10 Things You Absolutely Shouldnt Do In Chicago Illinois

Whether you’ve recently moved to Chicago, Illinois, or you’re aspiring to fit in during your stay, this list will help you not stand out as someone from out of town.

Do not put ketchup on your hot dog.

No-one is going to push you off the bleachers at Wrigley Field (although we can’t guarantee that), but they certainly will give a few looks. Just try the tomatoes, sans the ketchup.

Do not ride your bike on the sidewalk.

Do not eat deep dish with your hands.

Yes it’s pizza, but it’s at least an inch deep, so use a knife and fork, you savage.

Do not wait outside the doors when the L train arrives.

This will not help you or anyone else. It’s smart to wait to the side of the doors as people need to get around you. Unless you move as slow as molasses, there will be plenty of time for you to get on – so take it easy, killer.

Do not warn the out-of-towner about Malort.

You’re not doing anyone a favor by saying, ‘No! Ew! Don’t do it! It’s so gross!’ It’s an experience, and it’s our specialty liquor, so they need to give it a try – the outcome is always going to be amusing.

On that note, do not warn them about Wieners Circle either.

This reminds us of the Mean Girls scene where Janis Ian and Damian take Cady Heron to her math class. When she gets there, she’s in for an entirely different surprise. All Chicago locals should take it upon themselves to treat their guests to a ‘chocolate milkshake.’ Don’t forget it’s cash only.

Do not diss the tamale man.

He will be making laps with his rickety cooler, but he is a legend, and everyone should eat these. If you are blessed enough to have him in your presence while you’re out and about, then whip out that cash because they’re a delicious game changer.

Do not think you’re crazy for smelling chocolate.

The Blommer Chocolate Factory in the Fulton Market area will have you salivating almost immediately.

Do not call Chicago ‘Chai Town’

If you’re going to be ridiculous enough to use this nickname for Chicago made popular by Kanye West, then please pronounce it as ‘shy town.’

Do not treat the Navy Pier Ferris wheel like it’s the London Eye.

While the new Ferris wheel is undergoing construction and is going to be a renewed phenomenon for Chicago, it’s not a must-see if you’re only in town visiting for a brief period of time. More cultural sightseeing includes The Cloud Gate or almost anything else.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.