Our Top 10 free things to do in Chicago (Tips from two locals to first time visitors in 2024)

[@JamesandLaurent]

If you enjoyed this video but are still looking for more things to do in Chicago, check out our new video on Chicago-Off-The-Beaten-Path kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoutZoJ3Z8trsJY

[@alexlindquist2986]

Sweet! Checkin' it out now

[@rockininthefreeworld1650]

Beautiful City

[@beelove1630]

Perfect

[@Steve-zc9ht]

I went to mostly all of the things on this list

[@JamesandLaurent]

Great! Thanks :).

[@hithere9975]

-Willis Tower- *Sears Tower*

[@JamesandLaurent]

LOL. If it were going to remain the Willis Tower forever, we could have got used to the new name. But since it is likely to change name again, we figured out we would just keep the original one :)

[@bwiseguy8575]

IT ALWAYS WILL BE THE SEARS TOWER

[@Jude74]

Hi There spelled Willis pronounced Sears.

[@orlandomartinez4881]

I hate when people say Willis tower

[@violettak2246]

yeeeees

[@z.veronica8908]

Thank you for calling it The Sears tower!!!!

[@JamesandLaurent]

Haha! If it was going to keep the Willis Tower name forever, then we might eventually get used to it. But if it's going to change name again, we might as well keep the stable one. You know, we often refer to the Aon Center as the Amoco building. We just don't learn quickly :)

[@violettak2246]

I like "Sears Tower". I don't think I ever going to name this building Willis Tower. I can't even spell this correctly. 😁😁😁😁

[@kellyanderson7624]

@angelina angel The building was bought and the new owners changed it. But to native Chicagoans it will ALWAYS be the Sears Tower

[@piper888]

You can pay for the observation deck but if you eat The signature room you pay a little bit more and at least you get a meal with it ... I thought the view was better

[@karencesariorizzo8073]

Your video makes this home town girl proud. Thank you for showing our INCREDIBLE CITY in such a beautiful light! My grandparents immigrated to Chicago from Italy in 1910!! This makes me feel like jumping on a train and spending the day in the city!

[@JamesandLaurent]

Thanks for the kind words. As you might expect, a lot of work and effort go into making these videos. You absolutely should jump on a train and visit the city. You can also check our latest video about Chicago Off The Beaten Path. Some more great sites featured in that video.

[@michaelt3308]

It's a DEMOCRATIC SH!THOLE. Best moves I ever made was leaving over a year ago

[@Waynaworld]

I just came back from chi-town. (MY HOME TOWN) I moved to ATL then Miami, and when I say there's no place like Chicago! There's no place like CHICAGO.

[@JamesandLaurent]

Agreed :)

[@Waynaworld]

Just fine, because it’s always hot in Florida 😉

[@SausageFaCerria]

Waynaworld True

[@SausageFaCerria]

JK 64 Ur just mad because u probably live in a Cornball ass Hick Town No One has Ever Heard Of 😂😂...the people with So much $#!t to say about Chicago usually probably Never been to Chicago & Live in some Crappy Country Hillbilly Backwoods No Name Town 🤷‍♂️😂😂

[@SausageFaCerria]

JK 64 Ur just mad Because ur Town's Idea of "Fine Dining" is Olive Garden & Applebees's & the most entertaining thing to do is mozzy on down to the Nearest Wal-Mart 😂😂😂😂😂

[@isabelhajjar]

i've lived there all my life and honestly i just love it, there's a ton of stuff to do. chicago is fricken lit

[@JamesandLaurent]

Haha. We love it too :)

[@janetf3377]

I live in the Chicago area. These particular places might be free and they are fun places to go to but the parking prices are high. Sometimes, I just put my bicycle in the car and park on the north side of Chicago and ride into downtown. Also, you can take the "L" train.

[@JamesandLaurent]

Absolutely, we never drive downtown. The L, the bus or bikes are the way to go.

[@timmmahhhh]

Very good point do whatever you can to not rely on a car here.

[@MegaMoose1989]

if you are driving from a different city, it might be better to take amtrak in or at least take the metra/southshore line commutter rail in from the far suburbs. parking is usually either free or dirt cheap at those stations and many have security.

[@hadhamalnam]

Plus over the last decade the amount of bike lanes has been going up a lot, you can get basically anywhere downtown on a bike.

[@krysg86]

If u like art the Mexican Art Museum in Pilsen is free! Also the neighborhood has lot of great restaurants and bars u could hit up later!

[@JamesandLaurent]

Thanks for the advice. We haven't been to the Mexican Art Museum for years. And we rarely go to Pilsen because we live on the north side. But it is a neighborhood a with great vibe and lots of restaurant choices.

[@jimgreen9059]

krysg86, mentioning you is just so this comment will end up here where it belongs, since I want to point out to those not familiar with Chicago, that Pilsen is another of the many neighborhoods of Chicago, rather than a suburb.

