When I moved to Chicago, I did my utmost to study and learn about its history. After that, you're compelled to go the very places mentioned in the books, and eventually the tourist stops. And while I no longer live in the city(30 years). I pride myself on really getting to appreciate what Chicago had to offer. Despite its current problems and headaches, the city is still impressive and beautiful.
Yeah, I agree with you -- as a life long Chicagoan who recently moved away, I *kinda* almost miss Navy Pier among a few other things he mentioned (maybe I've been away too long). But really, even when I lived there, I'd go to Navy Pier a few times a summer. There's something refreshing about walking to the end, grabbing a beer and sitting on a bench while a live band is playing. Not to mention it's one of the best views of skyline outside of walking down to the planetarium. I like being a tourist in my own city sometimes.
I’m a Chicagoan and I do all the tourist traps in Chicago except the food. In London, Paris, Rome , Venice, Amsterdam all someone had to do was point the way. I look for a Hard Rock Cafe. The one thing I’m not demanding of is I don’t need an American style hotel room. It just needs to be clean.
It grinds my gears to biblical proportions that Millennium Park gets all the buzz and Grant Park gets no love, it's large, gorgeous with large planes of grass, trees, statues, and of course, Buckingham fountain.
@@GlitterFistsFishagreed. I watched the fountain “launch” event today and it was awesome. It wasn’t advertised all over the place like so many other attractions. It felt like everyone there was a local. Which is rare in the city.
For a better high-rise experience, go to the bar on the 95th floor at the Hancock building. Have a drink and an appetizer. Be sure to visit the restoom, it's an epic view.
As someone who has lived in Chicago for 5 years, I truly cannot imagine only going to downtown to "see the city" when there are so many cool places and things going on in other neighborhoods! side note: I do love getting deep dish even when family isn't in town
The Loop is for daytime touristy stuff, neighborhoods are for nighttime real-life culture. Whatever kinda experience you want in Chicago, there's a neighborhood for it that's busy every night of the week.
By the way, i suggest doing the 360 chicago tilt experience in contrast to the skydeck as the views are better and the tilt is way more thrilling then the box. Its also the same price as the regular skydeck experience to add tilt. I also suggest flying into midway with southwest(almost anywhere) or delta (Only from atlanta) if possible and not o'hare because the train ride is WAY shorter and midway is a tad bit more convenient and closer. Navy pier can get really annoying with the bugs and the long walks, and the only other fun thing is the ferris wheel which is busy all the time with rigid hours. Dont be like my mom was when we last visited and be open to riding the train/bus to make trips faster. I also suggest during the summer getting unlimited passes for the duration of your stay so you dont have to worry with tickets. And finally, avoid the flashy bikes with the music as they can cost upwards of $30 for just a 10 minute ride that is less then a mile. Its a total rip off.
My boyfriend and I are traveling by train to Chicago for a week from Louisiana at the end of the month. I've watched so many of your videos the last couple of months and I cannot tell you how grateful I am and a bit more familiar I feel after these wholesome bits of info! First really big city besides Dallas, TX. Thank you so kindly!
Your last tip is key!! I can't tell you how many visitors I've known that get a hotel downtown and never leave. Then they complain that there's nothing to do, especially at night! You just have to leave the downtown bubble for the fun! Great video!
I’m a west sider. I suggest people who visit to grab a Ventra card, throw $15 on it, and ride the #8 Halsted bus up and down. You’ll get tons of neighborhoods, restaurants, street fests (depending on season), and shopping. If you get bored or have more time, transfer to the #56 Milwaukee bus and ride it on the diagonal. Those two bus lines will offer a great “local” experience.
I did the Architecture Boat tours. Highly recommend those instead of the Tour Busses. Chicago was design for walking. Furthermore, I took the city bus system. The Bus Drivers were supper nice and helpful. You can use your regular debit/credit card and get a seat. No need for special cards. So many shops it takes most of the day to really get most shops done. Love Chicago
As a lifetime Chicago resident I go to nay pier for 3 things. Free fireworks on the weekends, boat tours and cruises, and free music in the beer garden. It’s a lot of fun in the summer, but it’s definitely a big tourist attraction.
I agree with you! love that you called it the Sears Tower. Deep dish pizza makes ya stomach hurt but it’s good if you’d like. Mag mile & water tower looks cool. That’s it. Navy Pier is where I got engaged. I love it, but you can honestly walk the pier without paying a price. Just walk the pier. It’s a beautiful view.
Lifelong Chicagoan and I would recommend visiting the Museum Campus which includes the Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium. All three are within walking distance of each other, the campus includes Soldier Field which during the summer months hosts a variety of festivals and charity events. Also within walking distance of the Museum Campus is Grant Park which like Soldier Field is often hosting a festival or major event such as Lollapalooza or the Chicago Marathon. During the holiday seasons the Christkindle Market on State St is always a major attraction for locals and tourists. The summer street festivals are popular with the locals and have many booths with food and vendors from the nearby neighborhoods.
Lived in Chicago for almost a decade now, I always just hang out around the apple store, the view their is dope, plus it’s right by the boat tours loading dock, so you can get some people watching in, see what’s up.
