Even though many people are reluctant to visit Chicago during the winter, we can guarantee that you will have the time of your life if you decide to try it. The city is brightly lit for the holiday season, and a fresh blanket of snow gives it a mystical, otherworldly quality that you won’t find if you visit at any other time of year. Chicago has it all, from top-notch sights to exciting activities, and the wintertime just enhances the city’s allure. You should think again if you thought Chicago in the winter was a bad idea, and keep reading to find out more.
There Are Many Indoor Tourist Attractions
The Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium are just a few of the great indoor attractions in Chicago that will be open during the winter for you to explore. The Museum of Contemporary Art and The Art Institute of Chicago are two places where art lovers can go, for example, but there is much more. Other things to see in Chicago include the views from the John Hancock Center or the Skydeck at the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), for example.
Getting a tourist pass is a good idea if you want to save money on entrance fees and skip long lines. A tourist pass will save you money on museum and other attraction entrance fees and let you skip lines at a number of places. For example, the Skydeck at the Willis Tower often has lines that last two hours! Under the Bank of America Museums on Us program, people with Bank of America credit or debit cards can get into some museums for free on the first weekend of every month.
The Weather
You may have heard – or perhaps you know for sure – that Chicago has some truly brutal winters, so it certainly won’t be for everyone. But it could be for you if you enjoy the cold and the snow because Chicago’s weather is like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
Although winter storms are uncommon in Chicago, you should still dress warmly because the temperature will more than likely drop into the negatives. But do you know what that means? Warm drinks, cuddling up with a loved one in the gorgeous Viceroy Chicago, and sightseeing in the most beautiful city in the United States – aka Chicago – are all things that have to go on your to-do list.
Fewer Tourists
Many people choose not to travel to Chicago during the colder months, probably because of the weather problems we discussed. This means you won’t have to wait in line at all to enjoy many of the most popular activities – or at least you won’t have to wait as long.
Chicago is home to numerous museums, art galleries, historic homes, theaters, and other cultural landmarks, making this something that can actually make or break your vacation to the Windy City. Imagine going to a well-loved site without having to wait in a line that stretches down the street or arriving at the Willis Tower and immediately being able to take in the breathtaking views. Winter in Chicago is great if you don’t like crowds and want it to be easier to make your way around.
Enjoy The Food
Both deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs have become iconic Chicagoan foods. When you factor in the abundance of excellent eateries, you’ve got yourself a veritable paradise for foodies. In reality, there is a dizzying array of excellent dining options in Chicago. And in winter, you can still find them all (and find it easier to get a reservation).
Chicago Restaurant Week, during which participating restaurants offer fixed-price menus at discounted prices, is another perk of a winter trip to the Windy City. Taking advantage of this offer is a fantastic way to save money while enjoying meals at some of Chicago’s finest restaurants. This takes place every year during the winter season.
Meet More People
People are friendlier and more willing to help and share their city with visitors during the colder months. Businesses that cater to tourists and travelers during the winter depend on customers like you, so you might receive better treatment than in the summer.
The winter months in Chicago are perfect for visiting, and it’s certainly something that should be on your list of things to do. Most visitors fall in love with Chicago, and if you do too, you can always come back when the weather is better to see the sights once more from a different perspective.
Jessica Lippe 