[@JamesandLaurent]

Krysg86, based on your advice, we just went to the Mexican Art Museum. First time in many, may years. It was fantastic! Thanks you so much for recommending it. We are working on two other videos about Chicago off the beaten path and Chicago museums and took great shots of Pilsen and the museum. Whenever we get around to finishing these videos, the Mexican Art Museum will be featured :)

[@iriss3460]

That museum is the most boring thing ever!!’ As a Latina living in little village, there are better places to visit

[@elboogie2324]

You know what that's all about. I find it odd they didn't mention The DuSable Museum. Probably never been to it, even though they did mention Hyde Park.

[@footballman7565]

Every year I go on vacation for spring break this year I went to Chicago there is so much to do so I’m going back this summer in the spring I was at Michigan Avenue, The Navy Pier, The Field Museum, The Shedd Aquarium, and I got a boat tour on the lake

[@JamesandLaurent]

Good for you! We're glad you enjoyed visiting our city. It is the best (in the summer, haha).

[@dartist079]

Chicago Skyline is so beautiful. I grew up in the Western Suburbs of Chicago, my husband grew up on thyhe Southside of Chicago- near The Cook County Jail. The beautiful skyline is awesome. I love Chicago & of course The Chicago Cubs. Enjoy your visit to this amazing city.

[@JamesandLaurent]

mrs Bee, agreed. The Chicago skyline when you fly in over the lake from the East Coast is absolutely amazing!

[@jptecno]

Hello everyone, I'm from Brazil and I'm very excited to meet Chicago city, u.s.a is the most beautiful country for me, I would like to go there asap.

[@JamesandLaurent]

Jader, we hope you have the opportunity to visit someday.

[@gisellevillasenor9779]

Ayyyeee I live in Chicago too #Windy City #Chi town It’s absolutely beautiful here there’s so much things too look at here and so many things to experience by far one of the most beautiful cities I know

[@JamesandLaurent]

We love it too. Six months out of the year 😎😎😎 more so than the other six ⛄️⛄️⛄️.

[@herrlindner]

I've been there a month ago and I'm happy I've covered about 90% of the list. Beautiful and welcoming place.

[@JamesandLaurent]

Good to hear. We think Chicago is grossly underrated as a tourist destination :)

[@user-ho3dk4pg8y]

I was just in Chicago. I’m definitely going back! So many things to see yet. A very clean, walkable downtown. Felt safe.

[@JamesandLaurent]

Good to hear.

[@GreatCityAttractions]

It looks a great city!

[@IAMBENNYBLANCO.]

I luv visiting Chicago, such an amazing city! We in Wakanda think Chicago is one of the best cities of the world.

[@JamesandLaurent]

We love it too :).

[@jordandalton9971]

Lmfao

[@mztricee30]

😂😂😂

[@jiryaC]

Build an embassy here

[@michaeldstefan1545]

I have been to all 50 States and Chicago is by far my #1 favorite city after 9 visits, last one April 2018.

[@JamesandLaurent]

We love Chicago too, although we love it more in the summer :)

[@michaeldstefan1545]

Seriously thinking of moving to Chicago from Seattle, is north shore good for a 70 year old gay to move too? Thanks

[@JamesandLaurent]

Andersonville is the neighborhood where older gays move once they can't handle Boyztown and its craziness anymore. It is a bit further from the loop, but still accessible with the red line. It has a neighborhoody feel to it but still offers lots of activities, bars, restaurants. And it is more affordable than Lincoln Park or Lakeview. North shore as in Northern suburbs would be a lot more suburbia-like. We are working on a new video about Chicago off the beaten path, which we hope to finish editing before Christmas. It will feature Andersonville.

[@michaeldstefan1545]

Thanks, I will start looking now.

[@samhatsuna7206]

I'm visiting Chicago soon and have only been one other time. I'm on a tight budget but wanted to explore Chicago without having to be on a tour. This video was extremely helpful, thank you!

[@JamesandLaurent]

Thanks for the kind words. We hope you enjoy your trip :)

[@rayb6852]

Use the bus. Walking downtown is free.

[@bradleychellberg7377]

Don’t forget about the free fire work show!! They do at navy pier

[@bnzimusa]

When do they do that?

[@gisselmendoza8998]

This past summer it was on Wednesdays and Saturdays!

[@busyrand]

I really appreciate the effort you guys put into making this. As a lifelong Chicagoan who relocated to the East Coast, I look forward to enjoying things I missed out on during my upbringing.

[@JamesandLaurent]

Thanks for the kind words. You are right that a lot of time and effort went into this video. We are glad it doesn't go unnoticed and people enjoy watching it.

[@_koojay]

10 free things to do in Chicago: *breath*

[@mrsports5766]

YOSHIMATIONS uwu blink

[@J0hn.R]

Might get taxed as well sometime soon.

[@iliketrains839]

*Breathe

[@JenZen82]

You can't even spell, trying to be smartass 😂😂😂

[@FlatPlaneReality]

J.C R.M Oh you better believe that is going to happen in our near future

[@nigeljones8202]

This is an an outstanding summary. Am going to Chicago next summer on vacation. Thanks so much guys 😀

[@JamesandLaurent]

Nigel. Thanks for the thanks 😊. Depending on how much time you are going to spend in Chicago, we have two other videos you might want to watch, one about things to do off the beaten path and another one about the Chicago museums. If your trip also takes you to New York, we are currently working on its sister video with our top 10 free things to do in New York 🗽🗽🗽. Depending on how quickly we work, we hope to have it ready in a couple of weeks.

