Weekend road trip to Chicago in mid-October.

Stay 

W City Centre – central location, clean & spacious rooms

See 

The Bean – the sole purpose of the trip (other than food)

Millennium Park/Crown Fountain – water only in summer

Architecture – we didn’t do the boat cruise but just by walking around you can observe the mix of old & new buildings. They have above-ground trains which reminded me of Japan.

Navy Pier – thought this was an amusement park, but it’s literally just a pier with a ferris wheel, Children’s Museum and exhibition/event space. A nice walk on a sunny day if you want to get some steps in.

Willis Tower Skydeck – unless you go early, be prepared to wait 2-3 hours. Views of the city (but not the bean!), mainly for photo ops on the glass floor #forthegram

Museums – good rainy day activity. We spent 3 hours at the Museum of Science & Industry (closes at 4pm). I would recommend this for those who are not big museum fans (like myself) – this one is interactive and you can always learn something new.

Eat

Deep Dish Pizza

- Giordanos

- Lou Malnati’s - I prefer this personal size 

Popular Restaurants 

- The Girl & The Goat

- The Purple Pig (no reservations) – go early to leave your name, shop at Magnificent Mile while you wait

Garrett Popcorn - try the Chicago mix (caramel x cheese). 

Quick brunch: Cupitol Coffee Eatery – an all-day lounge offering the best of café/bakery/restaurant/bar; quick European-style counter service; love the concept & design

Coffee

- Intelligentsia – expensive specialty coffee chain including drip/brew-to-order (takes about 10+ mins), hops cider ($6usd). I had the cappuccino which was pretty good.

- Sawada Coffee – from Japan; nice industrial interior; famous for their Military Latte and donuts from Doughnut Vault

Getting Around

- Uber is the most efficient method for a group of 4!