10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Chicago
What Not to Do in Chicago on Your 1st Visit
Chicago, like any major city, has a book of unwritten rules that the locals follow. From faux pas to tourist attractions to avoid, Chicagoans strictly abide by the customs and cringe at tourists breaking them. That’s why we’ve gathered a list of common mistakes people make during their vacation to the “Windy City.”
You’ll avoid simple blunders related to food choices and tourist traps, while discovering opinions better kept to yourself. The locals are very hospitable and outgoing, and they’re not afraid to speak up or give helpful advice. Follow these insider tips for your first trip to Chicago for a more enjoyable stay.
10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Chicago
- Eating only deep-dish pizza
- Skipping Wrigley Field
- Putting ketchup on your hot dog
- Shopping only on Michigan Avenue
- Focusing on Navy Pier
- Saying that the NYC skyline is better
- Thinking only the Willis Tower Skydeck has great views
- Renting a car in Chicago
- Missing out on the Pedway
- Wearing a Packers jersey
1. Eating only deep-dish pizza
Chicago has a very eclectic food scene
Categorías: Negocios, Parejas, Comida
Chicago may be famous for its deep-dish pizza, but it’s worth venturing to the rest of the city’s burgeoning food scene. You’ll find all sorts of cuisines offered by mom-and-pop restaurants unique to Chicago. Of course, you should sample a few slices of thick, cheesy goodness while you’re here. Even so, you can find other types of pizza, like stuffed or pan pizza as well.
Other signature dishes to taste during your time in Chicago include Italian beef sandwiches, jibarito sandwiches, and carne asada tacos. Thousands of restaurants, food trucks, and food festivals make the culinary scene here one of America’s best. Check out the fabulous eateries in the West Loop, Pilsen, and Lincoln Park neighborhoods.
Eating only deep-dish pizza
2. Skipping Wrigley Field
This iconic Chicago attraction isn’t just for baseball fans
Categorías: Parejas, Familias, Fotos
Skipping Wrigley Field would be a travesty even if you don’t care for the game of baseball. First opened in 1914, the stadium is among the most recognized landmarks in Chicago and American professional sports. It’s currently the second oldest stadium in Major League Baseball and has witnessed many historic Cubs moments. Wrigley Field also became a National Historic Landmark in 2020 for its significance in Chicago history.
Don’t make the rookie mistake of buying Cubs tickets in advance before your trip. There are many day games on the schedule, and tickets rarely sell out. Snag a great seat for a quality price by walking up to the box office on the day of the game. Leer más
Dirección: 1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613, USA
Teléfono: +1 773-404-2827
Skipping Wrigley Field
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3. Putting ketchup on your hot dog
Chicagoans cringe at ruining the flavor of a perfect Chicago-style dog
Categorías: Asequible, Comida
One of the most infamous faux pas in Chicago is dousing ketchup on your hot dog. It’s something you don’t do in the “Windy City,” and you’ll get strange looks reaching for that particular condiment. The city has a distinct style of hot dog that’s also a local pride. Some hot dog stands won’t even provide ketchup or flaunt signs discouraging its use.
What exactly comes with a Chicago dog? The list of condiments includes chopped onions, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, tomato slices, sport peppers, dill pickle, and a dash of celery salt. For your visit to Chicago, hold the ketchup if you’re craving a savory hot dog.
Putting ketchup on your hot dog
4. Shopping only on Michigan Avenue
Chicago has many shopping districts with local flair
Categorías: Parejas, Familias, Ir de compras
Michigan Avenue is home to the Magnificent Mile, Chicago’s premier shopping district. However, this commercialized area has become riddled with mainstream brands that you can find anywhere. To get a more local shopping experience, venture to other districts for independent stores and boutique shops. Whether you’re searching for something unique or for the family, there are tons of gifts for sale.
Bucktown and Wicker Park host a vibrant shopping scene of vintage stores, hip boutiques, record stores, and bookstores. Widely known as Chicago’s hipster epicenter, this area is bound to entertain you with its personality. Don’t forget about Lincoln Square, where you can browse through galleries run by local artisans.
