Chicago, also known as the 'Second City' or the 'Windy City', is one of the best cities to travel on a budget. There are probably more free things to do and see in Chicago than most any other city.
Navy Pier is a definite must see attraction for anyone visiting Chicago for the first time. Walk to the end of the pier, and you will feel why they call it the 'Windy City'. The pier offers free live entertainment throughout the year in the Family Pavilion. You will see live acts perform singing, juggling, magic and more. Also, weather permitting, the Bud Light Stage, offers free live music, for those who are over 21 years of age. A couple of my favorite free attractions to visit at Navy Pier are the Smith Museum of Stained Glass, which is open year round and the Crystal Gardens, which is a botanical garden located on the second floor. The Crystal Gardens may be closed from time to time, for weddings and other events.
Lincoln Park Zoo offers free admission throughout the year. Visit during the holiday season to view the ZooLights, their beautiful holiday display. Other popular attractions offer free admission on 'free days' throughout the year. Note: These free days used to include everyone, but some have recently been switched to include only Illinois residents. A list of these includes: the Chicago Children's Museum, the Adler Planetarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Garfield Park Conservatory. Please check their web sites for exact dates.
Looking for a way to get around in the busy city without driving thru the busy traffic? Check out Navy Pier's free trolley! The trolley has stops on: State Street, Rush Street, Michigan Avenue, St. Clair Street, Columbus Drive, McClury Court, Pestigo Court and Navy Pier, all near popular destinations.
A great way to save when traveling to Chicago, is to plan your trip around one of the city's many festivals. Some of the free festivals of Chicago include: Chicago SummerDance, the Chicago Country Music Festival, the Taste of Chicago and the Grant Park Music Festival. A number of other festivals in the city include: the Blues Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival, World Music Festival Chicago and the Chicago Gospel Music Festival.
A number of Chicago's sites and museums offer free admission on a daily basis. Here is a list for you:
Busy Beaver Button Co. Museum
Chicago Architecture Foundation
Chicago Cultural Center
Chicago Sports Museum
City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower
DePaul Art Museum
Eden Place Nature Center
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Money Museum
Hyde Park Art Center
Museum of Contemporary Photography
National Museum of Mexican Art
Oriental Institute Museum
Smart Museum of Art
And finally, while you are visiting Chicago on a budget, don't forget to visit some of the unique shops, to see just what this city has in store for you!
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