7 Tourists Mistakes Commonly Made in Chicago
If your goal is to annoy the locals and miss out on the Windy City’s true gems, then you can make these # tourist mistakes commonly made in Chicago. You’ll meet some of the most interesting people in the city that, in my humble opinion, rivals New York City.
1. Don’t eat at those touristy chains.
As luring as it is to pack your family into a booth at that restaurant with a giant frog sitting on top of a rainforest painted building, or wait nearly an hour to try 20 different kinds of shrimp – skip it. Try one of the hundreds of other options you won’t find any where else that are considerably more tasty than over-priced mass-produced pasta.
2. Don’t take Ditka’s name in vain or wear your Packer’s pride.
Chicago loves sports. Baseball – they have two teams. Football – Bear down or go home. Hockey – the Blackhawks bring the game. Basketball – does the name Michael Jordan mean anything to you? While wearing a Colts jersey will most likely be ignored, wearing any kind of Packers gear is an open invite for torment.
3. Don’t diss the deep dish.
Chicago is a melting pot of culture, but the deep dish pizza is one of the signature must-have meals. Sure, the thin crust options are great, but the Chicago deep dish pizza is an experience. City cliche to some; you must not skip this nirvana. Newbies beware – complaining about the hefty, cheese-laden goodness in anyway will not end well.
4. Don’t forget about the rich history the city still holds.
Chicago is packed with amazing shopping, nightclubs, sports, and, amazing food, culture, but events that shaped the area are still evident throughout the city. Even better, you don’t have to walk through some stale museum to see some of it. There are secrets and historical treasures that could be as close as the restaurant bar… At Harry O’Caray’ Italian Steakhouse on 33 W. Kinzie, you can see artifacts, photographs, and newspaper articles left by Al Capone’s enforcer, Frank Nitti. When construction on the steakhouse began, crews found Nitti’s hidden possessions including a phone book of contact information for some of the most notable and feared gangsters of the time. Capone’s right hand man lived on the 4th floor of the building before committing suicide before his trial. It’s free for patrons of the restaurant. You can click here for more Secret Historical Spots In Chicago You Need to See.
5. Navy Pier. Period.
Navy Pier can be fun, but the price gauging is insane. Parking alone currently runs $20 during the week and $24 on weekends. Then, everything from a $3.50 bottle of water to the overpriced mediocre food, the pier is tourist trap that will empty your wallet. Unless you are departing for a lake cruise, avoid Navy Pier.
6. Don’t forget you are not Annie Leibovitz. (Unless you are the one, Annie Leibovitz.)
This is probably true of any city, but don’t irritate the locals (or tourist trying to get their pack of kids to the American Girl Doll store) by standing in the middle of the street or sidewalk to take a hundred pictures. Chicago has a pace – keep up or don’t complain when you get trampled. Even when you are snapping pics of The Bean in the park, take one, move on, and please don’t bother asking everyone to clear out of your way for a shot. It’s not gonna happen.
7. Don’t judge or be surprised when everyone is drinking before noon.
It’s a busy city full of business and weary travelers. Chicago has an appreciation for alcohol and drinking before noon is usually called brunch every where. Save your judgmental stares and grab a pint, instead.