Took the Blue Line straight to the hotel to drop off luggage. Millennium Park: Must-see Cloud Gate (The Bean)! ๐ธ Super photogenic. Also loved the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Crown Fountain โ chill and relaxing vibe. Magnificent Mile: Window-shopped along this famous street ๐. Didnโt buy much, but loved the energy and city feel! Worldโs Largest Starbucks: Tried a limited-edition drink for $11 โ interesting texture (kinda rough & grainy lol). The staff even gave me free pastries โ unlocked the โbeing spoiledโ achievement! ๐ฐโ Chicago Riverwalk: Bars along the river are so vibe-y! Had a mocktail by the water, enjoyed the breeze, and even witnessed a proposal โ so sweet! ๐โค๏ธ CP Architecture Tour (19:30): Departure point: 401 N. Michigan Ave. Arrive 30 mins early. Go down the stairs next to the Apple Store โ just line up from there. ๐จ Day 2: Arts & Food Tour CP Art Institute: They had a Frida Kahlo exhibit! ๐จ Artsy heaven โ tons of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works. Could easily spend a whole day here. Qiao Lin Hot Pot: Spent $66 on collagen chicken soup hot pot โ rich broth, tender ingredients, fresh veggies. Eating authentic hot pot in Chicago = pure happiness! ๐ฒ๐ฅ Andyโs Jazz Club ($20): Night jazz session โ so chill! ๐ท Swung to the rhythm and forgot all my stress. Navy Pier Fireworks Tour (20:30): Arrived 30 mins early. Took Shorelineโs boat โ sailed clockwise. Sat on the right side for perfect fireworks viewing over the water! ๐๐ฅ๏ธ ๐ฆ Day 3 Woke up naturally ๐, slowly packed, took public transit to the airport โ end of an amazing Chicago adventure! #ChicagoTravel #ChicagoLife #Chicago #USA #TravelAroundTheWorld #LifeAesthetics