One of the best things about Chicago is that there’s so much to see, day and night. So, you want to find out how to make the most of your time.
Some people tend to think everyone at night is out in clubs and parties. But with everything Chicago has to offer, you can experience even more!
So, here’s a quick look at what you can do to make the most of your time in Chicago at night.
See the Rest of the City
You can think of Chicago as a melting pot of people from different backgrounds. But besides cultural diversity, they also have a whole city that lights up at night – literally!
Even from your hotel room window, you will likely see several places light up the windy city. Moreover, you can witness it up close by walking around yourself and checking out late-night shops or exhibits.
Watch Live Music
Chicago is one of the best places to enjoy different performance arts live. Even as you walk around at night, you could come across a bar or two offering live music or even actual halls and theaters.
If you’re in the mood for it, you can also look for a bar that provides live music as you wine and dine the rest of the night.
Go on a Night Cruise
With everything you can find in the city, you can keep yourself entertained by going around the city during the evening. Not only do you get to find unique shops, but you also witness some of their popular landmarks in a different light.
You can also check out different walking tours, which come in an array of themes like ghost hunting or fireworks shows. It also helps to see what bus and boat tours are available if you want to really go around the city.
Explore Different Cuisines
Lots of people travel to try different types of cuisine. According to a survey, three out of four American adults feel this way.
What’s great about Chicago is that the food you see served in the daytime gets replaced by something else without causing a major difference to the area. This way, you can enjoy different cuisines as you stroll around.
Visit the Arts
When it comes to art in the windy city, it considers everything from performances to visuals. With each of these, you get to enjoy a whole new experience.
Besides music, a few live performances you can consider looking out for include a comedy show, usually in bars. On the other hand, some art exhibits stay open until the wee hours of the night, so you can check these out too!
Find Out How to Enjoy Chicago at Night
Chicago is a popular choice among tourists for several reasons, including food! The cultural diversity in the city makes way for cuisine of all kinds.
They have something for everyone from the east to the west. But with this variety, you might wonder, where should you begin?
Here’s a list of Chicago delicacies you have to try in the city!
Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza
You can’t visit Chicago without trying out the iconic deep-dish pizza. In fact, there are lots of restaurants in the city that serve this as the main course or a side.
Unlike your regular pizza, this deep-dish pizza is popular for its thick crust and thick layers covered with sauce, cheese, and a load of toppings! Think of it like a pie but make it pizza.
Chicago Style Hot Dogs
Chicago follows a unique formula with their hot dogs, creating a bright cartoon-like meal. They usually use a Vienna beef hot dog with mustard instead of ketchup.
You can decide on which toppings you decide, but they usually go for bright ones in anything from green to red. It varies for every store, but it sure does give off the same Chicago-style vibe either way!
Jibarito
The jibarito is one of Chicago’s most iconic foods for a reason. Beyond simply being a Puerto Rican-inspired dish, it’s also a culinary masterpiece that represents cultural diversity well.
It’s a sandwich with shredded beef or thin-cut steak. You can also find them in different meat forms, from poultry to seafood. One thing that makes it unique is the fried and flattened plantains that go in between for an extra kick.
Italian Beef
In Chicago, you can have Italian beef in several ways, enough for people to start a debate about the best way to have it. But despite it being a topic for discussion, it’s a great meal nonetheless, no matter what you serve it with.
Lots of restaurants in Chicago will have their personal rendition of serving Italian beef. In most cases, they serve it in a sandwich, topped with tons of other ingredients that add a pop of color and bring out the true flavor it has to offer.
Shrimp DeJonghe
The shrimp DeJonghe is a recipe that originated in the Windy City as early as the 20th century. It’s perfect for people looking for a seafood mix with a hint of something else. In this case, it’s Italian!
The dish is comparable to a simple casserole. The key to finding the perfect one is putting the right ingredients together. So, take your time to explore the city to find different versions of this dish.
Saganaki
Cheese offers lots of health benefits as it is, but have you ever wondered what it’s like to have it alone as a meal? That’s the saganaki.
Chicago is home to the flaming saganaki. The unique Greek appetizer is literally just a platter of fried cheese, but it brings out flavors you might be surprised to find out.