[@nigeljones8202]

@@JamesandLaurent Thanks again guys, my wife and I will probably fly to Washington DC as we are visiting a friend in Virginia, then anticipate about 4 nights in Chicago

[@travelgeez2435]

Been there 3 weeks ago. It's good to be in Chicago, I had a good time with my American friends. I'm from the Philippines and as early as now saving and planning to go back in December 2019.

[@JamesandLaurent]

December is definitely not the best time to visit Chicago :).

[@JOHNNYCHICAGO8]

I love my home Sweet home Chicago ☺️❤️

[@JamesandLaurent]

Johnny Tribble, we just released a new video on Chicago Off The Beaten Path. Hopefully, it will make you love the city even more :).

[@sweetynatasha1351]

Hello

[@ggeve]

Thank you so much! this is the first video that matches what I was looking for in planning for a trip - a lot about cultural places and less about big touristy attraction or food!

[@JamesandLaurent]

Glad it was helpful! If you are looking for cultural places, we also have a video about the Top 10 museums in Chicago and another video about things to do off-the-beaten-path. Depending on how much time you have in Chicago.

[@robinsoncolleen48823]

This is a very useful video! Thank you for taking the time to do this. I'm going to share it with all my friends!

[@JamesandLaurent]

Thanks :)

[@ABEL1095]

I am new to Chicago suburb I was always wondering where to go but thid video is informative, I wish to get other videos like this

[@luciodiaz6544]

Me das tu numero

[@lydiaanderson1747]

Can you please share it with me also

[@bobvila1010]

Merci pour cet excellent vidéo! Can't wait for this summer visiting Chicago!!

[@JamesandLaurent]

We hope you enjoy your trip. Chicago has so much to offer!

[@samuel_cr98]

I know you are from Chicago because only real people from Chicago say Sears Tower and not Willis Tower. As a fellow Chicagoan, I certify his credibility 😂

[@JamesandLaurent]

Haha, we're so hard core that we still refer to the Aon Center as the Amoco Building 😂. If you enjoyed this video, take a look at our new video about Chicago Off The Beaten Path. It will be released tomorrow afternoon.

[@Steve-zc9ht]

Ikr Im also from chicago

[@viewfromthehillswift6979]

Absolutely, and it will always be the Hancock Building. When I was young, the Field Museum's name was changed to the Chicago Museum of Natural History or something like that. Nobody called it by its new name and it is now the Field Museum again.

[@joycegreer9391]

Not true. I am from Wisconsin, have been to Chicago a few times (would like to go more). I always call it the Sears Tower.

[@kellyanderson7624]

YES! Native Chicagoans do NOT say Willis Tower. It is SEARS Tower and always will be!

[@missadventure3397]

This is a perfect list. I plan to visit Chicago this upcoming summer and will make all of these stops. Thank you!

[@JamesandLaurent]

Glad it was helpful! We have two other videos about Chicago museums and Chicago off the beaten path.

[@missadventure3397]

@@JamesandLaurent Thanks so much! Will check them out.

[@JamesandLaurent]

Enjoy your trip.

[@PHILIPWATSON82]

CHICAGO LOOKS AWESOME 😎😎👍🏻🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇺🇸

[@JamesandLaurent]

Six months out of the year, it is :)

[@elboogie2324]

That's because it is.

[@Saady2s]

4 months out of the year it is.

[@Marysamsonitetoo]

Just don’t leave downtown you’ll be aight

[@ashsworld9990]

I leave for a week-long vacation in Chicago on May 15th and I'm so excited!

[@JamesandLaurent]

Enjoy your trip!

[@pickledOnionGal]

Chicago is my favourite city! 💕

[@JamesandLaurent]

It is our favorite city too, although to be fair more so six months ouf of the year 😎 than the other six ⛄️.

[@pickledOnionGal]

James and Laurent's World Travels fair! Although I have to say that I prefer the winter haha

[@albertimedina1289]

Yo amo chicago es mi segunda ciudad vivi varios años ahi demasiada cultura y gastronomia simplemente lo mejor

[@misterhot9163]

I lived in Chicago for 15 years, and truly miss it. Robbie House is a can’t miss.

[@JamesandLaurent]

We hope you get the chance to go back from time to time.

[@misterhot9163]

@@JamesandLaurent I come back every fall.

[@JamesandLaurent]

Great time of the year to visit.

[@GreatCityAttractions]

Some great spots for sure.

[@lailahornke9459]

It’s really good to know this because I’ve been to Chicago so much and I live by Chicago but sadly I’ve probably done most of these but still giving the props to you🏙

[@JamesandLaurent]

Haha, we've done most of these attractions several times and we still enjoy going back. Enjoy the game :)

[@JamesandLaurent]

Laila Hornke, we just released a new video on Chicago Off The Beaten Path. Hopefully, you'll discover things on it you haven't already done :).

[@gsnckim]

Free but not the full experience. Worldly things cost money and the more one spends the more the fleeting pleasure. Thanks for the pointers. I'm sure ppl appreciate it 👍 👌

[@JamesandLaurent]

Our pleasure!

