Itinerary For Seeing Chicago Like a Local

Chicago locals love the plethora of opportunities that the city has to offer. Each day is a new adventure, with so much to see and do. Any first-time visitor should be sure to stop by “The Bean” and Willis Tower, but if you’re looking for an inside taste of what living in the city is like, we’ve got the inside scoop for you. Read on to discover what a day in the life of a Windy City resident might look like, and take a walk in their shoes for a unique day in Chicago.

Morning Coffee

Any coffee aficionado visiting Chicago might be tempted to check out the Starbucks Roastery. This is a wonderful experience to enjoy, but the locals tend to frequent the more hidden gems in the city. Two of their favorites you can try include Move Along Coffee and Floriole Cafe and Bakery. 

Move Along Coffee, as the name suggests, is a walk-up window where you grab your cup and go about your day, making it perfect for a busy schedule while still providing friendly service and delicious drinks. Located in the West Loop, it’s the perfect stop before you go about your other activities in the City. Floriole is a more traditional coffee shop, complete with pastries and breads that make each morning a delight. Locals who frequent their Lincoln Park location particularly love their iced coffee and blueberry sourdough muffins. You can get your morning fix at a new cafe you won’t find anywhere else, and mingle with the locals while you plan your day ahead.

Walk on the beach

As part of a quiet morning routine, some locals take their coffee to-go and hop on the lakefront trails. The serene waves make the perfect relaxing background noise for your morning as you get your legs moving and enjoy the breathtaking views of the sun rising over Lake Michigan. You might even stop and dip your feet in the cold water, or relax on the warm sand. 

While North Beach is a bustling spot for tourists to visit, Loyola Beach is a more secluded and quiet option for those looking for a chill morning to meditate or practice some yoga. If locals are looking for water sports, paddleboard rentals, or a more upbeat environment surrounded by neighbors, they prefer Ohio Street Beach. This is also a great spot to grab a quick bite to eat at one of the beachside bars.

Cubs game

Chicago-dwellers make the best fans, and Wrigley Field is a favorite spot to show it. The Historic Stadium and home of the Chicago Cubs is located right along the beach, and fans stream in to enjoy watching the boys hit home runs and waving their white and blue “W” flags. It’s also an iconic place to try Garrett’s popcorn or a Chicago-style hot dog. Whether you’re a baseball fanatic or just enjoy the atmosphere, the Cubs are a fun team to watch and cheer on as they run the bases.

Dinner at a local restaurant

After a day of excitement at the baseball diamond, locals begin to scavenge for their post-win dinner. Tourists’ go-to spots usually involve famous Chicago-style pizza, while locals hit up some of the best-kept secrets in the city. For a more elevated and refined dining experience, the Albert makes for a great option, located inside Hotel EMC2 in Streeterville. The Italian-inspired dishes are unlike other restaurants, and the imaginative drinks make for a night to remember. Haymarket Pub and Brewery on Randolph Street is a great spot for a relaxed, routier environment. With bar classics on hand, you can recap the game with friends while reenacting the highlights of the day.

Concert in the park

Millennium Park may be known as the biggest tourist attraction in Chicago, but the locals take their turn enjoying the space when the sun goes down in the summer. The Great Lawn hosts concerts in the park featuring local singers, bands, and other performers, all for free. Residents of the Windy City can often be found picnicking in the grass while they enjoy the sounds of the summer mingling with the warm breeze. For a Chicagoan, there is no better way to end the night.

Enjoy like the locals do

Whether this is your first or fiftieth time in Chicago, there is always more to discover. You might consider hitting up a few of these local favorite spots for a unique city experience that you won’t soon forget. The energy and atmosphere along the lake and amongst the skyscrapers is one that you can’t help but come back for again and again. When you’re booking your trip, stay in the heart of it all with a unique hotel experience at Hotel EMC2. We strive to provide a stay that’s unlike any other, with a restful night’s stay and endless curiosities to discover during the day. 

To book a room or learn more, click here.