It’s funny since this post is way due. I enjoy traveling and I decided to travel solo to Chicago in 2016 during Thanksgiving. People ask me why do you travel alone? Um because it’s just exciting and fun. The best part is you can do whatever you want. If you want to eat somewhere, you can go eat there without having to negotiate with someone else. I guess the only downside is that you won’t have photos of yourself as much as compared to traveling with someone. You won’t believe how much of an amazing time I had alone during my few days in Chicago, the windy city!
I always do my research being visiting a new city. My research consists of writing down places I want to go, then estimating the distance on Google Maps, grouping them together, and then plan out day by day. Sometimes you end up having to revise and decide to go somewhere else. That’s fine, and that’s what makes it fun — those unexpected adventures.
Chicago for me is a clean version of New York.
I knew it would be cold, but it was actually super freezing. Good thing I packed a lot of clothes and wore 3–4 extra layers. I could feel cold from snow, sprinkling rain and wind. Gloves and boots are a must, as well as fuzzy beanies. I like to shop my warm clothes from Urban Outfitters!
I stayed at The Westin O’Hare which is a hotel nearby the airport and a bit far from downtown. I’m glad I stayed in this hotel rather than downtown Chicago, since it was quiet, warm and so comfortable. It felt like I was in my own house since their customer service was awesome and staffs were welcoming. This hotel is also not really for families, so I pretty much enjoyed a peaceful stay there.
The Westin O’hare offers free airport shuttle services and the hotel is only 5 minutes walk from the train station. If you are traveling solo, one of the most important things to pay attention is the convenience. And luckily, this blue train from Rosemont had a direct line to downtown Chicago, so I didn’t have to worry about transferring to another bus line. Quick tip is to get the CTA app on your phone since it pretty much tells you all the stations, colored lines and timetables — like a map!
So let’s get right into all the places I’ve visited throughout my solo Chicago travels.
1. Oz Park
The public park is Wizard of Oz themed. There are Dorothy’s Playlot, Emerald Green, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Dorothy and Toto, and Cowardly Lion etc. Feels like you are in the story! It’s a great park to enjoy during the week or just take a walk around. From the photos, you can see that the park was empty this night and super cold, but the sound of crispy fall leaves flying kept me company. I was literally the only person at this park.
2. Art Institute of Chicago
Did you know Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the US? There were a lot of cool exhibitions here. I still cannot forgot the beautiful interior designs and the way building was structured. Museums always keep me busy with full of creative ideas and thoughts. The photo on the right reminded me of dementors from Harry Potter.
3. Navy Pier
I would’ve been prettier if I went here around dusk, but since I had other plans, I visited here around noon. I decided to take a ride on the Navy Pier ferris wheel myself and even got myself a photo from the photo booth. It was actually really fun. The ocean, people, and the city view were incredible!
4. The Crystal Gardens
I thought this was an arboretum but it’s actually an event venue! After seeing the beautiful ocean and city view from the ferris wheel at Navy Pier, I stumbled upon this place as I was walking towards my next destination. You will find a lot of very tall and healthy plants and flowers here at the crystal gardens. The colors are so beautiful too!
5. Rotofugi Designer Toy Store & Gallery
This shop has a lot of cute things! I got my French Fries here! They are individual fries not one big fry and are detachable. From plush toys, plastic toys, vinyl figures to art, magazines and stationeries, Rotofugi has everything! The sizes differ from small ones to large ones. I think it’s the perfect gift store. They have an online store too!
6. Magnificent Mile
Magnificent Mile is a district with upscale shops, fashion outlets, fancy restaurants and hotels. If you are visiting Chicago around this Thanksgiving holiday season, this is where you want to shop! Very festive.
7. John Hancock Center
Skyline view at night is the best! Do you agree? It’s definitely breathtaking to watch the light/building views from a 100-story building. Regardless of how many people there were, I still managed to take a bunch of photos! They also have this thrilling new attraction called Tilt. It basically tilts forward and moves downwards for you to see the view. You have to trust the glass windows since your whole body is attached. Just looking at other people doing made me very anxious! Tilt is additional $7 on top of the admission fee.
8. Chicago Riverwalk
I’m glad I didn’t Uber a lot of places. Walking is the best way to really see and experience the city when you are traveling.
9. Grand Park, Museum Campus & Shedd Aquarium
From Grant Park to museum campus to the Shedd Aquarium, this area is a must to check out! Took me a good 1 hour to go into the Shedd Aquarium since the line was really long, but it was worth it, since there’s so many to see!
10. Adler Planetarium
I really wanted to check out the planetarium but the line was even more longer than the Shedd Aquarium so I didn’t make it. If you want to check out Adler Planetarium, you should get your tickets in advance or go around morning since! While I didn’t get to see the exhibitions and shows, Lake Michigan and the city view was incredible. I met geese families!
11. Lincoln Park Zoo
I love animals so I couldn’t skip the zoo. This zoo was large with many different animals and was decorated with Christmas lights.
12. Millenium Park
I knew I had to see the famous Cloud Gate ( ‘the bean’ ). There were way too many people there, so I decided to get the top part of the cloud gate. The photo looks more like a water drop that’s about to explode than a bean, but I love this photo because of all the reflection of the buildings!
I did eat throughout but honestly I was more focused on checking out all the places on my list and just exploring the city to get the most of my travels. I think out of all the cities I’ve been to, Chicago is one of my favorite cities! I am definitely planning on going back, hopefully once COVID ends. I hope this solo travel guide helped you and please share if you can!
Lastly I want to mention that traveling solo isn’t scary. I urge you to actually try traveling alone since it’s life changing. You just have to plan well, be organized, take extra battery charger so your phone doesn’t die! Traveling alone or even spending time alone will help you grow and be independent.
