Chicago in 48 Hours

Thanks to our Team Harris Ambassador, Tiffany Kwak (MPP'18), for this post! 

In Chicago for the first time? Have family visiting for the weekend? Done with all your problem sets for the week and need to chill? Treat yourself by exploring the Windy City, Harris-style.

Day 1

Dim Sum in Chinatown

There is no better way to start your day than a table full of delicious food and hot jasmine tea. With so many dim sum options in Chinatown (Cai, Ming Hin, and Phoenix, to name a heavy-hitting few), you’ll find something for everyone! I also highly recommend grabbing some bubble tea at Kung-Fu Tea or Joy Yee’s afterward.

Dedicated Museum Time

Chicago has a dizzying amount of world-class museums and there are not enough hours in the day to visit them all. Luckily, a handful of them are clustered together on Museum Campus for easy access and two of the best art museums in the world (the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art) are located within minutes of each other by bus. The Chicago Cultural Center also houses a few art exhibits and is worth checking out if you are spending some time downtown.

If you are looking for museums in Hyde Park, the Museum of Science Industry, the Smart Museum, the Logan Center, and the Oriental Institute should all be on your must-visit list.

*BONUS: Self-guided walking tour of public art in Downtown Chicago

Chagall, Miro, Picasso, and more all on the public streets of Chicago. Free, and amazing!

Movie at the Music Box Theatre

The Music Box Theatre is one of my favorite places in the City, and not just because they show some amazing movies that span different time periods and genres. The staff is passionate, the snacks are affordable, and they have a dedicated organist! The Music Box Theatre is a Chicago treasure, and no trip to Chicago would be complete without a visit to this venue.

Day 2

Exploring the Garfield Park Conservatory

Located conveniently near a CTA Green Line station, the Conservatory is a nice getaway from the hustle and bustle of the City. The Conservatory is free to the public and is open every day of the year, which is an added bonus.

People watching and shopping in Wicker Park

Wicker Park is one of the central shopping, dining, and entertainment districts in Chicago. The neighborhood was featured in the movie High Fidelity, and has become an important Chicago social hub. Some favorite stops here are Stan’s Donuts, Myopic Books, Gather Home & Lifestyle, and Quimby’s Comics.

Taking in a show at The Green Mill

Located in Uptown, The Green Mill is a historic club that has been around since the early 1900s. While the jazz performances are phenomenal, The Green Mill also hosts a variety of other events throughout the week which makes it an important cultural hub for the neighborhood and the City of Chicago itself.

Want to spend more time in Hyde Park? Be sure to check out my Hyde Park recommendations!