If you're a solo traveler planning to visit the USA on a budget, the Midwest is a perfect place to go with so many attractions you can explore around the region.
You can visit cities like Indianapolis or Minneapolis, but a visit to the Midwest isn't complete without exploring the Windy City of Chicago in Illinois.
There are so many things to do in Chicago, IL, and they're relatively more affordable compared to the big cities on the west coast like San Francisco or New York in the east. Although Chicago may not be the most affordable place to visit in the USA, you can easily plan your solo trip to Chicago to explore the city without going over budget.
This time, we have Valentina on Valentina's Destinations to share some of the best places to see in Chicago, especially if you're traveling alone in the Windy City. Let's dive in!
Running short on time? Find everything you need for your Chicago trip below!
Getting a Chicago CityPass can be an excellent way to explore Chicago, as it allows you to grant free entry to some of the best spots to visit in Chicago.
This 1.5-hour Architecture Cruise is the best option if you want to enjoy cruising the Chicago River while learning more about some of the most popular skyscrapers in the Windy City.
What to Do in Chicago for Solo Travelers on a Budget
Chicago is a world-class city with incredible options for dining, entertainment, and tourists. A trip to Chicago can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be—especially if you're a solo traveler being cautious about your travel budget!
Safety is the key when it comes to traveling alone, and Chicago is a relatively safe city to travel to in the Midwest with plenty of activities to offer.
Whether you want to go on a Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise to see the city light or prefer testing your adrenaline on a Chicago ghosts walking tour, there are so many places worth seeing in the largest city in Illinois!
If you're a solo traveler planning to visit Chicago on a budget, here are the must-do activities you should add to your Midwest bucket list!
1. Rent a Divvy Bike
Riding a Divvy bike in Chicago.
You can find Divvy bikes all over the city of Chicago. That's because they are available in over 500 locations!
You can rent one for as little as $6 USD per hour. Not only are Divvy bikes cheap, but they're also great ways to explore the city. The best place to ride Divvy bikes is either along the lakeshore or in Lincoln Park.
If you're feeling more social, you can also join this bike tour around the lakefront to stroll around some of the must-visit places in Chicago, including the Old Town district and North Avenue Beach!
2. Visit a Street Festival
During the summertime, there's a new street festival in Chicago every weekend. From art to wine, crafts and even food, there's a lot of fun festival opportunities in the windy city.
Most festivals are during the summer, but you can always count on one festival all year round… The Maxwell Street Market, and this one is FREE!
The Maxwell Street Market is the best place in Chicago to get authentic, home-made Mexican food in Chicago.
3. Splash Around in Crown Fountain
Crown Fountain is a permanent installation at Millenium Park in Chicago's downtown Loop neighborhood.
This fountain's reflecting pool is designed to be interactive. Slip off your shoes, splash in Crown Fountain as you enjoy its LED displays.
4. Visit the Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier
Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier.
The Crystal Gardens are a beautiful indoor botanical garden space, often used for events like weddings and so many others. Visiting the Crystal Gardens in Chicago is completely free, as long as there's no event booked in the area.
Stroll through the gardens and follow the path to get to Navy Pier to get on the famous Centennial Wheel as one of the most iconic landmarks in Chicago.
Oak Street Beach is a part of Chicago's glamorous Gold Coast neighborhood.
For around $10 USD, you'll be able to lounge in style. Top tips? Stop acting like a tourist, and enjoy the frigid cold lake Michigan shores like the locals!
Oak street beach.
6. Get an Italian Beef at Portillos
Portillo's & Barnelli's is a fast food chain famous for its Chicago roots and authentic flavors.
The thing that is super recommended to order here is the Italian Beef. I'd recommend getting a deep dish pizza at Portillos to make the most of the Chicago flavors in the city.
The best Portillos location is at 100 W Ontario.
7. Tour Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the coolest places you can visit in Chicago for free. The zoo was first established in the late 19th Century, so it's one of the oldest zoos in America!
If zoos aren't your thing, you can still enjoy the beautiful Lincoln Park Conservatory – an enormous indoor garden that showcases tropical and exotic plants. Also, get great Chicago skyline views from the bridge over south pond in Lincoln Park!
8. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Another fun feature in Lincoln Park, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is fun for the whole family for only $9 USD. It is most well-known for its butterfly house.
9. Comedy Show at Second City
Second City is a famous comedy club in Chicago. Many important actors today got their career started at Second City. Those include the star of Parks and Recreation, Amy Poehler!
While the main stage performances can cost closer to $50 USD, there are cheaper shows offered at Second City. You can even get free tickets. The Comedy Studies showcases are usually free, and these include Second City's student actors.
Imagine, seeing a comedy star of tomorrow for free today!
10. Use the Chicago Greeter Service
Prearrange this service at least 10 business days before your trip, and get a free Chicago guide!
You must prove to be a Chicago visitor by showing your bookings and accommodations, and this is definitely a great way to learn more about Chicago as well as make a new friend.
11. Enjoy Chicago Skyline from 1000ft
John Hancock Building.
Home to over a thousand skyscrapers, you can climb the 360 Chicago Observation Deck to get a first-hand experience of the famous Chicago skyline.
Situated in John Hancock Center in the Magnificent Mile district, the observation deck is located on the 94th floor of the building where it's possible to see the city view from 1,000 feet above the ground.
12. Cruise through Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is the main attraction in Chicago, and there's no better way to enjoy the city view than cruising through the lake.
The most popular one is the Architecture Cruise, a 1.5-hour guided cruise that covers all the branches of the Chicago River while the tour guide shares information about each building you pass through around the shore. From Lake Point Tower to the Willis Tower, you'll get a glimpse of Chicago urban life during this cruise!
If you visit Chicago in the summer, you can immerse yourself in the firework cruise in Chicago. Especially if you travel around the 4th of July, the fireworks are guaranteed every Wednesday and Saturday at Navy Pier, making it the best time to travel to Chicago!
Conclusion
As the third largest city in the United States, Chicago can be pretty expensive – but it's not impossible to travel on a budget there as a solo traveler if you know where to go.
So, are you ready to hit the road and travel to the Midwest region of the USA? Don't miss Chicago in your travel itinerary, and see how far you can explore there without emptying your wallet!
Valentina's Destinations was born from Valentina's obsession with meticulously researching, organizing and planning her itineraries. She is originally from Nis, Serbia. Her family moved to the US when she was young, and she has been living in Chicago for the last decade. Her passion is traveling the world with her boyfriend, Remigijus. When they're not traveling, she works as a physician assistant in the psychiatry field. The mental health field is as rewarding as traveling can be.
