Chat with us, powered by LiveChat

24 Hours in South Loop

Friday, January 4th, 2019

It’s the holiday season which means Chicago has a lot of visitors. Whether you live downtown and have guests coming to visit, live in the Chicago suburbs and are looking for a downtown stay-cation, or are a visitor yourself, check out our “24 Hours In Each Neighborhood” posts. Here’s a great way to spend a day in South Loop!

10:00 AM- The Bongo Room

Start your day on the town at the Bongo Room for breakfast or brunch, where you can find new, unique takes on brunch classics. Some favorites include the lobster roll Benedict and the chocolate mousse French toast. The Bongo Room also offers a great vegetarian selection and strong coffee.

11:00 AM- The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, or Museum of Science and Industry

Spend the first part of your day at one of the incredible museums in South Loop’s Museum Campus. The Field Museum is home to Sue, a world famous Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Stop by the Museum of Science and Industry to watch chicks hatch, try your luck at a maze of mirrors, test out a rocket, submarine, or coal mining experience, or visit the current featured exhibits in honor of the 50th anniversary of Apollo 8. The MSI also has a temporary exhibit on the science behind Pixar films.

The Shedd Aquarium features a multitude of aquatic ecosystems, from the Amazon to the Caribbean and down to the Arctic. Watch a live penguin or whale feeding or get a chance meet and greet an animal daily at 4pm.

Looking for free things to do near downtown Chicago? Below are some dates you and your guests can get free admission to the Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, or Shedd Aquarium.

  • Field Museum Free Days:

January 21
February 1-28
April 5-7
May 2
June 26-28

  • Shedd Aquarium Free Days:

January: 17-21

February 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-28

  • Museum of Science and Industry Free Days:

January: 7–10, 14–17, 21–24, 28–31

February:4–7, 11–14, 19–21, 25–28

3:00 PM- Lunch at Flaco’s Tacos

Flaco’s Tacos is a neighborhood favorite. If you’re looking for somewhere fast and casual with high quality food and an interesting menu, Flaco’s is worth checking out.

4:00 PM- Chicago Helicopter Experience

See the Chicago skyline from a whole new perspective with a helicopter tour! You’ll start in the 2400 block of South Halsted Street head North through the Loop, River North, and Lincoln Park to Wrigley Field, then back South and East over the lakefront and Navy Pier. Knock out all your site seeing in one tour! Even if you’re very familiar with Chicago, this is a great new way to see all your favorite landmarks.

6:00 PM- Adler After Dark

Each third Thursday from 6pm to 10pm, stop by Adler Planetarium for an exclusive event (21+) and access to all exhibits, unlimited sky shows in all three theaters, live entertainment, and educational outer space programs. Tickets are $20 with advance purchase or $25 at the door.

What if it’s not the third Thursday? Catch some live music at Brando’s!

8:00 PM- Karaoke at Brando’s Speakeasy

Brando’s Speakeasy is regarded as one of the best karaoke bars in Chicago, loved for its “classic Chicago” ambiance and phenomenal song selection (over 40,000!)

10:00 PM- Reggie’s 
Is karaoke not your thing? Feeling shy? Looking for live music (by someone other than your friends)? Stop by Reggie’s Rock Club for events like bingo and trivia, as well as live rock music.

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near South Loop? Contact us today! We’d be happy to keep you in the Loop!