Chicago Tourist Attractions: Two-Day Suggested Chicago Itinerary

Planning to visit Chicago for a quick weekend getaway? See Chicago's best tourist attractions in two days! Here's a two-day Chicago itinerary for you if you're planning a visit to the Windy City. (Beware -- this itinerary is only for hard-core tourists, though. Please adjust the schedule or Chicago attractions to suit your family!) Enjoy!

Chicago Attractions - Day One

• 9:00 a.m. - Shedd Aquarium -- See the Shedd's Dolphin Show
• 11:30 a.m. - Lunch at the Shedd's Soundings Restaurant (overlooking Lake Michigan)
• 1:00 p.m. - Chicago's Field Museum -- check times of any special exhibits
• 2:30 p.m. - Adler Planetarium
• 5:30 p.m. - Dinner - Consider Buca Di Beppo -- great kids eatery -- or Uno's Pizzeria
• 7 or 8 p.m. - Check out a play at one of the downtown Theatres

Note that the Shedd, the Field Museum, and the Adler Planetarium are located in the same "plaza" -- all walking distance from each other!

Chicago Attractions - Day Two

•   9:00 - Sears Tower - Ride the elevator to the top!
• 10:30 - Stroll Magnificent Mile -- window shop!
• 12:00 - Lunch - rooftop at Chicago Park Hyatt's Nomi Restaurant
•   2:00 - Chicago River Boat Tour - the architectural tour is amazing and educational!
•   5:00 - Visit Navy Pier for dinner, a ride on a ferris wheel, shopping, and possibly an evening cruise on Lake Michigan

If you have an additional day or would like to substitute an activity, consider:

• Hancock Observatory
• Art Institute of Chicago
• Museum of Science and Industry
• Chicago Skyline Lake Michigan Cruise
• Grant Park - see Buckingham Fountain
• Millenium Park - see yourself in Chicago's skyline through the reflection of "The Bean" sculpture
• Second City Improv Troupe Show

Photo by cmefish via Flickr (Creative Commons)