Big cities can be expensive and Chicago is no exception. But what I love about big cities is that they're vibrant, alive and there's always something going on. I can get lost in wandering around, exploring, and just window shopping my way through the day. But when inspiration is lacking, here are a few great ideas for seeing Chicago without spending a fortune (or jumping in a fountain.)
Free Museum Days.
Check out the Art Institute of Chicago this summer on Thursday or Friday evenings, it's free (courtesy of Target) from 5-9pm. Here's a handy guide to what museums are free and on what day.
Reserve a Greeter.
The Chicago Office of Tourism's Chicago Greeter program will provide you with a free guide to any of of their neighborhood tours. Think ahead, because you need to make a reservation at least a week in advance.
Check out a seasonal market or fair.
Hunt down what might fit your personality on the tourism's boards list of fairs and this summer's festival schedule. Or check out the Farmer's Markets for a look at local life and a yummy snack.
Take a Walking Tour.
Plan your own (I'm going to hunt down some Frank Lloyd Wright and skyscrapers on my trip. Maybe I'll be picking up an AIA guide.) Or, grab one of the free audio tours offered in mp3 format.
Find out what the locals are doing.
Locals don't like dropping a ton of money every weekend and there are plenty of bargains to be found. Do your research ahead a time, on sites like Yelp (I found not one but two neighborhood festivals on the weekend I'm headed to Chicago), Chicagoist, or the free paper, the Chicago Reader. Or do something both tourists and locals love, you can still get tickets to a Cubs game for only $9.
What's your favorite free or inexpensive thing to do in Chicago? Let me know in the comments!
http://www.brokehipster.com/ Broke hipster lists some great food and drink deals daily too.
BYOB restuarants are also great for saving money - http://matadornights.com/10-spots-in-chicago-for-byob-dining-eat-well-an...
Thanks Katie, those are some great resources!
Im going to chicago in 2 weeks. these will be good tips to remember!
I'll be there too, looking forward to meeting you at TBEX!
I'll be at TBEX too. I hope to run into you both!
If you look a little to the south of Chicago in Kankakee, you will find two Frank Lloyd Wright houses side by side from 1900 - considered the first examples of his Prairie Style. See www.wrighkankakee.org for information on the Bradley House.
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