Five days in Chicago

My first time in the ‘Windy City’ and now it is my absolutely favourite place in the United States. Wether you are looking for a city break, adventure holiday or a beach getaway, Chicago has it all. Follow along and see it for yourself!

Stay

We stayed at Monaco Chicago (225 N Wabash Ave). Perched in the centre of Chicago's stunning skyline, steps from the Chicago River, this boutique hotel was perfectly positioned as our downtown home base. We loved boutique touches like nightly little surprises in the room, a complimentary wine hour every evening as well as providing us with Welcome to Chicago bag which included a Chicago CityPASS to explore the city at our leisure.

Also I can’t recommend more the other option to stay - Soho House Chicago. You may know my soft spot for Soho House hotels and Chicago location is just stunning.

Meet the city

1. Skydeck Chicago

The best way to start familiarise yourself with the city is to see it from high above. The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago is at your feet - literally. Dare to stand out on the 103rd floor, with never before seen views. The 1,353 feet straight down, with a glass boxes extending 4.3 feet out from the Skydeck, providing never before seen views of Chicago. 360 degree views spanning up to 50 miles and 4 states. The new, multimedia elevator ride is one of the fastest in the world. Atop the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, Skydeck Chicago is a "one stop Chicago" must do experience.

2. Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise

The most fampus Chicago cruise and it is for a reason. Chicago is legendary for its architecture and, as the only cruise partnered with the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), they provide the best architecture tour experience. Highly trained and passionate volunteer docents provide a detailed narrative of Chicago's various architectural styles and the stories of the people who designed and built the city. The relaxing 90-minute daily Chicago river tour features indoor and outdoor seating, a full service bar aboard each vessel and is consistently recognized by locals and visitors alike as the best way to see Chicago. Also each ticket supports architecture education provided by CAF.

Culture

1. Theatre tour

The are a number of theatre tour that you can choose from. for example a free Chicago Theatre Marquee Tour. Go on a history-filled journey, from the inception of this majestic venue in 1921, all the way to its present-day incarnation as a premiere entertainment venue. The Marquee Tour encompasses historical and architectural highlights of the building, including the grand lobby, sweeping staircase and majestic auditorium. Tour guests have the chance to stand on the famous Chicago Theatre stage, plus view artist signatures on the dressing room walls, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Dolly Parton.

We however took an architectural theatre theatre tour from Chicago Architecture Centre. The City of Chicago and the League of Chicago Theatres have designated 2019 as the Year of Chicago Theatre. In celebration, the CAC offers the Razzle Dazzle tour to give visitors a unique opportunity to see some of the city's most architecturally significant theatres. A theatre district has existed in the Loop since the 19th century and this tradition continues today. Ornate buildings originally built as movie palaces in the early 20th century now host Broadway touring and Chicago-based theatre companies. As movie palace developers Balaban & Katz would say in their 1920s marketing materials: "The show starts on the sidewalk!" These buildings are truly works of art on their own, with stories as fascinating as those told on their stages and screens. Buildings that were presented on the tour included CIBC Theatre, Nederlander Theatre, Goodman Theatre and The Chicago Theatre.

2. Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago, founded in 1879 and located in Chicago's Grant Park, is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. As a research institution, the Art Institute also has a conservation and conservation science department, five conservation laboratories, and one of the largest art history and architecture libraries in the country—the Ryerson and Burnham Libraries. Permanent collection includes such masterpieces as Edward Hopper's Nighthawks, Grant Wood's American Gothic, Mary Cassatt's The Child's Bath and many more.

3. Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago

Established in 1967, MOCAC is one of the world's largest contemporary art venues. The museum's collection is composed of thousands of objects of Post-World War II visual art. The museum is run gallery-style, with individually curated exhibitions throughout the year. The museum has hosted several notable debut exhibitions including Frida Kahlo's first U.S. exhibition and Jeff Koons' first solo museum exhibition. Koons later presented an exhibit at the Museum that broke the museum's attendance record. The museum’s collection includes Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, Kara Walker and Alexander Calder.

Have an adventure or a relaxed day at the beach

1. Chicago SUP

Remember I said Chicago has it all? So one morning we decided to have a break from urban pleasures and head to a North Avenue beach for a day at the shores of lake Michigan. You can choose to have a lazy sunbathing on the nicely equipped beach or an active afternoon SUP boarding with this stunning views of the city.

2. Kayak

Probably the best urban kayaking experience you may ever have! Explore the heart of downtown from the Chicago river, it’s fun and doesn’t require any special skills - this was my first kayaking ever and I loved it!

Eat

1. Take Chicago Food Tour.

There hundreds to choose from, but it’s really the only way to experience everything that the city has to offer! Starting from the famous deep-dish pizza and it’s history, you’ll explore the best hot dogs in town, 1920’s hit beef sandwich and local farmer’s markets.

2. Eataly

At over 60,000 square feet, Eataly Chicago has plenty for visitors to eat, shop, and learn. EAT Guests can choose from a abundance of unique eateries, such as La Pizza & La Pasta, Osteria di Eataly, Birreria, La Rosticceria, Focacceria, Ravioli&Co, Pronto (grab and go!), and Vino Libero – plus their new summer restaurant inspired by the Italian seaside, SABBIA. Have a sweet tooth or a need a caffeine buzz? On the first floor, find Venchi Chocolates, fresh housemade pastries and chocolates, gelato made fresh daily, filled-to- order cannoli, and Lavazza coffee and espresso drinks. Stop by Caffé Vergnano on the second floor for the finest taste of Italian espresso in all of Chicago.

2. Oriole

No foodie's checklist is complete without a visit to Oriole from chef Noah Sandoval.

3. Mi Tocaya Antojería

No visit to US without trying all the best tacos!

4. Lula Cafe

If you find yourself craving a good London-style brunch

Don’t miss: Windy City Smokeout

Country music, barbecue and craft beer — it’s hard to think of a better way to spend a summer weekend in Chicago. Truly American experience and fun day out to remember for the rest of your life! Twenty barbecue pros from all over the country serve up ribs, briskets, smoked meats and more, highlighting styles from Kentucky, Nashville, Missouri, and Chicago. Pair the meat and sides with a cold glass of beer from top American breweries, including Chicago’s own Moody Tongue, Local Option, Goose Island, Pipeworks, and Burnt City. All this accompanied by the best country music and great atmosphere!

Say farewell to the city with

1. Sunset Chicago Helicopter Tour

This was truly one of the best experiences in my life. We flew over the sparkling Chicago skyline (prices start at just $120), listened to the engaging commentary from the expert pilot about the Willis Tower, Millennium Park, Lincoln Park and the Shedd Aquarium. Panoramic views of the Lake Michigan shoreline are just stunning from high above!

2. Fireworks on the pier every Wednesday and Saturday

Navy Pier fireworks run each Wednesday and Saturday after sundown, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and periodically throughout the year (including Independence Day, New Years Eve, and more) and are absolutely free. Chicago loves to party!