The Sustainable Travel Guide to Chicago
Cloud Gate (The Bean), the emblematic sculpture by Anish Kapoor
I finally got to visit the windy city, almost four years after I moved to the U.S. It had been on my bucket list for longer than that, as it is one of those places that are imprinted in your mind even though you aren’t sure why or where you got the idea from. Perhaps Chicago earned the title of a legend, and it slips into our hearts subtly through the years. We are oblivious to that little seed being planted by the city’s name being mentioned in a TV show, a distant relative visiting it and commenting on it, the remnants of the Chicago wind that make their way to your own city after crossing the country, confident of its own transparency. We feel that wind shaking that seed that is already inside and demanding it to finally grow and spread the roots. My plant had been growing for a while, and there was no more room for it. That urgency to visit Chicago had to be effaced by the act itself.
I had two days available to take off from work, which I could combine with the weekend, and I needed to change scenery and travel solo. When this feeling takes over me, I usually let it sit for a while, and if it is still burning, I open Google Flights and compare plane tickets to different cities. Chicago was priced fairly, so I booked it, together with a hotel for three nights (Chicago is pretty expensive) and waited for the day.
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT CHICAGO
Chicago is a beautiful fusion of breathtaking architecture, big city culture, eclectic people, beach life, and corners that remain hidden and expectant. I had four days to discover them, but my human finitude failed at taming Chicago’s immenseness. For each new thing I found that excited my senses, I had hundreds more that waited to astonish me. I loved how the Riverwalk shared the limelight with the beaches, how architecture joined nature, and how the city was made up with seemingly contradictory areas, all coexisting in harmony.
The Best Time to Visit Chicago
The best time to visit almost any place in the U.S. (and a lot of places in the world), at least to me, is either spring or autumn. Mid-seasons give you the most perks to enjoy, without having to endure cold or hot weather. I visited Chicago in Spring, and flowers were blooming and covering the city. I ran into a lot of flowerpots and people planting flowers in boulevards and building entrances, and willow and white ash trees. On the other hand, any place’s beauty is exacerbated when covered in beautiful orange and yellow leaves during Autumn, accompanied by a fresh breeze that’s neither numbing nor overwhelming, but brisk enough.
However, anytime you have a few spare days to travel, that is the best time to visit Chicago! Summer and winter offer a certain uniqueness to cities; I particularly enjoy visiting northern places during the winter to get to see the snow, which I don’t have in Miami.
Springtime in Chicago brought in the sight of blooming trees in every corner
A SUSTAINABLE AND CONSCIOUS TRAVEL GUIDE TO CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
PLANT-BASED FOOD IN CHICAGO
VEGAN RESTAURANTS IN CHICAGO
One of my favorite activities to do when I travel is discover vegan restaurants. What I love about cities is how many options there are, which allows you to find casual spots but also fancier restaurants and explore different flavors and dishes. Before I tell you about the restaurants I visited, let me mention the ones I didn’t get to go to, and I had on my list, because I didn’t have time to eat in all of them. These were: Vegan Plate and Alice & Friends’ Vegan Kitchen.
This was my favorite vegan restaurant in Chicago! It reminded me of Planta in Miami. Service was great and the food was amazing and super innovative. From 11 am to 3 pm they serve the brunch menu, and that was when I visited. I tried the Potato Tostones, which are Yukon gold potatoes, hearts of palm crème fraiche, scallions, kelp caviar (basically a vegan caviar made with algae), and mixed seeds, and I also had the Frittata, which is a chickpea frittata with bell peppers, turmeric, kimchi aioli, and Yukon gold potatoes. Now I realize my eternal love for potatoes is obvious! Before I left, I noticed they were growing microgreens next to the kitchen, which they use in their dishes. How cool is that?
The first vegan spot I visited as soon as I arrived in Downtown Chicago. I was super hungry from traveling and all I wanted was a burger! Everything in Standup Burgers is vegan, and they also have a gluten free bun alternative. I had it with the O.G. Burger, which is made with grilled Impossible patty, Miyoko’s Creamery cheddar, lettuce, tomato, raw red onion, pickles, and a special sauce. Did I mention I was hungry? I also ordered the fries! To keep traditions alive, I went again on my last day in Chicago. This time, however, they had run out of gluten free buns, so the guy who was working at the time offered me the lettuce wrap, and since I made a heartbreak sign with my hands when he told me about not having gluten-free buns, he told me he had it covered and didn’t let me pay, which I thought was the nicest. I tipped them accordingly, but that gesture made my day. Oh, by the way, everything was delicious. Super recommend!
I had this vegan restaurant in my list, so I grabbed something to eat there before heading to the public library. The food was amazing. The only negative thing was that the food came in disposable containers and utensils. As I am a celiac, I ordered one of their gluten free options: the Buddha Bowl, which had teriyaki sweet potatoes, avocado, pineapple, roasted almond slices, roasted corn, daikon sprouts, green onion, jasmine rice.
