Beaches, beef and the Bean: 48 Hours in Chicago

Yes, Navy Pier is touristy...but it's still pretty fun. The massive Ferris Wheel is worth a ride at least once, and it can be nice to stroll past all the vendors hawking tchotchkes and enjoy the breeze and lakeside views. Fun fact: the world's first-ever Ferris Wheel debuted at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair!

When you're ready to work off that sandwich, head to Millennium Park. It's pretty huge, and home to all kinds of Chicago icons. You can't stop by the Windy City without taking a selfie by The Bean (aka Cloud Gate), or visiting the classic fountain. This park pretty much always has something going on, so plan to spend some time exploring.

By now hopefully you've worked up a big appetite, because Gino's East makes the best Chicago-style deep dish pizza in the city, and it is, in a word, intense. Nosh on slices of pizza with a rich, buttery cornmeal crust that's filled to the brim with gooey cheese, tomato sauce, and loads of toppings.

If you're afraid of heights, then you'll maybe want to pass on a trip to the Skydeck. It's located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (better known as the Sears Tower, the tallest building in Chicago, and the Western hemisphere), which offers views stretching 50 miles into 4 states. And if you aren't afraid of heights, then you'll want to step onto The Ledge, a glass-floored box that lets you look straight down!

For a late-late night drink (we're talking 4 a.m. here), the Wieners Circle is perfect for night owls who are a little bit hungry...that is, if you can handle a side of verbal abuse with your hot dog and fries. The service is quick, the dogs are tasty, and the people-watching is incredible, the servers are famously sassy, and the crowd is often drunk.