The City's Best Bargains

by Citysearch_Staff - 0 Reviews - 2,644 Lists

Updated: May 30, 2002

Even with a busted bank account, there's still fun to be had in CITY. For cheap meals, free events and other wallet-friendly fare--you just have to know where to look. So, put away that pocketbook and prepare to find yourself in one of these money-saving situations.

On this page:Cheap Eats, Free Attractions, Cheap Seats, Inexpensive Dates, Bargain Hotels.

Cheap Eats

  1. 1 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Lula Cafe
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    2537 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647 (map)

  2. 2 3.5 Star Rating: Average Penny's Noodle Shop
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    950 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)

  3. 3 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Athenian Room
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    807 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)

  4. 4 4 Star Rating: Recommended Cafe Bolero
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    2252 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 (map)

Free Attractions

  1. 5 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Navy Pier
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    600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)

  2. 6 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Millennium Park
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    55 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)

  3. 7 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Buckingham Fountain
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    Grant Park, Chicago, IL 60601 (map)

    This Grant Park attraction is the perfect spot for a stroll on a cool summer's evening.

  4. 8 4 Star Rating: Recommended Lincoln Park Zoo
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    2200 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)

    Kid-friendly and free, this zoo is one of Chicago's favorite family attractions.

  5. 9 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Chicago Cultural Ctr
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    78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602 (map)

Cheap Seats

  1. 10 4 Star Rating: Recommended Smart Museum Of Art
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    5550 S Greenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60637 (map)

  2. 11 3.5 Star Rating: Average Chicago Water Tower and Pumping Station
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    806 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)

    This landmark has come to symbolize Chicago's rise from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1871.

Inexpensive Dates

  1. 12 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Music Box
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    3733 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 (map)

  2. 13 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Navy Pier
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    600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)

  3. 14 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Odyssey Dining Cruise
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    Navy Pier 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)

    Celebrate the season aboard Odyssey. Group holiday parties from only $43.90!

  4. 15 4 Star Rating: Recommended Signature Room at the 95th
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    875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)

    Magnificent Mile bar with upscale drinks and a spectacular city view from 96 floors up.

Bargain Hotels

  1. 16 2.5 Star Rating: Below Average Red Roof Inn
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    162 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)

  2. 17 3.5 Star Rating: Average Best Western
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    125 W Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

    Budget hotel offers standard amenities and low rates to road-weary travelers.

  3. 18 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Hostelling International Chicago Summer Hostel
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    24 E Congress Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60605 (map)

  4. 19 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Chicago-Downtown
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    506 West Harrison, Chicago, IL 60607 (map)

  5. 20 3.5 Star Rating: Average Days Inn Chicago
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    644 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)