Thinking about going to Chicago? Wishing you could at least think about going to Chicago but rent is due next week and you're still trying to scrounge up some cash? Well, stop thinking and listen up: this glamorous city is not only for the likes of Paris Hilton, but college students on a budget. The opportunities are endless, and endless cash is not a requirement.
If you're not too familiar with Chicago, the city boasts historical, cultural, architectural and artistic wonders to adhere to all tastes.
A good way to start your mini vacay could be by visiting the most popular tourist sites. These sites include Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium, the Sears Tower, the John Hancock Center, Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile.
Navy Pier is situated right on Lake Michigan and is, well, a pier. Admission onto the pier is free and it features entertainment, shopping, dining, cruises, special events and parks with gardens galore, adding some flair and escape to the city.
""The boat tours at Navy Pier, I would say, are highly underrated because people don't take advantage of them,"" said a representative of the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau.
At Shedd Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world, you can take care of your shopping needs and grab a bite to eat, before stepping onto a boat just feet away to get a spectacular view of the city.
The aquarium currently features discount days that change depending on the season. You can have a blast checking out all the cool aquatic life.
The Sears Tower and the John Hancock Center both offer breathtaking views of the city from their sky decks and observation stations, standing at 103 and 94 floors, respectively. Supposedly, on clear days you can see four states and as far as 50 miles from the top—just don't stand too close to the edge.
Millennium Park does not have an admission fee, so you're free to wander the area, which features contemporary and classic architecture, monumental sculptures and unique landscape layouts. Don't forget to check out the northern end of Michigan Avenue, known as the Magnificent Mile, where a shopper's dreams can come true. There are specialty boutiques, designer stores, restaurants, theaters and awesome views of the Windy City's skyline.
If all the hustle and bustle of the popular tourist sites doesn't suit your fancy, you could always explore some of the lesser-known tourist sites. The Art Institute of Chicago, a combination school and art museum, offers free admission on Thursday evenings and special student rates so you can take a peak at their art collection that spans centuries.
The Chicago Cultural Center is a great place to see free art showcases and to use as a resource about the city by stopping at the Visitor Center for information.
""The Chicago Cultural Center is always free and open to the public,"" said Emily Long, spokesperson for the Chicago Office of Tourism. ""There are top notch art exhibits and live music to experience daily, plus a cafe. And it's right across the street from Millennium Park.""
The Cultural Center also offers many programs and exhibitions that are presented annually and vary from week to week, for those that like to keep going back.
If you're an avid sports fan, have no fear—Chicago is home to various sports teams if you want to catch a game. During spring or summer, you can watch the Cubs (at historic Wrigley Field) or the White Sox.
""Wrigley Field is by far one of Chicago's greatest treasures because it is a historical and beautiful park,"" said a representative of the Chicago Trolley Company.
In the fall you can catch the Bears at Soldier Field, and in the winter you can watch the Bulls shoot hoops or the Blackhawks take the ice.
Chicago is full of things to see and do, it's just a matter of choosing what to pack into the weekend while you are there. So, get out. Broaden your horizons. Treat yourself to a shopping weekend away. Or just bring the party to a different city. It's your call.