This is a good option for those who want to buy something to eat on-the-go, maybe do a picnic. This place offers takeaway raw vegan options, including acai bowls, smoothies, sandwiches, salads, chia puddings, among many others. The negative thing is also that they use plastic containers, but if you are going to buy something from the supermarket, which many people do when travelling, this could be a better alternative, as you would be supporting a local spot instead of a restaurant, and buying nutritious vegan food, that is better for your health and the environment.
This restaurant is inside Saks Fifth Avenue, and it has a nice view of the city, which I think was its biggest attribute. However, I found the service to be lousy and the food a bit scarce, so I wouldn’t recommend it 100%, but I do want to let you know you have this option in case you are looking for vegan options near the Magnificent Mile area.
Whole Foods Market
In case you prefer buying your food in a supermarket, specially if you are staying somewhere with a kitchen, but also if you want to grab something to go, there are several Whole Foods Market locations in Chicago. Whole Foods sells a lot of prepared foods, and a lot of vegan options, which you can check out here. In case you are buying food to cook at your place, and you are vegan or trying to eat more plant-based, you can also try these vegan chick’n products at Whole Foods.
My brunch at Bloom Plant Based Kitchen
VEGAN COFFEE & TREATS IN CHICAGO
Vegan-Friendly Desserts & Treats in Chicago
I found out about Vaca’s Creamery through Instagram, and I started following them so that I could remember to visit them the day I visited Chicago. Finally, that day arrived, and I saved a pin in my Google Maps. I arrived by bike and waited for the couple in front of me to order while I browsed the menu. Everything looked so delicious, and I don’t even have a sweet tooth. When it was my turn, I asked the guy behind the counter what gluten-free options they had, and almost everything in the menu was suitable. When he mentioned the waffle cones were GF I almost died! I hadn’t had one in ten years–since I was diagnosed with celiac disease. Of course, I got excited, ordered a vanilla/chocolate ice cream in a waffle cone, with vegan marshmallows, peanuts, and a chocolate sauce (that hardened when it was thrown on the ice cream). Delicious! I felt like a 5-year-old again. Super recommend.
L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates
The first day I arrived in Chicago, it was raining a lot. I checked-in at the hotel, and as soon as I got out, it started pouring, so I had to change my plans, because I was walking. Luckily, I had an umbrella. I checked my Google Maps pins, and there was this chocolate place I had saved, and I knew there were some vegan/GF options. I was going to order a coffee and perhaps a chocolate (they have vegan-friendly options, and that’s what they are specialized in!), but I suddenly decided to merge those two concepts and have a hot chocolate! It wasn’t the kind of hot chocolate I’m used to, but this thick version, like the traditional Spanish chocolate and churros. As I mentioned before, I don’t have a sweet tooth, and I easily find things to be oversweet. However, I wasn’t in a hurry, so I sipped it slowly while staring at the pouring rain crushing against the window, a perfect picturesque moment, and a contrast to my usual smoothie on the beach.
Vegan ice cream in Chicago
Coffees I loved with plant-based milk options
Since visiting coffee shops and taking my time to live the slow life (particularly if I have a book in my hand) is another one of my favorite activities, I need to include it in my sustainable travel guide to Chicago.
All these places offer plant-based milks, which is super important when trying to be more sustainable. Also, make sure to ask if they have mugs available, and you can get to sit down and enjoy your coffee, and skip the takeaway. This way you avoid using disposables when you have that option. Another sustainable option would be to take your own reusable mug.
Their coffee was excellent. I believe they have different locations, but I visited the one that’s across the street from Cloud Gate, inside a hotel. I sat on the couch while sipping my cappuccino and charging my phone, because I deserved a nice break after so much walking!
Probably my favorite coffeeshop in Chicago. I visited 3 different locations, all with super inviting ambiences. The first one I visited was the one near my hotel, a bit north of Downtown Chicago, in LaSalle street. When I was there, a woman came in with her dog, so it is also a nice pet-friendly place, so you can sip coffee while spending time with your furry friend. There was a lot of quietness, good natural light, and big and comfortable couches, all of which I also found in their Wacker Drive location (that is next to the river). The third one I visited from this brand is Heritage Bikes & Coffee, in Lincoln Ave., a bit more up north, which is more focused on bicycles, as well as coffee, and are on display at the store and for sale. In addition to the shops being pleasingly decorated, the coffee itself is delicious.
I loved this place because of how beautiful it is! Lots of vintage couches, nice décor, and super peaceful. I sat next to the window while I sipped the coffee that the barista prepared for me and enjoyed some me-time while resting from so much walking!
