⭐️ - MUST GO

Bolded are neighborhoods. This list is organized by area/distance.

Tiktok of my TOP recs: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTjxg7qx2/

My Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/THw3fNZdffZSkrWE6?g_st=i

Note: I stayed in West Loop (more peaceful/cheaper than in the loop). I did not go to all of these places listed but here is my research and honest recs. You can use Apple Pay for public transit.

West Loop ⭐️

• Food
  • Au Cheval (tasted like glamorous in n out imo but for the culture ⭐️)
  • Izakaya @ Momotoro (if you like japanese food, date spot, reservation req) ⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Ramen-San (underwhelming imo)
  • Velvet Taco (try if you never have, but i’ve tried in other states)
  • Green St Smoked Eats (right next to Sawada Coffee)
  • Time Out Market (top rec but was so empty when i went, rather go to restaurants)
• Cafes
  • Vietfive (ube chata) ⭐️
  • Sawada Coffee ⭐️
• Shopping, Goodwill, high-end curated like Notre…
• Bars ⭐️
  • Blind Barber - speakeasy in barber shop ⭐️
  • Goodnight John Boy - had a $20 cover so did not go but grimey lit dance bar

The Loop

• Architecture Boat Tour (I booked with Wendella) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Riverwalk (you’ll be walking by the river the entire time here - do the boat tour!!!)
• Millenium Park ⭐️
  • Cloudgate - DA BEANN!!!!!! ⭐️
• The Game Room - hidden in 2nd floor of a hotel, free games, bar ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Chicago Public Library (top floor is Winter Garden)
• Magnificent Mile - shopping ⭐️