[@captainjaber5610]

I am heading to the Gold Coast July 22!!! Cannot wait to experience this city. Go Chi Town.

[@JamesandLaurent]

We hope you'll enjoy it as much as we do :)

[@captainjaber5610]

Please tell me! Lou Malnattis or Giordannos?

[@captainjaber5610]

I am only staying by the Gold Coast, Michigan Ave and the Pier. I am perfectly aware that there are ghettos and that was a huge concern but I will not be near those areas. All this violence is senseless.

[@pedrosanroman2265]

Try Palermos pizza it's better then the hyped loud malnatis.

[@JamesandLaurent]

We actually take out of towners to Gino's East. But we don't claim to be experts in deep dish pizza.

[@wilelowman]

My fav is the cultural center. It's across the street from millennium park. It's free and has many events almost daily. Has the worlds largest Tiffany dome, tons of mosaics and was in the movie the Untouchables with Kevin Coster.

[@JamesandLaurent]

wilelowman, your wish was granted, we just released our new video on Chicago Off The Beaten Path and the Cultural Center is featured on it :)

[@MayraAranda77]

Chicago is beautiful!!!! ❤❤❤

[@JamesandLaurent]

We think so too :)

[@francesjones9265]

I have been on one visit to Chicago beautiful place beautiful people I am going back there in a few weeks looking forward too it

[@aubreys7549]

frances jones I suggest Hyde park Chicago’s cuz I LIVE THERE :)

[@minhthifresh]

I'm going to Chicago for the first time this summer. Thank you for this video!

[@JamesandLaurent]

We hope you enjoy your trip to Chicago. Depending on how many days you stay there, we have another video about Chicago off the beaten path and one about the Chicago museums that you might find interesting.

[@sandraa_mani]

You both did such a wonderful job with this vid! Thanks for doing our city justice🙌🏾🙌🏾😍😍

[@JamesandLaurent]

Sandra. Thanks a lot for the kind words. It means a lot to us. As you might imagine, a lot of work went into this video and we are glad people enjoy the final product. We are working on another video about Chicago off the beaten path. Once we get around to finish shooting it and editing it, it should be ready sometime in the fall, just when tourists stop coming here 😄😄😄.

[@sandraa_mani]

James and Laurent's World Travels Awesome! I look forward to it! 😊

[@JamesandLaurent]

@@sandraa_mani We don't work very fast, but we finally finished editing our newest video on Chicago Off The Beaten Path. Hopefully, you'll enjoy it as well :).

[@gracemontalvo8535]

I’m from the area and been to all these places except the Maggie Daily Park, idk why but I hadn’t even heard of it, I think maybe I had seen it and never paid attention so I thank you so much for sharing!

[@JamesandLaurent]

We're glad you enjoyed it and discovered something you didn't know. To be fair, the Maggie Daily Park only opened a couple of years ago, so you have a good reason for not knowing about it :)

[@mariaclark7703]

I miss my home town...thank you for the sites.....2 thumbs up ☺

[@JamesandLaurent]

You're very welcome, Maria. 2 thumbs up to you too :)

[@mimikarenbryant7325]

James and Laurent, thoroughly loved this video as it provided great ideas of what to do when in Chicago. Will be going there July 2, 2024 for 1 week.

[@JamesandLaurent]

Have fun!

[@SailingArgo]

Wow!! The architecture is amazing!!! And the artwork is so beautiful and well integrated in the city that it is hard to see where the art end and the city begins. And of course we love the waterfront 😊 Beautiful video from a beautiful city👍🏻

[@JamesandLaurent]

We love it too. Chicago is very underrated :).

[@morgannarocha4688]

Thank you so much, it was so helpful and I am the kind of tourist that loves to run away from crowd and touristic places. For the records, I am brazilian

[@JamesandLaurent]

Glad it was helpful! Depending on how much time you spend in Chicago, we also have two other videos about Chicago off the beaten path and museums in Chicago.

[@edwardgraivier1343]

Yes! The spectacular River Walk very much belongs on your list. But taking the River Walk absolutely in no way compromises the architectural boat tour. The River Walk only covers the width of the Loop from Michigan Avenue to Wacker Drive’s north/south section. And even there, your view of the tower to your south along Wacker Drive (e/w) is limited and you only get a complete view of the towers of River North, the downtown neighborhood across the river. True can walk the riverfront going east from Michigan Avenue to LSD, but is just an ordinay stretch of walkway, not part of the River Walk. The architecural oat tour gives you a more extensive view of the building of downtown Chicago, including both the north and south branches. Best deal: do both the River Walk and the architectural tour

[@JamesandLaurent]

Edward, Thanks for your advice. We absolutely love the architectural boat tour. We actually prefer the one that stays on the river rather than the one that goes on the lake (although both of them are great). But they are clearly not free :)

[@marcsoren7]

I'm in Alabama for the summer and am missing living in Chicago so much, this video was a great nostalgia trip

[@JamesandLaurent]

Marc Sorensen, we're glad we could help. We hope we didn't make you feel homesick :(. Half of us went to Huntsville last year and was positively surprised.

