What To Do In Chicago For A Day: A Fun and Helpful Guide

Chicago, Illinois- one of the biggest and brightest cities in the country. An inspiration for many movies, TV shows, and of course: musicals. (We can’t not mention Chicago the Musical if we’re talking about the Windy City)! If you are a native then you know all about the city’s charm, but if you’re visiting and looking to see what you can do in Chicago for a day then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve taken a look at Gift Cards & Things to Do in Chicago before, but today we thought we’d take a look at the city as a whole by giving you the best of the best. So let’s take a look at how you can spend your day here in town.

But before we do, we should talk about GiftYa. GiftYa is an online distributor for thousands of eGift cards to restaurants, famous retailers, department stores, local businesses, online subscription services and shops, spas, hotels, airlines, and more. You can surprise a friend or loved one with a gift card whenever you feel like instantly thanks to GiftYa’s fast delivery system. All you have to do is go onto the website, pick a card they might like, choose an amount up to $250, customize it by adding a picture, video, and message, then decide whether you want to send it via text or email- it’s that easy!

Get Your Day Started at Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe

Sweet or savory- it’s your call! No matter what you choose, it'll be delicious!

Buy A Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe Gift Card

📍 130 E Randolph St | Chicago | wildberrycafe.com

It’s always right to start your day off with a good breakfast and there’s nowhere better to go in Chicago than Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe. This small Illinois chain has taken the state by storm ever since they first opened up in 2004. Their goal is to bring you those warm-fuzzy feelings a good breakfast induces. Using fine fresh quality ingredients combined with homemade recipes, you’ll find that your breakfast experience will forever be changed at Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe.

Now we know that pancakes is in the name of the restaurant so it’s only safe to assume that this restaurant has some absolutely banging pancake options- and you’d be right! Their Specialty Pancakes are favorites amongst patrons, with options like the Cinnamon Roll pancake and “Signature Berry Bliss” pancake you’ll never eat a regular buttermilk pancake again- (though those are also very good). There’s also eggs, benedicts, omelettes, skillets, waffles, sandwiches, paninis, and more to enjoy.

“Wildberry Pancakes and Café has a special menu you can't skip. That's where I found their Italian Beef Eggs Benedict, unexpectedly amazing! Pair it with a latte on a chilly Chicago day, and winter's instantly better.” -Yelp Review

You can Purchase a GiftYa Gift Card to Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe here!

Go See the Iconic Cloud Gate aka “The Bean”

You know it, you love it, and if you don’t, you soon will!

📍 201 E Randolph St | Chicago | choosechicago.com

The first attraction to see in Chicago is absolutely Cloud Gate also known as “The Bean.” It’s so ingrained with Chicago’s culture that you’d think it would have been around since forever but did you know that it was only unveiled in 2004? Yup, surprising right? Only 21 years ago the Bean made its appearance to the public, but the legacy of it has far surpassed its relatively short life so far. 

Indian-born British artist Anish Kapoor is the mastermind behind Cloud Gate and millions have flocked to get a glimpse of the mercury-like exterior of the bean. It’s located in “Millennium Park, the lakefront park in Chicago's downtown Loop,” and it’s free for all to visit. Be wary, it's a popular sight-seeing destination so you’re bound to run into a lot of people, especially if the weather is nice, but it’s definitely worth the look.

“Cloud gate aka “the bean” is a must visit in Chicago. I went on a Saturday afternoon & it was definitely crowded. I still managed to get many great pics & videos. The sculpture itself is impressive in person & the reflections are amazing!” -Google Review

You’ve Seen Chicago from Below, Now it’s Time to go High

See the city like you’ve never seen it before at Skydeck Chicago!

📍 233 S Wacker Dr | Chicago | theskydeck.com

We’ve now seen the reflections of the city on the Bean and of course that’s nice, but what if you could get a different view of Chicago? One that’s seemingly impossible, but thanks to the Skydeck it isn’t. Go up high and see Chicago from the highest point of the Willis Tower. A vast concrete jungle, Lake Michigan, and more can be seen from “1,353 feet” above ground. 

And if you’re brave enough you can go out “On the Ledge” which is a clear box of 1.5” thick glass from top to bottom that hangs 4.3 feet off the tower itself. There you’ll be able to look down, down, and down at the streets below. It’s perfectly safe but does cause some shivers to go up your spine. So step out “On the Ledge” or take in the views from the panorama instead, no matter what you choose, it’s bound to be a fun experience.

“The best option is to choose a time slot that allows you to enter during the day and stay until sunset. This way, you can enjoy the breathtaking views both in daylight and at night.” -Google Review

Stand Back and Take in these Wondrous Exhibits

First up we have The Art Institute of Chicago

📍 111 S Michigan Ave | Chicago | artic.edu

The Art Institute of Chicago has thousands of pieces from countries all over the globe for you to “ooh” and “aww” when you visit. The team behind the museum cares for all of these works with the very best hands. Their work is to share the works of others by giving you a safe space to roam, pause, and take in the brushstrokes of gorgeous paintings, see the handiwork of impressive sculptures, and read the history behind some of the most famous pieces in the world. You’ll find that their collection ranges in popularity, with some of their most famous pieces being A Sunday on La Grande Jatte—1884, 1884–86, American Gothic, 1930, and Nighthawks, 1942. And with so many in the exhibits, you might just find a piece that becomes your new favorite.

