48 Hours in Chicago, Illinois: Best Things to Do and Eat 🏙️

[@ChadandClaire]

Thank you so much for joining us in Chicago! 🥰 Join our email list to see what we’re up to next in 2024! (You can sign up for free on our website and unsubscribe at any time.) For the first time ever, we know EVERY SINGLE COUNTRY we’ll be traveling to for the entire year. As we tackle several big international trips in 2024, we’ll be leaving the weekly posting schedule behind and posting new videos every time we’re back from a big trip! Can’t wait to share more adventures with you all in the coming year. 💗

[@vanessaaguilar-griffith1349]

I absolutely love your travel vlogs! The content is educational & peaceful. Your vlogs inspire me to travel too. Fantastic job Claire & Chad🎉🤗💖

[@ChadandClaire]

@@vanessaaguilar-griffith1349 Thank you- what a kind comment! 💗It's an absolute pleasure for us to create these travel videos, and it makes me smile knowing that you get a sense of peace and joy from it. Have the most spectacular holiday season, and we hope to share more adventures with you in 2024!!! 🥰

[@Jenniferfgjhug]

Boyfriend is CUTEEEE

[@operationreciprocity8446]

Heading there for my 2nd St Patrick's day trip! Loved your video! Everyone says "come back in the summer, totally more experiences to do" (baseball games etc)

[@stevenprice8253]

Very enjoyable video, guys! Next time you visit, you should venture into some of our wonderful neighborhoods: Andersonville, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, West Loop and Pilsen are all unique and fun to explore. Also, take time to visit some of our world-class museums: The Art Institute, Field Museum, and the Museum of Science and Industry are all excellent!

[@jamesslate6664]

I have called Chicago my home since 1990. I always tell visitors that the city is like a cleaner, friendlier version of New York. I'm glad you took the riverboat architecture tour. It's the one thing I always recommend to first-time visitors. As you say, you get to see the city from the perspective of the river, and the docents will pump you with so much information about Chicago that your head will spin. There are many pizza options in the city, including Lou Malnati's, whose deep-dish pizza has been served at it's original location in Lincolnwood since 1971. Stan's Donuts would be a more iconic choice. Though there are many things to enjoy during the holidays, the city really comes alive in the summertime. So I hope you will return for another visit, if only to experience the joy of hundreds of children splashing around in Crown Fountain, which is located adjacent to The Bean.

[@sokchowvadypoy927]

I’m glad Chad and Claire like Chicago. I born and raised in Chicago. I have traveled to many different places but Chicago is where my heart and soul belong.👍😍

[@Beatbytess]

That’s nice

[@epongeverte]

This was really interesting. If you go in the summer, you will probably have a really different perspective. The lake is so beautiful. There are so many world class museums in the city (Art Institute, Science & Industry, Natural History, Planetarium, etc.). Also, there are some beyond fantastic neighborhoods filled with delicious food (Chinatown, Greektown, Devon Avenue--South Asian, Pilsen--Mexican...). Nightlife is amazing as well (Kingston Mines on the North Side for dueling stages of Chicago Blues, Jazz clubs, dance clubs, etc.). I hope you have a chance to return and see more.

[@Ert1239_wea]

Love Chicago…and unlike NYC, the people in Chicago are actually friendly. Really. Well, most are.

[@PoliticKing7]

Exactly, my wife and just came back from there and can't wait to go back

[@Meg0307]

Midwest people are generally nicer than East Coast people.

[@xxkarlosxxxxxx7233]

Yeah my brother just came back from NYC and it was his first time going and he said I was meh ok😂😂😂 I'm like... TF u mean ok... He said the food was gud but expensive, the people were rude and the city was so dirty that the garbage is always in front and not in the alleys like Chicago in downtown... He said he wanna go to a different part of NY next time cause NYC wasnt that great ...

[@IndianaSmoke]

Agreed. Went in october for the 1st time. I was shocked at how nice people were and how clean it was. Nothing at all like my assumptions. Loved it so much were going back next week.

[@jeremy4375]

LMFAO

[@RooseveltAliWashingtonX]

The celery salt is a must! It marries all of the flavors so harmoniously

[@bodvargregersen5161]

Wow, Chicago looks like my kind of town. So much to do and see. I love the skyline of Chicago from the river boat tour. The food looks like something out of this world. Thanks for the showing us how great Chicago is.

