One sunny morning in June, I decided to immerse myself in the tourist experience in my hometown of Chicago while sticking to a tight travel budget. I kicked off my adventure with a complimentary Chicago Greeter tour of the bustling downtown Loop area, the heart of the city’s attractions such as Millennium Park and the renowned Art Institute of Chicago.
Operated by Choose Chicago, the city’s official tourism organization, the Greeter program pairs visitors with knowledgeable local volunteers for an insightful guided walk. Accompanied by our guide, Janice Rosenberg, I strolled alongside travelers from Spain, Mexico, and France on a 90-minute exploration of the Loop. Janice expertly pointed out iconic landmarks like Anish Kapoor’s “Cloud Gate,” affectionately known as “The Bean” in Millennium Park, and revealed hidden treasures like the captivating “Rushmore” mural by artist Kerry James Marshall, celebrating the influential women of Chicago. She also shared intriguing facts about Chicago’s architectural heritage, such as the purpose of windows designed to capture refreshing lake breezes in the pre-air conditioning era, and amused our European guests by highlighting the relative age of a department store built in 1893 in American terms.
This enriching tour offered a deep dive into Chicago’s history and culture at no cost, although gratuities were appreciated (I contributed $5).
Major cities often provide budget-friendly travel options, and Chicago is no exception. The city’s efficient L train offers rides for just $2.50 each, with day passes available for $5.
Chicago, now a hotspot for fans of the restaurant-focused FX series “The Bear,” is a gateway to the Midwest, a region synonymous with frugality. While there are opportunities to indulge in high-end experiences like the renowned Lyric Opera of Chicago or Michelin-starred dining, Chicago offers a wealth of top-notch music, art, theater, and culinary delights that won’t break the bank.
During a recent week spent living like a tourist on a budget in Chicago, I discovered several savvy ways to save money while enjoying all the city has to offer.
