Top 10 Things to Do in Chicago Through the Eyes of a Local

In the age of Tripadvisor and travel books tourists are flooded with cheesy tips and go to same places doing same things that millions of other people already did. That’s why we asked our Chicago photographer Eric Schullek for a local guide to visiting Chicago. Enjoy Top 10 Things to Do in Chicago Through the Eyes of a Local.

A Skyline View south of Navy Pier

Best places in Chicago from a local’s perspective.

My favorite places in Chicago are: Wrigley Field (for a good baseball game, and a lot of good restaurants and bars), Millennium Park (for the amphitheater, the ‘Bean’, and the flower gardens), Lincoln Park (for the atmosphere of the town, the Lincoln Park Zoo, and the colleges), Navy Pier (for the lake and city sights, fireworks during the summer, and boardwalk style amusements), United Center (for a great concert and the Blackhawks!), and lastly Garfield Park (for the Nature Conservatory that is top notch). You can cover all of them on a 2-day tour in Chicago.

Model Chloe posting at North Beach

Urban bustle from Millennium Park west

Must-try food experience in Chicago.

Chicago is known for its Italian Beef, so I recommend either Buona Beef, Parky’s, or Pete’s Red Hots for phenomenal Italian Beef for a great price and a good helping.

My favorite restaurants to take guests and visitors are: Sunda for Sushi because of its impeccable food, atmosphere and accessibility, Greek Islands for really delicious Greek food with flaming cheese and one of the original places that coined ‘Opa’, or Nick and Vito’s for New York style pizza that’s been around for many generations, and you see them tossing the pizzas right in front of you.

What are the best breakfast places?

The best breakfast or brunch by far is the Bongo Room. Really amazing food, great service and prices, and there are a few locations. Get the French toast with all the different toppings.

For me I am a tea drinker, I like going to Adagio Tea. Adagio even though a tea shop, they serve tea, as well as have classes.

What places would you advise photographers for sunrise, sunset and unique and beautiful background?

Best places for sunrises or sunsets would be North Beach, directly west from Millennium Park on the lakefront trail, or from the top of the John Hancock building.

Honestly, In Chicago almost anywhere you are bound to have amazing and unique architecture. I think the best locations would be directly downtown, or North of the city.

The infamous ‘Bean’ sculpture named Cloudgate

A summertime view of downtown from Grant Park

What are the most romantic places in Chicago?

Michigan Avenue is really romantic around the winter holidays, and same for Millennium Park or the Lincoln Park Zoo. There are several forest preserves close to downtown(West/North or South) and in the fall that is romantic to go walking with your partner to see the fall colors. Ice skating in the outdoor ice rinks during the winter is really neat as well. In the fall, it is really sweet and fun to go picking pumpkins or apples in farms in Illinois, Wisconsin or Michigan.

An orange flower in the Butterfly garden at the Lincoln Park Zoo

The best views of the city?

My favorite view is on a boat dock straight east of Millennium Park on the lake, next to the Chicago Yacht club.

Skyline of architecture next to the Sears tower

A view of the city from the center of the Taste of Chicago

What would you recommend to those looking for off the beaten path?

The Lakeshore Trail is fun when the crowds aren’t huge, but my two favorites to walk run or bike on are the Prairie Path and the Salt Creek Trail.

Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park

The best souvenir?

There is a lot of art souvenirs in the Art Institute museum that are really unique.

One local tip to tourists.

Use local transportation all the time (so much better and affordable, and reliable than Uber/Lyft or taxi’s). CTA trains go to most destinations. Buses go all over. And for $2.50 each way, it’s more affordable than other transportation in other major cities I’ve been to in the US (which is quite a few).

Holiday floats at the Annual Christmas Parade on N Michigan Ave

City’s secrets only locals know about.

I know about the best time to take photos in Chicago (in fall between September and October in the early morning or mid afternoon), best wedding destinations (River Forest Preserve, at the Hawks game or in Waukesha WI) and secret food places (Al’s Grill in Oak Park, and The Artists Cafe next to Millennium Park are examples).