Fuel Up with Iconic Chicago Delicacies
If you’re on the hunt for a cheap hotel room, timing is the key. It’s all about knowing when the rates go up or down. This way, you can determine the best deal available.
It’s a given that peak season will likely mean higher prices. But beyond this, you should also consider the time you book your room. But what exactly does this mean?
Here’s how to get cheaper hotel rates with the perfect timing!
Best Time to Book a Hotel Room
The best time to book a hotel room can vary depending on where you’re staying. But generally, you can find some of the best deals at the last minute.
When you book a room on the same day, right after a cancellation, you can save yourself up to 50% to 70% of the original room cost. Note that this differs from place to place, especially if you’re looking for a room in a pricier hotel.
Moreover, most people recommend checking when rates are the highest or lowest in your destination. Some reduce their costs during the weekends, while others on weekdays.
It’s important to take your time to research your destination and how the costs vary to ensure you snag the best deal you can find!
When Do Hotel Rates Decline?
Usually, hotels start to reduce the prices of their available hotel rooms by 4 p.m. It includes any rooms that were not booked for the day or were canceled at the last minute.
This time of the day is the best place to start looking around for an available hotel room. Moreover, the same trick applies even when you book a room on the same day!
How to Book a Last Minute Hotel Room
Hotels don’t exactly announce the reduction of their room costs every time someone cancels. So, booking a room requires you to ask the hotel for availability and confirmation.
In this case, you want to take your time to look around and check your options. It should include checking online applications or websites for any discounts and deals at lower rates. Doing so also gives you an idea of what the hotel has to offer and determines if it fits your needs.
Keep in mind that finding a room at the last minute won’t always guarantee you a stay. So, it’s best to keep your doors open for a place that caters to your preferences as closely as possible.
Find Out How to Get Cheaper Hotel Rates with Timing
If you want to know how to get cheaper hotel rates, your timing plays a key role. Most hotels tend to reduce their rates at certain periods of time. So, you can get the most out of your stay when you book at the right moment!
Moreover, these offers come with several other benefits, from no commitment to budget-friendly options. This way, you can guarantee that you get the most out of your trip, all for a great price!
Are you looking for a hotel at the last minute? You might think it’s challenging, but you can snag better deals than you think.
Booking last minute hotel rooms can offer you benefits you usually can’t get with regular rooms. The key is knowing how to find them and what to do about it.
So, how do you do it, and are last minute hotel rooms really worth it? Let’s find out!
Why Try Last Minute Hotel Rooms?
According to recent data, 1 out of 2 travelers book for last minute or next-day rooms. Generally, it’s because these rooms are convenient for people who make a sudden change of plans.
But aside from this, it’s great for those looking for a better deal on hotel rooms. The following are a few of the benefits you can enjoy.
Penalty-Free Cancellation
You won’t have to worry about commitment with a last minute hotel room. It’s because they usually have a penalty-free cancellation policy. In this case, you won’t lose money even if you change your mind.
At the same time, some hotels can free you from the worry that comes with early or late check-ins and check-outs. Still, you want to confirm this with the hotel before proceeding.
Budget-Friendly
Same-day hotel rates usually offer the most competitive rates. A quick tip is to check rooms after 4 p.m. since prices often decline past this hour.
Because of this, it’s a cost-effective way to get a place to stay when you have a tight budget. However, remember that it doesn’t guarantee a room in the place you want.
Where you get a booking still varies based on their availability. Many recommend having different options to ensure you find an available room.
Flexibility and Customization
How to Get Good Last Minute Room Deals
Don’t Hesitate to Ask
If you’re wandering around the city, it helps to ask around hotels to see if they have deals for last minute bookings. The chances that you find a place by asking are higher than they seem, as long as you look in the right places.
Rather than going for the biggest hotels available, you can also consider options off the beaten path for a better chance of finding a room.
Use Online Platforms
You can find available last minute hotel rooms through online platforms. It could be from the hotel website or a separate booking app.
Either way, you should take your time to look around and ask the hotel any necessary questions, from available amenities to cost. This way, you can determine if it’s the ideal place for you.
Keep Your Doors Open
When looking for last minute hotel rooms, it’s best to keep your doors open. Not all hotels will have a room up for grabs, so you should have several options.
You also want to be open to any deals that come up. Who knows? It might be your ticket to the perfect travel experience!
