How to Spend a Week in Chicago
While some of the city’s attractions aren’t suitable due to social distancing restrictions, there’s still plenty of things to do in Chicago during a road trip or extended stay. Chicago remains one of the top destinations in the USA for its thriving arts and music scenes, its soaring art deco skyscrapers, and its amazing food. If you should find yourself in the Windy City, here’s a list of what to do in Chicago that will keep you entertained throughout your stay.
Take in the City’s Amazing Murals
Murals abound in Chicago, offering amazing examples of both professional and street art. Take a stroll through Pilsen, where murals adorn the streets and alleyways. The Hector Duarte Studio walls are covered with murals, while the Concord Music Hall’s Robin Williams mural pays homage to the legendary comedian.
If you enjoy long lakeshore walks, check out the murals along the mile-long Red Line path in Rogers park, or explore the seawall murals of Tobey Prinz Beach Park. Both parks are great destinations for picnics and outdoor activities.
Outdoor Art installations
If you love large outdoor art installations, Cloud Gate ranks among the best of Chicago attractions. Lovingly referred to as “The Bean” by locals, Cloud Gate has been featured in multiple movies and is well worth seeing.
Cloud Gate isn’t the only outdoor art installation in the city. The Chicago Picasso, the whimsical Flamingo, the iron sculptures of the Agora, and the interactive Crown Fountain are all worth visiting if you’re spending one week in Chicago.
Chicago Architecture
One of the most popular things to do in Chicago is a tour of the city’s soaring art deco skyscraper. The “Magnificent Mile” in downtown Chicago is home to a number of historic buildings, including the Chicago Water Tower, the Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, and the 100-story John Hancock Center.
The John Hancock Center is home to 360 Chicago, an observation deck on the 94th floor of the building that offers one of the best panoramic views in the city, along with exhibits detailing the history of the tower and Chicago. The observation deck practices safe social distancing and lets you see Chicago from a whole new perspective.
What to Eat in Chicago
Deciding what to eat in Chicago has always been a challenge — there are simply so many choices. At the very least, most people want to sample a traditional Chicago hotdog (no ketchup!), one of the city's famous deep-dish pizzas, and maybe an old-fashioned Italian beef sandwich. Thanks to food delivery apps, you can get your meals delivered straight to your hotel room, allowing you to maintain proper social distancing while enjoying the best of Chicago’s food scene.
Enjoy a Virtual Performance
Need something to watch while you enjoy that deep-dish pizza? Chicago’s arts and music scenes responded to social distance requirements by going online. Enjoy live music through your mobile device with sets from the Hideout and the Quarantine the Concerts series, or enjoy a live theatre event with Theatre Wit. Kids can take virtual tours of the Lincoln Park Zoo, while adults can go online to explore the Chicago Art Institute, the Field Museum, and the Museum of Science and Industry.
Walk the Emerald Necklace
Want to get outside in an environment where you can practice safe social distancing? The Emerald Necklace is a 26-mile trail of city streets and boulevards linking some of Chicago’s most scenic parks, including Humboldt, Washington, Jackson, and Garfield parks.
Planning an Extended Stay in Chicago? Choose WoodSpring Suites
Whether you’re traveling to Chicago for business, taking a much-needed vacation, or relocating to the Windy City, you’ll need a base of operation during your extended stay. Chicago hotels can be expensive unless you opt for a hotel with weekly rates.
The seven WoodSpring Suites hotels in and around Chicago are perfect for your next getaway. In addition to being among the most affordable weekly rate hotels in Chicago, WoodSpring Suites offers guest rooms with in-room kitchens so you can prepare your own meals and free Wi-Fi. Our commitment to clean environments ensures your room and the entire hotel will be clean and safe, while our friendly front desk staff is always ready to help.
Choose WoodSpring Suites for your next extended stay in Chicago. Whether you’re planning a two-week business trip or a one-week getaway, we’ll help make your stay as memorable and comfortable as possible!
