Practical Ways to Save Money While Visiting Chicago

Travel Tips - Practical Ways to Save Money While Visiting Chicago.

6/20/2018

Chicago is one of my favorite places to visit. However, it can be expensive. If you are planning a trip to Chicago, here are a few practical ways to help you enjoy the city and stay on budget.

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My first and most money saving tip is to stay outside of the city. Yes, staying in a hotel in the city is fun, but there are nice hotels outside of the city that cost much less. (And sometimes you even get more, like free hot breakfast and free parking.)

Also, consider using Airbnb. Airbnb has so many listings, from rooms, to apartments, to houses. You can rent a house or apartment for the same price or sometimes even less than a hotel. House rentals are great for extended stays or when traveling with a lot of people. Everyone can get their own room, and be in the same house together. Sign up here, and receive $40 to use toward your first Airbnb stay! Sign up is free.

The second tip is to use public transportation. Taking the train into the city and taking the train, bus, cab, or walking while downtown will be much cheaper than paying for parking. Plus, you get to experience the city more this way. Check out the Metra Rail website to find out information about ticket passes and discounts.

The third tip to saving money is to use City Pass. City Pass will save you so much money if you plan to visit more than one of these places:

Shedd Aquarium
Sky Deck Chicago
The Field Museum
Museum of Science and Industry or 360 Chicago Observation Deck
Adler Planetarium or Art Institute of Chicago

If my family of 4 were to pay regular price for these places it would cost us around $805.50 for tickets, with the City Pass it would only cost us $415.50. Click here to find out more about the City Pass and how it can save you money on your next trip to Chicago!

Well, there you have it! My tips on saving money on your next Chicago adventure!

How do you save money while on vacation? Share your tips in the comments below!