Coming off a week break after a last minute victory at Subaru Park against Charlotte FC, the Philadelphia Union head on the for the next three matches in what could prove a difficult part of their schedule in 2025.

First up, the Chicago Fire in the Windy City on Wednesday night. The Union will look to erase the memories of a devastating 4-3 loss last year that saw the squad up late 3-1, only to concede 3 unanswered goals. If you are heading to Chicago, please make sure to check out this article.

I am going to share a few recommendations to check out while you are in town prior to kickoff. If you would like additional recommendations, feel free to reach out at kyle@madhatteradv.com on my travel advisor email and I will be happy to assist.

About Chicago

The City of Chicago covers an  area of 60,000 hectares and sits 176 meters (578 feet) above sea level on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. At 190 km wide and 495 km long, its the 5th largest body of fresh water in the world. The city is traversed by the Chicago and Calumet rivers. Chicago’s extensive parklands, including 3,000 hectares of city parks attract an estimated 86 million visitors annually.

Now with that said, let’s look at a few places to check out while you are in town.

Places to Visit

Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium combines the best of early 20th-century aquariums — a diverse, global animal collection surrounded by mouth-dropping architecture, and a commitment to 21st-century advances in animal care, environments, and interpretation.

Website: https://www.sheddaquarium.org/

Lincoln Park Zoo

Visitors can go nose-to-nose with gorillas and chimpanzees, howl with red wolves, peer into a black bear den and immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of Africa with wild dogs, pygmy hippos and black rhinos. Beyond providing a wild home to hundreds of species, Lincoln Park Zoo also operates one of the largest zoo-based conservation and science programs in the country.

Website: https://www.lpzoo.org/

Garfield Park Conservatory

3rd largest garden under glass in the world, Garfield Park Conservatory spans 12 acres of indoor & outdoor gardens. A national botanical treasure.

Website: https://garfieldconservatory.org/

Navy Pier

Completed in 1916, Navy Pier is undeniably one of Chicago’s top attractions. Stretching into Lake Michigan, this year-round destination truly comes to life in the summer, with fireworks displays, live music, theatre, and cruises setting sail daily. Come fall and winter, Navy Pier is still hopping, with special events, sights, and activities that span all ages and interests. Here’s just a glimpse of the fun to be had at Navy Pier

Website: https://navypier.org/

The Chicago History Museum

The Chicago History Museum is a major museum for Chicago and American History. The Chicago Room features Georgian style architecture, eight east side windows with views of Lincoln Park, ten cases filled with backlit stained glass, state-of-the-art technology, and an outdoor plaza. 

Website: https://www.chicagohistory.org/

Places to Eat

Time Out Market Chicago

Time Out Market Chicago introduces the Second City to its own version of this tried-and-true concept right in the heart of the historic Fulton Market District. Spread across 50,000 square feet, the curated dining destination packs 18 eateries, three bars, a demo kitchen, a rooftop terrace and a video-installation wall into one space that encompasses the best food, drinks and culture that Chicago has to offer.

Website: https://www.timeout.com/time-out-market-chicago

The Twisted Hippo

Twisted Hippo’s claim to fame is its unique take on taproom and alcohol design. Creativity is the key to this Albany Park brewery; walls are colorfully decorated in pink and green while the tap list features unique brews such as the Velvet Elvis: a peanut butter, banana, and bacon ale.

Website: https://www.twistedhippo.com/

BiXi 

Named for the Chinese turtle god, BiXi (pronounced be-she) is the only microbrewery in the city that puts an Asian spin on both its food and drinks. Try the Chelonian Lair, a dark ale spiced with Szechuan peppercorns. There’s also a solid cocktail list, including carefully crafted drinks like the Smallmouth Buffalo made with bourbon, fish sauce syrup, and black walnut.

Website: https://www.bixi.beer

Uno Pizzeria & Grill 

With all due respect to the Chicago-style hot dog, some will insist that deep dish pizza is truly the most local of local foods. We’re not going to take sides, though. The origins of deep dish have been lost to history, though Uno Pizzeria & Grill (reputed to be the first to serve it) has been pleasing customers with their take on the local specialty since 1943.

Website: https://www.unos.com/

That is all for today’s travel article, I hope you have a safe trip and wonderful time in Chicago. If you have other places to add for future travel articles, please comment below and enjoy your time in Chicago.

Main Article Photo Courtesy of the Philadelphia Union