Chicago is my absolute favorite vacation city, year round. It's so great. In the past 30 years, I've done everything on your list, some more than once. Although I definitely prefer the many unique neighborhood and suburban adventures available, I've had a blast doing all the "tourist" trap stuff too, especially with family and friends.
This is a very charming city, I hope I can visit again sometime in the future when all this is over. Seeing and sharing places like this is why I love traveling and make videos so much!
A few times a year, I give downtown Chicago tours for the company that I work . It is not my normal work detail and most of the time the guest are from foreign countries. It baffles me that with everything to do and see in Chicago, the most popular requests I get is for the Apple Store and The Starbuck's Reserve Roastery.
On the one hand it is nice that the city has these attractions that appeal to visitors, but on the other hand it is a shame that many of these visitors ignore the better experiences lol
My husband and I are going in a few months! I’m so excited and have been waiting. It’s the food for me! Been dying for some AUTHENTIC Italian food , a deep dish, and Portillo’s. ♥️💜
Don't think ya' need to be told A/ Big bus is a rip-off B / parking is expensive in Chicago C/ Starbucks coffee is a waste of time ; anybody not aware of any of that ?
Hi, I grew up in Chicago. Your video is very good. I agree on your food recommendations. People always comment on the deep dish pizza and we Chicagoans only had that when visitors came to town.
Love your channel. Stumbled on it because you did a tour of my old neighborhood, Clearing. I live here and I find your content great. I laughed when you started talking about deep dish and Navy Pier. I tell people all the time that going to get deep dish or going to Navy Pier are only things we locals do when out of towners come to visit.
I would go to Navy Pier if I wanted to take some good pics of the downtown buildings. It's a nice skyline from that vantage point. Not much else there though, I agree.
I will say, I'm a local and I love getting deep dish pizza every now and then! No family visit necessary for me. It's delicious! Though it does last me almost a week lol
Nothing wrong with deep dish. I actually learned to like deep dish when I moved to Chicago as a young adult. We used to have a chain back in my home town of St. Louis (Uno) that was just awful. You can’t beat the real thing.
@@heathernelson6846 Uno’s is originally from Chicago and is where deep dish was invented. It used to be very good, but has gone way downhill. Over expansion and greed will do that.
I visited Chicago several months ago for 6 days, and my only regret was not going to the art museum and exploring the other neighborhoods, but I had no idea where exactly to go and what to do, so next time I'll go, I'll do that. Great video!
@@LuisGustoChicago if you do, you should check out the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. It’s home to so many classic cars, President Kennedy’s limo, Lincoln’s booth, and the bus Rosa Parks sat on and refused to give up her seat.
Hi Luis, I was watching your video about the tourist traps, I live in Orlando Florida and I don't really follow along with all the usual stuff, when I lived in Arlington Heights, I loved going to Taste of Chicago, I'd park across the street at the Monroe St garage, scope out the different places to eat, get my tickets, chow down, walk down Michigan Ave, head towards Water Tower Place, but since I'm into cars, I'd go over to Hanley Dawson Cadillac and check out the cars, I'd then keep going over by the Rock and Roll McDonald's, look for antique shops, or whatever caught my eye, browse, head back to TOC, eat some more, walk around a little more, hop in the car, head home and call it a day. I'm the kind of person who can find my own adventures that aren't tourist attractions, although I would really love to drive thru all the counties of Illinois and see what else the state has, just like I'd love to bum around thru all the counties in Florida and check things out because you never know what you'll find on your own
I remember my Dad taking me and my little brother for walks on Navy Pier in the late 50s... we'd walk all the way out to the end of the pier, we'd get to see the perch fishermen, and - in season - the smelt fishermen (using smelt nets)... cleaning their catch and frying them up over small fires or camp stoves right on the pier. Great memories.
Sadly, smelt population has diminished. We fished for those at night time by Belmont Harbor and cooked them right there with family and friends. Great food, great company, great bonding and great memories. It was a Chicago tradition then.
When I want to go to a tall building for cheap I go to the Signature Room at the Hancock Tower. All you have to do is buy a drink and you get the same view as the observatory 2 floor downs. A drink will cost you like $10 but the that is half the price of the observation deck.
the starbucks roastery is amazing, and i got drinks and food there that i don’t have in my home town. I was sending pictures to my friend and the menu and yes starbucks does have most of the drinks, but the food? you can’t get that at your local starbucks, and it’s freshly baked instead of just a prepackaged meal that they pop in the microwave.
I went here last month. And went to the Wendella Boat Tours. And it was actually pretty cheap. And the guy was so informative. Told me about all the history here. And I loved smelling the chocolate factory when the boat was by there.
Great video...As a tour bus driver, I suggest walking, walking walking and using the CTA. Don't even think about a rental downtown. As a former Chicagoan, I suggest any of the museums, but especially Science and Industry in Hyde Park, then hit the Univ of Chicago since it is close by. Chicago Architecture Foundation has fantastic tours! Hancock Bldg has a sky bar with nice views much less expensive than the observatory. Finally, the biggest tourist trap to me was a rest named Ed Debevic's, where one of the gimics was a rude wait staff (Gone now)
Field Museum, Museum of science and Industry, Wacker Drive, Blues Brothers Tour, Lincoln Park Zoo, Buckingham Fountain, Polk Street Blues Bar, Art Institute, River Walk, Shedd Aquarium, ect. Etc
Spent a week there in May, and only drove one time. The L is so convenient compared anything we have where I am from. Stayed in Logan Square, fantastic place. One of my absolute favorite cities in the country.