[@EricandAmyTravels]

We had so much fun on our trip to Chicago this summer! Great to see the city in the winter.

[@ChadandClaire]

Oooh- now that's a trip I'd also love to take! Seeing Chicago under the summer sun! 😍

[@Annie5825]

As a native Chicagoan, love, love, love this! This feels like an incredibly authentic experience. Most of your trip is what Chicagoans would do as well. The boat tour is amazing and something everyone who lives here should do. It’s less common for tourists to brave it in the winter. I have to say, my favorite hot dog is from Home Depot. Portillo’s seem more suburban to me. A huge part of what I love about Chicago is that you can see a Broadway caliber show and dine at a Michelin stared restaurant, but you can also have a great experience at community theaters and dive bars. And most locals will do both.

[@sheilaarnold3238]

Wow! Loved your video. I visited Chicago several years ago, My husband and I did the River tour which we thought was the best, because of all the history we learned about the Windy City

[@marieg5883]

You guys are so adorable! I enjoyed this a ton. Lived in Chicago for 3 years and finally going back to visit this summer and this got me excited!

[@imaturtle65]

The quality never misses 🤩 so amazing! Chicago has always been on my bucket list and I went July 2023 and it was so amazing!!

[@ChadandClaire]

Thank you, thank you!!! 💕 You'd visited just a couple months ago! I bet the city was stunning in the summer light. Glad you had a wonderful trip! 🥰

[@okorochukwunonso2563]

Planning on a city to relocate to soon and this video is making me consider Chicago for real...You both are so peaceful and gorgeous!..LOVE!

[@lizalove91]

Chicago is amazing! I’ve lived here for 10 years. The winter sucks but summer makes up for it and there’s only a few days where it’s real real bad

[@white.lodge.dale.cooper]

i love my city so much. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else. Although, not gonna lie, after many years the winters aren't easy!

[@smiller4659]

You really show my city in its winter beauty. Summer in Chicago is a whole other thing! Millennium Park, neighborhood festivals, Oak Street Beach. ❤️

[@jerrycratsenberg989]

It is a lovely video! The two of you seem to be having a great time. Thank you for sharing your Chicago holiday food and festivities with us.

[@ChadandClaire]

Thank YOU so much for watching! 😁 We had a BLAST exploring the city and devouring all the wonderful food it had to offer. 💗

[@slw0599]

Was in Chicago mid April of this year from the UK...❤ed it our hotel was opposite the huge Starbucks which was on 4 floors!.... We also did the river cruise and all the other tourist stuff... brilliant it was too.

[@justlookin3]

Chicago is like visiting a foreign country! Thanks for sharing your version.

[@ChadandClaire]

It definitely is! The diversity makes the city such a special place, and I love how so many world cultures have influenced what's now Chicago's unique culture! 😁 Thank you so much for watching! 🥰🥰🥰

[@MaxandSidney]

One thing we miss about living in Chicago is definitely the ChristkindlMarket!! If you ever go back, you have to have breakfast at Eleven City Diner. You guys would love it!

[@th0uxan]

You two are a great couple. Thank you for visiting this wonderful city!

[@fayethejpg]

y’all packed so much fun into just a couple days but you def gotta come back when the weather’s nicer!

[@theblueflamingbutterfly]

This is my city !!! Grew up in Chicago and I’ve been watching you both for awhile now so it was super cool to see you explore and your perspectives! Loved it ❤️✨

[@user-is6de8pp7k]

Claire and Chad you guys are the cutest.🥰 I have been living in Chicago and the Chicago suburbs my entire life. Everything accept the politics make Chicago a Class Act City. The summertime here is Amazing. Just Amazing. We are a smaller, cleaner, more beautiful New York City. The downtown Chicago still takes my breath away. Thank you for posting your awesome video. Happy New Year 🎊🎈 to you and everyone.

