12 Ways to Have the Best Summer Ever in Chicago!
Whether you’re just visiting, calling the city home for the summer, or even if you’re a long-time local, we’ve got you covered. Our Tiplr explorers share some of their favorite things to do, places to eat, and sights to see in Chi-town. Soak up these 12 tips for the ultimate summer in Chicago!
Things to Do
- Unique Night at Uptown Underground
Cabaret baby! Head to Uptown Underground for a speakeasy experience. Entertainment ranges from cabaret and burlesque to magic, comedy, and music. Leave the youngins at home for this 21+ night of fun.
- Tip by Li Mei - - Catch a Baseball Game at Wrigley Field
Local or tourist, baseball fan or not, you have got to get yourself to a Cub’s game while in Chicago! Especially after the recent World Series win, this is an exciting atmosphere you won’t want to miss.
- Tip by Crystal Anderson - - Willis Tower SkyDeck
It might be one of the top tourist attractions in the city, but a visit to the Willis Tower SkyDeck is worth it for these views of the city, plus the exhilarating experience of walking on the glass floor. Our explorer, Robert, suggests waiting for the sunset to watch the city lights “come to life.”
- Tip by Robert Coles -
* A bonus tip from our Tiplr Team *
Skip the grocery store and grab your fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other goodies at the Green City Market. Visit one of their three outdoor locations throughout the summer months to support local, sustainable farmers and vendors.
Places to Eat
- More Than Just Hot Chocolate
Did you know that everyone has two stomachs? One for the main meal and one for dessert, and there’s always room in our dessert bellies! Mindy’s Hot Chocolate isn’t just a cup of warm cocoa, but a cozy, rustic restaurant serving an array of gorgeous sweets as well as brunch, lunch, and dinner.
- Tip by Micayela Konviser- - Pierogi Heaven
For when you get sick of deep-dish pizza, get your fix of stuffed dough in a different way . . . pierogi time! Pierogi Heaven offers the polish dish in a variety of flavors; you’ll want to try them all.
- Tip by Li Mei -
(Check out Li Mei’s series of Chicago Eats on the Tiplr App for more yummy recommendations). - Breakfast at the W Chicago City Center
Sunday Brunch is calling your name! The IPO Restaurant in W Chicago City Center is an upscale pick, but the menu features such a lovely balances of “Br” and “Lunch” that you won’t be able to resist.
- Tip by Robert Coles -
Sights to See
- Chicago Skyline at Fullerton Avenue
Cotton candy skies and summer sunsets in Chicago will have you itching to capture for that perfect skyline. While most will head to the Adler Planetarium for the classic full-skyline photo, this spot at the bridge on Fullerton Avenue provides a unique and beautiful view.
- Tip by James Scholey - - Views From the John Hancock Building
Another one of our favorite ways to view the city is from up above! If you dare, pay a fee to tilt outward off of the John Hancock Building’s observation deck, also known as 360 Chicago.
- Tip by Li Mei - - Chicago Architecture by River Boat
You’ve seen the city from land, you’ve seen it from the sky, now see it from the sea! (Well, from the Chicago River). Chi-town is known for its incredible architecture. Take a river tour to see the sights and learn the history with the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s knowledgeable guides.
- Tip by Li Mei -
For Free
Who doesn’t love free stuff? Our explorer of the month, Li Mei, hooked us up with tips on free things to do around the city.
- Movies at Millennium Park
Nothing screams summer more than movies on the lawn. Millennium Park screens free films every Tuesday evening (June to August) on their 40-foot screen. Choose from one of the classics or a newly released flick. - Brewery Tour at Revolution
Did someone say free beer? On a first come, first serve basis, you can catch one of Revolution’s complimentary tours at their Kedzie Avenue Brewery and distribution center. The tours are about 30 minutes and include a tasting. - Lincoln Park Zoo
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Who says the zoo is just for kids? Open all year long, the Lincoln Park Zoo is a great place to spend the day, with the kids or without. “The 35-acre space is situated right along the lake, so you can do both a beach trip and a zoo visit in one day.” New animals and exhibits are always joining the zoo community so it’s worth multiple trips!
[Alaina Kiesel | Editorial Assistant Intern | North Carolina & New York, USA]
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