Welcome to the best city in the world! Below, you’ll find some suggestions of how you can spend your time when you aren’t partying with the Nwaneris and Kalbags.

The tourist must-have’s are listed below by categories (Zoos & Museums, Skyscrapers, Arboretums & Gardens, and Miscellaneous attractions). Depending on how long you’re staying in Chicago, here are some suggestions.

Flying in on Saturday morning and leaving on Sunday (1 Night stay)

Check-in starts at 3:00 to 4:00 PM at most hotels. Inquire with them if they can hold your luggage until check-in. If yes, fly in early, check your bags in at concierge and head out.

Check out either Morton Arboretum or Brookfield Zoo. These are in the western suburbs of Chicago and will keep your commute to under 30 minutes. Grab some Chicago style deep-dish at Lou Malnati’s (butter crust only) and head back to the hotel to get ready for the wedding.

If you’re checking out on Sunday, ask the hotel to hold the bags at check-out and head to the city. Get on a River Boat Architectural tour and visit the Hancock Observatory (The opinionated Mr. Kalbag recommends this over Sears Tower) for your “Tall Building” check before heading back to the hotel to grab your bags and head out.

Flying in on Friday evening and leaving on Sunday (2 Night stay)

Friday:

Check-in at the hotel and head to the city. Most zoos and museums close around 5:00, so plan on checking out a River Boat Architectural tour and visit the Hancock Observatory before grabbing dinner in the city (Chicago Deep Dish or Al’s Beef). If that isn’t your speed, there’s something for every palate in Chicago. Want to see Chicago lit up? Stay late and head to a rooftop bar like Cindy’s Rooftop (12 S Michigan Ave) for a drink (Closes at 11) or London House Rooftop (at the Chicago Hilton, open till midnight) and a view of, at the risk of beating a dead horse, THE BEST CITY IN THE WORLD!

If you land in Chicago early AM, hand your bags to concierge and catch one of the museums before doing the boat tour. I’m partial to the Shedd Aquarium, but you can’t go wrong with any of those picks.

Saturday:

Follow the same schedule as the 1-Night stay. Either Brookfield Zoo or Morton Arboretum.

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