Chicago Travel Guide
USA

Chicago 3-Day Itinerary

The perfect long weekend in Chicago. Three days of must-see attractions, local favorites, and insider tips — from $75 to $450 per day.

Trip Overview

Duration
3 Days
Best Time
May to June, September to October
Budget Cost
$225
Mid-Range
$525
1
Day 1
Millennium Park

Millennium Park, Chicago Riverwalk architecture tour, deep-dish at Lou Malnati's

Estimated cost: $175 (mid-range)
2
Day 2
Art Institute of Chicago

Art Institute of Chicago, Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier at sunset

Estimated cost: $175 (mid-range)
3
Day 3
Field Museum

Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Hyde Park, blues club on Halsted

Estimated cost: $175 (mid-range)

Total 3-Day Cost Estimate

Budget
$225
$75/day x 3 days
Mid-Range
$525
$175/day x 3 days
Luxury
$1350
$450/day x 3 days

Insider Tips

  • Get a Chicago Card or use Ventra — CTA trains and buses cover nearly everything including O'Hare
  • Deep-dish is a tourist ritual but locals eat thin-crust tavern-style: try Vito & Nick's or Pat's
  • The Chicago Riverwalk is free and stunning — join an architecture boat tour departing from it
  • Museum Campus groups the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium — buy a CityPASS to save 40%
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