The Top 10 Things To Do in Chicago On A Budget

Chicago, “the Windy City,” is the third most populous city in the United States and a major cultural capital. It’s not just a great place to visit, but also a great place to live. The city has it all, with something to appeal to everyone. Whether you’re looking for the best food, outdoor recreation, or sightseeing attractions, there’s something for everyone in Chicago. The biggest challenge is how to do it all without breaking the bank!

Fortunately, there are plenty of fun and budget-friendly ways to experience all that Chicago has to offer. Here is a guide that will help you plan the most budget-friendly vacation possible.

1. Visit the parks with free admission

The Chicago Park District manages nearly 600 parks around the city, and many of them offer free admission. It’s the perfect way to spend the day outdoors without spending money. Among the most popular parks with free admission are Humboldt Park, Lincoln Park, and Millennium Park. On your trip to any of these parks, don’t forget to take advantage of free activities like biking, fishing, and swimming.

2. Stroll along the riverfront

Chicago is a riverside city, and its beautiful skyline gives it a unique landscape that visitors love. Strolling along the riverfront is the perfect activity for soaking up the beauty of the city while saving money. Touring the riverfront is great for photography, birdwatching, and even people-watching. You can access the riverfront at places like Shedd Aquarium, Navy Pier, and Grant Park

3. Take a walking tour

If you’re looking for a fun way to explore the city without breaking the bank, take a guided walking tour from one of Chicago’s many tour companies. While guided tours tend to be more expensive than self-guided ones, there are plenty of tour companies that offer reasonably-priced packages. These companies offer a variety of tours, including architecture tours, food tours, and even mystery tours.

4. Check out local day trips

Chicago is just a few hours away from some of the most beautiful cities in America. Taking a day trip to destinations such as Milwaukee, Madison and even Niagara Falls, Canada is a great way to have an affordable getaway while still being able to explore Chicago’s top attractions and sights.

5. Attend free concerts in the parks

The city of Chicago hosts free concerts all summer long in several of its parks. From Broadway shows to popular music concerts, these free outdoor shows are bound to appeal to everyone. The concerts usually run from mid-June through late August and are located in parks such as Millennium Park and Grant Park.

6. Explore local museums

Chicago is home to several world-renowned museums ranging from art and science to natural history. Some of these museums may be pricey for budget travelers; however, there are several affordable options that you can explore. Among the most affordable spots you must visit are the International Museum of Surgical Science and The Intuit: TheCenter for Intuitive and Outsider Art.

7. Go on a architectural boat tour

A great way to experience all the sights of Chicago is by taking an architectural boat tour along the Chicago River or Lake Michigan. It’s very affordable compared to other sightseeing activities, and it gives you access to sites that you wouldn’t be able to explore otherwise such as skyscrapers and industrial sites. There are several companies that offer these tours, but definitely check out Shorelinesightseeing.com/chicago, an award-winning company with an amazing tour that focuses on the history and architecture of Chicago.

8. Shop in local markets

If you’re looking for something unique or antique to take back home as a souvenir from your trip to Chicago, it pays to head over to some of the local markets in the city. Whether you want antiques or vintage clothes, you’re sure to find some great bargains at places like Maxwell Street Market and Randolph Street Market. It’s also a fantastic way to score some local bites without spending too much money!

9. Visit one of the city’s many public beaches

Chicago is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in America; hoaever,you don’t need to worry about these beaches being overcrowded or expensive. With free admission and plenty of activities such as surfing competitions, beach volleyball tournaments, boat rides and much more; it’s a great way to enjoy sunny days without breaking your bank.

10. Get discounted tickets for events

Chicago is known for having a variety of events happening year-round such as music festivals, plays and much more. A surefire way to save money on tickets for these events is by using websites such as Goldstar.com/chicago. They usually offer discounts on tickets for events throughout the city!

As you can see, even with a limited budget, there are plenty of ways that you can experience the best Chicago has to offer! You just need a bit of creativity and research–then you can find plenty of cost-friendly activities that will leave you with plentiful memories to enjoy for years to come!