4D3N:  One of my favorite US cities and the home of Frank Lloyd Wright's studio!  I must've visited Chicago every weekend during my summer internship in Wisconsin.  Given the close proximity from the east coast, if you are looking for an idea this Summer, consider Chicago!  I have created a 4-day 3-night itinerary for any first timer to Chicago, focusing on the highlights from all my fond memories of Chicago.

*Highly Recommended restaurants

Day 1 

• Noon Arrival

• Check-in @ Cambria Hotel & Suites Chicago Magnificent Mile

• Navy Pier (grab some Chicago hotdog)

• Architecture River Cruise

• Chicago River Walk

• Millennium Park

  • Crown Fountain

  • Tiffany Bean

  • Jay Pritzker Pavilion

• Buckingham Fountain

• Hang out by Michigan Lake

• Drinks @ Cindy's*

• Chicago deep dish pizza @ Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria*

Day 2

• Brunch @ Au Cheval* (long line, use Nowait app to get online)

• Visit a museum or two:

  • Option 1 (Museum Campus):

    • The Field Museum (Jurassic Park exhibition), Shedd Aquarium & 12th Street Beach

  • Option 2: Museum of Science & Industry & Garden of the Phoenix

• Grab a glass of wine & people watch @ City Winery Chicago at the Riverwalk

• Dinner @ Girl & the Goat (reservation needed)

Day 3

• Breakfast @ Cafe Vienna*

• Lincoln Park Zoo (free; suggested duration 2hrs)

• Picture @ Wrigley Field

• John Hancock Center:

  • Lunch @ The Signature Room at the 95th or drinks @ 96th (best way to enjoy the view)

• Walk down The Magnificent mile

• Walk around The Loop

• Dinner @ The Purple Pig* (reservation needed)

Day 4

• Breakfast @ Cafecito

• Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

• Ernest Hemingway Birthplace and Museum

• Walk around the neighborhood to see William Fricke House & William E. Martin House

• Early dinner @ Kai Zan* (reservation needed)

• Catch a play @ Windy City Playhouse (we saw Becky Shaw)

Other points of interest & food

• Richard H. Driehaus Museum

• Goose Island Beer Co.

• Lunch @ Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant

• Drink @ Aviary

Tips

• It is safe to take the train from O'Hare Airport to downtown Chicago during rush hours. But please order Uber or Lyft if you arrive in the evening.

• Looking for a gym? Stop by the Gold Coast Equinox, it was beautiful!