If you’re planning on visiting the Windy City, you won’t need deep pockets to take in everything the city has to offer. Here are six ways you can enjoy Chicago on the cheap.
Navy Pier
Chicago’s Navy Pier makes for a fun – and cheap – way to spend the day on the waterfront. You’ll find plenty of attractions lining the pier, including museums and rides, but it’s just as fun to sit back, soak up the pier’s vibes and people watch all afternoon.
Millennium Park
There’s plenty to take in at Chicago’s crown jewel of green spaces. A trip to Millennium Park simply must include a stop at Cloud Gate, the bean-shaped installation where you can take a picture of yourself in the reflective chrome. The park often hosts free performances, so pack a picnic, hang around for a bit and see what Millennium Park has in store for you.
Buckingham Fountain
One of the largest fountains in the world, Buckingham Fountain is best experienced during the hourly water displays that combine lights and music with jets that spray water 150 feet into the air. The fountain shows are typically held April through October.
The Shakespeare Project of Chicago
You can take in a free dramatic reading of Shakespeare and other great literary classics thanks to The Shakespeare Project of Chicago, which hosts performances at libraries around the city all year long.
Field Museum of Natural History
Admission to the Field Museum of Natural History will run you $15, well worth the hours you’ll spend wandering through exhibits covering ancient Egypt, Aztec culture and jade artifacts. Also not to be missed is Sue, the largest T-Rex skeleton in the world.
The Chicago Greeter program matches you with your own tour guide for a personalized two- to four-hour tour of the city. Choose your neighborhood and special interest (like art, architecture or family-friendly), and the program will match you with a volunteer who will offer an insider’s perspective on the Windy City. Best of all, the program is entirely free.
(Main image: rmlowe)