In Closing
Your hotel bedroom is like the cherry on top of your trip. After all, this is going to be your temporary home for a few days.
The key to finding the ideal hotel bedroom is knowing the types available. Note that it can either find them based on bed size, occupancy, or layout. But what are the common options?
Here’s a look at the types of hotel rooms you will come across!
Petite Hotel Bedroom
Some hotels offer a petite bedroom for people who want an affordable space. It offers just as much comfort as other rooms but with less amenities and less legroom.
This type of hotel room works great if you’re planning to spend most of your time out and about the city, and simply need a place to come back to.
Standard Hotel Room
Most hotels have their own rendition of a standard hotel room. While some keep them fixed, they often come with different sleeping arrangements. A few common options include a double room, queen room, or king room.
A standard hotel room will most likely cater to the basics. Some rooms may not have additional furnishings, but this can depend on the room’s layout.
Be sure the hotel amenities included fits your references and needs. This way, you can assure you get the best stay!
Deluxe Hotel Room
Some might think that a standard and deluxe room is similar, but it usually offers a bigger room size. This way, hotels can offer more amenities and inclusions to the room.
If you come across advertisements that highlight the view, whether it’s of a bay or city, these are often for deluxe rooms. Moreover, they often come with private terraces or balconies and extra high-end extras.
Studio Bedroom
A great thing about a studio hotel room is that it gives you enough room to feel like a temporary home. These spaces tend to have a living, sleeping, and eating or kitchen area.
Aside from a bed, you might notice a sofa or pull-out that doubles as one. This way, you have room for an extra person.
The room also has enough space to accommodate different activities. So, it’s an ideal spot if you’re looking for a place to enjoy a staycation.
Connecting Room
From the name itself, a connecting room refers to two rooms that are next to each other on the hotel floor, bridged by a door from the inside. So, you can access and unlock either of the outside entrances.
Keeping the connecting door unlocked turns the room into a large double room. Because of this, it’s a popular choice among families and friend groups who want privacy but also prefer to hang out together.
A 2017 survey finds that 51% of U.S. business travelers value large rooms during a trip. A connecting room is a great place to start if you’re going in groups.
Suite
Suites are one of the most expensive rooms you can find at a hotel. One thing they boast about is how every area of the room feels like a completely separate space.
For rooms like this, you can get a range of amenities. Some include a bigger bathroom, excellent view, separate kitchen and dining space, and a living room.
Keep in mind that these vary based on the hotel you choose. Regardless, you can expect the best from a suite for a higher cost.
The Bottomline
Some people may feel like they have less to see when they travel on a budget. But the truth is, you just need to know where to go.
While some statistics show how the majority prioritizes traveling, not everyone can spend how much they want when they achieve this. If you’re on a trip to Chicago, you’re in luck!
Here are some of the top and free attractions you have to get the most out of your experience when you visit Chicago on a budget.
Visit Public Art Exhibits
Chicago is one of the cities around the country known for its art. That’s because you can find them almost anywhere as you stroll around.
You’re sure to find a public art exhibit or two as you check what the city has to offer. There are also a few structures and sculptures you have to witness in person, like the Bean at Millenium Park.
Explore Public Parks
Next to art exhibits, you’ll find lots of public parks in the city, which are a great place to get active when you visit Chicago on a budget. Moreover, each of them has something different to offer.
The Maggie Daley Park is one of the most popular ones, especially for its skating ribbon, climbing wall, and themed sites. On the other hand, places like Garfield and Lincoln Park cater to different types of sports, from golf and baseball to boxing and swimming.
Catch Free Festivals
If you visit Chicago on a budget during the summer, you might be able to catch music festivals that are free admission. The performances you witness not only display the city’s cultural diversity but also the depth of music among its people.
It’s important to practice safety when visiting big events like these, especially as a solo traveler. You want to be sure you get in a crowd of people who seem reliable, stay where people can see you, and let your family and friends know your whereabouts.
Look Up Museums
You can find a few free admission museums in Chicago if you’re in the mood for something interactive and educational. For example, you can head straight to the Chicago Cultural Center right after your trip to Millenium Park.
If you’re up for it, you can even visit some of their popular museums for a low cost. Otherwise, the free options are a great alternative for a similar experience.
