Chicago is definitely one of the most unique, and most fun, cities in the country. This vibrant, urban, metropolis has all the big city living that New York has, but with a friendly midwest attitude. It’s hard not to fall in love with Chicago once you’ve spent any amount of time there. You’ll realize it’s just…different than other big cities. To celebrate how special Chicago is, we’ve put together a list of unique things to do in Chicago that you can’t do anywhere else.
Take an Architecture Cruise
Architecture and cruise are not two words you typically hear together, but then again Chicago is not your typical city. Since the Chicago River runs through the heart of the city, you can hop on a cruise that goes along the river to point out Chicago’s biggest landmarks while giving you the lowdown on the city’s history from the beginning. While it may sound a bit dry, it really isn’t, and locals will tell you that it’s one of the best things to do in the city (especially if you’ve never been to Chicago before).
We recommend taking the official Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise for the expert tour guides and full bar service on each ship.
Eat, Eat, Eat
When in Chicago, you have to eat like a Chicagoan. You won’t be able to find the same level of Italian beef sandwiches, hot dogs, or deep dish pizza anywhere else in the world. Leave your diet at home because these Chicago specialities are too good to pass up.
Italian Beef Sandwiches
If you’ve eaten an Italian Beef sandwich without making a mess, then you haven’t done it right. These thinly-sliced beef sandwiches are worth the mess though and here are the best places to get them:
Chicago-Style Hot Dogs
‘Dragged through the garden’ is a phrase you’ll hear about these iconic hot dogs. And yeah, the no ketchup thing is serious too. Make sure to get your hot dog at one of these top spots:
Deep Dish Pizza
Even if you’re a fan of a New York-style pie, you at least have to go for deep dish at least once in Chicago. Here are our favorite deep dish spots:
Watch a Cubs Game, Without Setting Foot in the Stadium
Nothing beats catching a game at the oldest Major League stadium in the country, especially when you can do it without having to even go in the stadium. Forget the long bathroom lines and snag a seat across the street at one of the many rooftops that have a prime view of the game. Most times these tickets include all you can eat food and all you can drink beverages, so the value cannot be beat either. The one thing you shouldn’t bring is a White Sox jersey. You’ve been warned. Check out Wrigleyville Rooftops for more info.
Watch a Concert at Jay Pritzker Pavilion
No other city has a park quite like Chicago’s Millennium Park. One of the biggest reasons for that is the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Not only is it a beautiful architectural achievement (designed by Frank Gehry) that looks great even when there isn’t a concert on, but it’s an amazing place to kick back and relax on the grass while listening to world-renowned musicians play right in the center of the city.
The Grant Park Symphony Orchestra plays here regularly alongside touring musicians such as Hozier, Wilco, and Idina Menzel, amongst many others. Although concerts here only usually happen during the summer, it’s still worth a visit no matter what time of year.
Chicago is a truly unique city with so much to do that you can’t do anywhere else in the world. If you’re travelling to Chicago for business or for pleasure, try staying in luxurious temporary housing in Chicago as an alternative to another night in a boring hotel. Contact us today at PC Housing to find out more.