Avoid These 14 Overhyped Tourist Spots in Chicago
Breathtaking architecture, world-class food, and cultural gems have made Chicago the tourist magnet it is famously known to be, but not all attractions are what they’re hyped up to be. Some of the most popular spots feel like a tourist trap: crowded, overpriced, or just downright disappointing.
Don’t risk falling into the trap of flocking to the most common overhyped travel destinations instead indulge in some real, genuine experiences.
The Bean (Cloud Gate)
Yes, it’s shiny, reflective, and Insta-famous, but Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate, aka ‘The Bean,’ is a classic tourist funnel. To see the sculpture, you’ll jostle through a sea of selfie sticks and the photo op may not be worth the elbow bumping. Concentrate your efforts on the less-known parts of Millennium Park: Lurie Garden and Crown Fountain are quite an experience.
Navy Pier
One of the most crowded spots in Chicago is the Navy Pier. This lakeside attraction features overpriced eateries, generic souvenir shops, and lines for the Ferris wheel. Locals rarely visit unless they are entertaining out-of-towners. A better choice? The Chicago Riverwalk has great views, trails for relaxing strolls, and outdoor dining with personality.
Willis Tower Skydeck
Views at the Skydeck at Willis Tower are jaw-dropping, but the ticket price and the hours you spend in line waiting can be annoying. At the top, the glass-floored Ledge could feel more like a photo gimmick than an experience. One fantastic (and less congested) way to get the same views is at the Signature Lounge on the 96th Floor of the Hancock Building.
Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile is marketed as a shopper’s paradise, but it’s really just a high-end mall and not necessarily an iconic destination. The stores are the same ones you’d find in any upscale mall, and the crowds are intense. Skip it and head down to Armitage Ave for a unique boutique shopping experience.
Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium is stellar, but it’s always jammed and the ticket prices can seem a bit steep for the experience. Stop by the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum where interactive exhibits and a butterfly haven provide a more intimate, calmer outing.
Chicago River Architectural Boat Tour
The Chicago River Architectural Boat Tour is exciting but overpriced and overcrowded during peak season. If you’re on a budget or just looking for a quieter experience, rent a kayak, and paddle the Chicago River by yourself. Without the cramped seating, you’ll get the same stunning views.
Tourist Traps Deep-Dish Pizza
Deep-dish pizza is often touted as a must-have, and places like Giordano’s or Lou Malnati’s are often recommended. Locals know that these joints are more for show, though. For a less commercialized, more satisfying slice of Chicago pie, visit Pequod’s or Art of Pizza.
Buckingham Fountain
You might recognize this fountain in Grant Park from TV shows and postcards, but it’s not the awe-inspiring spectacle it’s often made out to be. It’s not worth a dedicated trip – it’s a quick “snap a pic and go” spot. For a beautiful nature display that doesn’t need perfect weather, check out the Garfield Park Conservatory instead.
The Water Tower
The Water Tower is a historical landmark that survived The Great Chicago Fire. However, it can be a bit of a dull experience despite being surrounded by luxury shops. Want a better taste of Chicago history? Take an architecture walking tour of the Chicago Architecture Center.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Free admission at the Lincoln Park Zoo can be a draw but the experience feels more like a crowded playground than a sanctuary for the animals. Enclosures aren’t always big, and the experience isn’t for adults. For a relaxing outing, visit the Lincoln Park Conservatory or the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Main Attractions of the Field Museum
Sure the T. rex is cool, but after you’ve seen her, the museum can be overwhelming and impersonal. Unless you’re a hardcore history buff, skip the main exhibitions and head instead to the Art Institute of Chicago which houses iconic works such as Grant Woods, American Gothic.
Wrigley Field Tours
Paying for a guided tour of the Wrigley field is a quintessential Chicago experience, but outside of game days? Not so much. These tours can be a bit of a glorified photo op. Visit when the Cubs are playing to get the real experience, even if you’re just hanging out in the surrounding Wrigleyville bars.
John Hancock Building’s Observation Deck (360 Chicago)
This observation deck offers views similar to those at the Willis Tower Skydeck. It’s expensive, and the hype doesn’t equal the thrill. The Signature Lounge in the same building has nearly identical views for the price of a drink.
Grant Park Events
Major festivals, including Lollapalooza, that attract big crowds and charge astronomical ticket prices, take place in Grant Park. Though these events can be fun, they are usually too crowded, the lines are too long, and it’s simply too expensive. For a more festival feel, visit the smaller neighborhood events like the Logan Square Arts Festival or Ribfest.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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