[@carolmartin4413]

Wisconsin 🖐 Chicago was our home away from home for years because it was so close to Milwaukee. So much to see and do. Never, ever a dull moment. That sense of just absorbing so much in the arts, music, food...heavenly! Then back home to our quiet, warm little suburbs. Worked for us. Glad you checked another bucket! P.S. Milwaukee, Chicago and Boston all lay claim to creating the old fashioned...😂. One thing's for sure...if it's a brandy OF...it's Wisconsin.

[@ChadandClaire]

Yes, perfectly said- "never, ever a dull moment!" 😆The city offered so many great choices- from food, to activities, to entertainment! Our two days were fully packed with things to do, even in the winter time hahaha! Because the old fashioned is one of our all-time favorite cocktails, we'll surely be trying it whenever we visit Wisconsin! 😁😁😁

[@powertrip25]

after watching THE BEAR makes me want an italian beef sandwich SO BAAAAD!!

[@cesnav7593]

Yes, but don’t get it from Mr Beef, where the bear is filmed. Portillos Beef is much better. You have to get it dipped, with peppers and mozzarella

[@DickVanWrinkle]

@@cesnav7593I must respectfully disagree, Portillos has kinda gone downhill in recent history since they were sold to a big corporation. Mr. Beef is better.

[@lilydietrich2994]

If y’all are ever back in Chicago, please go to Chinatown!! It’s such a good experience.

[@ChadandClaire]

YES!!!! We literally debated for an entire hour on that second morning, choosing if we should go get dim sum in Chinatown, or Portillo's hahaha. We decided to go to Portillo's (which we certainly didn't regret), but we want to check out Chinatown the next time we're in the city! 😁😁😁

[@marymahar8446]

How Fun!! Sweet Home Chicago ❤ Thank You for going to the Berghoff!! My favorite restaurant since my parents took me as a child, and I've even gone alone several times. I'm 69 now and been in Florida over 30 years. I can still taste their Delicious weiner schnitzel and fried potatoes in my dreams. 😋 Portillo's is another favorite, but they're in Orlando and Tampa. I'm glad you did so many fun and interesting things on your visit.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Watching Chad teach Claire how to eat the bratwurst in one bite was too good 😂 LOVED this video! ❤ Chicago is such a special city to us and it was so fun to see you experience it. Got us very excited for some Christmas Markets soon 🙌🏼

[@jeffreymanson2539]

I'm glad you tried Italian beef, which as someone who lives in Chicago area is more a Chicago original than deep dish pizza, which I think gets overplayed. It's delicious yes, but too heavy to eat on a regular basis.The vast majority of pizza I had growing up was thin, but served tavern style, which simply means it's cut in squares instead of slices. I also noticed the beef had a dry bun. Usually the entire sandwich is dunked in the aus jus, making it incredibly messy. Lastly I'm surprised you didn't get a Polish dog, which is available at Portillos and a Chicago staple. It's a polish sausage in a bun with mustard and grilled onions.

[@ellengill360]

Thank you for coming to Chicago. Unfortunately, The Bean was under repair when you came. We would not have let you go to Giordanos (pronounced Gee or danos). That's a tourist spot. Next time, please come in the summer and enjoy our miles and miles of free beaches and the river walk. Try Chicago pub-style pizza or Lou Malnatis. Millers Pub is an iconic place to eat. Chicago has great Mexican and Vietnamese food. Green Apple Pho Ever is a favorite place. Portillos, once great, is now a Disney-like version of itself, still okay, and the cake is very good, but it's inauthentic. Chicago is an art, theater and music town too. We also have The Second City comedy club. Next time, put out a notice and let Chicagoans guide your tour. We won't fail you.

[@Hogwartsfan100abc]

Lou's, cmon that's for the Naperville people. They gotta go to peaquod's and get the tavern-style

[@andyl9920]

Love chicago! Very clean in downtown and many tourists, many architecture, food, etc

[@andyc9585]

My first time watching your channel. I’ve lived here all my life, but I just love the production of your videos and the perfect music that pairs with each segment. You guys are naturals! Thank you.

[@victoriatran4402]

It’s better in the summer. More things to do and it’s beautiful in the summer

[@Jpkjr52]

Glad you liked Chicago. You should see it in the summer

[@truejose7683]

@ChadandClaire you two have come such a long way since I found your channel! Can I just say congrats on 60k+ subs!!! Holy smokes 😯 I’m so happy for the two of you! Been here since your first 1k! Since the #vanlife! I came back to see how y’all were doing and may I just say, why is it that every time I watch a video by you I am smiling through the whole entire video? 😊 You two are amazing and inspiring! Thank you for sharing your beautiful journeys with us!!!