On my way to Stand Up Burgers from the train (straight from the airport), I stopped at this café. It was filled with people working with their computers. Lots of places to sit down and wall sockets, so if you are in Chicago for work, this can be a practical temporary office.
I sat down to enjoy this super yummy coffee in a mug, while appreciating the wonderful ceiling they have (woody and curvy), after my lunch at Bloom, and before my dessert at Vaca’s. Did I do anything else in Chicago besides eating and drinking coffee? It seems like I didn’t, but you’ll find out soon!
This place is a barista’s and coffee lover’s dream. You get to try different types of coffee and learn about them, and it is nothing like the coffee you usually have a Starbucks (which you make like or not), and more inclined towards specialty coffee. I didn’t see any disposable cups when I went there. In fact, they served my espresso in a mug, which I sipped while relaxing in one of the top floors, which had a view of the Magnificent Mile.
Another coffee option near one of the Heritage Outpost locations, just outside the loop in Chicago Downtown. It is also inside a building and has wide windows to appreciate sunlight and watch people walking down the streets.
Caffe Streets
FARMER’S MARKETS IN CHICAGO
Green City Market Lincoln Park
You can visit this farmer’s market May through October on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and find some vegan treats including vegetables, fruits, tofu, bread, and pasta.
Division Street Farmer’s Market
You can find some vegan goodies in this market, that opens from May till October, like fruits, vegetables, plants, spices, mushrooms, and many other treasures.
MOVING AROUND CHICAGO SUSTAINABLY
When I travel, I prefer to walk or use the bike. Otherwise, I feel like I’m missing on things. Walking allows me to analyze every detail, every corner, a hidden alley that you wouldn’t see if you were going faster or underground. When I walk, I might run into a coffeeshop I didn’t know about, make a half moon with my hand against the window, look inside, and change my plans. I love the freedom it gives you, but at the same time, even if it allows you to see the details, it might make you miss on the bigger picture. Walking takes time, and sometimes you lack it. In that case, I prefer using the bike for bigger distances, like the day I rode a bike across Chicago’s coastline. Cycling multiplies your sensations–a caress from the wind against your face, the way the wheels flow against the pavement while it takes you to a far away destination, the sun hitting your arms and providing you with that warmth you need to see the city with other eyes.
Those two are my ultimate favorite ways of moving, of discovering. When these aren’t possible, for example, if the distances are too long, or if it is raining, then public transportation is my next choice. I used the train to go from the airport to Downtown and vice versa, and to go to the University of Chicago.
There are electric and regular city bikes around Chicago. I used both with the Lyft App.
CONNECTING TO NATURE IN CHICAGO
Grant Park
Located in the Loop Community area, and popularly referred to as ‘Chicago’s Front Yard’, this park offers 313 acres to Chicago’s citizens and its visitors. There are different attractions you can enjoy here, while spending some time outside, like the Buckingham Fountain, Millennium Park, the Museum Campus, and the Chicago Art Institute. I rode my bike through the park, which I believe is a great way of exploring it! Also, with the bike, you can pedal across Grant Park, all the way to Northerly Island Park, and make the best out of your time in this city.
Chicago Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk is a symbol of the city, and a nice way of surrounding yourself with water, while also taking a walk and moving your body! It is a 1.25-mile-long path along the river, that offers a nice glimpse of the Windy City’s architecture, as well as murals, bars, and sculptures.
Gold Coast
I woke up one morning, ate some breakfast, and decided to walk Chicago’s coast, starting a bit norther of Oak Street Beach. I was surprised by this amazing area, where people gathered to exercise under the sun (lots of runners and cyclists), and where the beach brings a comforting place for Chicagoans to play volleyball, sunbathe, dip their feet in the sand, swim, and just relax.
Milton Lee Olive Park
From Oak Street Beach, I continued walking along the coast until I reached Milton Lee Olive Park, from where I could see Ohio Street Beach. I walked that loop, and then crossed to the Navy Pier. There are beach recliners where people can rest and take pleasure in seeing the skyline of Chicago from the water.
Lincoln Park
On Sunday, I grabbed a bike and went to Lincoln Park. Rain reappeared after vanishing on Saturday, and I rejoiced at walking under my umbrella, and across the Education Pavilion (a structure inspired by the tortoise shell). There were educational signs placed along the path with information on birds, and warnings about coyotes. If you are in Lincoln Park, you are also right next to North Avenue Beach, if you are craving more sand and sun in your life!
Other outdoorsy options to enjoy nature in Chicago are Garfield Park Conservatory, one of the largest botanical conservatories in the country, 31st Street beach, and Burnham Park (and basically the coast south of Grant Park and Northerly Island Park).
Chicago Riverwalk
SUSTAINABLE AND ECO-FRIENDLY SHOPPING IN CHICAGO
This bookstore is amazing! It is not only a book maze that keeps on expanding, even when you think you have hit the end of the store, but it is an organization that receives books as donations and sell them to support their literacy programs. A great way to treat yourself sustainably and helping literature!
