Frugal travel tips for Chicago
Chicago offers many free attractions for the frugal traveler. These free views make up for more expensive splurges like deep dish pizza, admission to the famous Shedd Aquarium, and a trip to the Sears Tower.
Free cars
From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, between 10 a.m. M. And 6 p.m. M., Free carts operate every 20-30 minutes to Chicago’s most popular tourist destinations. There are stops at Museum Campus, Michigan Avenue (The Magnificent Mile), and Navy Pier. Do some loops to get a feel for the city. Drivers often provide information on landmarks.
Street parking in the city center is usually free on Sundays.
Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park and Millennium Park
The Buckingham Fountain (seen in the opening credits of the Married With Children television show) in Grant Park, near the waterfront, was designed to emulate the grand fountains of the Palace of Versailles. It consists of three basins, surrounded by four bronze seahorses.
More modern art can be found in the adjacent Millennium Park. The Crown Fountain has two giant glass towers with projections of faces on them. The water gushes from the mouths of the faces, to the delight of the children. Cloud Gate resembles a giant stainless steel jellybean, warping the reflection of onlookers.
Marina Pier
Navy Pier hosts a street carnival type of atmosphere. There’s a 148-foot classic-style Ferris wheel, a musical carousel with painted animals, a children’s museum, a stained glass museum, and a maze of fun houses. Add in seasonal street performers, food vendors, and face painters, and travelers can people-watch for hours.
The old water tower
The Old Water Tower, located on famous Michigan Avenue near the John Hancock Center, is one of the most famous survivors of the Great Fire. Designed to resemble a small European castle, the Old Water Tower is now a visitor center.
The Art Institute of Chicago
With great American masterpieces like Grant Wood’s American Gothic, the Art Institute of Chicago is a must-see for art lovers and a gift for the savvy traveler. From May 31 to August 31, admission is free after 5:00 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.
There are many other free or frugal attractions in Windy City, storefronts on the Magnificent Mile, facades like Dearborn Street Station, and more.