The city of Chicago prides itself on being just as great a destination as every other city in the country, but it is also just as expensive a destination as every other city. Visitors will soon find out that the city is split into many different neighborhoods, with those closer to the downtown area of the city being the most expensive. Still, there is plenty to see and do on a budget in Chicago no matter what part of the city you decide to base your visit.
Use these tips to help you plan your own budget trip to the city of Chicago and still pack your visit with tons of Chicago attractions and outings.
Visit In Fall or Spring
There really isn’t a slow time of year for the city of Chicago, but fall and spring see less tourists than other times of the year. If you can fit a visit in during this time of the year, you stand to save some money on flights, hotels and there will be more package and destination deals offered. Even though this time of year is slower with tourists, there is never a slow time of year in Chicago and something is always happening.
Use Public Transportation
Driving around Chicago with your own car or rental is difficult and parking is expensive and not all that plentiful. There is a comprehensive and easy to use public transportation system that will take you to every corner of the city and runs through the day and late into the night. Chicago CTA apps make it easy to watch for buses and figure out where you need to go. Rides across the city cost a fraction of what a taxi ride costs for a mile and can get you where you need to be just as fast.
Search for Local Festivals
The city of Chicago cultural department and the many neighborhood organizations set up festivals all through the year, and most of the time attendance to these events are free. Food and other items are available for purchase, but many times the concerts are free, movies in the park are free and even dance lessons are offered in the parks free of charge. Search community calendars and the city of Chicago’s public events website to see if anything is going on when you are in town.
Visit Free Attractions
For such an expensive city there are tons of free attractions that you can visit any time of the year, and you’ll find a lot of locals at these attractions too. The city has a free zoo, free beaches, free parks and museums. Even if there are museums or attractions that are not free, most of them have free days or offer savings if you purchase in advance or several passes in a day or for a large group.
Eat Where the Locals Eat
Dining out in Chicago can be a budget breaker too, with so many exclusive or celebrity chef owned restaurants filling the downtown area of Chicago and outlying neighborhoods. Thankfully there are plenty of places that cater to locals and still serve up some of the best food you’ll find anywhere. Head into the cultural neighborhoods that Chicago is known for and eat your way around the world in Little Italy, Chinatown, Greektown, Little India and more for a fraction of the price and the chance to meet the neighbors.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Make sure you visit the Chicago Cultural Center, where you can see the largest Tiffany dome. It’s free & has lot’s of Chicago Visitor information! Come to Chicago, we’re friendly & we have a beautiful city!
Elizabeth Marx
I did not know there were so many free things to do in Chicago. I have family near there, so this would make for a fun and inexpensive trip!