Can You Vacation in Chicago Now?

By Alice Nichols

If you are planning a vacation to the Windy City, you might be wondering if Chicago is open for tourism during these unprecedented times. The good news is that Chicago is now open and welcoming visitors with some precautions and safety measures.

Travel Restrictions

Before planning your trip, it’s crucial to check the travel restrictions in place. Currently, Chicago has no quarantine or test requirements for domestic travelers. However, visitors from certain states with higher COVID-19 cases are advised to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival.

What’s Open?

Many of Chicago’s popular tourist attractions have reopened with limited capacities and safety protocols in place. Some of them include:

  • The Art Institute of Chicago: the art museum has reopened with 25% capacity and mandatory masks.
  • The Field Museum: the natural history museum has also reopened with safety protocols such as timed entry and mandatory masks.
  • The Shedd Aquarium: the aquarium has limited capacity, advanced reservations, and mandatory masks.

Dining Options

Chicago is known for its diverse food scene, but due to the pandemic, many restaurants have pivoted their services to takeout or outdoor dining options. Some restaurants have also implemented indoor dining with limited capacities.

Outdoor Dining

Many restaurants offer outdoor dining options where you can enjoy delicious food while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Some popular outdoor dining spots include:

  • The Patio at Cafe Brauer: a beautiful outdoor patio located in Lincoln Park Zoo.
  • Park Tavern River North: an urban beer garden that offers American cuisine and rooftop seating.
  • The Dawson: a trendy restaurant that offers a spacious patio and delicious comfort food.

Indoor Dining

If you prefer indoor dining, many restaurants have implemented safety measures such as limited capacities, mandatory masks, and social distancing guidelines. Some top indoor dining options include:

  • Aba: a Mediterranean restaurant that offers a chic indoor atmosphere and delicious food.
  • Girl & The Goat: a trendy restaurant that offers a range of dishes with unique flavors.
  • The Signature Room: located on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Center, this restaurant offers breathtaking views of Chicago’s skyline and delicious American cuisine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chicago is open for tourism with precautions and safety measures in place. Before planning your trip, it’s crucial to check the travel restrictions and guidelines in place.

Many popular tourist attractions have reopened with limited capacities and safety protocols in place. And when it comes to dining options, there are plenty of outdoor and indoor options available while adhering to safety guidelines. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the Windy City!