Celebrating New Year in Chicago.

Why Chicago?

Chicago is a city full of magic that other cities don’t have. Many say that Chicago is a dirty city full of crimes. I can assure you that it is not true, at least during the time I was in Chicago. I’ve never felt so happy in a city before I visited Chicago. There are some homeless on the train or on the streets but never compared to what my boyfriend and I saw in California. 

With each trip I take, I have learned to listen to people who have visited the places I plan to go, but I do not let myself influenced too much by their opinions because they are just opinions after all. Remember that each person has a completely different perception of what they see. So always keep your mind open to experience new things.

Anyway, after comparing all factors: hotel/Airbnb, ticket prices, public transportation, and safety, Chicago was the best option for us for December. 

Why stay in the Downtown area?

While we were listing the places we want to visit on Google Maps, we figured out that the best option was to stay in Chicago downtown which would save us some money since we can just walk around.

For the New Year, the price difference between Hotels and Airbnb is not much, taking into account such characteristics as quality, safety, hygiene, location, service, and our budget. We decided to stay in a hotel in the downtown.

However Chicago have very good rates on Airbnb, so everything comes down to your needs and preferences.

How can you travel around Chicago?

The city has an excellent train and bus system. And all the tourist places are located near the city center and that allows you to visit these places on foot if you wish. 

However, you can also Uber which may not be cheap.

Places to Visit for Free

Millennium Monument and Cloud Gate.  

These 2 places are located in Millenium park and are among popular attractions.

“The Millennium Monument at Wrigley Square is a nearly full-sized replica of a peristyle that originally stood on the same location at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Randolph Street between 1917 and 1953”.  Visit Website

The Cloud Gate, also called “The Bean”, has become the main Chicago attraction. Almost everyone who visits Chicago takes pictures here. The surface of the Bean reflects off the images of surrounding buildings and trees in the park, It is something really beautiful and impressive.

Address: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601. (Free).

Nichols Bridgeway.

This is an extensive bridge connecting the South Exelon Pavilions in Millennium Park with the Modern Wing which presents a beautiful view of Michigan Avenue, the lakeside, and the Millennium Park. It is 620-foot long pedestrian bridge.

Seated Lincoln.

Statue of Abraham Lincoln located in Grant Park in 1924. From the platform of the statue you can see the High buildings of Chicago and the beautiful trees.

Buckingham Fountain.

One of the largest fountains in the world located in Grant Park. It works every day from 8 a.m. at 11 p.m normally from early April to mid-October, but of course, it depends on the weather.

“The Buckingham Fountain is considered one of the finest ornamental fountains in America”. Visit Website

Address:301 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60605.

North Rose Garden.

A small garden located in Grant Park near Buckingham Fountain full of roses and trees. I can’t stop imagining how the beautiful flowers will be like in summer.

All these places took us more than 2 hours walking and taking pictures in the cold. Afterward, we return to the hotel to prepare for the evening tour.

Irv Kupcinet Bridge.

It is an old and beautiful bascule bridge built in 1930 over the Chicago River.

Address: 330 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611.

Swanson Martin & Bell LLP.

This building has little sculptures of businessmen on the outside and from a distance at night, they actually look like real people.

Address: 330 N Wabash Ave # 3300, Chicago, IL 60611.

Chinatown.

Chinatown offers you the opportunity to eat something different from the variety of restaurants and to buy unique gifts. We visited the Buddhist temple located at 2249 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616. (Buddhism Friendship Association). 

Address: 2206 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616. (Free).

• Tribune Tower.
• 360 ​​Chicago, the general admission is around $25 and you can get a wonderful view of Chicago. 
• Navy Pier located at 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611.
• Skydeck Chicago. General Admission is $25 (12+) adults and $17 children (3-11). There are open on December 31.  For more information Visit Website

Recommended Restaurants and Bars

London House Rooftop Bar.

You really have to make a stop at this place because the view from here is incredible. You can access the rooftop without having to pay.  Read more

Smith & Wollensky – Chicago

A restaurant worth trying. It is an expensive but high quality restaurant. You will not regret visiting this place.  Read more

A 5 star bar for the quality of the drinks, the atmosphere, and the quality of the service. A very nice atmosphere to celebrate New Year in a romantic and private way.Read more

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