“This building houses an immense and varied collection of art. Definitely allow yourself plenty of time to try to view it all, unless you want to see specific pieces only.

Enjoyed our visit!!” -Google Review

Next Up we have the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

📍 5700 S Lake Shore Dr | Chicago | msichicago.org

• Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is a local favorite, with thousands of outstanding reviews, it’s only right that we put this on the list for what to do in Chicago for a day.

Did you know the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is one of the biggest science museums in the world? Spanning over 400,000 square feet, you’ll find numerous exhibits and installations that spark thought, learning, and creativity. Just to give you a taste you’ll be able to see a real-life World War II submarine, the Pioneer Zephyr, America’s first diesel-electric streamlined passenger trains, a 40-foot tornado in the Science Storms exhibit, and much more. You can easily spend hours at Griffin and not get bored.

“An amazing place to spend a whole day. We’ve been there from 10 AM till 4PM and both kids and adults would have stayed longer. The interactive activities are so interesting and the video shows are great.” -Google Review

Take a Lunch Break at Circa

An all-day spot for some of the best Mediterranean food you’ll find in the city!

Text A Circa Gift Card

📍 200 N Green St | Chicago | cirachicago.com

If you and your friends need to take a moment to stop, rest, and recuperate, then you’ll find nowhere better to go than Circa which is located on the ground floor of The Hoxton which is the Chicago hotel in the Fulton Market District. Offering up a wide range of small plates perfect for sharing or to have by yourself, Circa is a great spot for a good pick-me-up before heading back out on the town. 

Dig into Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates, Crispy Falafel, A Chicago Sandwich, and Cira’s very own Hummus. Open all day, you won’t go hungry here, especially when there’s so many new and exciting flavor combinations to try!

Oh and since this space is attached to the Hoxton Hotel, they also offer a Cafe Cira, which is perfect for cozying up around a table with your favorite coffee drink and a pastry.

“I'm a Cira bruncher. The vibes are great. Food is yummy. Seating comfortable. I enjoyed my breakfast sandwich and surprisingly, my toddler did as well. So I ate her French toast and it was great!” -Yelp Review

You can Purchase a GiftYa Gift Card to Circa here!

Cross the Riverwalk Downtown

Take a stroll, take some pictures, and breathe in that fresh air!

📍 Chicago | IL 60601 | chicago.gov

We 👏 love 👏 free 👏 stuff 👏. And the Riverwalk in Chicago is a free stroll you can take to get gorgeous pictures of the city itself and the river from the waters of Lake Michigan running through it. On a sunny day you can really see the blues of the water shine bright and alone the way there’s benches and food you can get to enjoy the general ambience. There’s also fishing piers, boating docks, and the chance for kayaking depending on the time of day you go. Add the Riverwalk to your Instagram story and be on your merry way as you explore the rest of the Windy City.

“Such a beautiful walk along the river. Very long so we didn't do all of it but the parts we did walk were beautiful. Looks like during the summer time it's a lively area and they have activities and bars and such open” -Google Review

See a Show at The Chicago Theatre

Performances that have been delighting audiences since 1921!

📍 175 N State St | Chicago | chicago-theater.com

Since 1921 The Chicago Theatre has been the stage for plays, musicals, comedy acts, operas, concerts, dance shows, and more. One word to describe this entire venue is: elegant. With the richly colored hallways, grand staircases, and a “beautiful auditorium complete with murals above the stage and on the ceiling,” you’ll quickly see why this place draws the crowds it does. A true staple in Chicago culture, the Chicago Theatre holds shows all the time so if you are in town and are looking for something to do then this place is a great start. And if you don’t have time for a show but still want to see the theatre, they do tours!

“Took the tour and thoroughly enjoyed it. This theater is spectacular in every way. Attending an event here will always be a special event. They have a great Wurlitzer Pipe Organ as well if you are lucky enough to experience that!” -Google Review

End the Day at the Navy Pier

Eat, drink, go on a ride, and watch some shows all at this Chicago landmark!

📍 600 E Grand Ave | Chicago | navypier.org

The Navy Pier is a non-profit tourist destination that spans 3,300 feet onto Lake Michigan and sees millions of visitors all throughout the year. Originally it was a shipping and recreation facility, now it holds a number of restaurants, shops, attractions like the Centennial Wheel, street shows, and more. You’ll find more than plenty to do at the Navy Pier on a regular day, but be on the lookout for annual events which are located on the Navy Pier Calendar. No matter when you visit, the Navy Pier is a great place to visit when you’re in Chicago.

“Def not a 90's experience anymore. Navy Pier has grown up! Multiple good food and drink options. Free events. Great shops. They did well with the renovation and enhanced style and look. A tourist trap no more!” -Google Review

And there you have it! That’s what to do in Chicago for a day. Go outside and explore the many landmarks that make up the city or venture inside and see exhibits at a museum, whatever you decide, you’re bound to have a good time.