Nine alternatives to the most touristy Chicago attractions

The museum’s impressive collection of more than 300,000 artworks includes some truly iconic works: Think Georges Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, Grant Wood’s American Gothic and Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks. It’s no wonder that more than 1.7 million people visit the Art Institute each year. Art lovers should try to visit on a weekday, if possible, or be prepared to vy for viewing space in front of the most popular works.

Though less popular than some of the other big name Chicago museums, this free museum in Pilsen is equally worthy of your time. The 10,000-piece collection spanning 3,000 years of Mexican history and culture includes paintings, sculpture, ceramics and more. And since the National Museum of Mexican Art has a relatively small footprint, you can easily see it all in an hour or two.

Gino's East actually has six restaurants all across Chicago, with other branches in Wisconsin, Texas and Arizona. Running since 1966, it's definetely well known. They have the iconic cheese pull and their signature cornmeal-crust pizza. Locals do say you can probably find better pizza elsewhere, but if you want an easy option and you're stuck with time, this is the place to be. 

This no-frills pizza joint might have you queuing for a table for a while, but trust us on this one, it's well worth the wait. Open since 1970, it's the favourite of many Chicago locals. From deep dish pizza to the pan pizza, salads and more, this joint has a really authentic feel. They're also open for delivery or collection if you don't feel like eating in. Their piping hot, gooey, and crispy pizza is not one to miss.

Both visiting baseball fans and true-blue followers of the Cubbies flock to this historic stadium, the second oldest in the country. Since tickets start at just $9, anyone can afford to attend a game. The downside? The stands are often crowded, and the drunken revelers can make the Friendly Confines feel more like a frat party.

During game four of the 1945 World Series, Billy Goat Tavern owner William Sianis brought his pet goat Murphy to Wrigley Field—or tried to. Ushers turned the four-legged fan away, and a frustrated Sianis yelled out that the Cubs wouldn’t win a World Series until his goat was allowed inside. The team didn’t win again until 2016, and Sianis' curse became legendary. Check out the source of the superstition for yourself at this Magnificent Mile tavern, and don’t forget to order one of the famed “cheezborgers” while you’re there.

Navy Pier is to Chicago what Times Square is to New York City: a tourist mecca dotted with souvenir shops and kitschy restaurants that locals avoid at all costs. Though the 200-foot Ferris wheel and Chicago Children’s Museum might seem appealing to kids, parents would be better off skipping the always crowded pier.

For a family-friendly day out that will delight parents as much as kids, head to the historic Field Museum on Lake Shore Drive. Little ones will marvel at Sue, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil ever found, and older kids will get a kick out of exploring an ancient Egyptian tomb.

Chicago’s largest park covers 1,208 acres, which might make you think you could get lost in its sprawling green acres. The popular Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservancy draw plenty of visitors, though—too many if you’re seeking peace and quiet.

The last six blocks of this 1.25-mile path along the Chicago River were just completed in early 2017, but the Riverwalk has already become a favorite with locals. Stroll along the continuous walkway to discover floating gardens and take in breathtaking views of the city’s best architecture. A bevy of outdoor bars and restaurants nearby offer plenty of options for a riverside drink.

One of only two remaining buildings from the 1893 World’s Fair, this Beaux Arts building is flanked by grand columns and adorned with classical figures. The structure’s architecture is among the city’s best, but the popularity of the museum’s exhibits on robots, submarines and other industrial marvels make it perennially busy.

This 1897 building originally served as the city’s first public library. Today, it hosts a variety of free art exhibits, performances and lectures, but the real draw is still the architecture. The Beaux Arts structure is filled with ornate hardwoods, expensive marble, mother-of-pearl mosaics and a pair of stunning stained glass domes, one of which is thought to be the largest Tiffany dome in existence.

Chicago’s high-end shopping destination, the Magnificent Mile attracts big spenders and window-shopping tourists alike. You might be tempted to visit by Windy City landmarks like Tribune Tower and the Drake Hotel, but be forewarned: You’ll have to battle the crowds for a space on the sidewalk.

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Bert Kaufmann

This South Side neighborhood is home to the University of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, the DuSable Museum of African American History, even former president Barack Obama. It’s also the site of the 1893 World’s Fair, a defining moment in the city’s history. Stroll through the nabe’s beaches, parks and cultural centers to get a better sense of Chicago’s roots.

It seems every city has its own version of the hop-on hop-off bus hitting all the most popular tourist attractions. While it seems convenient, the route keeps you locked into all the usual things to do—you never get the chance to see anything unique or remotely off the beaten path.

It’s worth taking a bus south of the city center to visit Pullman National Monument, the first model, planned industrial community in the United States and a former factory town. Keep an eye out for the district’s signature red brick buildings like the Administration and Factory Complex and Hotel Florence as you learn about the area’s ties to the labor and civil rights movements.