[@ChadandClaire]

Awh!!!! This message was such a gift to receive. Thank you for checking in on us and cheering us on. It's always important to remind ourselves how far we have come and be grateful for it all. Happy holidays and I hope your 2024 is amazing!! :D Thanks again. -Chad

[@karendodson9136]

Great job you two!!! Chicago is my birth city and my grandma came over from Germany as a child so that was particularly special for me!!! Thank you for showing Chicago in ALsuch a beautiful way!!! LOVE THE ITALIAN BEEF SAMMIES!!!😃

[@ChadandClaire]

How cool!!! You and Chad's families share the same "country of origin!" 😁It was such a splendid trip, and the Christmas festivities made it all the more bright! Thank you so much for watching! 🥰

[@周恬-z6e]

Thank you both for sharing the wonderful trip. Really enjoy the whole video. Looking forward to watching the next one!

[@2labmom]

Thank you for visiting my home town. I now live elsewhere. I really miss it.

[@joepavone3586]

It would have been good also if you posted the cost of what enjoying these great meals would be for those visiting Chicago in the future-a nice video, thanks.

[@erics670]

Love Chicago!

[@ChadandClaire]

It's a pretty remarkable city! So glad we got to visit! 😁

[@thepaulgorney]

Nice video - so much to do in Chicago! I document the neighborhoods from a local for real estate. Thanks for the great video!

[@romrobot15]

Awesome video. I’m not a big city fan, but yes I think I will visit Chicago someday. Thanks for sharing.

[@vallee7041]

Really enjoyed this video. You're so much fun to watch together ❤

[@alyssalim1292]

Good content! I can’t stop staring at your brown flower beanie Claire! Do you mind sharing where you got it from?

[@margaretvillalpando7722]

Great video! Love to watch you two eat food because you both enjoy it so much. Never been to Chicago so that was interesting.

[@ChadandClaire]

Ah yes- food truly is one of the greatest joys in life, and we intend on delighting in it whenever we can and wherever we go! 😆Hahaha thank you so much for watching, and stay tuned for many more lip-smacking adventures in 2024! 😁

[@chellyandtoni4394]

You two are so adorable. Love your style of showcasing the beautiful places and experiences you go on around the world ❤

[@bureaucrazy1234]

always enjoy the calm content vibe of your videos, regardless of the content

[@ChadandClaire]

Thank you so much!!! This really means a lot to us both! 💓

[@tobconnected]

We enjoyed watching the both of you..... All the Food looks amazing 🍕 🍩 🌭 🍻

[@Samster90]

So glad you both came to our city….Chicago is so much fun. Love your videos.

[@stevepechmak629]

Love to see your guys in Chicago .Enjoy your trip.

[@ChadandClaire]

Thank you for watching!!! We'll definitely be back again in the future! 🥰

[@wisdomoutdoors]

Great video guys. I'm going with my son in April. I really appreciate your help.

[@brittanybufano7957]

Loved your video! We are going to Chicago this week and I’m going to check out that rooftop bar for sure! Also, @Claire where did you get that green/flower beanie? It’s gorgeous

[@kriskris998]

You should visit Chicago in the summer. Taking swim in the amazing Lake Michigan. Not right now

[@RickyBobbyBlaz]

Loving this Chicago experience! If you come explore Ithaca, NY sometime I’ll have to make a cameo appearance… Ha! Great upload! Safe travels :) 😊

[@ChadandClaire]

Returning to New York has been high on our list, so we just might find ourselves there in the next year or two hahaha. You never know!!! 😆

[@brave1272]

Is it weird that I’m a twice divorced single mom in my 40s and see y’all as relationship goals!?!? 😂 I dream of the day I will have such a mutually respectful and loving relationship. You guys give me hope that there is still good in humanity.

[@normandea]

Love Chicago! Just ran into your youtube channel. Some nice videos! You should try Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse!

