Amsterdam → Chicago

Don't miss

• 🏛️Take the Chicago Architecture Center's 90-minute river boat tour — book the 9am slot to avoid the afternoon crowds and get the best light on the Tribune Tower and Wrigley Building. It's the single best way to understand the city.
• 🎵Catch a show at Andy's Jazz Club on Hubbard Street — they do a free lunchtime jazz set on weekdays starting at noon, no minimum spend. Real musicians, tight room, no tourists.
• 🍕Skip the tourist deep-dish queues at Giordano's and go to Pequod's in Lincoln Park instead — cash only, no reservations, but their caramelised-crust deep dish is the one locals actually eat.
• 🌅Walk to the end of Navy Pier at dusk for the best free skyline panorama in the city — the western view back toward downtown with the lake in the foreground beats any rooftop bar.