For deep dish, it just depends on where you get it. There are other pizza establishments like Ricobene's in Bridgeport which, according to my palette, has the best crust on their deep dish pizza.
Most definitely - I’ve never met a deep dish pizza I didn’t like. At least for my family, it’s always tavern style pizza unless visitors are in from out of town 😂
I remember Wild Chicago used to feature those weird little museums that cover obscure topics. Maybe you could cover some of those, since that is the kind of thing people outside of Chicago don't know about.
Yeah everything Luis says is true! BTW, 50 years ago Navy Pier was where I went for weekend drills with my Navy Reserve Gold Crew. It was not glamorous back then, LOL!
The Navy Pier and the Bean were my first must visit when I went to Chicago the first time 🤣.... I saw so many pictures online and my mind just automatically thought that if I didn't go there I really wasn't in Chicago. I know better now and it's all thanks to your videos ☺️
In my opinion, if you’ve never been to Navy Pier, go ahead and go once. On the condition that you do your research and understand what you are getting into. It’s definitely interesting if you can appreciate Chicago’s treatment of the lakefront, but I agree it’s not an amazing experience unto itself
I live in the Chicago suburbs, so I visit Chicago city pretty often. Next time I’ll visit, I’ll try to go to some new places. Thanks for the tips! Great video!!!
The day i visit Chicago, you best believe the deep dish pizza is on my list. Im a coffeehead too so i have to see the biggest Starbucks. One day. NYC LUV!
Thanks for the nice tour. I’m born in Chicago, but moved downstate as a child. Such a awesome city. I’m hitting up Lou Malnati’s every time I visit though😂
Amendment on Millenium Park, in the bandshell you can often catch the Chicago Symphony Orchestra rehearsing on some Saturday mornings during the summers and they allow you to sit and watch (no photos, keep your phone in your pocket).
When I visit Chicago, Im going to the Starbucks Reserve, not for the coffee but for the experience. The largest Starbucks Reserve is in Shanghai and the one in Chicago is the next best thing for Americans. But after watching this video, I'm glad to know everything I planned on doing was not tourist like. 😌 I plan on Kayaking, going on the boat tour, eating at the Grand Lux Cafe I never ate at the one in Boca, FL and im not going too
Thank you for this video. I am planning a weekend trip to Chicago (first time), and all of the other bloggers are covering all of the boring places that you could go anywhere. I lived in NYC for 15 years; I want to know where the regulars go! 😊 So thanks again 🙌
I drive down from Toronto twice a year for the Cubs and Blackhawks. In the summer it's Pints and wings at Murphy's pre game, and in the winter it's pints and wings pre game at the Ogden. Food - I personally like The Chop Shop steakhouse. Service is average at best, but the food and the amazing Victorian building makes it a great time. I love the city overall for it's architecture. The Tribune tower is something else.
I'm moving to Mke this Spring & intend to watch your videos & really explore Chicago. I've been there twice tho & really enjoyed strolling around Downtown, visiting the Bean & gotta have an Italian Beef sammich from the original location!
Sears tower is a timed entry and it’s more than just the glass ledge they have redesigned the exhibit so you are walking thru the history of Chicago. Millennium park is more than the bean if you go in the summer sit and have a picnic and listen to the grant park symphony. It’s free and it’s in a beautiful Frank Gehry designed concert stage. It also connects by bridges to other parks and to the Art Institute. You can easily walk from there South or east to the lakefront , Buckingham fountain , or the gardens in Grant Park. Once on the lakefront or even in front of Millennium Park rent one of the city bikes ( I love the pedal assist ebikes ) and ride south along the lake as far as want . These are the best views of Chicago skyline, museum campus, and the lake. It’s less crowded than riding North where the popular beaches are. Yes avoid navy pier unless your taking one of the tour boats on the lake. The odyssey has a nice dinner cruise with dancing. I would not stay in Hyde park ( too far south and not on the CTA train lines or Chinatown (besides the restaurants not much to do but it does have a train stop) but focus on staying near wrigleyville, Logan Square, Wicker Park , or Near North. All these are a short train ride to downtown or the airport. Yes take the architectural foundation river tours! Go to Eater Chicago website and choose one of the iconic restaurants that they list. Yes do not eat at a chain restaurant if your coming here. Have a cocktail at one of the many rooftop bars. Chicago deep dish is ok you can go just to say you had it but only once (wink). Just my opinion after living here for 41 years. Obviously it’s huge city and everyone has there opinions but no matter what you’ll have a fun time exploring.
Millennium Park is absolutely beautiful. I definitely recommend it. Chicagoans go and can go and not be bothered with the tourists. The Bean is just one spot in the park. I go to the free concerts every summer at the venue there. It is a great place for a picnic or watching the fireworks instead of going to the Pier. I encourage ppl to explore the entire city. There is so much more to downtown like the Cultural Center. Your overall point is solid --- don't get stuck downtown though.
I hope that you are doing well Luis. This is good advice for tourists that have never been to Chicago. I agree that tourists should not avoid the downtown area, but they should explore some of the great neighborhoods in our city.
