Activities to Enjoy Alone in Chicago

Never found time for one of the most popular tourist activities in the city? The Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise is as good as the reviews say it is, so don’t worry about anyone else’s schedule and just do it. Learning more about the many famous buildings along the Chicago River is a fun and rewarding experience, and you can impress your friends with your knowledge afterwards.

Now we’re talking about some real me-time. On the 18th and 19th floor of the fancy Peninsula Hotel, off Michigan Avenue is the equally fancy Peninsula Spa. Among the options on the exquisite treatment menu are Asian-inspired bamboo massages, Jade hot stone therapy, Himalayan crystal salt scrubs and luxury facials. Treatments can be combined into half- and full-day retreats. It’s certainly expensive, but you’re worth it!

With so many great food vendors under one roof, you can put together your own customised tasting menu at the Chicago French Market. How about an aromatic salad from Saigon Sisters, a Mac & Cheese side from Wood Fire Counter, a Strawberry Dream crêpe from FliP Crepes or an artisan truffle from Lolli & Pops? That’s barely scratching the surface. You also won’t have to share a single bite.

Going to the movies on your own is massively underrated. You don’t have to be self-conscious about how many snacks you want, you can watch whatever you choose and you don’t have to answer any questions during the movie. Chicago has some great movie theaters, such as the Music Box Theatre in Wrigleyville, which has midnight movies and weekend matinees featuring rare and classic films, alongside the best of modern cinema.

What better way to relax and find your own thoughts than by taking a wellness class in the beautiful surroundings of the Chicago Botanic Garden? Outdoor yoga (remember to bring a mat), tai chi and even walking classes are open to all ages and fitness levels. Held in different parts of the gardens each time, the focus is on feeding your mind, body, and soul.

Shopping can be a wonderful, fun activity or a joyless and tiresome chore. That’s often down to who you’re shopping with, so remove any outside influence by going it alone. Head to the Magnificent Mile and take your sweet time browsing literally dozens of stores, trying on whatever you want and buying it too.

We all browse museums at different speeds, enjoying certain pieces and exhibitions more than others, so why not go without being hurried or slowed down by anyone else? World famous Chicago museums such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum or the Museum of Science and Industry are all best enjoyed at your own pace, taking time to appreciate the wonders within or just to enjoy the peace.

Another activity best enjoyed solo is looking for that classic book you’ve always wanted, especially in a used book store with over 70,000 titles littered across three floors. In Wicker Park’s Myopic Books, it’s easy to spend hours browsing shelves, flipping through old books and just soaking up the atmosphere. Stick around for a reading or even live music.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.