Chicago on a Budget

eATLAS has numerous self-guided Adventures in Chicago, ranging from some of downtown’s most famous landmarks to explorations of the city’s many neighborhoods. Most cost less than $15 and many are free. Check them all out here.

By Dave Lifton (@daveeatschicago)

Getting Around: Using Chicago’s public transportation system—the world-famous elevated subway system (the “L”) and buses—is essential for keeping expenses down, especially with regard to parking fees. You can purchase a one-day ($5), three-day ($15), or seven-day ($20) pass that gives unlimited rides at “L” stations, including at both airports, or on the Ventra app.

Where to Stay: Most of the downtown hotels aren’t geared towards the budget-conscious traveler, and staying at the many low-cost options near the airports or beyond the city limits would increase transportation time. Instead, consider Airbnb or Vrbo, where you can stay in a furnished apartment with a kitchen to reduce food costs (see below for more). When choosing, find one near an “L” station so that you can get around town easier. Sonder also has numerous short-term apartment rentals in eight buildings at reasonable prices.

What to See: Many of Chicago’s most famous spots are free, and buzz with activity in the summer. Millennium Park, of course, has Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean), and you can also catch a concert most nights at Pritzker Pavilion from June through August. The city’s other parks and numerous beaches are all open to the public, as are the Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory, both of which are a short bus ride from downtown.

The Chicago Cultural Center, across the street from Millennium Park, is unquestionably one of the city’s most beautiful spaces. Completed in 1897 as a library, the building’s highlights are the G.A.R Hall and Rotunda—originally a meeting place for Civil War veterans—and Preston Bradley Hall—which served as the waiting room for library patrons. Both have timelessly ornate décor, including two massive art glass domes, one of which is the largest made by Tiffany.

The city’s biggest museums—the Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum of Natural History, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Chicago History Museum, and Griffin Museum of Science and Industry—are free for Illinois residents on select dates, and some waive the admission fee for active military personnel or veterans year-round. Visit Choose Chicago for full details. 

But to get a sense of the real Chicago, head to some of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, where you can walk the main commercial corridors and side streets. Street festivals take place all over town on weekends during the summer, and feature live music, food trucks, and local artisans. There is technically no charge, but a donation, usually no more than $10, is suggested, and benefits the neighborhood chamber of commerce. 

What to Eat: For all of the fancy, award-winning restaurants in town, you can still get a sense of Chicago’s famous culinary scene without breaking the budget. You can find street food restaurants—where you can get the “dragged through the garden” hot dog and the Italian beef sandwich (made famous by The Bear)—all over the city.

Also, many of Chicago’s neighborhoods have delicious, inexpensive food that reflect their ethnic diversity. For example, hit up one of the many taquerias in Pilsen, go to Argyle St. in Uptown for pho, or discover Indian and Pakistani cuisine on Devon Ave. in West Ridge.

Nightlife: Neither Navy Pier nor the Riverwalk charge admission, but their copious attractions and restaurants can quickly add up if you’re not careful. However, Navy Pier’s fireworks—Wednesday and Saturday during the summer and Saturday in the winter—are always free, and the Riverwalk provides an ideal vantage point to see Art on theMART, where the front of Merchandise Mart becomes a massive canvas for multimedia installations.

For theater, the touring musicals may be out of the price range of the bargain-hunter, but there are storefront theaters that do great work—with revivals and new works—all over Chicago. Visit HotTix for discounted seats.

You can drink cheaply at beloved bars like Simon’s Tavern (Andersonville), Nisei Lounge (Wrigleyville), or California Clipper (Humboldt Park) that are known for being welcoming to visitors. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask for a Chicago Handshake—a shot of a notoriously bitter local spirit called Malört chased with an Old Style beer.

Many of those bars have live music some nights, and you can catch local and national bands nightly, usually for $15 or less, at Schubas Tavern (Lakeview), Empty Bottle (Ukrainian Village) and The Hideout (Lincoln Park). Hear some of the city’s best jazz (Uptown’s Green Mill) or blues (Kingston Mines in Lincoln Park) for a cover charge ranging from $10-20, depending on the night.

Like all major American cities, Chicago can be quite pricey for visitors. But deals are there for the taking for those willing to venture outside the heart of the city and explore.