I just saw this and being from Chicago ( was born and raised there ) but I no longer live there LOL !!!! I have to agree 100% with this vid. I almost always cringe when people tell me they love to visit Chicago and do these things that you mentioned. It truly does not do the city any justice whatsoever. And yes , most Chicagoans eat thin crust pizza FOR SURE> When I lived there I would get a slice or two of deep dish maybe once every couple years. Always always prefer the thin crust.
Luis check out the Surgical museum on the inner drive, it's amazing. Also Miller's Pub for the best ribs and walk through the Palmer House lobby, it's stunning.
Not from Chicago, but I visit 3-4 times a year. I agree with 95% of this video. I'm excited to talk with people about the city. But it hurts my feelings when they come back with their experience at The Cheesecake Factory or Navy Pier. Where i differ in opinion with you is I would recommend staying in a different neighborhood (I default to Logan Square or Avondale) then take a few hours to go downtown and revel at the number of Walgreen's. And on a side note: it upsets me how busy Starbucks is. I don't even think most locals realize if one were to throw a rock in any direction, they would hit a small roaster with way better quality. Like I said, I love talking about the city.
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You know you from Chicago when you still call the Willis Tower the Sears Tower. It will always and forever be the Sears Tower.
The absolute disrespect of Chicago history when they tried to rename it lol. Sears Tower forever 💯🙌
That's me when someone says Willis Tower
I always ask where is that ???? Lol. Best Steak Joint "Mastros".Located downtown. The best ever 💋❤❤❤❤❤❤
Long Live the Sears Tower!!!
Agreeed - Sears Tower for life!
I don’t even live there but still call it Sears tower. Willis tower is the weirdest name ever
the boat tours are legit, I expected it to be boring but it was actually interesting and our guide was pretty hype
Same
Which one did you go on?
When I moved to Chicago, I did my utmost to study and learn about its history. After that, you're compelled to go the very places mentioned in the books, and eventually the tourist stops. And while I no longer live in the city(30 years). I pride myself on really getting to appreciate what Chicago had to offer. Despite its current problems and headaches, the city is still impressive and beautiful.
Ever try to visit the undercities? I forget how many layers there are now.
How does chicago compare to dc
i like doing all the tourist traps as a chicagoan because i feel like a tourist. i need to do the mcdonalds university lol
Lol that's true - on my channel I have videos about all these places 😎
It’s not opening up again until August😭
Yeah, I agree with you -- as a life long Chicagoan who recently moved away, I *kinda* almost miss Navy Pier among a few other things he mentioned (maybe I've been away too long). But really, even when I lived there, I'd go to Navy Pier a few times a summer. There's something refreshing about walking to the end, grabbing a beer and sitting on a bench while a live band is playing. Not to mention it's one of the best views of skyline outside of walking down to the planetarium. I like being a tourist in my own city sometimes.
I’m a Chicagoan and I do all the tourist traps in Chicago except the food. In London, Paris, Rome , Venice, Amsterdam all someone had to do was point the way. I look for a Hard Rock Cafe. The one thing I’m not demanding of is I don’t need an American style hotel room. It just needs to be clean.
It grinds my gears to biblical proportions that Millennium Park gets all the buzz and Grant Park gets no love, it's large, gorgeous with large planes of grass, trees, statues, and of course, Buckingham fountain.
I feel ya! Grant Park is highly underrated with all there is do plus its history as the city's first park
Fine by me.. more space for the rest of us ! :D
I love it ! So much space to skateboard , roller blade , and bike ride around there cuz no one goes
Grant park is for us... Millennium Park is for the visitors.
@@GlitterFistsFishagreed. I watched the fountain “launch” event today and it was awesome. It wasn’t advertised all over the place like so many other attractions. It felt like everyone there was a local. Which is rare in the city.
Every new visitor to the city needs to watch this!! Nice food for thought. Spot on about the chain restaurant bit.
Much appreciated R kid!! 💯
I've lived in Chicago for 15 years and I still like to go to Millennium Park.
For a better high-rise experience, go to the bar on the 95th floor at the Hancock building. Have a drink and an appetizer. Be sure to visit the restoom, it's an epic view.
That’s the 96th floor actually
As someone who has lived in Chicago for 5 years, I truly cannot imagine only going to downtown to "see the city" when there are so many cool places and things going on in other neighborhoods!
side note: I do love getting deep dish even when family isn't in town
I love the fact that he call it the Sears Tower instead of what you talking bout Willis Tower
💯
The Loop is for daytime touristy stuff, neighborhoods are for nighttime real-life culture. Whatever kinda experience you want in Chicago, there's a neighborhood for it that's busy every night of the week.
By the way, i suggest doing the 360 chicago tilt experience in contrast to the skydeck as the views are better and the tilt is way more thrilling then the box. Its also the same price as the regular skydeck experience to add tilt.
I also suggest flying into midway with southwest(almost anywhere) or delta (Only from atlanta) if possible and not o'hare because the train ride is WAY shorter and midway is a tad bit more convenient and closer.
Navy pier can get really annoying with the bugs and the long walks, and the only other fun thing is the ferris wheel which is busy all the time with rigid hours.
