Whether you’re a native or not, it’s hard to argue with the fact that Chicago is one of the greatest cities in the country. With so much to offer all year round, you may wonder if you should grab a Chicago-furnished corporate apartment. Regardless of if you’re exploring Chicago for a quick weekend, or moving into corporate apartments in Chicago, get ready for a schedule filled with great food, cultural experiences, and a beautiful skyline. To help you choose your ideal schedule, here’s the ultimate guide to exploring Chicago.
Eat Your Way Around the City
Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs. However, there are plenty of additional restaurants that offer delicious food, great views, and a wonderful atmosphere. The following is a short list of popular restaurants, starting with the more upscale options and working down to some of Chicago’s most iconic “fast food” restaurants. Chicago is home to the Italian beef with sweet peppers, so don’t leave without trying one!
– The Signature Room
– Alinea
– The Dearborn
– Cindy’s Rooftop
– The Purple Pig
– Au Cheval
– Time Out Market
– Portillo’s
– Al’s Beef
– Johnnie’s Beef
Of course, you need to have at least one deep-dish pizza while you’re exploring Chicago. Some of the locals’ favorites include places like Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, Pequods, and Gino’s East.
If you want to try some great hot dogs, take your pick of the following restaurants: Jimmy’s Red Hots, The Vienna Beef Factory Store, Superdawg, The Wiener’s Circle, or Gene & Jude’s.
Finally, don’t forget to pop into one of the many Garrett Popcorn shops throughout the city. Their most famous flavor is a mix of CaramelCrisp® and CheeseCorn™. Just watch out—it can be addicting!
Take a Tour of the Must-See Attractions
After filling up on a delicious lunch, you’re ready to hit the town. Chicago is home to several world-famous attractions, which can make planning your trip a little overwhelming. However, if you really want to hit the highlights, make sure you carve out some time for the following stops.
– Navy Pier — a bustling waterfront destination that offers plenty of entertainment options, dining, and some of the best views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.
– The Willis Tower — previously known as the Sears Tower, it’s an iconic skyscraper offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
– Millennium Park — a vibrant urban oasis featuring public art installations, lush gardens, and the famous reflective Cloud Gate sculpture (a.k.a. the bean).
– Architecture River Cruise — one of the most popular things to do in Chicago, this tour offers an insightful journey through Chicago’s renowned architectural landmarks and skyline.
– Chicago Riverwalk — stroll down this scenic pedestrian path along the Chicago River and take in all of the cafes, shops, and architecture.
– The Lakefront Trail — if you want to stay active, hit up this trail that runs along the shore of Lake Michigan.
– Lake Michigan — swim at one of the beaches or take a boat tour out on Lake Michigan—one of North America’s largest (and most beautiful) lakes.
Immerse Yourself in Museum Culture
Throughout the city of Chicago, there are several world-class museums waiting to be explored. Regardless of if you want to explore some timeless pieces of art or check out natural history, there’s a museum for everyone in Chicago. Some of the most notable ones include the following:
– The Art Institute of Chicago — this is a world-renowned art museum that houses an extensive collection spanning various centuries and cultures.
– Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago — for more current work, this museum showcases cutting-edge and thought-provoking contemporary artworks in a dynamic setting.
– Museum of Science and Industry — great for both kids and adults; this interactive science museum offers hands-on exhibits and immersive experiences.
– Shedd Aquarium — this educational and fun museum features diverse marine life and engaging exhibits on aquatic ecosystems.
– The Field Museum of Natural History — a captivating museum that explores the wonders of natural history, including dinosaur fossils and cultural artifacts.
Spend Some Time Shopping
If you want to spend some time strolling around, window shopping, or purchasing a few things to take home, you can visit any of the famous shopping areas in Chicago.
– State Street
– The Shops at North Bridge
– The Water Tower Place
– Magnificent Mile
– Fashion Outlets of Chicago
Attend Some Unforgettable Sporting Events
Whether you’re an avid sports fan or not, the sporting events in Chicago are filled with energy and hard to miss. You can pair the game with tailgating or simply head straight into the arena to settle in your seats. Some options for sports games include:
– See a Cubs Game at Wrigley Field
– Cheer on the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field
– Watch the Bulls or Blackhawks at United Center
– Catch a Bears Game at Soldier Field
Enjoy Live Entertainment
If you’re not into sports but still want to get out of your Chicago corporate apartment, consider spending some time exploring the live entertainment throughout the city. Some great options include the following:
– See a Play
– Visit Broadway in Chicago
– Catch a Comedy Show
– Attend a Concert
Events Throughout the Year
Finally, make sure you check your calendar to see what events will be happening while you’re exploring Chicago. There’s generally something going on every month or so, so it won’t matter if you’re there in the middle of the summer or the dead of winter.
In February, you can enjoy the Chicago Auto Show and Chicago Restaurant Week. March brings St. Patrick’s Celebrations and the dying of the Chicago River. June offers the Chicago Blues Festival and the Chicago Food Truck Festival, while July brings the Taste of Chicago and Windy City Smokeout. You can find Ribfest Chicago, Taste of Greektown, Lollapalooza, and the Chicago Air and Water Show in August. September brings the Chicago Jazz Fest and RiotFest, while October is when the Chicago Marathon takes place. November is when the Christkindlmarkets start, and they last through December.
Chicago has something for everyone. With outdoor concerts and lakeside days during the summer and ice skating with holiday lights during the winter, there’s never a shortage of things to do. Whether you’re a full-time resident or staying in temporary corporate housing in Chicago, there are plenty of options to fill your schedule. If you’re still in the process of moving to Chicago, corporate housing is a great option. Just make sure to take the time to research and find a neighborhood you love. Corporate Suites Network has several properties throughout different neighborhoods in Chicago. Our prime locations and luxury amenities provide our residents with everything they need to take advantage of their spare time without causing disruptions to their work. To learn more about our property locations or to request more information about Corporate Suites Network, call or email us today.