You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a blast in the Windy City. Our team of thrifty experts have curated a list of cheap, or better yet, FREE places to visit that will leave you with lasting memories and won’t break the bank.

FREE

360 Chicago Sights Museums

Harold Washington Library

Escape the rain with a good book under the Winter Garden

Starved Rock Lodge Chicago Utica

Lincoln Park Zoo

This 35-acre zoo is one of the oldest in the country – reservations required

Maggie Daley Park Chicago Point of Interest

garfield park conservatory

This landscape under glass features thousands of beautiful and unique plant species

360 Chicago Sights Museums

Millennium Park

Chicago’s motto, urbs in horto “city in a garden” is personified at this lakefront crown jewel

Michigan Avenue Chicago Shopping

Michigan Avenue

Window shopping up and down the Mag-Mile is a great way to spend a few hours

Navy Pier chicago ferris wheel

Navy Pier

Chicago’s lakefront treasure is where you will find restaurants, rides and much more

chicago loop alliance muddy waters mural

Chicago Architecture Center

Complimentary admission to the center is included with all walking, bus or ‘L tours and reduced with boat tour tickets

Skydeck Chicago Ledge attractions

Riverwalk

Take a walk at the rivers edge and experience the majesty of Chicago’s architecture and history

Things to do

chicago french market exterior

city mini golf

This 18-hole miniature golf course, located in beautiful Maggie Daley Park, features unique Chicago-themed obstacles throughout the course – all for $12!

chicago french market exterior

shoreline water taxi

Transportation and sightseeing all rolled up in one fun, affordable ride

Eats

chicago french market exterior

the French Market

Head to the Ogilvie Transportation Center for a taste of Chicago’s first “food hall” featuring over 15 vendors with cuisines from around the world

Billy Goat Tavern Chicago BBQ/Burger Dining Restaurant

Billy Goat Tavern

The Curse might be broken but the Goat still offers it’s famous burgers and chips

Cafecito Chicago Food Restaurants

Cafecito

Sit back, relax and take in the sounds and aromas of Latin America cuisine

La Scarola Chicago Food Restaurant

La Scarola

A hidden gem with delicious Italian cuisine set amidst photos of celebrity patrons

Sugar factory Chicago restaurant

Tango Sur

Nobody will leave hungry, or broke, at this Wrigleyville Argentinian steakhouse

Parson's Chicken and Fish Chicago Food Restaurant

Parson's Chicken and Fish

This Logan Square destination feeds hungry hipsters incredible fried chicken

Ricobenes Chicago Food Restaurant

Ricobene's

A long-standing family run pizza and pasta joint known for their breaded steak sandwich

Shopping

10-Pin Chicago family bowl

wolff's flea market

Every Sunday, savvy shoppers head to this incredible open-air market featuring hundreds of unique vendors where deals abound 

Botanic Gardens Chicago north shore

Fashion Outlets of Chicago

It’s worth the trip considering customers can browse shops like Gucci, Prada and Tory Burch

Edzo's Burger Shop Chicago North Shore

Nakamol

This boutique offers unique, hand crafted jewlery at very un-Michigan Avenue prices 

POSH Chicago Home Goods Shopping

P.O.S.H.

A stylish store that features flea market and vintage goods at prices that will make you smile

Zara Chicago Shopping

howard frum jewelers

Featuring Chicago’s largest selection of fine pre-owned watches and jewelry