[@randomamericansescreaction1590]

Glad you enjoyed this city! Interestingly, windy city doesn't refer to weather but old school political commentators saying that politicians were full of "wind"/hot air/BS

[@Referee583]

Just found you guys online.. We went to Chicago for the first time in May 2023 and agree with everything you guys said especially the donuts! Next time you guys go you must hit Wriggly Field!

[@lizalove91]

Fun fact - the reason their chocolate cake is so moist is because they use mayo in place of oil 😅also the chocolate cake shake has a whole slice of cake in it lol. -a native Chicagoan Next time you come get Dorite donuts it’s way better!

[@stevenclarke5606]

When a big pizza pie hits your eye, that’s Amorae

[@Love_rainy_days]

Thanks for sharing, I love Chicago 🏙 and the Deep Dish Pizza.🍕🍕🍺🍺 I still think you two 💑 are the cutes couple on KZbin. Happy Holidays🎄🎄🎅

[@ChadandClaire]

Thank you, thank you, as always. 🥰 You never fail to make us smile with your kind and thoughtful comments!!! 💓💓💓

[@AndreaMc1970]

Such a great video. We loved it so much! Probably one of our favorites! Thank you for sharing with us

[@cheynoucht1142]

I'm glad you tried Italian beef, which as someone who lives in Chicago area is more a Chicago original than deep dish pizza, which I think gets overplayed. It's delicious yes, but too heavy to eat on a regular basis.The vast majority of pizza I had growing up was thin, but served tavern style, which simply means it's cut in squares instead of slices

[@georgemckinnon7134]

Ah, what great holiday fun!

[@ChadandClaire]

Truly! Nothing like cheery holiday fun in the big city! 😁

[@marjazadow2501]

Wonderful video, not a big city fan but, you sold me on Chicago. That Christmas market looks amazing, never been to one, and the views from the rooftop bar, beautiful. Would love to visit this time of year. 🇨🇦❤️

[@ChadandClaire]

I totally get that!!! We aren't huge city people either, BUT when there's good food and a sparkling Christmas market, you'll definitely find us there hahaha. 😆Thank you so much for watching- have the most wonderful end to 2023! 💓

[@MarkYaklich-fm3ty]

Great to see you still sporting the hat you bought in Slovenia Claire!!

[@ChadandClaire]

Hahaha YES!!! 😁😁😁 If we're visiting a chilly destination, I NEVER leave it behind! It's my favorite hat in the world! 💕

[@ian_forbes]

Without celery salt, it’s not a Chicago dog … I understand if people might not prefer it (I get my Chicago dogs w/o the peppers), but the first try should have included it assuming it’s a new ingredient for you and to taste the proper hot dog. Thanks for the tour, brought back some memories. I went to college in Illinois and while none of my local friends actually call it The Windy City, your video does have craving some Lou Malnotti’s (my preferred big chain Chicago deep dish).

[@df2324]

Wow the food looked amazing!!! Great choices!!

[@timz2917]

Great couple, great city.

[@surigaononini9870]

Thanks for this video planning to travel tour vacation in Chicago next year from finland Europe.

[@ChrisWelsh-t4x]

Chicago looks so cool. I've always wanted to visit america and chicago is definitely high on the list of the many cities you have there that i'd like to visit. You guys should visit Scotland one day. Glasgow and Edinburgh you guys would love.

[@UrsuGonegirlSolo]

Thats my jumper there,i have same yellow jumper. Hope to visit usa next year.

[@ChadandClaire]

Twins!!! 🥰 I wear it all the time, because it's so warm! Yeah, definitely make your way over to the US next year! There's lots to see and do! 💗💗💗

[@7autumn5]

Malnati’s is my favorite for Chicago deep dish because of their “butter crust”. Firecakes was a fun choice. I don’t think we have ever gotten anything bad there. My favorite little restaurant in Chicago is Del Seoul. It’s on Clark north of the loop. It’s Korean-Mexican Fusion. The shrimp tacos are amazing. The Chicago cultural center is a fun place to go on a rainy Chicago day. It’s also fun to take a trip where you just go around to all the outdoor sculptures. If you cannot tell, Chicago is one of my favorite cities.

