Like many other Chicago locals and limo drivers being one, I feel immensely lucky to have shown so many people around the city’s secrets and famous landmarks. Escorting Chicago in a luxurious cabriolet is something that is really quite unique. In this guide, I will share our experience of the finest places in Chicago to be visited in a limousine from your side. Buckle up and get ready to face an awesome journey through the Windy City.
Why Choose a Limo for Your Chicago Adventure?
Before we picture the locations, I shall first clarify why in our opinion driving a limo is the best means of transport in Chicago:
- Comfort: Have a comfortable journey with plush seats and climate control.
- Convenience: You do not have to worry about the parking or even to navigate the streets that are unfamiliar to you.
- Local expertise: Your driver, (like me), will tell you some of the tips and history of the places that are not written in the guidebooks.
- Flexibility: You can have a tailored itinerary and if you like, you can take your time at each point.
- Style: Make it to each destination as if you were a VIP.
Iconic Chicago Landmarks
1. Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower)
Every trip to Chicago surely entails at least one photo-op on top of the Willis Tower which is the new tallest building in the city. As your limo approaches the 111-story building, you will feel dwarfed by the height of the tower. I always recommend our passengers to visit the Skydeck where they can step out on the Ledge which is a glass balcony hanging four feet outside the building. The renditions are the city and Lake Michigan, which is even worth seeing with your own eyes.
2. Millennium Park
In a moment, we will be in Millennium Park as it is most notably known for hosting the famous Cloud Gate sculpture. Get dropped off by the limo at the entrance and walk among the park’s mesmerizing gardens, fountains and public art pieces. Make sure to also see Jay Pritzker Pavilion, an open-air venue for concerts, the design of which was made by the renowned architect Frank Gehry.
3. Navy Pier
After a short drive, we reach Navy Pier that stretches out into Lake Michigan. While your limo waits, you can take in the city from the panoramic view of the Centennial Wheel and see the lake. There is not only a number of restaurants but even a Shakespeare theater if culture is your thing.
Chicago’s Museum Campus
It’s the 57-acre area located on Chicago’s waterfront and is occupied by the three most famous museums in the city.
1. Field Museum of Natural History
Field Museum is the place where Sue, the world’s largest and most complete T-Rex skeleton was found and it is very popular among the natural history lovers. The shining eyes of the visitors and the perfect environment have been the frequent picture in the grand hall of the museum.
2. Shedd Aquarium
A short walk from the Field Museum will take you to the Shedd Aquarium which is a very interesting site that houses aquatic creatures from all over the world. Besides, kids always love the dolphin shows.
3. Adler Planetarium
Located near the edge of Lake Michigan, the Adler Planetarium can provide you with a breathtaking view of Chicago and if the weather is good the shore is clearly visible. When you’re inside, you will be able to catch the glimpse of the universe through the interaction exercises as well as from the shows staged in the dome theater.
Architectural Marvels
Chicago is globally known for its powerful and diverse architecture which makes the limo tour a tool of elegance for acknowledging these buildings.
1. Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
This is where it guys were started for the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright namely the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio is based in Oak Park (near Chicago). The limo will take you very close to this history-laden site from where you will have an opportunity to tour Wright’s house and workshop under the guidance of a professional.
2. Chicago Architecture Center
In the city area, the Chicago Architecture Center is a cool resource for learning about the town’s architectural history and from here, you can join a river cruise (your limo driver can drop you off and pick you up) to get a river’s eye view of the iconic buildings.
3. Robbie House
Another landmark designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Robie House in Hyde Park is an outstanding example of Prairie School architecture. Your limo driver will give you a stylish lift to the South Side.
Chicago’s Diverse Neighborhoods
One of the things I love about limo-delivering through Chicago is the easygoing approach to visiting different neighborhoods. I usually give the guests these recommended neighborhoods:
1. Wicker Park
Wicker Park, a neighborhood in Chicago is characterized by its chic, streetwise atmosphere, as it is full of fashion designers’ boutiques, vintage clothing stores and gentrifying restaurants. Your fair limo ride will take you to Milwaukee Avenue where there is an opportunity to watch people and do some shopping.
2. Chinatown
Chinatown of Chicago is a place with energetic people and whole streets will provide someone with authentic Asian restaurants, shops as well as cultural hubs. Not to be missed, is the impressive Chinatown Gate on Wentworth Avenue.
3. Lincoln Park
This is a prosperous community and the residential park comprises the Lincoln Park Zoo which happens to be a “free visit with donations appreciating” for those visiting Chicago as well as apartments of a rooftop garden and hip restaurants that offer a modern lifestyle.
Culinary Delights
No need to say, but our city is one of the best food cities in the world. But if you want to get an overview of this along with some specifics about everything, check out some of the following businesses where you can reach easily by limo and sample some of their delicious food:
1. Deep Dish Pizza
All the locals swear that their favorite deep dish pizza place is the best. However, examples of where you could also be given by me on deep dish pizzeria like Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s from where you can back for sure with your limo.
2. Chicago-style Hot Dogs
At one of these places you can have an authentic and perfect Chicago hot dog (none of these have ketchup on them), Portillo’s or the Wiener’s Circle. Nevertheless, in the second case, do not be surprised if there are a few impolite words in the interrogation of the hot dog.
3. Fine Dining
Furthermore, when you want an actual upscale experience, in Chicago, there would always be a myriad of Michelin star restaurants that would cater to your fancy. Alinea which is situated in Lincoln Park is the go-to restaurant for world-class groundbreaking molecular gastronomy.
Evening Entertainment
The later the evening, the busier Chicago gets with multitude of options for entertainment. Your limo is there to take you to and from these night spots giving you safety, luxury and elegant transportation:
1. The Second City
This venue’s history is full of stars that started their careers on SNL. Come down and watch a show and you might just see the newest big time in the comedy world.
2. Jazz Clubs
Chicago is outstanding for the jazz genre. The Green Mill in Uptown (it used to be one of Al Capones’ corner clubs) and the Jazz Showcase found in the South Loop will give you an opportunity to listen to live music.
3. Magnificent Mile
If you prefer some night shopping and seeing people then have a ride down the Magnificent Mile. The city’s illuminations are dazzling and a drive will be like a special touch to your night.
Seasonal Attractions
Also, depending on the time of your visit, there are other activities and places that are worth exploring and are related to the season of the year e.g.
1. Wrigley Field (Spring/Summer)
Take some time off from your busy schedule to watch a Cubs game at this famous baseball park. Just tell the limo to drop you off at the gate and don’t stress over the parking since you can be worried about it some other time.
2. Beaches (Summer)
If you are visiting Chicago in the summertime, take a day out to visit the collection of beaches on Lake Michigan, so you don’t miss a single beach spot. With the wrong street in the area of Ohio Street Beach, your better view of the shimmering skyline of Chicago is guaranteed.
3. Christkindl market (Winter)
This authentic German market of Daley Plaza is a permanent fixture at Christmas time and cannot be missed.
Your Chicago Adventure Awaits
Chicago by limo is a very new and luxurious experience. There are no limits to the places one can visit, from the most famous to the most hidden, which causes the result of outstanding travel. As our car driver, I had the amusing experience of introducing a great many people into the fascination of Chicago and I hope it had inspired you enough, so you will say “yes” for a Chicago limo travel by yourself or with friends and family. So, remember that notes can be as important as centers, so lean back, let it glide, and fully experience your trip through one of America’s best cities!
