Join us as we spend 48 hours in Chicago, diving into the city’s iconic sights, enjoying quality family time, and savoring some incredible food! We arrived early this morning, dropped off our bags at our hotel in Hyde Park, and now we’re off to start our adventure with breakfast.
Wednesday
8:30 AM – Breakfast at Valois, Hyde Park
Recommended by a local, Valois is a beloved spot known for its buffet-style service and hearty American classics. Imagine a buffet where comfort food reigns supreme. One quick tip: Valois only takes cash, so come prepared!
I went for the Mediterranean omelet, while Gozie opted for the Obama special (yes, that Obama). Both meals came with biscuits that were, quite honestly, the size of my head. The food was delicious, the vibe was relaxed, and it was the perfect start to our Chicago adventure.
9:45 AM – Exploring Hyde Park
Since our hotel room wasn’t going to be ready until late afternoon, we decided to embrace the moment and explore Hyde Park. This spontaneous adventure turned out to be one of the highlights of our day! Wandering without an agenda, laughing together, and discovering little gems around the neighborhood reminded me how travel is about the people you share it with just as much as the places you go.
2:30 PM – Early Check-In
After a few hours of exploring, we were thrilled to find out our room was ready earlier than expected. Time to rest, recharge, and gear up for more adventures!
7:30 PM – Dinner at Giordano’s, Hyde Park
Food is always a centerpiece of our travel experiences, and Chicago’s deep-dish pizza is the stuff of legends. So naturally, we had to visit Giordano’s—thankfully, there’s a location right in Hyde Park.
Sharing this cheesy, indulgent masterpiece with my family made it even better. Watching our little one’s eyes light up as he took his first bite was priceless. Moments like these remind me why I love traveling so much: creating shared memories that will last a lifetime.
9:00 PM – Back to the Hotel
After a full day of exploring and feasting, we were one of the last groups to leave Giordano’s. Exhausted but happy, we headed back to the hotel for some much-needed rest.
Thursday
10:00 AM – Museum of Ice Cream
It’s day two, and we’re kicking things off with a sweet adventure! Originally, we planned to ride the bus into the city, but the chilly weather and some confusion with the bus schedule led us to call an Uber instead. Destination: the Museum of Ice Cream.
This place was pure joy! From playful exhibits to tasty treats, the entire experience was a dream come true for our son—and us! Sharing these moments with him is something I’ll cherish forever.
2:00 PM – Lunch at Harold’s Chicken
Back in Hyde Park, we stopped by Harold’s Chicken, a spot we’d heard plenty of buzz about. Opinions seemed to be divided, so we decided to see for ourselves. Let’s just say we’re glad we gave it a try—stay tuned for our full review!
5:30 PM – Boat Tour of Chicago
Despite my occasional seasickness, I love a good boat tour. It’s such a unique and efficient way to explore a city, especially when you’re short on time. We booked this tour through Get Your Guide, which saved us money and streamlined the whole trip process.
Cruising along the Chicago River, taking in the stunning skyline, and learning about the city’s history was the perfect way to wrap up our visit.
Cheers to Chicago!
Our 48 hours in Chicago were everything we’d hoped for fun, delicious, and full of memorable moments as a family. From Hyde Park’s charm to the city’s iconic landmarks, Chicago stole our hearts.
We can’t wait to return someday, and if you’re looking for a fantastic U.S. destination to explore, we highly recommend adding Chicago to your list. Thanks so much for joining us on this adventure—we’ll see you in the next video!