Dont be like my mom was when we last visited and be open to riding the train/bus to make trips faster. I also suggest during the summer getting unlimited passes for the duration of your stay so you dont have to worry with tickets.
And finally, avoid the flashy bikes with the music as they can cost upwards of $30 for just a 10 minute ride that is less then a mile. Its a total rip off.
My boyfriend and I are traveling by train to Chicago for a week from Louisiana at the end of the month. I've watched so many of your videos the last couple of months and I cannot tell you how grateful I am and a bit more familiar I feel after these wholesome bits of info! First really big city besides Dallas, TX. Thank you so kindly!
Your last tip is key!! I can't tell you how many visitors I've known that get a hotel downtown and never leave. Then they complain that there's nothing to do, especially at night! You just have to leave the downtown bubble for the fun! Great video!
Thank you! Whenever I travel to other cities, I always explore their other neighborhoods to get a better overall experience 😎
The best time to visit Chicago is in may or September. Definitely always something to do and has the best weather in these months
There's a lot to do down Ontario or Ohio lol
@@chihickman4836 whats the weather like in august?
@@iheartjbgccb hot as hell! Sticky and muggy. But this year we have had a balance. Hot some days. Nice other days. But usually hot sticky 🥵
As a Chicagoan that moved out 6 years ago, after growing up between Pilsen/WickerPark/NorthShore, THANK YOU for this
I’m a west sider. I suggest people who visit to grab a Ventra card, throw $15 on it, and ride the #8 Halsted bus up and down. You’ll get tons of neighborhoods, restaurants, street fests (depending on season), and shopping. If you get bored or have more time, transfer to the #56 Milwaukee bus and ride it on the diagonal. Those two bus lines will offer a great “local” experience.
I did the Architecture Boat tours. Highly recommend those instead of the Tour Busses. Chicago was design for walking. Furthermore, I took the city bus system. The Bus Drivers were supper nice and helpful. You can use your regular debit/credit card and get a seat. No need for special cards. So many shops it takes most of the day to really get most shops done. Love Chicago
As a lifetime Chicago resident I go to nay pier for 3 things. Free fireworks on the weekends, boat tours and cruises, and free music in the beer garden. It’s a lot of fun in the summer, but it’s definitely a big tourist attraction.
Check out my film about the history of Navy Pier!
I agree with you!
love that you called it the Sears Tower.
Deep dish pizza makes ya stomach hurt but it’s good if you’d like.
Mag mile & water tower looks cool. That’s it.
Navy Pier is where I got engaged. I love it, but you can honestly walk the pier without paying a price.
Just walk the pier. It’s a beautiful view.
What a nice vibe to your video, not thrashing any of these "tourist traps", but just sharing your own, honest opinion. Keep up the good work man!
Thank you!! Appreciate the kind words 🙌
Lifelong Chicagoan and I would recommend visiting the Museum Campus which includes the Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium. All three are within walking distance of each other, the campus includes Soldier Field which during the summer months hosts a variety of festivals and charity events. Also within walking distance of the Museum Campus is Grant Park which like Soldier Field is often hosting a festival or major event such as Lollapalooza or the Chicago Marathon. During the holiday seasons the Christkindle Market on State St is always a major attraction for locals and tourists. The summer street festivals are popular with the locals and have many booths with food and vendors from the nearby neighborhoods.
Lived in Chicago for almost a decade now, I always just hang out around the apple store, the view their is dope, plus it’s right by the boat tours loading dock, so you can get some people watching in, see what’s up.
Finally, a real Chicago show with real Chicago speak!
Thats Right...Sears Tower Forever...but this Chicagoan love my deep dish pizza..I dont wait for relatives to come in.
Chicago is my absolute favorite vacation city, year round. It's so great. In the past 30 years, I've done everything on your list, some more than once. Although I definitely prefer the many unique neighborhood and suburban adventures available, I've had a blast doing all the "tourist" trap stuff too, especially with family and friends.
That's great to hear!
I picked John Hancock Center last time for my aerial view.
The views from Big John are dope!!
I stayed at a hotel next o the Hancock Center. The views were great up there.
I’m not from Chicago, but I grew up obsessed with the Sears tower. I still call it that.
Garretts Popcorn Chicago style. I would bring empty suitcases back in the 90s just to bring back Garretts popcorn home.
Haha nice 🍿
This is a very charming city, I hope I can visit again sometime in the future when all this is over. Seeing and sharing places like this is why I love traveling and make videos so much!
A few times a year, I give downtown Chicago tours for the company that I work . It is not my normal work detail and most of the time the guest are from foreign countries. It baffles me that with everything to do and see in Chicago, the most popular requests I get is for the Apple Store and The Starbuck's Reserve Roastery.
On the one hand it is nice that the city has these attractions that appeal to visitors, but on the other hand it is a shame that many of these visitors ignore the better experiences lol
My husband and I are going in a few months! I’m so excited and have been waiting. It’s the food for me! Been dying for some AUTHENTIC Italian food , a deep dish, and Portillo’s. ♥️💜
Don't really care for Navy Pier but LOVE the architecture cruises!
