Explore Chicago for Under $30

Chicago offers countless ways to experience its magic without emptying your wallet. Many of their vibrant neighborhoods host free street festivals during summer months, offering a perfect way to experience local culture, music, and food without spending much. 

Here are 7 things you can do in Chicago for under $30. 

1. Alfred Caldwell Lily Pond (Free)

A serene hidden gem tucked away in Chicago's Lincoln Park. This intimate space, which underwent extensive restoration in 2002, represents one of the finest examples of Prairie School landscape architecture and offers visitors a contemplative escape where they can observe native wildflowers, ferns, and the changing seasons in a thoughtfully designed environment.

Chicago captivates visitors with its striking blend of architectural marvels, diverse neighborhoods, and rich cultural heritage.

2. Chicago: Field Museum of Natural History ($29)

This iconic museum is home to SUE, the world's largest and most complete T. rex skeleton, along with over 40 million artifacts and specimens. Visitors can watch scientists at work in the publicly visible DNA Discovery Center or explore the museum's latest special exhibitions that bring natural history to life through interactive displays and cutting-edge technology. Plan your trip and get your tickets here.

3. Montrose Beach (Free)

Montrose Beach, nestled in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood, offers a peaceful escape from the city's bustle with its expansive shoreline and natural beauty. Unlike its more crowded counterparts downtown, this beach features a unique bird sanctuary and natural dunes area, making it a haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.

4. Restaurant Week (brunch ($25), lunch ($25) or dinner ($45/$60) Jan 24-Feb 9 

Chicago Restaurant Week, typically held in late January through early February, transforms the city into a food lover's paradise for two delicious weeks. During this culinary celebration, hundreds of the city's finest restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus at reduced prices, allowing diners to experience high-end establishments and neighborhood gems they might not otherwise visit. Participating restaurants span from Michelin-starred venues to beloved local spots, serving everything from classic Chicago steakhouse fare to innovative fusion cuisine. 

Many of Chicago's finest Restaurant Week venues can be found along the spectacular Chicago Riverwalk, a 1.25-mile pedestrian waterfront that has transformed the city's downtown riverfront into a stunning urban oasis. This award-winning public space features cascading waterfalls, distinctive bridges, and peaceful coves where visitors can watch boats glide by. The Riverwalk comes alive in warmer months with waterfront cafes, wine bars, and beer gardens, while public art installations and architectural tours provide cultural enrichment year-round. From Marina Plaza to the Esplanade, each distinct segment offers its own character and attractions, making it a perfect destination for both peaceful morning walks and vibrant evening entertainment. 

Keep reading to learn about the notorious Chicago Riverwalk. ↓↓↓

5. Chicago Riverwalk (Free)The Chicago Riverwalk stands as one of the city's most vibrant urban treasures, stretching 1.25 miles along the Chicago River's south bank through the heart of downtown. This pedestrian waterfront promenade has transformed what was once an industrial waterway into a dynamic public space where nature meets city life.

6. Legoland Discovery Center Chicago ($29)

This family-friendly attraction features interactive experiences including MINILAND Chicago, where iconic city landmarks are meticulously recreated using over a million LEGO bricks. While primarily designed for children aged 3-10, the facility hosts special Adult Night events where grown-up LEGO enthusiasts can explore the attraction without kids in tow.

7. Harold Washington Library (Free)

Opened in 1991 and named after Chicago's first African American mayor, this 10-story public building holds more than 1.2 million books within its red brick and granite walls. The Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago's central library, stands as an architectural masterpiece in the South Loop, instantly recognizable by its massive scale and distinctive postmodern design crowned with enormous acroteria shaped like owls, seeds, and foliage. 

Remember that traveling cheaply doesn't mean sacrificing experiences; it's about being resourceful and prioritizing what matters most to you.

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