Even Sinatra loves it! Chicago is rightfully looked upon with a fever pitch of anticipation when it comes to touring around the States. From walking around its upbeat streets, hemmed in by glittering skyscrapers and leafy trees, to lay off on the beach with some fresh juices, Chicago is a perfect home away from home.
First-rate museums and theaters, out-of-this-world Halal restaurants and shopping-galore, if you’re thinking there isn’t much for you to do in this busy city, you’re absolutely wrong! Here are the top 5 ways to have the very best Halal vacation in Chicago:
Avowed shopaholics, you’ll be pleased to know Chicago’s Michigan avenue boasts a mile-long stretch of retailers that’d put NYC to shame. From Nordstrom to Apple, there’s something for everyone.
Chicago’s Halal restaurants and food courts are a great place to take a break and sip a drink while debating your next purchase. Kurah Mediterranean, some steps away, serves up some truly fantastic kabobs.
Once you’re free from all the worldly fun, don’t forget to pay your respects at the Downtown Islamic Center, a beautiful mosque in the heart of the city.
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Chicago’s sprawling art institutes are home to masterpieces by artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Matisse, and Warhol. We recommend dropping by at The Museum of Contemporary Arts, The Art Institute of Chicago, and Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit late in the afternoon, around 2 or 3 hours prior to closing when it isn’t quite so crowded. Take a guided tour via the handy mobile app to check in on all the very best aesthetics.
Indubitably one of the best things to do in Chicago — even if you aren’t an art buff.
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Did you know that many of Chicago’s largest parks are connected through a system of historic leafy boulevards? Woefully underappreciated and oft-overlooked in the favour of the waterfront and Chicago’s famous things, these lush green spaces are a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Go hiking, pack a picnic or settle under the tree with a book — but don’t skip out on one of the best things to do in Chicago.
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One of the best things to do in Chicago is visiting its lakefront beaches, they’re packed with people and performers all summer-round. And Montrose Beach — the city’s largest — is our absolute favorite. Chicagoans are a roundly friendly bunch, so don’t be afraid to talk your way into a game of beach ball and for those that have little interest in sports, there’s also plenty of sand dunes and secret birding trails to check out.
Follow up with a plate of fiery fish tacos at the uber-hip bar, The Dock At Montrose Beach (Halal fare at a bar sounds outlandish, but trust us, these tacos really are all that and fortunately, very Halal).
End the night the way the locals do: with a lemonade by the bonfire.
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Thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies, this one's for you. Chicago’s got plenty of famous skyscrapers — but not all of them will let you take an elevator up to the 94th floor and step into a glass box that slowly tilts over the side of the building until you’re eye-level with the street thousands of feet below. But the 360 Chicago Observation Deck will. One of the top things to do in Chicago: quite literally.
And that concludes our list of the best things to do in Chicago! We’re sure we’ve missed a few of Chicago’s visiting places, though. Can you think of any?
For more destination ideas, check out our travel blog to find locations of halal restaurants and mosques near you.
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