A Day Trip to Chicago: Exploring the City’s Architecture in 24 Hours
Are you yearning for a quick getaway that combines culture, history, and stunning visuals? Look no further than the vibrant city of Chicago. With its iconic skyline and rich architectural heritage, Chicago is a haven for architecture enthusiasts. Although I only had 24 hours here, I got to explore a small piece of Chicago and immerse myself in its architectural wonders. As I stepped off the plane and into the bustling streets of Chicago, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement—a testament to the city’s architectural prowess, sleek lines, and modern design. One of the busiest airports in the world, O’Hare sets the tone for the architectural experience that awaits you in Chicago.
As I made my way into the city, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the towering skyscrapers surrounding me. I stayed at the Langham Hotel, a hotel in downtown Chicago’s heart. Its location made it the perfect hotel for my short, 24-hour adventure in the city. The Langham Hotel is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture, with its sleek and elegant design. The staff is seasoned in providing exceptional service, ensuring your stay is comfortable and enjoyable. If you need a recommendation, do not hesitate to ask them about food, must-see spots, and even to grab a taxi. After settling into my room and taking a moment to relax, I began my architectural exploration of Chicago.
My first stop on this whirlwind architectural adventure was Millennium Park. Millennium Park is a feast for the eyes, with its innovative public art and stunning architectural features. Although the area was under construction during my visit, I still marveled at its famous Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as “The Bean.” This massive, reflective sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor is a sight. Its smooth, mirrored surface reflects the cityscape, creating a mesmerizing visual experience. From there, I made my way to the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, an iconic building in its own right. The Art Institute of Chicago is a world-class art museum and an architectural masterpiece. My visit there was quite long as it is a large museum with numerous galleries and exhibitions. So, I decided to do a separate blog post about that incredible institution.
The museum took longer than I thought because it was a holiday when I visited. So, our clock was ticking, and it was time to continue exploring the architectural wonders of Chicago. We opted instead to walk back to the hotel from the museum to take in more of the city’s architecture along the way. As we strolled through the streets of downtown Chicago, I couldn’t help but notice the meticulous urban planning and design that had gone into creating this vibrant and dynamic city. Being my first time in Chicago, I can not help but be awed by how the city has kept so much of its old architectural charm while seamlessly integrating modern and innovative designs. It feels like a visual delight at every corner.
One of the highlights of my walk back to the hotel was passing by the Chicago River. The Chicago River is a beautiful natural feature and showcases the city’s architectural prowess with its iconic, towering skyscrapers framing its shores. The bridges are a great place to stop and look over the river, taking in the stunning views and marveling at the architectural wonders that line its banks. It is magnetic for tourists and locals alike, offering a picturesque backdrop for photos and an opportunity to appreciate the city’s impressive skyline. You can also take a boat ride that tours up and down the river. We did not get to experience it, but it is definitely on my list for next time.
For dinner, we decided to go to Chinatown to eat at a Hong Kong Styled Eatery there. The part of Chinatown is very easy to navigate, 2 story buildings with a wide variety of restaurants and shops. Wait times can be rather tricky; we had to check around 4 restaurants before finding one that could accommodate us. This Chinatown is an open concept, so visitors and patrons can freely explore the streets filled with vibrant colors, intricate architectural details, and the delightful aroma of Chinese cuisine wafting through the air. Although we took an Uber to get there, a subway station and plenty of off-street parking and parking garages are available for those who prefer to drive.
As the day drew to a close, we were determined to make the most of our short time in Chicago by embarking on an evening architectural tour. We ended up visiting the Chicago Starbucks Reserve, and WOW barely does it justice. The reserve stands four stories tall with a beautiful modern glass façade that reflects the city lights, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. The decor is decked out in gold and bronze accents, giving it a luxurious and elegant feel. There is a brewer on site on each floor where you can witness the coffee-making process an a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city. The top features a rooftop bar where you can sip on your favorite coffee or indulge in a signature cocktail while taking in the breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Some Quick travel tips for your 24-hour architectural adventure in Chicago:
- Plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your time in the city and ensure you don’t miss any must-see architectural landmarks.
- Especially Museums with advanced ticket sales
- Consider taking a walking or boat tour to explore the city’s architecture up close and personal.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking throughout the day.
- Make sure you book a hotel in a good spot where you can walk and easily access city views and public transportation so you can quickly move around the city to explore different neighborhoods and landmarks.
If you are a lover of architecture and are looking for a quick day trip to indulge in the beauty of urban design, I highly recommend visiting Chicago. For any budding photographer or seasoned one, make sure to have your fill of memory cards and batteries for your camera, as you will surely be snapping away at the stunning architectural wonders Chicago offers.
I certainly am looking forward to my next Chicago trip and another chance to explore the architectural gems of this incredible city.
Happy Exploring!
<3 Ann