24 Hours In Chicago: 6 Of The Most Essential Things To Do

Established right along Lake Michigan rest the city of modern architecture, luxurious wonders, and cool windy breezes; Chicago is known for its groundbreaking architectural designs and delicious iconic food staples.

The city has an abundant amount of activities and sights to see. Here’s how you can spend 24 hours exploring all Chicago has to offer.

Cloud Gate

201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602, United States

Giant Bean (Cloud Gate)
Cloud Gate. Photo: Precious Vue

Located in Millennium Park sits British-Indian artist Anish Kapoor’s sculpture, The Bean, officially named Cloud Gate, is the architect of Chicago’s core. Kapoor’s work of art represents cultural value in cities and public spaces. It’s a photogenic spot for pictures inside and outside of the Bean.

Field Museum of Natural History

1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, United States

Field Museum
Field Museum. Photo: Precious Vue

Known for being one of the world’s great museums of natural history, Field Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Explore its multi-origin exhibits ranging from the newest scientific discoveries to the oldest Egyptian mummies.

Museum of Ice Cream

435 Michigan Ave Suite G, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

Museum of Ice Cream
Museum of Ice Cream. Photo: Precious Vue

Situated right under the Chicago Tribune Tower is Chicago’s coldest new attraction. The Museum of Ice Cream is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. Purchase tickets online and scoop inside Chicago’s Museum of Ice Cream. Read more of about the museum experience in another Jetset Times article: Chicago’s Museum Of Ice Cream: A Sweet Scoop Inside.

Magnificent Mile

North Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL

North Michigan Avenue
North Michigan Avenue. Photo: Precious Vue

The Magnificent Mile is bustling with shops, luxe fashion outlets, mouth-drooling cuisines, flavorful desserts, and opulent hotels. Take a stroll through the city’s busiest street and enjoy the panoramic, picturesque views of Chicago and Lake Michigan.

Chicago 360

875 N Michigan Ave 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

Chicago Skylinea
Chicago skyline. Photo: Precious Vue

Overlook all of Chicago on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Building. The observatory is surrounded by window-views and tilting glass lookouts of the city. Day or night, the cityscape is ineffable.

Lakefront Trail

Runs from Ardmore Ave. to 71st St

Lakefront Trail
Lakefront Trail. Photo: Precious Vue

Walk along the western shore of Lake Michigan. The 18-mile path welcomes bikers, skaters, runners, and visitors taking a stroll to venture the lake with a breezy cool wind.

Precious on Michigan Ave
Precious on Michigan Ave. Photo: Precious Vue

Precious’ favorite part about Chicago is the Lake Front Trail. It’s a simple way to enjoy and see all of Chicago as a traveler and still feel like a local.

Precious Vue

Contributing Editor

Precious is a Hmong-American from Minnesota. She utilizes traveling to recognize humanity within differing world cultures. Precious is made of the memories through her travels in Europe and North America. Her favorite countries so far have been France, Germany, and Italy. When she is not traveling, she is either reading or finding ways to enter Mount Olympus.

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