[@marcsoren7]

@@JamesandLaurent Definitely homesick but in a good way! Great video

[@leocerero6177]

Lmao I live In Chicago and didn’t know half of the stuff was here 💀

[@JamesandLaurent]

To be fair to you, a few of them didn't exist a few years ago. We hope you knew at least about the lake and about Michigan avenue 🤣🤣🤣

[@elmothegreatone2347]

💀😂

[@brucekaraus7330]

The newest thing is Millennium Park or River Walk, both been there 10 years easily. Also, Millennium Park is right up against Grant Park where the Buckingham Fountain is.

[@diamondlanier4937]

Leo Cerero me either. I watched this like how is that I’ve NEVER been to even half of the places highlighted?

[@elboogie2324]

Grew up on the South Side (Washington Park, Englewood), and I've been to ALL of these places as nearly all of them are landmarks, and are Downtown.

[@mikehughes4969]

I was born in Chicago and lived most of life there. Lincoln Park in the summer was the only place to be. My Dad had a boat in Montrose harbor back in the 70s, and I remember the original Navy Pier before it was redone. I moved to Florida in 2005, but Chicago will always be home.

[@JamesandLaurent]

Glad you liked it :)

[@durga4553]

Wow awesome place keep loading... video incredible.. Chicago...

[@durga4553]

It means u loves ur country...

[@JamesandLaurent]

Moon Joon, we just released a new video on Chicago Off The Beaten Path. Hopefully, you'll enjoy it as much as this one :).

[@carolbrowne3207]

Especially great photography and anecdotes😀❤️🤗

[@JamesandLaurent]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rburke17]

I’m from Chicago and I have no idea what your accent is but it’s not Chicago or midwestern but great video! Highlighted great areas!

[@JamesandLaurent]

Haha. French all the way with a fairy dust of American and Australian along the way.

[@angelicadeleon8517]

James and Laurent's World Travels I visit Lincoln Park Zoo before on 6:42

[@kurama567]

JK 64 if you don't have nothing nice to say then say nothing . FYI Chicago 25 place for homicides.

[@olliecrow3547]

@JK 64 tool

[@holapuppy1739]

Loser@JK 64 you're full of 💩it!!👎👎

[@dr.neelamshukla9381]

Very Helpful. I'm moving to Chicago in 5 days for college and I cannot wait to experience it all in person! 😊💖

[@JamesandLaurent]

Welcome to Chicago. We hope you enjoy it :)

[@PriscillaBrown]

I literally was just talking about how I'd live to visit Chicago. Y'all both are wonderful. Great video for someone who would want to sight see there. ❤

[@psutter777]

My two favorites, no three--Field Museum of Natural History, Museum of Science and Industry, and of course Soldier Field (which DOES of course cost a pretty penny). Thank you for bringing me back home, guys!!

[@JamesandLaurent]

Both the Field Museum and Museum of Science and Industry are prominently featured in our video about the Top 10 museums in Chicago. Feel free to check it out. No opportunity yet to feature Soldier Field :).

[@reedthibaudeau6632]

I live near Chicago and I love it

[@JamesandLaurent]

We love it too :)

[@isfir6126]

I am planning to visit Chicago. Thank you guys this video help me a lot.

[@JamesandLaurent]

We hope you enjoy your trip to Chicago. Depending on how long you stay, we have other videos about the Chicago museums and things to do off the beaten path.

[@jen1907]

Why I'm I watching this I live on Chicago and I went to half of these places btw good video

[@JamesandLaurent]

If you live in Chicago, you should have seen all of these places, lol. FYI, we have a new video being released on Monday. It will be about 'Chicago off the beaten path'. It may feature places you haven't been to yet. Check it out.

[@jen1907]

@@JamesandLaurentok thanks 🙈😂💜

[@Peepeeweed]

Lol sameee

[@BeingTheBear]

Hail Papa Emeritus IV

[@sriharigopal3745]

Thank you for the video. I used to live in Chicago more than 20 years ago, and the top 3 items on your list were not there during my days. Thanks to your informative video, I know which attractions to hit during my next visit!

[@JamesandLaurent]

Yes, the city has changed a lot over the 20 years we've been here. It'll be a brand new destination by the time you come back :)

[@prestondavison9808]

Chicago is the best city in the world. Change my mind

[@JamesandLaurent]

In the summer it is 😁.

[@mr.mendez6522]

Thank you guys. I'm visiting Chicago in a couple of weeks and your video has impressed me. I know where to go now. Greetings from Honduras

[@JamesandLaurent]

Thanks for the thanks :). We hope you enjoy your trip to Chicago. We are obviously biased, but Chicago is a completely underrated city. Depending on how long you stay and how much you want to visit, we have two other videos about Chicago, one is about Chicago off the beaten path and the other about the Chicago museums.

[@justinpetrie4653]

Loved the tour, thanks fellas

[@JamesandLaurent]

We're glad you enjoyed it. You should come and visit some day :)

[@kawadakiwi]

Best and most informed video about chicago

[@JamesandLaurent]

Thanks a lot for the kind words. As you probably know, a lot of work goes into making these videos and it's always rewarding for us when viewers appreciate our work. Much easier to do good work on a topic we know really well and are passionate about though 😉.