The architecture cruises are incredible 🙏
no i love navy pier and i'm chicagoan. i feel like a tourist in my own city lol
Don't think ya' need to be told A/ Big bus is a rip-off B / parking is expensive in Chicago C/ Starbucks coffee is a waste of time ; anybody not aware of any of that ?
as a life long Chicagoan Navy pier is the worst and having to go there with visitors is pure torture
Hi, I grew up in Chicago. Your video is very good. I agree on your food recommendations. People always comment on the deep dish pizza and we Chicagoans only had that when visitors came to town.
i think you gotta hit the tourist traps at least once! agree on all except the park tho!
Love your channel. Stumbled on it because you did a tour of my old neighborhood, Clearing. I live here and I find your content great. I laughed when you started talking about deep dish and Navy Pier. I tell people all the time that going to get deep dish or going to Navy Pier are only things we locals do when out of towners come to visit.
Maybe it's because I've lived here my entire life. But people coming to Chicago for vacations seems so weird to me lol.
😂
Most people aren’t so fortunate to live in a city as amazing as Chicago ;)
That’s goes for New York City! I don’t know why people visit a hot, and sweaty place like New York City!!
Well we were the 3rd biggest city in the us until LA passed us
You need to get out more and realize how good you have it in Chicago
I would go to Navy Pier if I wanted to take some good pics of the downtown buildings. It's a nice skyline from that vantage point. Not much else there though, I agree.
I agree with you on that...I took a picture from there of the skyline and it's still my favorite picture of chicago
Most definitely, and if you go right when it opens you can get some peaceful chill vibes sitting at the end of the pier 😎
I did enjoy watching the 4th of July fireworks show from there. Nice to grab a drink - and there is a nice little stained glass museum there
I will say, I'm a local and I love getting deep dish pizza every now and then! No family visit necessary for me. It's delicious! Though it does last me almost a week lol
Nothing wrong with deep dish. I actually learned to like deep dish when I moved to Chicago as a young adult. We used to have a chain back in my home town of St. Louis (Uno) that was just awful. You can’t beat the real thing.
Yeah, I miss the pizza in Chicago, but I really miss the Rib Tips from the South Side.
@@heathernelson6846 Uno’s is originally from Chicago and is where deep dish was invented. It used to be very good, but has gone way downhill. Over expansion and greed will do that.
@@heathernelson6846 Deep dish is over rated, most people from Chicago go with the thin slice.
I visited Chicago several months ago for 6 days, and my only regret was not going to the art museum and exploring the other neighborhoods, but I had no idea where exactly to go and what to do, so next time I'll go, I'll do that. Great video!
I ❤️ Chi-town. I live in Detroit, but my heart is in Chicago, no doubt it’s like home
Nice! We're hoping to visit Detroit soon
@@LuisGustoChicago if you do, you should check out the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. It’s home to so many classic cars, President Kennedy’s limo, Lincoln’s booth, and the bus Rosa Parks sat on and refused to give up her seat.
I'm a Detroiter who loves Chicago too. I think of it as my second home because I've been so many times and have close family and friends there.
Hi Luis, I was watching your video about the tourist traps, I live in Orlando Florida and I don't really follow along with all the usual stuff, when I lived in Arlington Heights, I loved going to Taste of Chicago, I'd park across the street at the Monroe St garage, scope out the different places to eat, get my tickets, chow down, walk down Michigan Ave, head towards Water Tower Place, but since I'm into cars, I'd go over to Hanley Dawson Cadillac and check out the cars, I'd then keep going over by the Rock and Roll McDonald's, look for antique shops, or whatever caught my eye, browse, head back to TOC, eat some more, walk around a little more, hop in the car, head home and call it a day. I'm the kind of person who can find my own adventures that aren't tourist attractions, although I would really love to drive thru all the counties of Illinois and see what else the state has, just like I'd love to bum around thru all the counties in Florida and check things out because you never know what you'll find on your own
You like a fun person I'm from Belfast in Ireland 🇮🇪
Loved it, man! So different to the other videos! I'm gonna be there in 10 days and you really helped!
I’ve lived here for four years, this video is super accurate ‼️👍🏼
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I remember my Dad taking me and my little brother for walks on Navy Pier in the late 50s... we'd walk all the way out to the end of the pier, we'd get to see the perch fishermen, and - in season - the smelt fishermen (using smelt nets)... cleaning their catch and frying them up over small fires or camp stoves right on the pier. Great memories.
Old
Sadly, smelt population has diminished. We fished for those at night time by Belmont Harbor and cooked them right there with family and friends. Great food, great company, great bonding and great memories. It was a Chicago tradition then.
When I want to go to a tall building for cheap I go to the Signature Room at the Hancock Tower. All you have to do is buy a drink and you get the same view as the observatory 2 floor downs. A drink will cost you like $10 but the that is half the price of the observation deck.
+1 on the architecture tour. Did the deep dish my first trip there, box checked. SO MANY great places to eat and drink in that city.
the starbucks roastery is amazing, and i got drinks and food there that i don’t have in my home town. I was sending pictures to my friend and the menu and yes starbucks does have most of the drinks, but the food? you can’t get that at your local starbucks, and it’s freshly baked instead of just a prepackaged meal that they pop in the microwave.
I went here last month. And went to the Wendella Boat Tours. And it was actually pretty cheap. And the guy was so informative. Told me about all the history here. And I loved smelling the chocolate factory when the boat was by there.