See the Zoo
Lots of people believe the Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the best free attractions in the city, particularly because of how engaging it is. You get to witness some unique animals while learning more about them through shows and feeding.
It’s also perfect if you visit Chicago on a budget with the family since the zoo has something fun to offer for everyone!
Take Strolls
With all there is to see in Chicago, you can go on with your days visiting the city just strolling. It’s a great way to come across unique sites, from art to events that are likely free of charge.
There are also lots of great places to walk around that give you a good view of the city, such as the Navy Pier or Lakefront Trail. If you’re up for some activity, you can also cycle your way around.
Visit Chicago on a Budget with These Tips
Studies find that more people who take staycations find it more affordable than other options. So, it’s only natural to want to make sure you get the best value for your money.
With a hotel staycation, you might find yourself dealing with more limits, especially if you want to remain within the hotel. If that’s the case, how do you make sure you get the most out of your trip?
Here are a few things to consider when choosing the ideal place for a hotel staycation.
Prioritize Hotel Facilities
One of the first things you want to look into is the hotel facilities. You want to be sure it includes a broad range of activities that can take up time in your day, from a pool area to a fitness center.
These help keep you entertained during your stay, even when you don’t leave the hotel! Moreover, it’s one of the primary reasons you may feel motivated to book a room.
Consider Package Inclusions
You might come across hotel packages that offer a good deal, even when it comes to activities. It could be anything from free access to a bar or an evening at the spa.
Note that these packages will vary based on the hotel’s facilities. So, you want to take your time to look into what they have to offer and whether they’re to your liking.
It’s also good to check if the extra activities in your package are paid options for regular hotel visitors. This way, you can determine if you’re getting a good value for your money.
Get a Room with a Good View
If you’re interested in activities you could do in your hotel room, you may want to pick a place with a good view, especially if you’re in a different city. Not only does it allow you to appreciate your room, but it also lets you see what the city has in store for you.
With this, it can feel like you’re roaming around the city without really leaving your hotel room. You can also use it as your guide to what you want to see if you decide to go around the following day.
Look Into Hotel Amenities
Amenities can make or break a hotel staycation, particularly because you will likely spend more time in your room. So, it’s best to pick a place that offers exactly what you’re looking for.
For example, if you’re going on a movie night, you want to be sure the hotel has a TV with on-demand video services. On the other hand, if you’re having a game night, pick a place with enough seats or fast and free Wi-Fi access.
Build the Perfect Hotel Staycation with the Right Place
Are you looking to unwind or relieve stress? If so, a self-care day at a hotel is a great place to start. This way, you can travel while giving yourself the perfect me-time.
Self-care can do more for you than you think, especially mentally. But the question is, where should you begin?
Here’s how to build a quick self-care day checklist to help you make the most out of your time.
Plan a Proper Itinerary
A self-care day at a hotel means you can pick a place out of your comfort zone. It can be in a new city or in a different country. If that’s the case, you want to start your self-care day checklist with a proper itinerary.
You want to try to steer clear of anything that could cause you stress later. So, a clear itinerary can help you stay organized and away from frustration. At the same time, it allows you to see as much as you can during the trip.
Consider Different Types of Exercise
You can stay fit when you travel in lots of ways. At a hotel, you can do it in your room or by accessing the gym or pool, if any.
Note that getting active is a great way to stay healthy even when you’re away from home. You can also fulfill it by doing different activities around the city, such as biking, hiking, or even something as simple as strolling.
Explore Food Around You
If you’re writing a self-care day checklist, you should include food. Be sure you take your time to enjoy and explore different food around you while seeing the area.
Even so, you shouldn’t force yourself to eat food you aren’t fond of. Instead, it means taking time to figure out what you like and not restricting yourself from eating as much as you prefer.
Keep Your Room Clean
A hotel room can get messy sooner than you think, especially if you’re planning on staying for a while. So, it’s important to remind yourself to keep your room clean.
Evidence finds that cleanliness can affect your mental health in different ways. Either way, it’s enough to add to your checklist since it also determines how comfortable your stay will be.
Focus on Your Hobbies
If you’re staying at a hotel for a self-care day, it helps to use it as a day to enjoy your hobbies, especially if it’s something you can do in the room.