[@askvanita]

Thanks for putting this together...appreciate it

[@JamesandLaurent]

No worries. It was a fun video to shoot :)

[@JamesandLaurent]

Stanley George, we just released a new video on Chicago Off The Beaten Path. Let us know if you enjoy it as much as this one.

[@suzonne100]

Me and my daughter are coming to Chicago for 10 days and this was great guys! Thank you so much!!

[@JamesandLaurent]

Thanks for the kind words Suzonne. If you are coming to Chicago for ten days and run out of things to do on this list, we also have a video of Chicago off the beaten path, which has more ideas of things to visit and another one about the museums of Chicago, some of which are free. We hope you enjoy your visit.

[@georgeespinoza6710]

Thank you for calling it the Sears tower 😂

[@JamesandLaurent]

Yes, if it were going to remain the Willis Tower forever, we could have got used to the new name. But since it is likely to change name again, we figured out we would just keep the original one :)

[@LizOB1]

Thank you so much for making this. Great shots and helped me immensely.

[@JamesandLaurent]

You're very welcome. We hope you enjoy your trip to Chicago.

[@adventuresindixonland469]

Awesome job! We always talk about taking a trip to Chicago. That kids park looks awesome! We love your videos! BIG LIKE!

[@JamesandLaurent]

You absolutely should. You guys are so close. Now is the time of the year to do it.

[@andreas_adventures]

I think Chicago Botanic Gardens should be on this list!! It’s free to get in and the most amazing garden I have ever seen!

[@JamesandLaurent]

If only it were in Chicago proper with easy access via public transportation :).

[@andreas_adventures]

@@JamesandLaurent true but there are ways to get there still.

[@twanadobson1467]

Great job guys I totally agree with your choices of places to visit in Chicago! I live in Chicago I luv this city!

[@JamesandLaurent]

Thanks. After a while, we kind of figured out what outoftowners liked and didn't like. We like it all :)

[@lamb1102]

Thanks for doing this. We're visiting at the end of April next year so this video was just what we were looking for and we'll definitely be visiting most of these. Thanks again.

[@JamesandLaurent]

Richard, Thanks for the thanks. As you might imagine, a lot of work goes into filming and editing these videos. It means the world to us that people enjoy watching them and find them useful. Shameless plug: we have two other videos about Chicago, one about things to do off the beaten path and one about the museums of Chicago. Depending on how long you are going to stay here, you may check these videos out as well. We just came back from NYC where we just filmed the sister video of this one but for NYC. We hope to have it out in the next month or so.

[@lamb1102]

@@JamesandLaurent great stuff, I'll watch them all. We'll be visiting NYC too, so looking forward to seeing what you guys say. We've been to Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans and Orlando already so I guess we just love the USA ! Always looking for recommendations. All the best fellas.

[@misterhot9163]

You should include Marshall Fields on State St. Fantastic interiors!

[@JamesandLaurent]

MisterHot, Thanks for the recommandation. We are working on a new video about Chicago off he beaten path. We are still adding thins to the list. We should have it ready by September. Come check us out then.

[@PRHILL9696]

I LOVE going there. they have tours as well

[@karmicobsession1636]

It hasnt been Marshall Fields in a decade.

[@MegaMoose1989]

the giant chandelier is amazing. marshall fields was a revolutionary department store that changed how people shop. one of his assistants, selfridge, went to england to spread this type of department store. many thought fields was nuts in allowing the customer to pick through piles of merchandise instead of a sales person bringing out one item at a time.

[@MegaMoose1989]

@@karmicobsession1636 technically it is macys at marshal fields on state street. there was a backlash when macys decided to retire the marshal fields name in the midwest so they decided to partially keep the original fields name on the building.

[@jasminefreeman1471]

Thanks guys this was an awesome video, so much information and sites to visit.

[@JamesandLaurent]

We're glad you enjoyed it! We think Chicago is grossly underrated as a tourist destination, but we're biased :). That being said, all our visitors who've been here for the first time were positively surprised.

[@bettyjeansmith3365]

Chicago has the best blues venues. Deep dish pizza.

[@kyoukai_no_kanata]

Dhoom 3, and Midtown Madness. These are the two reasons how i get to know about Chicago❤️

[@JamesandLaurent]

Haha, there's a lot more to Chicago.

[@kyoukai_no_kanata]

@@JamesandLaurent and i am eager to explore them out.

[@davidroberts4769]

Lincoln Park IS NOT 'just north of the city'. It is in Fact IN THE CITY.

[@davidmontville4885]

Right! Just north of the city center.

[@robertmasina4610]

Correct, just the north side of the city.

[@JamesandLaurent]

🦯🦯🦯.

[@piper888]

Adjecent at North avenue beach

[@tiffanylowe7925]

Enjoy the video I was just there beginning of April great City. Your video was definitely a big help when I go back.

[@JamesandLaurent]

We hope you do get a chance to go back. We have other videos featuring things to do in Chicago, make sure you check them before you go back :).

