I’ve never been to Chicago. Well, technically, I’ve been to O’Hare a dozen times. But I never left the airport. We drove in yesterday and decided to check out one of its iconic landmarks— the Navy Pier. Take a ride on the Centennial Wheel or river cruises. Visit the Children’s Museum or watch a play at the Shakespeare playhouse. Or enjoy a Chicago deep dish or Italian beef during a layover at Chicago Navy Pier.
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Layover at Chicago Navy Pier
Road Trip
We arrived about 9 hours before our flight. I hate spending that time at the airport, so a long layover excursion sounded like a perfect way to spend the day. And Chicago’s Navy Pier sounded like a hassle-free, one-destination stops to get a little taste of Chicago.
Navy Pier Stroll
What’s Happening on the Pier?
The plan was simply to stroll along the pier and see what we could see. We’d follow it up with a skyline cruise and a deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s. We got a break in the weather. It was an unseasonable 72 for late September in Chicago.
Although the beer garden was closed, there are a number of restaurants still open. There are also a few souvenir shops along the pier. But the view of Chicago’s skyline is the real highlight of the stroll. Even on an overcast day, you can see the mountainous buildings jet into the sky.
Giordano’s
Get Giordano’s during a layover at the Chicago Navy Pier. It has been serving deep-dish pizza on the pier since 1974. All I can say is I’m glad we got a small one. But we probably could have gotten away with a personal pan pizza. I would also suggest you call ahead. We were told it would be 45 minutes before we were seated. And then another 60 minutes for our pizza. If you call 312-288-8783 or go online, you’ll get served a lot faster.
Shoreline’s Architecture River Tour
Enjoy your layover at Chicago Navy Pier on a cruise excursion. Shoreline’s award-winning 75-minute Architecture River Tour to discover Chicago’s renowned landmarks as presented by our expert and entertaining guides. On your tour, you’ll learn how Chicago rose from the ashes of the 1871 Great Fire. And how it became the birthplace of the skyscraper and a major influence on modern American architecture. Shoreline’s Architecture River Tour features commentary on more than 40 of the city’s most famous buildings as well as close-up views and excellent photo.
Comments
My cousin used to work in Chicago until last year she came back to Singapore. I heard so many stories from her. Glad to read about this post and it has so many information. I am planning for East Coast US tour in these two years and I have to do Navy Pier without fail. The 75 min river tour look fun to explore and check out the architecture, may be a great intro for Chicago skyline.
I’ve never been to Chicago but everyone is always so impressed by the place. For sure, I am also in love with the architecture around. That pizza also looks very yummy!
I have never been to Chicago but heard alot about its heritage and architecture.
All these photos looks exciting.It seems like you had great time experiencing Chicago and Chicago Navy Pier..
I love chicogo. It is such a fun city and their navy pier has so much to do.
I’ve been to O’Hare but never got to explore the city. I would love to just like you did!
Navy Pier is iconic and we’ve heard about it from friends that have visited before, even from across the pond x
Oooo I just love navy pier!!! I went years ago. Had a fabulous time. Would love to go back
Just like “The Bean”, Navy Pier is always part of the must visit places whenever you head to Chicago. Perfect for some food tripping too.
I’m going back this summer when it’s warmer– mostly for the food.
That pizza is so think and big! OMG! it is making me so hungry! Navy Pier looks like a beautiful place!
The Navy Pier is a lot of fun, Chicago is a lot of fun.
That is really a long hour of layover but that is fine with me because I was given to see the beautiful place of Chicago Navy Pier.
Me too Catherine. I like long layovers when I travel so I don’t have to rush anymore.
Definitely, Chicago is an amazing place for travelling.! There is so much to see and do. It looks like a really beautiful drive. You captured awesome pictures on your travel trip. That place looks amazing to visit. Thank you so much for sharing great experiences with us.
The pizza looks so amazing 🙂 I would love love to visit Chicago one day!
It was good. I couldn’t do that pizza too often though— it was very filling.
I have taken a water tour there too. If I had a 9 hour delay at the airport, I’d be in the city in a blink of an eye too. I love Chicago.
Ikr, unfortunately its a 9-10 hour drive from here or I’d go back often too.
Seems like a great tour! I suddenly miss eating deep dish pizza. Thanks for sharing your wonderful trip!
I have only been to Chicago’s Navy Pier once. Although many years ago, I still remembering it to be a highlight of my trip.
i have never been to Chicago. Bt this looks like a fun place to explore a bit
It is. I am looking forward going back next summer.
I love how scenic Navy pier looks. Also I have seen this pizza place on the Food Network channel and I honestly can’t wait until I go to Chicago to taste it I might just end up having to eat pork again just so I can get me some deep dish.
This was an Italian turkey sausage pizza, so you’ll be okay.
Chicago is so much fun! I love chicago deep dish pizza especially!
I have never been to Chicago but I always wanted to visit. Such a wonderful place.
Chicago is such a great city. Probably one of my favorites in the world. Navy Pier is great at all times of the day too
l love visiting the harbor at Chicago. There are a lot of great
What a lovely way to make use of your layover. Loving all the pictures.
It sounds like you really made the most of your layover. What a lovely place to go and explore – I bet it is lovely walking down by the pier.
You choose the best food that Chicago offers. Deep dish pizza is so darn good.
I’ve never been to Chicago but it looks amazing in photos. I think, 45 minutes Architecture River Tour would be great to enjoy and discover renowned places.
It was a great tour, one I’d take again with great weather.
Wow so fun! Great way to take advantage of a layover!
Chicago is a such a great city to explore…looks like you had a beautiful day!
I love water and river boats are my favorite! Chicago looks like amazing place to me!
I want that pizza! Yum!
I’ve never been to Chicago before but I want to go one day. Mostly to eat, I won’t lie.
That pizza looks absolutely incredible – just look at that cheese! Navy Pier looks like a great place to visit whilst on a layover.
I have been there. It is indeed a lovely place to explore so I agree with all your points and places.
Wonderful places to go. I need to pack and get moving
Chicago is such a great city. I was shocked at how beautiful it was and how good the food was too…you’ll never catch me there in the winter though 🙂
LOVE Chicago. Looks like u covered a fair bit. The architectural tour is one of my faves
omg the deep dish pizza, i died! Amazing pics, thanks a lot for posting
Thanks Chad. It was definitely more fun eating it though!!
Oh, Chicago looks great! I hope to travel there next year. That pizza too, mmm! Looks so good!
The pizza got the best if us. It was more than either of us could handle.
I love Chicago and deep dish pizza and Marina City and the Chicago River. Please let me go there soon.
We really enjoyed the pier. We are planning another trip next summer when its warmer and more things to do outside.
Navy Pier is a wonderful place! I go there whenever possible if I’m in town on business.
I was surprised at how lively it was when the weather wasn’t very nice.
I wish we lived closer to the city, but its a 9-10 hour drive from here.