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Chicago photo by Matthew T. Radar  

10 Non-Touristy things to do in Chicago

Chicago is known to have plenty of famous tourist sights.  The city welcomes an approximation of 57.5 million tourists every year. It is a city of neighborhoods that has some of the best Windy City experiences lying off the beaten path.

It has a diverse range of attractions which are itinerary perfect for every one of them. While in Chicago one gets to admire the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan from 1000 feet high or sail across in a divine luxury

Chicago is known for its jaw-dropping architecture, vibrant music scene, and amazing food. Including deep-dish pizza and iconic neighborhoods.

Visitors are recommended to enjoy a part of Chicago’s history by attending a ball game at the historic Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs which was opened in 1914. And also has great views of Chicago’s skyline while strolling along the Chicago Riverwalk. Walk along the paths that parallel the Chicago River, and stop and enjoy a bite to eat, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy the many rests stops with sweeping views of downtown Chicago

Some of the ways to  explore the non-touristy parts of Chicago include

1. Watch a Movie at a Historic Theater

There are many historic theatres in Chicago where you can watch a movie without breaking the bank. The Music Box Theatre in Lincoln Park and Logan Theatre in Logan Square are two local favorites and recommended ones. They offer showings of new releases, indie, and foreign films without exceeding $10 a ticket. That leaves extra room in the budget for some popcorn.

2. Enjoy Chicago’s largest playground that is filled with unlimited Ice cream

 It is a museum in the world where you can learn about ice cream. By riding on the pink spring L line, putting your golf skills to the test in our Putt-Putt course, or taking a dip in a pool filled with millions of sprinkles.

This is the only place in the world where anything is possible. Get ready to ex ore a world where all your wildest ice cream dreams come true.

All kinds of ice cream dreams and delights are available. They include scoops of classic and seasonally rotating flavors, MOIC signature milkshakes, sweet specialty sundaes, and NEW Chicago-inspired craft cocktails.

3. Explore the Chicago food scene 

The city has legendary bakeries in neighborhoods around the city. Also can discover Chicago’s immigrant roots with incredible food from roots around the world, including Italian, Polish, German, and many more. Let your guide take you to his/her favorite candy shop in town, meet owners and hear the stories of restaurants that have been local favorites for generations, or try some of Chicago’s amazing craft beer from a local brewery. In between food stops, we’ll show you the iconic historic and architectural sights of the city, you’ll experience a wonderful variety of neighborhoods, and you’ll get your fill of the city’s history, art, and culture.

4. Shop Armitage Avenue

The Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue in Chicago’s most famous shopping street.    It is crowded with visitors and overpriced stores. 

Visitors are advised to try  Armitage Avenue in Lincoln Park instead. This street offers a similar assortment of trendy shops, as well as more locally owned and thrift options, where you can shop ‘til you drop. The densest section of shopping runs west from Halstead St. to Racine Ave.

5.       Enjoy Chicago Blues Festivals

Chicago blue festival photo by Flickr      

Chicago is known to honor its legacy as a city of 12-bar melodies and wailing guitar solos by hosting this annual blues music festival. It brings the living legends and local players to Millennium Park for four days of electrifying performances. 

The lineup includes headlining sets from blues singer Shemekia Copeland, guitarist Ronnie Baker Brooks and one-time child prodigy Eric Gales. As well as a special “Women in Blues” showcase on June 12 that will pay tribute to legendary Chicago blues singer Mary Lane. Plus, don’t site-specific concerts in Austin and Bronze Ville that will honor the neighborhoods where Blues was born in Chicago. 

6.          Spend an afternoon at Navy Pier

Navy Pier photo by Banpei  

Chicago has an iconic lakefront destination. The Navy Pier plays host to renowned restaurants, shopping opportunities, and boat tours.

The waterfront space was created as a freight dock. The dock slowly evolved over the last century.  At the moment it is the must-see destination. It mainly features exhibits, rides, parks, and unbeatable views of the glistening lake Michigan

7. Enjoy the  Chicago drive-in movies theatre  

The Chicago Drive-In Theater does show movies seven days a week on a 70-foot screen, with room for up to 300 cars in one of Seat Geek Stadium’s parking lots. Audio for each film is normally broadcasted on FM radio. They allow guests to tune in with their car radio or portable radio. You’ll have to sit inside your car and enjoy the movie and bring a face covering to wear while grabbing concessions or using the on-site restrooms. 

8. Enjoy and experience the shoreline sightseeing skyline lake tour

One can view and enjoy the skyline in just 30 minutes on Shoreline’s Classic Lake Tour. It departs from Navy Pier and boasts some of the best views you’ll find on Lake Michigan. The commentary on the city’s architecture and history is pre-recorded. One is required to just sit back and enjoy those sweet, sweet sights.

9. Visit and Admire the cloud gate

The cloud gate, photo by Ben Schumin  

Anish Kapoor’s iconic sculpture which is known as “The Bean has provided a backdrop for dance parties. It has been the subject of hundreds of Facebook memes and provided countless reflective selfies. It is located in Millennium Park.

Cloud Gate is typically surrounded by crowds of people marveling at its shiny surface and snapping photos of the distorted skyline. Its popularity is justified by locals who visited the sculpture countless times. They can’t resist walking beneath it to see their kaleidoscopic reflections.

10. Spend the day on the Beach

Montrose Beach Chicago photo by Jeremy  

Chicago has beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan. There are 24 beaches spanning the city’s 28 miles of shoreline. They all offer unique amenities for whatever type of date you envision. If you want to visit one of the most popular beaches with kayak rentals and a nearby restaurant featuring gorgeous waterfront views make your way to North Avenue Beach. Or if you just want a romantic spot to look at the skyline together while enjoying the waves, go to Bronze villa’s Margaret T. Burroughs Beach.