[@yodamewtwo3826]

The water air show

[@JamesandLaurent]

We are definitely going to the air and water show this weekend and hope to get enough footage to make a video out of it. But this video was about year-round attractions, not about one-time events like the air and water show or all the fairs and festivals in the summer.

[@kenyattaclay7666]

You guys made me a bit homesick. I don't know if they still do it anymore (I left 21 years ago) but when I was growing up in the 80's in the summer time we would ride our bikes to the museums, aquarium and planetarium because on Wednesdays they were also free. However I know they have started charging for a lot of things that used to be free. I might be a little biased but I have lived in five different states, been to several countries around the world and even lived in Germany for a while and Chicago is still the best city in the world to me.

[@JamesandLaurent]

Kenyatta, Several viewers commented on that very point. In this video, we only wanted to feature attractions that are year-round and are free all the time. This is why we didn't mention the museums, which are only free certain days or the festivals, which only happen one week per year. But when we do a video about Chicago museums - it's on the to do list, but we never got around to doing it - we will mention the tips to get there for free :).

[@yuhmatep7358]

I wanna meet u guys one day❤I also live in chicago😁😁

[@JamesandLaurent]

We do spend time in the city, occasionally, when we're not travelling 😁😁😁.

[@yuhmatep7358]

James and Laurent's World Travels ohh😁Have u met any of ur fans yet?

[@JamesandLaurent]

It actually has never happened. We were in Greece recently (we hope you saw the first video from our trip. The second is on its way). We were hoping to meet one of our early fans who's from there, but we couldn't make our schedules work.

[@yuhmatep7358]

James and Laurent's World Travels ohhh😀I did see the video tho😀

[@MultiNaruto900]

Don't forget about the Chicago Botanic Garden! Though parking is pretty costly, the garden is a very beautiful place to walk around in.

[@JamesandLaurent]

You are right that it is, but we tried to only feature activities that were in Chicago proper. The Baha'i Temple being the only exception, but we kept it because it is accessible via the L. The Botanic Garden is too far out of the way for the topic of this video.

[@MultiNaruto900]

@@JamesandLaurent A little addition: There's also free admission every second tuesday of the month at the Swedish American Museum! I take Viking Mythology class, so there was an exhibit featuring Bengt Linström's works of art. Absolutely worth some time checking out.

[@karenalvarado1940]

Very informative since I’m currently working on my itinerary for my trip to Chicago in September.

[@JamesandLaurent]

We're glad you found it useful. This is why we made this video.

[@SausageFaCerria]

Karen Alvarado U will Love Chicago !

[@karenalvarado1940]

Dierre Sanders Thank you! Though I will only be staying there for 11 days. I was planning to take a trip to NY but now, i’m just thinking of staying in Chi. I heard jazz music is lit as well. And i’ll be able to watch my first ever baseball game!

[@SausageFaCerria]

Karen Alvarado Go to a Cubs Game, it's an Amazing Experience. Many Clubs, Bars, Restaurants & Shopping in the Area of Wriglyville. Yes Chicago is Famous for Jazz & Blues Music !

[@karenalvarado1940]

Dierre Sanders can’t wait! Still 9 more weeks til my trip but taking note of all the tips. Thank you so much!!!

[@argreentech]

From Memorial Day to Labor Day there are a lot of events in Navy Pier, music, beer, , fireworks on Wednesday and Saturday , children museum, restaurants, boat tours, etc.

[@dlo4rmdago1693]

Greatest City Ever!!!!

[@robertpreston2220]

yes it is

[@dlo4rmdago1693]

Brian agreed! I'm from the southside but I live in the burbs..I have a family bro

[@closgreen70]

D-Lo The Gamer Chicago is a violent city and police can murder a black man and get paid desk duty and never go to jail

[@useipie2417]

D-Lo The Gamer no it's not in my opinion.

[@dlo4rmdago1693]

useipie 24 I feel you bro

[@magynakhla350]

Thank you...Really good Tour lots of useful information for the people who first time to go

[@JamesandLaurent]

You're very welcome. We hope you enjoy your visit to Chicago.

[@curtistinemiller1560]

GOOD CHOICES IVE BEEN TO ALL OF THEM EXCEPT MAGGIE DALEY PARK.

[@JamesandLaurent]

Maggie Daley Park doesn't make as much sense if you don't have little kids. But there is still rock climbing for grown ups.

[@JamesandLaurent]

Curtistine Miller, we just released a new video on Chicago Off The Beaten Path. Let us know if you've been to all the places on that video :).

[@timmmahhhh]

It's pretty new and even though it's really a playground it's so well done everyone will enjoy seeing it and being there.

[@KasperCDK]

Thank you for your tips. My family and I are going on Route 66 this fall, and we have 3 days in Chicago for start. So this is perfect, for a family who really wants to see the city by foot.

[@JamesandLaurent]

Kasper Christensen, Thanks for the kind words. On a related note, we also have a video on Chicago Off The Beaten Path. If you only stay for three days, you won't have time to do all of it, but maybe some of the things featured on this other video ill pick your interest. Once you get further West, our video on Sedona might be useful too. Sedona is just off Route 66, South of Flagstaff and is absolutely spectacular.