You also want to consider activities that allow you to stay relaxed throughout your trip. It’s also important to make sure it’s easy and possible to do alone.
Start a Quick Self-Care Day Checklist at a Hotel
You want to consider making a self-care day checklist for your next solo trip or hotel staycation. It’s a great way to make sure you focus on yourself while ensuring you don’t waste a single second of me-time. Moreover, it keeps you more relaxed since you already have everything planned out from the start!
Chicago is one of the top cities to see in the U.S. and has been for a few years now according to a survey. But with the diversity it has to offer, there’s no surprise why lots of people feel this way.
One thing about the city is that it has lots of museums dedicated to anything from science to art. Moreover, it’s worth a visit no matter how old you are!
If this is something you’re interested in exploring, here are some of the top museums in Chicago dedicated to science and art.
Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is more than just a place to see works, it’s also the most popular cultural building in the city. One way to know you’re at the right stop is the iconic bronze lions by the steps.
Here, you can find over 300,000 pieces made by historic names and more. It goes from paintings and sculptures to full exhibitions, making it perfect to tickle the inner art geek in you.
The Field Museum
The Field Museum is a must-see if you’re into artifacts from the oldest possible time you can remember. It exhibits pieces of natural history that are perfect for those who love both science and history.
The museum features everything from dinosaurs to ancient Egyptian tombs. With its range, it has something to offer for everyone, regardless of what you’re interested in.
If you’re going with family, you can also look into other family-friendly museums around the area to really make the most of your trip.
Adler Planetarium
Next to the museum, another popular attraction for those who love science and nature is the Adler Planetarium, which is also one of the city’s top attractions.
The planetarium features several permanent exhibits and a mesmerizing sky show at the Grainger Sky Theater, but the experience doesn’t stop there. You can apply everything you learned about space and skies when you head to the Dome Observatory. It houses the largest telescope for public viewing in the entire city!
Shedd Aquarium
If you’re in the mood to see some interesting sea creatures, the Shedd Aquarium has exactly what you’re looking for. They allow you to get up close and personal with different aquatic animals.
A few to note include frogs, rays, jellies, penguins, otters, and even beluga whales among others. With all the water creatures you can find, you can easily spend an entire day at the museum.
Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry is a great place for people who enjoy interactive exhibits. It features exhibits that stimulate tornados, mazes lined with mirrors, and displays of old-age submarines from the 1900s.
Keep Your Trip Engaging with the Top Museums in Chicago
You can explore the city’s best exhibits while keeping yourself fun and engaged by checking out the top museums in Chicago. While the city has lots to offer, it also makes an ideal place for people who love both art and science!
A vacation can be anything you want it to be, from a relaxing two-night beach trip to a whole day of fun and high activity. What matters is knowing the best places to see!
Chicago offers lots of parks that can help you stay fit during your visit. It’s a great way to get active while seeing more of the city.
Here are some of the best parks in Chicago that offer you a plethora of activities.
Maggie Daley Park
Maggie Daley Park is one of the most popular parks in the city for a lot of reasons. One of them is the quarter-mile skating ribbon that wraps around a climbing wall about 40 feet tall.
At the same time, it features themed sites and structures, like a giant pirate ship playground and a mini golf course that displays miniature versions of Chicago’s top landmarks.
Grant Park
The 606
The 606 is a railway track, converted into a path of sorts. It’s about 2.7 miles long, allowing individuals a quick route to travel from east to west.
Despite simply being a path, it offers several entrance and exit points that connect to different parks and public art exhibits. So, it simplifies going around the city and gives you room to jog, roll, or bike with little interruptions.
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park offers miles of green where you can lounge and take in the view. But aside from this, it makes a perfect space for getting your exercise through different activities.
Some of them include a skate park, golf courses, baseball fields, and paths for anything from walking to cycling. If you run its length at least 3 times, you can hit the recommended 20-mile run for better health benefits!
Garfield Park
Garfield Park is popular for being a spot that you can catch no matter how far you look. It’s because of its iconic golden dome just above its fieldhouse.
It’s one of the best parks in Chicago for high-activity facilities if you’re on the west side. It includes those for:
- Sports, like baseball, basketball, tennis, and swimming
- Fitness, such as boxing and a fitness center
- Leisure, including a playground and fishing area
