Downtown
Chicago’s downtown is situated along the shores of Lake Michigan, with the Chicago River flowing through the city. The city itself appeared clean, at least much cleaner than New York City. Interestingly, the trains run above the road, which I saw there the first time, but they were also quite noisy. I stayed at a hostel called HI USA, which I can definitely recommend. I met some cool people there.
Millenium Park
If you visit the city, take a look at Millennium Park, which contains a massive outdoor theater and the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, resembling a silver bean. If you plan a winter visit to Chicago, you can enjoy ice skating at the park. Nearby, there are other parks, such as Grant Park, containing a huge fountain and beautiful rose garden. Unfortunately, the fountain was not functioning during the winter season.
Chicago Harbor
I also enjoyed strolling along the Chicago Harbor. From there, you can see the city’s skyline. However, be prepared for strong winds, especially during the winter months, so make sure to wear appropriate clothing.
Deep-Dish Pizza
Chicago is renowned for its deep-dish pizza, a pizza with a distinctive high edge and large amounts of cheese and tomato sauce. It resembles a cake more than a traditional pizza. I'm not very surprised about the country's obesity rates anymore... To not feel too unhealthy, I ordered a spinach pizza 😊. But jokes aside, this pizza requires two people to share. I think it was good and worth trying at least once if you’re in Chicago. I went to Giordano’s.
Museums
Museum of Science and Industry
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry has a diverse range of exhibits, including on manufacturing, physics, the human body, and more. I think that many of the exhibits are tailored for younger audiences, making it a great destination for families with children. As of 2025, admission fees are $25.95 for adults and $14.95 for children aged 3 to 11. However, special exhibits like the coal mine tour and submarine tour have additional costs. I personally find the extra charges not to be worth it unless you or your children are genuinely interested in those specific topics. For everyone else, I recommend exploring other museums in Chicago, such as the Art Institute of Chicago or the Field Museum of Natural History. Although I haven’t had the opportunity to visit them, I would personally choose them instead if I could visit Chicago again.
Fed's Money Museum
The Fed’s Money Museum, though free, requires visitors to present a photo ID and undergo a metal detector screening. It's a relatively small museum where you can see different currencies and learn some general background knowledge about the US Dollar and other currencies. A highlight of the museum is the display of a million dollars in $1 bills, $20 bills, and $100 bills. Visitors can also take home a bag of shredded dollar bills as a free souvenir. Considering its free admission, I highly recommend visiting the Fed’s Money Museum.
Public Transport
Chicago has a relatively reliable and affordable public transportation system. As of 2025, the “L” trains, which operate above the road, charge $2.50. If you’re arriving from the airport, you’ll need to pay $5 for the “L” train. Bus fares are $2.25. Additionally, up to two transfers within a two-hour period are free. You can make payments using cash or credit cards at either the bus or train station.
Conclusion
Chicago was one of my most favourite cities in the USA and I can definitely recommend visiting. It has an impressive skyline, a huge park, and a variety of museums to explore. Just make sure to wear warm clothing during the winter.