[@ВладимирНижнекамский65]

good people good city )

[@JamesandLaurent]

Yes, we like it :)

[@lydiaanderson1747]

Hello, I hope you are doing good

[@lelangjo6665]

Wow beautiful Chicago daley park amazings buildings and structures

[@JamesandLaurent]

Yes, we hope you get a chance to go there some day. Chicago is completely underrated.

[@RajaGill-zq7lp]

I like Chicago

[@JamesandLaurent]

We like Chicago too :)

[@RajaGill-zq7lp]

James and Laurent's World Travels thanks

[@Rebkmartin]

I’m planning to travel Chicago, this video help me a lot!

[@JamesandLaurent]

Depending on how long you're staying and how much you want to see, we have two other videos, one on the Top 10 museums in Chicago and one on things off-the-beaten path. Enjoy your stay!

[@robertpreston2220]

Greatest city on earth!!

[@JamesandLaurent]

Absolutely… 6 months out of 12 😀 😀 😀 .

[@robertpreston2220]

I only love during the winter myself. Summer well almost makes me leave here but cant the city is too great

[@santosperez1048]

Come on you know New York City does it better ladies😂😂😂😂😂

[@robertpreston2220]

new York is only good for people who like filth so no not for me

[@alejandrojuarez-rea4899]

Santos Perez Chicago is a clean New York. At least we don’t have rats on our trains

[@misterhosey]

Thank you guys! I’m moving to Chicago in the next couple of weeks and I’m so excited to see all this cool stuff!

[@JamesandLaurent]

Haha, welcome home :)

[@PRHILL9696]

Tourism in Chicago is at its highest and Chicago has been ranked best city overall and best city too live in last two years!

[@jesusismyjoy7102]

PRHILL9696 big lies !

[@JamesandLaurent]

Chicago is very underrated :).

[@robertpreston2220]

Agree. It gets no better any where than Chicago!

[@PRHILL9696]

@@robertpreston2220 True Chicago is the best of all

[@thestringbrothers-official6110]

This is great, very useful information. Thank you

[@JamesandLaurent]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Ecoean]

The Chicago beetches 😁😁😁😁🤣

[@JamesandLaurent]

🌊🌴🌊🌴🌊

[@cariocawanderlust]

I visited Chicago in 2001 in the winter, the city looks different now. I loved the Millenium Park, made me want to visit the city again.

[@JamesandLaurent]

If you have not been here for 17 years, you should absolutely come back. It is a completely different city from what you would have seen then. Millenium Park, Maggie Daley Park, Riverwalk are all things that didn't exist 17 years ago.

[@cariocawanderlust]

@@JamesandLaurent it's on my wishlist!

[@TemptressMoon]

You guys missed the mark. There’s so much to do at Navy Pier. Boat rides, plant sanctuary inside, restaurants and shopping. On Saturday nights during the summer there’s fireworks. I love Navy Pier. Also, you guys missed the mark on the Museum of Science and Industry, the Shed Aquarium and and The Art Museum. Are all free on certain days of the week. I believe it’s Tuesdays. Easy enough to find out with a phone call. The DuSable Museum if African History is always free.

[@JamesandLaurent]

If 10 million people go to Navy Pier, there's probably a reason for it. Just not for us :(. We will do a separate video dedicated to the Chicago museums. Everything else on the video is free every day.

[@MrSlowPaper]

EVERYTHING in Navy Pier costs

[@rob8872]

Free Things?

[@ms.monroe2562]

Livingboldlynfierce fireworks are on wensdays as well but he said free so....

[@TemptressMoon]

Sea Turtle Queen16 I wasn’t saying the fireworks were free. I was saying that there are things to do at Navy Pier. Walking around it and watching fireworks are free. But most things at Navy Pier aren’t. I just thought disagreed that there wasn’t anything to do at Navy Pier.

[@laynilappin6845]

I just got back from Chicago and I went to Maggie daily park and I did rock climbing and it was so fun

[@JamesandLaurent]

Layni Anne Bball28, rock climbing wasn't open the two days we went there to shoot the video and we couldn't include it. But it did look fun when we walked past it. Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@laynilappin6845]

James and Laurent's World Travels thank you for replying I’m sure you bolth would have had a amazing time:)

[@normaj39ami]

Lincoln Park ZOO and CONSERVATORY are BOTH FREE.??

[@JamesandLaurent]

Yes, free as free and they are right next to each other.

[@normaj39ami]

James and Laurent's World Travels okay good. I knew some things (museums and such ) are free but I thought you had to show Illinois residency. I live in Portage Indiana... near Valparaiso. (Northwest Indiana).

[@vaishx]

What sucks is parking isn't free and is in fact insanely expensive! DON'T bring a car if at all ya come here!

[@richkurtz6053]

@@vaishx Use the SpotHero parking app. The parking is reasonable that way.

[@Aarontank24]

When you visit Chicago go to the loop and try the Chicago Style Pizza THERES a lot of stuff to do here but I don’t like parking because it’s pretty expensive also visit in summer when it’s warm nice tempature don’t visit in winter or spring fall it could still be warm but Chicago is located at the right place where Lake Michigan is so beautiful

[@JamesandLaurent]

Thanks for the tips.