Midway Airport Chicago Map

If you’re planning a trip to Chicago and flying into Midway Airport, you’re in for a treat. The Windy City has a lot to offer, and Midway Airport is conveniently located just a few miles from downtown. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Chicago.

Top Attractions

Chicago is home to some of the most iconic attractions in the country, and many of them are just a short drive or train ride from Midway Airport. Some of the must-see attractions include:

The Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), which offers stunning views of the city from the 103rd floor.
The Art Institute of Chicago, which has an unparalleled collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.
The Navy Pier, which has a Ferris wheel, boat tours, restaurants, and more.

Hidden Gems

While the top attractions are definitely worth a visit, there are also plenty of hidden gems in Chicago that are off the beaten path. Some of our favorites include:

The Garfield Park Conservatory, which is one of the largest indoor conservatories in the world.
The Chicago Riverwalk, which offers stunning views of the city and is home to a variety of restaurants and shops.
The 606 Trail, which is a former railroad line that has been converted into a 2.7-mile bike and walking trail.

Food Scene

Chicago is known for its food scene, and for good reason. From deep-dish pizza to hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches, there’s no shortage of delicious options to choose from. Some of the must-try foods in Chicago include:

Deep-dish pizza from Giordano’s or Lou Malnati’s.
Hot dogs from Portillo’s or Superdawg.
Italian beef sandwiches from Al’s Beef or Johnnie’s Beef.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Chicago can be an expensive city, but there are also plenty of ways to enjoy it on a budget. Here are some tips:

Visit the museums on free admission days.
Take advantage of happy hour deals at restaurants and bars.
Use public transportation instead of taking cabs or renting a car.

Outdoor Adventures

Chicago may be a big city, but there are also plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature. Some of the best outdoor adventures in Chicago include:

Visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Taking a bike ride along the Lakefront Trail.
Exploring the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Historical Landmarks

Chicago is a city with a rich history, and there are plenty of landmarks that showcase that history. Some of the must-see historical landmarks include:

The Chicago Water Tower, which is one of the few buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
The Robie House, which is a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece.
The Pullman National Monument, which is a historic company town that has been preserved as a national park.

Family-Friendly Activities

Chicago is a great city to visit with kids, and there are plenty of family-friendly activities to choose from. Some of our favorites include:

The Shedd Aquarium, which has over 32,000 animals.
The Museum of Science and Industry, which has hands-on exhibits that kids will love.
The Chicago Children’s Museum, which has interactive exhibits for kids of all ages.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you’re looking for something a little different, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences in Chicago. Here are a few ideas:

The Pedway, which is a series of underground tunnels that connect many of the buildings in downtown Chicago.
The International Museum of Surgical Science, which has exhibits on the history of surgery.
The American Writer’s Museum, which celebrates the contributions of American writers.

Natural Wonders

While Chicago is known for its architecture and food, it also has some natural wonders that are worth checking out. Some of our favorites include:

The Lakefront Trail, which offers stunning views of Lake Michigan.
The Morton Arboretum, which has over 1,700 acres of trees and plants.
The Chicago River, which is a great place to kayak or take a boat tour.

Vibrant Nightlife

Chicago has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. Some of our favorites include:

The Green Mill, which is a historic jazz club that has hosted some of the biggest names in jazz.
The Second City, which is a comedy club that has launched the careers of many famous comedians.
The Empty Bottle, which is a great place to see indie bands and up-and-coming artists.

Local Markets

Chicago has a great local market scene, with plenty of farmers markets, flea markets, and artisan markets to choose from. Some of our favorites include:

The Chicago French Market, which has over 30 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses.
The Maxwell Street Market, which is a historic flea market that has been around since the 1800s.
The Randolph Street Market, which is a monthly flea market that has over 300 vendors selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade jewelry.

Beaches and Mountains

While Chicago may not be known for its beaches and mountains, there are still some great options nearby. Some of our favorites include:

The Indiana Dunes, which are just a short drive from Chicago and offer miles of sandy beaches.
The Kettle Moraine State Forest, which is a great place to hike and explore.
The Starved Rock State Park, which has waterfalls, canyons, and stunning views.

Cultural Immersion

Chicago is a melting pot of cultures, and there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in different cultures while you’re there. Some of our favorites include:

The National Museum of Mexican Art, which showcases Mexican art and culture.
The Chinatown neighborhood, which has great restaurants, shops, and cultural events.
The Pilsen neighborhood, which has a strong Mexican-American community and is home to many murals and street art.

Art and Music Scene

Chicago has a thriving art and music scene, with plenty of galleries, museums, and live music venues to choose from. Some of our favorites include:

The Museum of Contemporary Art, which has a great collection of contemporary art.
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which is one of the best orchestras in the world.
The House of Blues, which is a great place to see live music.

Walking Tours

Chicago is a great city to explore on foot, and there are plenty of walking tours to choose from. Some of our favorites include:

The Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise, which offers a unique perspective on the city’s architecture.
The Chicago Greeter program, which offers free tours with local volunteers.
The Chicago Food Planet Tours, which showcase the city’s great food scene.

Architectural Marvels

Chicago is known for its architecture, and there are plenty of architectural marvels to check out while you’re there. Some of our favorites include:

The John Hancock Center, which is one of the tallest buildings in the city and offers stunning views.
The Aqua Tower, which has a unique undulating design.
The Chicago Cultural Center, which has a beautiful glass dome and stunning mosaics.

Historical Sites

Chicago has a rich history, and there are plenty of historical sites to explore. Some of our favorites include:

The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, which is where the famous architect lived and worked for many years.
The Robie House, which is a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece.