Chicago, or the Windy City, may not be as expensive as the Big Apple.
But for a city that’s on most travelers’ must-visit lists, visiting Chicago will surely not be easy on your wallet, especially during summer when the crowds are unmanageable.
Still, it’s possible to experience Chicago for cheap.
If you’re visiting the Windy City on a budget, whether as a family or with your friends, this travel guide to Chicago has tips on how to save money without missing out on the excitement.
Contents
When to Travel to Chicago
Travel in the Off-Seasons
Nothing comes close to summer (June to August) in Chicago.
This season is characterized by near-perfect weather and abundant activities for everyone- young and old.
But as expected, summer in Chicago also tends to be stiflingly hot and annoyingly overcrowded.
More visitors also mean low vacancies leading to a spike in accommodation rates and transportation costs.
That being said, the shoulder seasons (late spring and early fall) are the best times to visit Chicago on a budget.
The temperatures are manageable at around 50-70 F, and the crowds are generally low.
The icy months from November to March are a big NO for most tourists, so bargains abound.
But although you’ll have your pick on accommodation deals, expect to stay inside, especially in January.
How to Save on Accommodation in Chicago
Accommodation will eat the biggest part of your travel budget when visiting Chicago.
Whatever you can save on lodging costs will positively impact other aspects of your vacation, such as attractions, moving around, and shopping for souvenirs.
There are plenty of great places to stay during your visit to Chicago.
If your budget doesn’t allow you to splurge on a luxurious hotel experience, opt for a downtown hostel that puts you close to most of the attractions on your must-see list.
A property close to major public transport stations will also come in handy in cutting down your travel costs.
What to See
Research on Free and Cheap Things to Do in Chicago
Chicago may be a famous city.
But you’d be surprised to find out that there are over 50 free places and things you can do in Windy City.
Here are just a few of the best or cheap things in Chicago that you should pin to your board for future reference;
Millennium Park- a must-visit for Chicagoans and visitors alike, Millenium Park is the most visited attraction in Chicago.
This 1400-acre park packs a variety of free exhibits and events and is home to the famous Cloud Gate (The Bean) and the Crown Fountain.
Lincoln Park Zoo- this is one of the oldest zoos in North America and one of the three major zoos in the country that allow free admission.
This is an excellent place for animal lovers to hang out with over 200 different animal species, including tigers, lions, and gorillas.
The juxtaposition of the stunning Chicago skyline makes this a popular spot for instagrammable photos and wedding shoots.
Museum of Contemporary Photography- a gem hidden among Chicago’s most visited sites, this is the only museum dedicated to photography in the Midwest.
The MCOP is home to a wide collection of exhibitions that embrace contemporary aesthetics and technologies from around the world.
The Navy Pier- a visit to the Navy Pier is a must! A former army base, the Navy Pier has everything for family and solo travelers, including romantic sunset views, fireworks, cultural attractions, and food and beer.
Walk the Chicago River- the Chicago Riverwalk is famous for a good reason, people! More than a mere stroll along the river, this is a lifestyle with a little of everything, including bird watching, breezy cafes, intimate coves, and monuments.
Travel Around Free Festivals and Events
Chicago has tons of free or relatively cheap festivals, events, and street concerts almost throughout the year.
If traveling on a budget, you may want to schedule your trip around any of these events:
- Chicago Pride Parade (October)
- Fiesta del Sol (July)
- Chicago Blues Festival (June)
- Chicago Gospel Music Festival (June)
- Taste of Chicago Food Festival (Summer)
- Skating in Millenium Park (Winter)
Save Money With Chicago CityPass
The CityPass is another excellent way of spending less while experiencing more when visiting Chicago.
CityPass is a bundle of discounted, prepaid admissions to popular attractions in Chicago.
When typing this, the Chicago CityPass offers a combined admission to Skydeck Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, and Field Museum.
You also get free admission to two additional attractions of your choice between the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, 360 Chicago Observation Deck, and Adler Planetarium.
The Chicago CityPass costs $109 for adults and $89 for children and could save you up to 49% of the combined regular admission fee.
It’s valid for nine consecutive days after the date of purchase.
Make Your Move More Affordable
You’ll have lots of options when it comes to moving around in Chicago.
But while cabs, Uber, and Lyft add convenience to your movements, the cost can add up really quickly.
Luckily, Chicago has one of the best and relatively safe public transportation networks in the world.
The most popular way of moving around in Chicago is using the L, short for Elevated, a train that offers speedy services to 145 stations around the town, including to and from O’Hare Airport.
In addition to the L, Chicago also boasts a sophisticated network of buses and metra trains.
Payment for all of these transit methods is made using one electronic fare system called a Ventra Card.
Chicago Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Chicago Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