Great video...As a tour bus driver, I suggest walking, walking walking and using the CTA. Don't even think about a rental downtown. As a former Chicagoan, I suggest any of the museums, but especially Science and Industry in Hyde Park, then hit the Univ of Chicago since it is close by. Chicago Architecture Foundation has fantastic tours! Hancock Bldg has a sky bar with nice views much less expensive than the observatory. Finally, the biggest tourist trap to me was a rest named Ed Debevic's, where one of the gimics was a rude wait staff (Gone now)
Yass Museum of Science and Industry is my favorite
Big shoutout to Vito and Nick’s. Best tavern style pizza in Chicago.
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Is it better than beggars ????
Field Museum, Museum of science and Industry, Wacker Drive, Blues Brothers Tour, Lincoln Park Zoo, Buckingham Fountain, Polk Street Blues Bar, Art Institute, River Walk, Shedd Aquarium, ect. Etc
Spent a week there in May, and only drove one time. The L is so convenient compared anything we have where I am from. Stayed in Logan Square, fantastic place. One of my absolute favorite cities in the country.
For deep dish, it just depends on where you get it. There are other pizza establishments like Ricobene's in Bridgeport which, according to my palette, has the best crust on their deep dish pizza.
Most definitely - I’ve never met a deep dish pizza I didn’t like. At least for my family, it’s always tavern style pizza unless visitors are in from out of town 😂
the only place i'll get deep dish from anymore is pequods. everywhere else i'd rather just get tavern or whatever else
I remember Wild Chicago used to feature those weird little museums that cover obscure topics. Maybe you could cover some of those, since that is the kind of thing people outside of Chicago don't know about.
The surgical museum is awesome. Or the pritzker museum is cool too.
If I ever go I think I want the chocolate cake shake at Portillos cause that looks good
Highly recommend it! Also recommend their chili cheese dog! It's amazing!
Portillos just went public, expect the quality to go down soon.
Yeah everything Luis says is true! BTW, 50 years ago Navy Pier was where I went for weekend drills with my Navy Reserve Gold Crew. It was not glamorous back then, LOL!
The Navy Pier and the Bean were my first must visit when I went to Chicago the first time 🤣.... I saw so many pictures online and my mind just automatically thought that if I didn't go there I really wasn't in Chicago. I know better now and it's all thanks to your videos ☺️
Haha true, I don't blame ya. When you Google "Chicago" 2 of the top 3 images are of the bean 😂 Happy I can help provide guides to enjoying the city!
Lol... You fell for the trap.
I’m from Louisiana I’ve always wanted to move to a big city I’m really looking forward to going
Awesome video. The editing does not go unnoticed! Totally agree with these Chicago tourist traps...
Thanks Sara!
In my opinion, if you’ve never been to Navy Pier, go ahead and go once. On the condition that you do your research and understand what you are getting into. It’s definitely interesting if you can appreciate Chicago’s treatment of the lakefront, but I agree it’s not an amazing experience unto itself
I really love reheated frozen dinners.
I live in the Chicago suburbs, so I visit Chicago city pretty often. Next time I’ll visit, I’ll try to go to some new places. Thanks for the tips! Great video!!!
The day i visit Chicago, you best believe the deep dish pizza is on my list. Im a coffeehead too so i have to see the biggest Starbucks. One day. NYC LUV!
You get my like just for still calling it the Sears tower
Thanks for the nice tour. I’m born in Chicago, but moved downstate as a child. Such a awesome city. I’m hitting up Lou Malnati’s every time I visit though😂
If you have children with you, I would actually recommend going to navy pier for their children's museum. Doesn't disappoint.
Amendment on Millenium Park, in the bandshell you can often catch the Chicago Symphony Orchestra rehearsing on some Saturday mornings during the summers and they allow you to sit and watch (no photos, keep your phone in your pocket).
When I visit Chicago, Im going to the Starbucks Reserve, not for the coffee but for the experience. The largest Starbucks Reserve is in Shanghai and the one in Chicago is the next best thing for Americans. But after watching this video, I'm glad to know everything I planned on doing was not tourist like. 😌 I plan on Kayaking, going on the boat tour, eating at the Grand Lux Cafe I never ate at the one in Boca, FL and im not going too
Thank you for this video. I am planning a weekend trip to Chicago (first time), and all of the other bloggers are covering all of the boring places that you could go anywhere. I lived in NYC for 15 years; I want to know where the regulars go! 😊 So thanks again 🙌
I booked a room up north near Morse Station for the beaches nearby and the convenient train ride to Wrigley Field.
Sweet!
Rogers Park is one of my favorite Chicago neighborhoods. The beaches up there are stunning. The CTA Red line goes thru a lot of interesting areas.
Go Luis go your videos always make my day my day
I love deep dish pizza and I don't necessarily buy it only when I have visitors.
Never been a huge fan of deep dish. My pizza of choice has been Home Run Inn since ‘78.
Give me an authentic All-Beef hot dog with the Chicago-style fixins on a steamed poppy seed bun...OMG.....
For sure!
I’m a born and raised southside Chicagoan and this advice is accurate af 😂
Born n raised in the Humboldt park area,great city!..55 yrs now
When im on vacation...I wanna be a tourist....I wanna do touristy things...but i appreciate some of ur tips.
