Alright, buckle up—here’s my take on the must-dos in Chicago, minus the travel brochure fluff, plus a little real talk.

---

1. ???? Snap That Obligatory Bean Selfie

- You can’t come to Chicago and skip “The Bean” (yeah, it’s officially called Cloud Gate, but literally nobody cares).

- It’s shiny. It’s weird. It reflects everything—including your jetlagged face.

- Pro tip: Drag yourself out of bed and go early, unless you want your selfie photobombed by fifty tourists in Cubs hats.

---

2. ????️ Hit Up the Art Institute

- This place is packed with legit masterpieces—Van Gogh, Monet, Seurat. Basically, art nerd heaven.

- There’s like, 300,000 pieces, so don’t even try to see it all unless you’ve got a week and stamina of a marathon runner.

- If you skip “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte,” Ferris Bueller will personally haunt you.

- Oh, and it’s right next to Millennium Park—double win.

---

3. ???? Get Vertigo at Willis Tower Skydeck

- Up to the 103rd floor you go, if you dare. The Ledge is a glass box that sticks out over thin air.

- On a good day, you’ll see four states. On a cloudy one, well, at least you’ll have an interesting story about fog.

- Sunset? Yeah, you’ll be fighting for a spot, but your Insta will thank you.

Dronning Maud Land: Norway’s Claim in the White Continent

---

4. ????️ Blow Your Budget on the Magnificent Mile

- Michigan Avenue: where wallets go to die and credit cards tremble.

- Designer shops, giant malls, and some pretty sweet old buildings if you look up from your shopping bags.

- Don’t miss the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower—they’re like Chicago’s version of Hogwarts.

---

5. ???? Do the Navy Pier Thing

- Ferris wheel with lake views. Just do it.

- For kids (or grown-ups who never grew up): the Children’s Museum is killer.

- If you suddenly feel classy, catch a Shakespeare play. Or just eat fried food on the water.

- Oh, and boat rides galore.

---

6. ???? Geek Out at the Field Museum

- SUE the T. rex is basically a Chicago celebrity.

- Loads of mummies, shiny rocks, and random ancient stuff.

- Science lovers, you’re in for a treat. Everyone else? At least it’s air-conditioned.

---

7. ???? Stare at Fish at Shedd Aquarium

- 32,000+ creatures, and yes, they have belugas and otters who are cuter than anything on TikTok.

- Interactive stuff keeps you busy, and the daily shows are surprisingly fun, not cringe.

- It’s right by the Field Museum, so double up if you’re feeling ambitious.

---

8. ????️ Wander Down the Riverwalk

- Pedestrian paradise—cafés, bars, art, and the occasional kayaker who’s 100% regretting their life choices.

- Chill spot for evening hangs or just people-watching with a coffee in hand.

---

9. ????️ Hop on an Architecture River Cruise

- Chicago is basically the Beyoncé of architecture, and these cruises spill all the tea.

- You’ll see all the famous buildings from the river. Feels fancy, even if you’re just there for the breeze.

- About 90 minutes. Worth it—even in the cold. Bring a jacket, trust me.

---

10. ???? Escape to Lincoln Park & Zoo

- The zoo’s free, which is like a minor miracle in 2024.

- Wander the lily pool, pretend you’re in a Jane Austen novel, then hit the conservatory if you need greener.

- North Avenue Beach is right there too, so you can go from lions to volleyball in five minutes.

---

Hot Tip at the End:

Chicago is a walking city, unless you want to spend your whole trip stuck in traffic. Grab a CTA pass, throw on your comfiest sneakers, and go explore neighborhoods. Wicker Park for hipster vibes, Hyde Park if you want to pretend, you’re scholarly, and everywhere in between. And please—get some deep dish. It’s not overrated; it’s just pizza with ambition.