What to Do in Chicago on a Budget: A List of Cheap and Fun Things to Do in the Windy City
Chicago represents an amazing city with marvelous towers, a profound cultural background, and a strong art base; it never ceases to amaze people with the number of things that can be done there. With regard to the outdoor attractions, several parks dotted across Chicago offer the best places to be in the city in as much as expenditure is concerned. Especially, to Millennium Park, everyone needs to go, and it’s one of the most popular sights for everyone who is thinking about what to do in Chicago on a budget. Millennium Park, one of Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions, is free and has the Cloud Gate sculpture, but the beautiful park is large enough that you can spend ample time in it. Many a time, during the summer, free concerts and other events are hosted throughout the park, giving the place even further incentive to visit.
Across the street there are plenty of opportunities for jogging, walking, rollerblading, and outdoor photography at Grant Park with its beautiful gardens, rich with flowers, trees, and benches. The Art Institute of Chicago is nearby, and it will cost money to get in, but the park itself costs nothing. You may also be privileged to witness free shows, concerts, or festivals going on in this area.
Popular Free Museums and Cultural Centers
On pondering what to do in Chicago on a budget, one is not likely to consider museums as they offer hefty charges for admission. But again, Chicago is also full of free museum days and public institutions that allow getting acquainted with culture for free.
That is why, sometimes, you can visit such places as the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and see the exhibits for free on certain days of the week. The National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen is also readily available with free access to the Latin American community to boot.
Further, some of the wonders that can be visited include the Field Museum, which does not charge Illinois resident fees certain days of the week, and the Shedd Aquarium, which does not charge its visitors any fees for this work. Depending on the time of the year you visit, learning about the ancient world of dinosaurs or even marine life is free or almost free.
Walking Tour of Chicago Neighborhoods
There’s a wide range of things to do and see in Chicago, particularly by discovering this city’s neighborhoods. With the historic Lincoln Park on one side and the modern and vibrant Wicker Park area on the other, there is always something new to find if you only look for it. The best thing for first-timers is the ability to take a walking tour around the city; there are numerous cheap or even free walking tours by local companies.
The historical Asian enclaves of the city can be ascertained by visiting Chinatown, whereas the Mexican aspect can be explored by visiting Pilsen, their murals and galleries. Shopping at the well-known street known as the ‘Magnificent Mile’ can also be done on some shoestring since the majority of the shops sell souvenirs for more average prices. Of course, the shops themselves can be a bit pricey, but walking around Michigan Avenue while window shopping or business people gazing at beautiful buildings will be free of charge.
Enjoy the Scenic Waterfront
One thing that guests of Chicago can be sure of is that this city by the lake boasts a wide variety of cheap and enjoyable attractions. This location is perfect for jogging, cycling, or anyone who would like to take a walk in the natural environment. With a length of 18 miles winding around the lake, the trail provides vistas of the lake and the urban skyline.
Of course, Navy Pier does have some paid attractions, but at the same time, there are numerous free-of-charge options in there as well. There’s the pier to walk at; you can watch the fireworks during the season or just watch as the boats swing in and out of the harbor. In addition, there is a variety of outdoor food events and concerts during the year.
Chicago Can Be Enjoyed With Free Activities
Chicago is a city that cherishes its traditions; you can find quite a few cultural festivities in Chicago that are free of charge. You can go for the Chicago Air and Water Show during summer or to the Winter Wonder Fest at the Navy Pier. There are always activities, which are free.
In addition, outdoor food and drink selling, street performances, general and movie screenings, and concerts can be found all over the city. During summer, many locations have outdoor cinemas, and it is done with the backdrop of major structures in Chicago, specifically. Such activities are perfect for a tour since you get to interact with culture while at the same time cutting down on your spending.
Go to the Chicago Public Library.
For if you are looking for a place that you can walk around without much bustle while in Chicago and at the same time save your money, then you will have to consider a visit to the Chicago Public Library. It is going to be most advisable to start your tour with the city’s main library in the Loop, which will have you marveling at the architecture of this beautiful structure while it is, of course, free. Besides the book collection this library has, it has so many programs, events, and even exhibitions and education that may be on offer that are free for everybody, and it is a nice place for kids and adults to visit.
Take a Free Walking Tour
Tours are available with professionally guided, knowledgeable individuals who will accompany you around Chicago only if you do not have to pay for any charges. Despite gratuities being welcome, these tours are affordable and an efficient means by which to discover the city.
Whether with the Chicago Architecture Foundation or other local organizations, these walking tours will introduce you to the architecture and the history that define the city’s growth. The most famous boat tours are the Chicago River Tours and the Historic District Walking tours of the Loop and the Old Town neighborhood.
Experience Cheap Food Around Chicago
Although Chi-town is famous for meat and potatoes plus coffee shops, where a plate of eggs may cost forty dollars, there are some low-cost eateries in Chicago. When it comes to what to do in Chicago on a budget, consuming local meals without breaking the bank is of utmost importance. Even such a specialized offer as Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is available at a lot of cheap restaurants, with some of the places offering their slices at prices much lower than somewhere else.
If you are or you like ‘hot dogs, the city has famous places, such as Portillo’s or the Wiener’s Circle, where you can taste the real hot dog from Chicago without paying a very high price. In the course of the use of local cuisine, food trucks are perhaps some of the best means of finding affordable meals as well as getting to appreciate the foods from other parts of the world.
Conclusion
If one wants to stick to a tight budget, they can find these choices if they take a little time and don’t mind seeking out more off-the-beaten-path locations. Many attractions, such as museums in the city, are free; the parks are superb, graveyards are delicious, and street performances outside are free. In case you are just having a tour or already a resident of Chicago, you will find loads of things to do that you would not have to splurge on.
As a result, staying within or even below your budget introduces you to the best of what the city can offer. Well, you guessed it: grab your comfy walking shoes, make your travel plans, and prepare to learn about other activities you can do in Chicago.
FAQs
What are the notable free things to do in Chicago?
The best must-see attractions that do not cost a thing when in Chicago are Millennium Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, the Chicago River walk and all the public beaches along Lake Michigan. But other museums in the city also have free days for example the Museum of Contemporary Art and the National Museum of Mexican Art.
What could be done to achieve a cheap or an affordable taste of food in the Chicago city?
Well yes, I have to admit Chicago is certainly not starved for good cheap food. Other dining facilities like restaurants, cafes and street foods like Portillo’s, The Wiener’s Circle and food truck are also cheap to offer great food at reasonable prices. Further, it is good to buy foodstuff from farmer’s market, for instance, the Chicago French Market because the food is cheap, fresh.