[@luciodiaz6910]

Hola

[@emilyserafamanschot800]

We've been to Berghoff's with a former student, who is no longer with us. Wonderful memories. Thanks for sharing!

[@luciodiaz6910]

Hola

[@sharonoldham4374]

Chicago is one of my favorite cities. 😊

[@qualitytouch]

Great video, visiting next week and I can't wait

[@shanhad1572]

So cool to see you guys here. It's the best, but I live here, so of course I love it. :) One day, you will have to come back in the summer!

[@beautyjournal217]

Can’t believe you all went to SCAD! I visited there when I went to Savannah last year very cool story how it got started

[@jostinaluver]

I'm traveling to Chi and staying at that same hotel next month. So glad I found this video

[@janicescott-pair97]

I love saurkraut just by itself. 😊😊

[@df2324]

Great Video!!!

[@miaeven8616]

Really love your video 🥰

[@deannazampa5286]

Fun video! We live so close (MN) and talk about a long weekend there but have yet to do it. Love your hat, Claire, did you make it? Food looks awesome! Perogies! Strudel! All of it!

[@ChadandClaire]

Thank you so much for watching! 😁 Believe it or not, neither of us have visited MN before, but we really want to explore the state. It looks absolutely stunning with so much outdoor fun! I actually didn't make my hat- I purchased it from a local shop in Slovenia. It was handmade by an 82-year-old woman!!! 😱😍

[@deannazampa5286]

You’ll have to visit. Now that you mentioned it, I think I remember a video with that lady making your hat, it’s beautiful!

[@feathercloud]

I love the German Market when I go to Chicago around Christmas time.

[@tkamel18]

Giodarno’s or Pequad’s or other for deep dish in Chi?

[@xSilentRecon]

the bean probably looks smaller because you cant get up close to it since they're replacing the ground around it right now. but when you're able to get up close to it and even get under the center of it, it looks pretty big. PS, you NEED to visit in the summer. no city can bear chicago in the summer

[@ambershouse]

THIS IS THE CUTEST CHANNEL EVER OMG 😭😭😭

[@jmh086]

still gonna go see cloud gate(the bean) even with the construction it seems you can still get a good pic from a distance. going on thursday

[@valkh83]

Why only 48 hours? I live in Chicagoland and have all of my life….it’s weird to see someone come for only 48 hours. There’s so much more to see and do!

[@kellypedersen9896]

Referring to all the toppings on a Chicago hot dog as a "garden" is apt; usually, when ordering a hot dog w/ everything, you tell the person preparing to "drag it through the garden". Next time you're town (or @ Portillo's), check out their Polish sausage sandwich (aka "Maxwell Street Polish)- or , if you're back in town, go down to Jim's Original for a taste of the . . . well, original. :)

[@ingridnh1]

You guys look like you had a great time in Chicago! I have never been, but would like to visit one day. ❤ Although as a New Yorker, for me it’s NY style pizza over Chicago deep dish! 😉

[@ChadandClaire]

Hahaha we did have a slice of NY style pizza back in 2020, and it was also VERY delightful haha. Really can't go wrong with pizza, at least for us! 😆 Thank you so much for watching, and we hope to visit your home state again in the future! 😁

[@sherifaref66]

My wife really likes your yellow hat in the beginning of the video ... I wonder if it is a certain brand or hand made? ... The video is great and full of amazing places ... Thanks!

[@Humboldt88]

I like video! We're a very welcoming city! I'm glad you chose Giordano's over Lou Malnati's. But I chuckled when I saw her cut the sandwich with a knife and fork. 😂

[@Ebread1738]

I’ve been in Chicago all my life and haven’t been to any of the restaurants You guys went to except Portillos.

[@Ebread1738]

I went to skate the ribbon for the first time last year.

[@PeachBerryProducts]

What is the place you got hotdogs? Love the video! Thank you.

[@maggieklara5884]

Want to go there. Someday !

[@ChadandClaire]

Yes!!! Definitely make a trip to Chicago! 💕

[@777CR_]

U guys are so much lovely! All the love and respect from Qatar 🇶🇦💕

[@Laurie911]

Claire where did you get your hat? It’s so adorable. I want to get one

[@TravelPro303]

Great video

[@5natasja]

Thank you for this video! How much does the boat tour cost?