Chicago on a Budget
By Citysearch Editors, Chicago
Low on cash? Get a lot for a little at these city favorites.
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Chicago Outdoor Film Festival
Enjoy a classic movie on the Grant Park lawn for free, courtesy of your fair city. -
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL
A year-round refuge for those in need of a dose of greenery or a blast of desert air. -
Lincoln Park Zoo
2200 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL
Kid-friendly and free, this zoo is one of Chicago's favorite family attractions. -
Millennium Park
55 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
A multimillion-dollar crown jewel of the Chicago Park District features some of the city's most striking structures. -
Navy Pier
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
This tourist-packed peninsula extends for more than half a mile into the swells of Lake Michigan. -
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL
An architectural delight that is a magnificent showcase of literature, art and knowledge.
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The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Admission to this world-famous art museum is free on Thursday evenings from 5pm to 8pm throughout the year. -
Brew & View at the Vic
3145 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL
This rowdy second-run movie theater boasts ticket prices almost half what multiplexes charge, plus early-week drink specials. -
The Field Museum
1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL
Chicago's expansive natural history museum offers free admission all of February, plus the second Monday of each month. Free weeks also include the last week of both September and October. -
Goodman Theatre
170 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL
Mezzanine seats still available two hours before showtime at this legendary Windy City theater are sold at half-price. -
Signature Lounge
875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
For the cost of an upscale drink, guests of this 96th-floor bar get warm ambience and excellent city views.
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Perry's
174 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL
This Loop legend builds sandwiches so big--and so good--that nobody minds the line out the door. -
Red Rooster Wine Bar & Cafe
2100 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
A rustic setting and simple, inexpensive French fare make this a great cheap-date place. -
Joy's Noodles & Rice
3257 N Broadway, Chicago, IL
Generous portions of reliably good, incredibly cheap Asian fare make this Lakeview B.Y.O.B. spot a local favorite.
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Best Western
125 W Ohio St, Chicago, IL
Spacious rooms, a convenient downtown location and reasonable rates attract families and budget travelers.
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Days Inn Lincoln Park North
644 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL
Far from being another forgettable chain outpost, this is a charming, affordable Lincoln Park hotel. -
Red Roof Inn
162 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL
The hotel's quirky little mascot--a bobble head named Red--stands for all the comforts of home at a budget-friendly price.