Another store I love that sells used books, which is also a labyrinth with crooked bookshelves that form very narrow walkways between each other. This way, there is a sort of intimacy you get to experience with the books, being so close to them, enabling you to smell the yellowed pages that might carry your next story.
Lush has many stores across Chicago., but I accidentally ran into their Michigan Avenue location, while going to Althea for dinner. Almost all their products are vegan (check the labels just in case, you need to find the V letter), all are cruelty free, and they also put a lot of attention in offering sustainable products. For instance, they have naked products, a refilling program, use recycling paper and plastic, and I even spotted a cork pot to store naked products, like shampoo bars.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to visit, but I think it is important to add it to the sustainable Chicago list, because it might be useful to someone! Starship is a vegan and cruelty-free clean beauty salon, who also put sustainability efforts into recycling and composting. A great alternative to the traditional hair salon that uses animal products!
For those who like to shop for clothes when travelling, the best thing they can do is shop secondhand, as making fashion sustainable is crucial to live a conscious life. Richard’s Fabulous Finds is a vintage menswear & deco store where you can enter a world filled with unique pieces that will not only help the planet but personalize and add life to your wardrobe.
I found about this place after I came back from Chicago, but maybe you can visit it on my behalf! There are different locations, but the most interesting one is the Andersonville store, which consists of an old theater that was turned into a thrift shop.
Chicago Art Institute
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN CHICAGO
I loved the beautiful campus of The University of Chicago. I arrived there by train, and I think it was about half an hour south from Downtown Chicago. A beautiful afternoon spent walking around the campus, a hybrid between Hogwarts and the classic American university, was so worth it. My imagination soared, picturing myself studying there while walking amid the students who were spending the weekend laying on the grass, studying, relaxing, or playing ball with a group of friends. After that, I grabbed a bike, headed to the coast, and took the Lakefront Trail, all the way up till I arrived at Cloud Gate, approximately 8 miles. That trail is amazing, and I can’t stop recommending it, either if you are cycling, running, or walking.
Harold Washington Library Center
The public library’s main branch, which you can visit either to look around, or to borrow some books. The building is delightful, and there is a terrace at the top, that unfortunately was closed for maintenance when I went, but I was able to peep through the glass.
Here is where I spent my last hours in Chicago, before grabbing a quick bite in Standup Burgers, and taking the train to the airport. The hours there weren’t enough, something that always happens in museums in big cities. There were too many galleries, time periods, and artwork to indulge in, and I let myself go in those hallways filled with art and strokes and the past, delighting most of all in the modern pieces from my favorite artists.
A must see in Chicago, Millennium Park is located north of The Art Institute, and holds the emblematic Cloud Gate (also referred to as The Bean). Tourists gather there to walk under it and find their twisted reflections in this sculpture that has become the very definition of Chicago. Nonetheless, this park also holds other beauties, like the Maggie Daley Park, the BP Pedestrian Bridge, the Lurie Garden, the artistic Crown Fountain, and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, among others.
When I visited, this place was beyond packed, so I just took a glimpse and left. I would have liked to visit when elbows weren’t crashing against each other, and the sounds of the city were louder than the chit-chatting crowds that alter conversation with mojito sips, but you can’t have it all. Perhaps my mistake was going just before sunset, a common desire amid humans: “there is this place with a wonderful view, let’s go to watch the sunset.” Then, five hundred people show up at the same time! At least I got to see Millenium Park from above, an activity I consider crucial during any trip, as perspective is the path towards truth, and you can’t fully know Chicago if you have only seen it from the ground.
Other popular spots to see Chicago from the sky are 360 Chicago, Skydeck Chicago, and The Signature Lounge at the 96th.
This theater, located in the Loop area of Downtown Chicago, opened in 1926, and has a breathtaking auditorium with unbelievable details in the columns and ceilings. I went to see Broadway’s Moulin Rouge, and I had a blast. The play was perfect, the actors and the music were incredible, and the experience itself was one of a kind. My recommendation is to go and see any Broadway play here, or otherwise go to the famous Chicago theater, but just go to a theater!
Chicago’s commercial district, that stretches all throughout Michigan Avenue, is not on this list so you can go shop and be cool, but for you to appreciate the architecture that makes it so wonderful, which includes, among many masterpieces, The Wrigley Building, the Tribune Tower, and the Chicago Water Tower.
I hope you enjoyed this sustainable travel guide of Chicago, which I hope to visit again soon, and get to explore those corners that time separated me from, and maybe do a road trip to some surrounding cities. Remember: any place you visit, you can do so more sustainably!
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Hi, I’m Melina,
I’m the creator of Sustainable Rookie, and my goal is to share what I learn throughout my sustainability journey, so that I can help other people live a more conscious life.
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