I’m born and raised in Chicago and I LOVE deep dish. Only place I can find 🔥 deep dish is Chicago.
That's dope! I love it too, but tavern style pizza is the best 👑
Good speaker, good info. Two thumbs up
I live in Chicago but I’m watching this.
I drive down from Toronto twice a year for the Cubs and Blackhawks. In the summer it's Pints and wings at Murphy's pre game, and in the winter it's pints and wings pre game at the Ogden.
Food - I personally like The Chop Shop steakhouse. Service is average at best, but the food and the amazing Victorian building makes it a great time.
I love the city overall for it's architecture. The Tribune tower is something else.
I'm moving to Mke this Spring & intend to watch your videos & really explore Chicago. I've been there twice tho & really enjoyed strolling around Downtown, visiting the Bean & gotta have an Italian Beef sammich from the original location!
The Art Institute is a MUST VISIT for ANYONE !
Sears tower is a timed entry and it’s more than just the glass ledge they have redesigned the exhibit so you are walking thru the history of Chicago. Millennium park is more than the bean if you go in the summer sit and have a picnic and listen to the grant park symphony. It’s free and it’s in a beautiful Frank Gehry designed concert stage. It also connects by bridges to other parks and to the Art Institute. You can easily walk from there South or east to the lakefront , Buckingham fountain , or the gardens in Grant Park. Once on the lakefront or even in front of Millennium Park rent one of the city bikes ( I love the pedal assist ebikes ) and ride south along the lake as far as want . These are the best views of Chicago skyline, museum campus, and the lake. It’s less crowded than riding North where the popular beaches are. Yes avoid navy pier unless your taking one of the tour boats on the lake. The odyssey has a nice dinner cruise with dancing. I would not stay in Hyde park ( too far south and not on the CTA train lines or Chinatown (besides the restaurants not much to do but it does have a train stop) but focus on staying near wrigleyville, Logan Square, Wicker Park , or Near North. All these are a short train ride to downtown or the airport. Yes take the architectural foundation river tours! Go to Eater Chicago website and choose one of the iconic restaurants that they list. Yes do not eat at a chain restaurant if your coming here. Have a cocktail at one of the many rooftop bars. Chicago deep dish is ok you can go just to say you had it but only once (wink). Just my opinion after living here for 41 years. Obviously it’s huge city and everyone has there opinions but no matter what you’ll have a fun time exploring.
Chicago Has Soul. 🎶 🎵
Great tips!! Thank you!!
I love the Deep dish in Chicago but that tavern style just hits different!😋
I lived at the YMCA at 30 West Chicago Avenue, so I went to some of the "tourist's" traps you mentioned here.
Millennium Park is absolutely beautiful. I definitely recommend it. Chicagoans go and can go and not be bothered with the tourists. The Bean is just one spot in the park.
I go to the free concerts every summer at the venue there. It is a great place for a picnic or watching the fireworks instead of going to the Pier.
I encourage ppl to explore the entire city. There is so much more to downtown like the Cultural Center.
Your overall point is solid --- don't get stuck downtown though.
What a great video! Thank you and have a nice day 😀
My question is what are some hidden gems of Chicago? Meaning what are some lesser known spots of Chicago that out of towners should check out
ruclips.net/video/Bg3qOPNYEKw/видео.html
I hope that you are doing well Luis. This is good advice for tourists that have never been to Chicago. I agree that tourists should not avoid the downtown area, but they should explore some of the great neighborhoods in our city.
Thanks Jose, hope you are also doing well! Appreciate the love bro!
I just saw this and being from Chicago ( was born and raised there ) but I no longer live there LOL !!!! I have to agree 100% with this vid. I almost always cringe when people tell me they love to visit Chicago and do these things that you mentioned. It truly does not do the city any justice whatsoever. And yes , most Chicagoans eat thin crust pizza FOR SURE> When I lived there I would get a slice or two of deep dish maybe once every couple years. Always always prefer the thin crust.
Museum Campus is a fav. Love the Sears tower call out. Best city in da world.
The windy city is legit. I saw it rain sideways there,
Luis check out the Surgical museum on the inner drive, it's amazing. Also Miller's Pub for the best ribs and walk through the Palmer House lobby, it's stunning.
Thanks! We did a short film about the Palmer House you should check it out 😎
Not from Chicago, but I visit 3-4 times a year. I agree with 95% of this video. I'm excited to talk with people about the city. But it hurts my feelings when they come back with their experience at The Cheesecake Factory or Navy Pier. Where i differ in opinion with you is I would recommend staying in a different neighborhood (I default to Logan Square or Avondale) then take a few hours to go downtown and revel at the number of Walgreen's. And on a side note: it upsets me how busy Starbucks is. I don't even think most locals realize if one were to throw a rock in any direction, they would hit a small roaster with way better quality. Like I said, I love talking about the city.
I tried the spicy Chicago hot dog, which was adventurous.
Also the Chicago Architecture Foundation Walking Tours are amazing!!!
Best part of Navy Pier is CST (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre)…that is worth it
VERY nice tourw thete in.chcago city look BEAUTIFUL city
THANK you for great SHARING my FRIEND
greatting from INDONESIA