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ORD Layover Ideas Chicago OHare Airport Layover Guide

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Top 5 Layover Ideas for Chicago OHare Airport

Stuck with a long layover at Chicago OHare Airport? Don't worry, there's plenty to do and see both inside and outside the airport. Here are our top 5 layover ideas to keep you entertained and help you make the most of your time in the Windy City.

1. Explore the Airport Exhibits

Chicago's O'Hare International Airport is not just a transit hub, it's also a cultural destination. The airport boasts a number of exhibits, including the four-story high, 72-foot long Brachiosaurus Dinosaur on loan from the Chicago Field Museum, the Butch O’Hare WWII Fighter Airplane Exhibit, and the Kids on the Fly Children’s Exhibit. Additionally, the pedestrian tunnel between concourses B and C in Terminal 1 features a 744 foot long kinetic neon sculpture of light and sound titled "The Sky’s the Limit".

2. Visit the John Hancock Center

If you have a longer layover and fancy a trip into the city, the John Hancock Center is a must-visit. Only 40 seconds in this building's elevator will set you stories above Chicago. Visit the third largest building in the city and enjoy views reaching up to 80 miles distant. Food and drink are available in the restaurant and lounge, and informational exhibits are on display in four different languages.

3. Relax at North Avenue Beach

One of the metro area's most popular parks, North Avenue Beach is at its prime in the warmer months. Here, you can sunbathe, play beach volleyball, roller-blade, and cycle along the shoreline. Across the street is the Lincoln Park Zoo, another great option for a layover activity.

4. Stroll Through Grant Park

From ice-skating in the winter to viewing blooming roses in the summer, Grant Park offers a variety of relaxing activities. You can stroll through Versailles-type rose gardens, take part in a pick-up volleyball game, or admire the lakefront views offered by the 300-acre park. Highlights include free concerts during the summer and Grant Park's Buckingham Fountain with its 133 water jets - a marvel to see.

5. Indulge in Little Italy

For food lovers, a trip to Little Italy is a must. This Chicago neighborhood is popular for its cozy, family-operated restaurants and unique neighborhood groceries. The air is full of tempting aromas of deep dish pizza and other Italian delicacies, making it a great place to grab a bite to eat during your layover.

Helpful Tips & Resources

Need help navigating your way through an unfamiliar airport? Look no further than iFly.com for expert tips and advice. Here are some helpful tips to help you travel stress-free through ORD Airport:

  • Don't let heavy bags slow you down! Make use of our airport's complimentary baggage carts, available for all travelers in the baggage claim area.
  • If you have some time before your departure, relax, grab a bite at one of ORD's restaurants, peruse the shops, or jump on the free internet and surf galore!
  • If you are flying in business or first class (or are a member), check out where the airline club lounges are located.
  • Once you have passed through security, you can use the airport map to find your gate, as well as the various restaurants and shops that are available on your route.
  • Surf to your heart's content. Jump on Chicago OHare airport's internet (free!)
  • For those (dreaded) early-morning flights, consider one of the airport hotels on or near ORD to spend the night prior to your flight. In many cases your parking for the trip's duration is free!
  • Have a flight arriving and want a fast way to get to your destination? Here are a few taxi and limo airport service providers that service the airport.

Nearby Attractions for an Extended Layover

For travelers with a layover of 12 to 48 hours, there are numerous attractions within a reasonable proximity to Chicago O'Hare Airport. Here are our top suggestions for an extended layover in the Windy City.

1. Experience the Art Institute of Chicago

As one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, the Art Institute of Chicago is a must-see. The museum's expansive collection includes works from all corners of the world and from all periods of history, offering a rich and diverse experience for art lovers and casual visitors alike.

2. Explore Navy Pier

Navy Pier is one of Chicago's most popular tourist destinations. This 3,300-foot-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan offers a variety of attractions, including rides, games, outdoor concerts, and boat tours. It's a great place to spend a few hours or an entire day.

3. Visit the Museum of Science and Industry

With over 35,000 artifacts and numerous exhibits, the Museum of Science and Industry offers a fascinating and fun-filled day for visitors of all ages. Explore a real U-505 submarine, take a walk through a replica coal mine, or experience a tornado up close in the Science Storms exhibit.

4. Wander Around Millennium Park

Millennium Park is an award-winning center for art, music, architecture and landscape design. The result of a unique partnership between the City of Chicago and the philanthropic community, the 24.5-acre park features the work of world-renowned architects, planners, artists and designers.

5. Discover the Shedd Aquarium

Home to over 32,000 aquatic animals, the Shedd Aquarium is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world. From colorful fish to beluga whales, the aquarium offers an up-close look at various species of marine life. It's a perfect destination for families, with plenty of interactive exhibits to keep children entertained.

Updated on: November 22, 2023