Chi Voyage Blog

Travel Tips

The Perfect Chicago Weekend: A Sample Itinerary for First-Timers

Maximize your short trip! This sample weekend itinerary covers Chicago's must-sees like Millennium Park, architecture tours, museums, and essential eats.

Travel Tips

Staying Safe in the Windy City: Practical Tips for Visiting Chicago

Enjoy your Chicago visit with confidence! Learn practical safety tips for navigating the city, using public transit, protecting valuables, and being aware of your surroundings.

Travel Tips

Getting from O'Hare (ORD) & Midway (MDW) to Downtown Chicago

Your guide to airport transportation in Chicago. Compare CTA trains (Blue/Orange Line), taxis, rideshares (Uber/Lyft), and shuttles from O'Hare and Midway.

Travel Tips

Is the Chicago CityPASS Worth It? A Breakdown for Visitors

Considering the Chicago CityPASS? Analyze the cost, included attractions (like Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck), pros, cons, and alternatives to see if it saves you money.

Travel Tips

Packing for Chicago: A Seasonal Guide to Wardrobe & Essentials

What to pack for Chicago? Get seasonal tips on clothing, layers, footwear, and essentials for Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter in the Windy City.

Travel Tips

Chicago for Families: A Guide to Kid-Friendly Fun

Planning a family trip to Chicago? Discover kid-friendly attractions like Maggie Daley Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, museums, beaches, and tips for a smooth visit.

Travel Tips

Chicago on a Budget: Free Things To Do & Money-Saving Tips

Explore Chicago without breaking the bank! Discover free attractions, parks, museums on free days, affordable eats, transit savings, and tips for budget travel.

Food

A Taste of Everything: Navigating Chicago's Food Halls

Explore Chicago's vibrant food halls! Discover popular spots like Time Out Market, Revival Food Hall, and French Market, offering diverse cuisines under one roof.

Food

Sweet Home Chicago: A Guide to the City's Best Desserts & Sweet Shops

Indulge your sweet tooth! Discover Chicago's best pies, donuts, ice cream, pastries, cookies, cakes, and candy shops across various neighborhoods.

Food

Iconic Chicago Steakhouses: Old School Charm vs. Modern Flair

Explore Chicago's legendary steakhouse scene, comparing timeless institutions like Gibsons and Gene & Georgetti with newer, modern steakhouses.

Food

Rise and Shine: Chicago's Best Breakfast & Brunch Hotspots

Discover the best places for breakfast and weekend brunch in Chicago, from classic diners and cozy cafes to trendy hotspots and international flavors.

Food

Hop Around Town: A Tour of Chicago's Craft Breweries

Explore Chicago's booming craft beer scene! Discover key brewery neighborhoods like Malt Row, popular breweries, diverse beer styles, and tips for your visit.

Food

Chicago's Best Burgers (Beyond the Chains): A Local's Guide

Forget the fast food chains! Discover where to find the juiciest, most flavorful, and unique burgers Chicago has to offer, from smash burgers to gourmet creations.

Places

Lincoln Park Deep Dive: Zoo, Conservatory, Nature Museum & More

Explore Chicago's vast Lincoln Park! Discover the free Zoo and Conservatory, the Nature Museum, beaches, ponds, trails, and hidden gems within this urban oasis.

Places

Day Trip Idea: Escape to Starved Rock State Park

Plan a perfect day trip from Chicago to Starved Rock State Park. Explore stunning canyons, waterfalls (seasonal), hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.

Places

Architectural Wonders: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of the Loop

Discover Chicago's iconic architecture with this easy-to-follow walking tour of the Loop, highlighting key buildings and their history.

Places

Chicago Riverwalk: Your Guide to What to See and Do

Explore the scenic Chicago Riverwalk! Discover restaurants, bars, boat tours, kayaking, public art, and the unique sections of this downtown path.

Places

Hyde Park Highlights: Beyond the Museum of Science and Industry

Explore the University of Chicago campus, Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House, beautiful parks, lakefront views, and cultural gems in Chicago's historic Hyde Park.

Places

Exploring Wicker Park & Bucktown: A Neighborhood Guide

Discover the trendy boutiques, vintage shops, street art, vibrant dining scene, and unique energy of Chicago's Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods.

Places

A Guide to Chicago's Millennium Park & Grant Park

Explore Cloud Gate (The Bean), Lurie Garden, Buckingham Fountain, Pritzker Pavilion, and more in Chicago's beloved front yard.

Travel Tips

Navigating Chicago: A Complete Public Transportation Guide (CTA)

Master Chicago's public transit! Learn how to use the CTA 'L' trains and buses, understand the Ventra fare system, and get tips for smooth travel.

Travel Tips

When is the Best Time to Visit Chicago?

Plan your perfect Chicago trip! Explore the pros and cons of visiting during Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, considering weather, events, crowds, and budget.

Food

A Comprehensive Foodie's Guide to Chicago: From Deep Dish to Fine Dining

Explore Chicago's vibrant and diverse culinary scene. Discover iconic eats, neighborhood gems, Michelin-starred restaurants, and sweet treats.

Food

Chicago's Best Deep Dish Pizza: A Local's Guide

From the original Pizzeria Uno to modern interpretations, discover where to find the best deep dish pizza in Chicago.

Places

Top 10 Hidden Gems in Chicago You Won't Want to Miss

Discover the lesser-known but amazing places in Chicago that locals love. Go beyond the usual tourist spots!