Popular Topics
Trip Report
Exploring Chicago and Cincinnati
Visiting the Windy City and road tripping around the US.
+ 12
North AmericaUnited States8 days / April 2022
Highs & Lows
Food, skyscrapers and beautiful towns
Cold weather
Itinerary Overview
Even though many people plan on going to the United States during their vacations, many do not consider the size of this diverse country. Visiting the same common destinations such as Miami, New York City or Los Angeles certainly has its charm; nevertheless, exploring new sites can be even more exciting.
During Holy Week this year, I decided to travel to two amazing cities: Chicago and Cincinnati. Honestly, I didn’t expect to encounter such beautiful places with so much to get to know and I truly wish to have the opportunity to go back. I spent most of my time in Chicago since it is a bigger city, but certainly the two days I visited Cincinnati were worth every second of the 5-hour road trip we had to do to get there.
I truly recommend opening to the different possibilities every country has to offer, specially one as big as the United States of America.
Chicago
4+Chicago is currently my favorite city in the entire country; not even New York City can begin to compare to how beautiful it is. When you arrive, you can absolutely notice the awesomeness of the place and if you don’t have a structured schedule, is hard to choose where to begin.
During my first day, I visited the Navy Pier, where you can ride several attractions and walk around a beautiful terrarium in which you have the chance to take some pictures. Even though public transportation works great, if you are visiting places around downtown, I truly recommend walking since it is a way in which you can also get to know the city and have the Michigan Lake by your side at all times.
The aquarium and Willis Tower are both unmissable sites. We had a great experience in the foremost watching marine life shows and going about surrounded by amazing animals. Furthermore, Willis Tower, one of the tallest buildings in a Chicago, gave us an unprecedented view of the city as well as allowing us to watch an amazing sunset through the clouds.
Apart from sightseeing spots, I strongly encourage you to try the Deep Dish Pizza at Giordano’s, fried chicken at Canes, as well as eating ramen at China Town.
Cincinnati Sports!
5+We decided to visit some family in Cincinnati, a place where I had never been before. We traveled by car from Chicago to Cincinnati, which was about five hours; I strongly recommend leaving as early as possible in the morning to avoid rush hour traffic. The road trip went totally fine as there are plenty of places to eat, go to the toilet and stop for gas on the way.
The city was a gratifying surprise since we didn’t expect it to be so pretty. What we liked the most was the downtown area because of the various stadiums for multiple sports, and the amazing spirit we felt walking through these streets. Apart from this, we were impressed to find out there was a bridge that connected Ohio with Kentucky by just a 5-minute walk; therefore, it was a 2 in 1, since we got to spend about 15 minutes in Covington’s side of the river.
Two days are more than enough to get to know the important places and have the best time sightseeing; nevertheless, if you’re a football fan, you may want to plan a trip during football season to get to live the full experience.
Q & A
What would you have changed?
Leaving earlier for Cincinnati and packing even more winter clothes, even though it was spring already.Restaurant recommendations?
In Chicago there are a ton of restaurants to visit. To have the full experience you must absolutely try Giordano's Deep Dish Pizza. But you're willing to eat different cuisines you may also like Rocky's Tacos for Mexican, Volare for Italian, Bien Me Sabe for Venezuelan and Canes for the best fried chicken ever.Tips you would give a friend?
Plan your trip depending on the activities you may want to do. Weather changes dramatically through the seasons, so you may want to schedule your vacations depending on the temperature you prefer.Packing tips?
Pack anything you think you may need according to the weather. It is best to be safe than sorry, since buying new clothes in these cities may be even more expensive that paying for extra luggage.Transportation Tips?
Public transportation works great! Nonetheless, if you have the opportunity to walk do so, it is a great way to get to know each place better.Any surprises?
Roebling Suspension Bridge connecting Ohio with Kentucky.
Lodging
Aloft Chicago - https://aloftchicagomagmile.reservationstays.com/requests/NyvDdLAoYFNV82mEl9DaVw/hotels/PlO2wwRW?expand_params=true
Airbnb - https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/668579980940971170?adults=2&location=Cincinnati%2C%20OH%2C%20United%20States&check_in=2022-12-02&check_out=2022-12-03&source_impression_id=p3_1667397371_3CzDXWFCNGPSY2Xm