Shopping only on Michigan Avenue
5. Focusing on Navy Pier
There’s plenty of trendy waterfront locations
Categorías: Parejas, Familias, Fotos
Guidebooks rave about Navy Pier as one of Chicago’s premier attractions. Sure, it’s a must-see. But locals say it’s a tourist trap. Although the 3,300-ft pier on Lake Michigan has several enjoyable sights, be prepared to empty your billfold. You’ll hear locals complain about unreasonable prices for food, bottled water, parking, and more. The overwhelming crowds also factor into the Navy Pier’s reputation as a hyped attraction.
Touristy souvenir shops with tacky gifts make it feel like they’re just after your money. On the bright side, the Navy Pier does offer some fabulous views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Be a savvy traveler and avoid the pier unless you’re taking a boat cruise. Leer más
Focusing on Navy Pier
6. Saying that the NYC skyline is better
Chicagoans love their world-renowned architecture
Categorías: Aventuras, Fotos
Chicago takes pride in its architecture, and some locals take offense to visitors saying the NYC skyline is better. The bulk of America’s skyscrapers are based in Chicago and New York City, and their skylines are the country’s most impressive. Chicago has long had the nickname “Second City,” but locals don’t feel the need to compete with NYC.
The city’s iconic buildings like the Willis Tower, 875 North Michigan Avenue, St. Regis Chicago, and the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower are some of the tallest structures in the world. One of the best ways to admire the skyscrapers is on a Chicago River kayak tour or a cruise on the waterways to get a stunning vantage of the buildings.
Saying that the NYC skyline is better
7. Thinking only the Willis Tower Skydeck has great views
There are other options nearby with equally stunning views
Categorías: Parejas, Familias, Fotos
The Willis Tower Skydeck is the roof of Chicago, but it’s not the only place for an incredible view. Expensive tickets and long lines can make visiting the Willis Tower a frustrating endeavor. For shorter wait times, a trip to the nearby 875 North Michigan Avenue (formerly known as the John Hancock Center) offers equally stunning views.
The skyscraper sits beside Lake Michigan, and the 360 CHICAGO observation deck offers a spectacular panorama from a height of 94 floors. With clear skies, you can gaze at Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and other parts of Illinois on the horizon. Enjoy a drink at CloudBar, the observation deck’s bar, which offers skyline and lake views. Leer más
Thinking only the Willis Tower Skydeck has great views
8. Renting a car in Chicago
Chicago has a fantastic subway system
Categorías: Asequible, Parejas, Familias
Unless you plan on venturing outside city limits, renting a car in Chicago will be a disaster. Chicago is a booming metropolis and one of America’s largest cities by population. Congested traffic comes with the crowds, and you’ll waste lots of time and energy driving around. Parking in big American cities often feels like price gouging, and Chicago is no different.
Stick with public transit to get around and eliminate the stress of worrying about a car. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) includes bus and rail lines to reach neighborhoods across the city. Use Chicago’s excellent rideshare services if you still want to travel by car.
Renting a car in Chicago
9. Missing out on the Pedway
This urban planning masterpiece is a hidden treasure
Categorías: Aventuras, Asequible, Fotos
The Pedway might be the most fascinating sight in Chicago, though not many locals know it exists. Consisting of underground tunnels and overhead bridges, the Pedway covers about 5 miles in the Central Business District. The ingenious system of walkways protects Chicagoans from brutal winter conditions. It stretches for 40 blocks and lets you move from building to building within the Loop.
This vibrant section of Chicago features world-class restaurants, beautiful architecture, and cultural institutions. If you have a day of horrid weather, you can still move around at ease with a roof over your head. Even on a sunny afternoon, take the time to wander the Pedway to appreciate this innovative urban planning development.
Missing out on the Pedway
10. Wearing a Packers jersey
You’ll be ridiculed by die-hard Chicago Bears fans
Categorías: Parejas, Familias
Chicagoans passionately support “Da Bears” and don’t take too kindly to anyone who wears a Packers jersey. The heated rivalry is the NFL’s oldest, with their first meeting dating back to 1921. Chicago takes pride in all their sports teams, and it’s hard to find an archenemy more hated in town than the Green Bay Packers.
If you’re brave enough to sport a Packers uniform or wear a cheesehead hat, expect to get an earful. Wisconsinites may get a pass but save yourself the drama if you’re a fair-weather fan from somewhere else.
Wearing a Packers jersey
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