Chicago On The Cheap

Chicago claims a well-earned reputation for world class restaurants, eclectic shopping and a thriving cultural scene but none of those things usually come cheap. At least, not if you don't know any better. I've compiled a list of Chicago activities that won't tug at your wallet or insult your sense of taste.

Until the Cloud Gate (bean) sculpture, The Picasso represented Chicago on many levels--quirky, sturdy and accessible to all. Well the sculpture is still providing access to all in the form of free lunch-time concerts, mini ethnic festivals and holiday performances under its auspices in Daley Plaza. These events aren't as big or spla... More >
Until the Cloud Gate (bean) sculpture, The Picasso represented Chicago on many levels--quirky, sturdy and accessible to all. Well the sculpture is still providing access to all in the form of free lunch-time concerts, mini ethnic festivals and holiday performances under its auspices in Daley Plaza. These events aren't as big or splashy as the Grant Park fests but they're way more budget friendly.
You've heard of Chicago hot dogs, well they aren't necessarily cheap. Head to Hot Doug's for a gourmet selection of celebrity-named dogs like the Salma Hayek made with andouille sausage (mighty hot) and delectable duck fat fries. You ll be filled and thrilled for under $8.
Avoid the daytime crowds and browse this spectacular institution leisurely and economically.
Yes, it s a world renowned art museum, yes, it costs a whopping $18 for adult admission. But every Thursday, from 5-8PM, admission is free. Avoid the daytime crowds and browse this spectacular institution leisurely and economically. More
Yes, it s a world renowned art museum, yes, it costs a whopping $18 for adult admission. But every Thursday, from 5-8PM, admission is free. Avoid the daytime crowds and browse this spectacular institution leisurely and economically.
The average nightly rate for downtown Chicago hotels is about $250, which despite the proximity to a cavalcade of cultural treats, can not be classed as inexpensive. But tucked away in the south loop is the frugally-priced Travelodge Hotel. With an average rate of $69, it qualifies as the best hotel deal in town.
Well the sculpture is still providing access to all in the form of free lunch-time concerts, mini ethnic festivals and holiday performances under its auspices in Daley Plaza.
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About the Author

Rosalind Cummings
Rosalind Cummings
Scaling volcanoes, swimming with stingrays, capturing a sunset with words, translating the essence of a song. As a writer, traveler and arts critic, Rosalind Cummings-Yeates grabs these experiences and unveils them for readers. Whether it's a feature describing the luxury of Barbuda's pink sands or web copy explaining the processing of white tea, Rosalind focuses on the details that draw readers into a subject. As a seasoned writer with a solid journalism background in researching, reporting and writing, she creates features, reviews, profiles, biographies, press releases and brochure copy for a range of publications and clients. Her work has been published in a myriad of local, national, international and online outlets including MSN, Salon, Brides, Yoga Journal, Where, Hemispheres, Chicago Sun-Times, Rough Guide To Women Travel, allmusic.com, Mojo and Pathfinders Travel.
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