Wrigley Field: Best Seats, Insider Tips and More

Wrigley Field: Best Seats, Insider Tips and More.
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Wrigley Field Quick Guide
Home TeamChicago Cubs
Opened1914 (Big renovation in 2023-24)
Capacity41,649
Best Value SeatsTerrace Reserved (Midfield 209–211)
Premium SeatingCatalina Club, Maker’s Mark Barrel Room, Gallagher Club
Top Ballpark FoodsChicago-style Hot Dog, Giordano’s Deep Dish, Hot Doug’s Sausage
Nearby BarsMurphy’s Bleachers, Cubby Bear, Sports Corner
Closest HotelsHotel Zachary, The Wheelhouse Hotel
Transit AccessCTA Red Line (“Addison” stop)

🔍 Need a custom plan for your Cubs gameday? Use our Gameday Guides planning tool to get personalized tips on Wrigley Field seating, food, transportation, and hotel options.

The Ultimate Guide To Legendary Wrigley Field Photo Credit: Blake Guidry Unsplash

Best Seats at Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field is baseball history wrapped in ivy and crammed into a neighborhood that treats game days like a religion. You’re not just showing up to watch the Cubs—you’re stepping into 110+ years of ritual, rowdy bleacher culture, and tight concourses that feel like they were built for a different century (because they were). The reality: parking is a disaster, the upper deck obstructions are real, but when the energy is right and the sun hits those outfield walls, you remember why this place still matters.

The Sweet Spot: Terrace Box (Sections 209-226, rows 1-6: These are legitimately the best value at Wrigley. You’re elevated above the main concourse with unobstructed views—and this matters because those famous poles in rows 7+ will absolutely ruin your day. Terrace Box seats are the only 200-level seats guaranteed pole-free. Plus you’re covered for day games, which at Wrigley means you’re not getting torched by the sun or soaked when those summer storms roll in off the lake.

The closer to home plate, the better—sections 214-221 put you right on the action. Third base side (sections 214-217) will be shaded for day games; first base side gets sun. If it’s April or early May, take the sun. You’ll want it.

Field Box Infield (Sections 12-32, Rows 8-12): You’re behind home plate or down the lines with real proximity to the field. Rows 8-12 give you a better angle than the front rows, which sit too low and lose perspective on plays in the outfield. Sun exposure matters here—third-base side (sections 12-20) gets shade earlier in afternoon games; first-base side (sections 24-32) stays sunny longer. Foul balls come fast, especially in rows 8-10, so stay alert. You’ll pay more than Terrace Box, but if you want to be in the action and have the budget, this is where you go.

Budget Play: Upper Deck Front Rows: Sections 314-315 in the first few rows are sneaky good. You’re high up, sure, but the sightlines at Wrigley from the 300s beat most other parks because the place is so intimate. These go cheaper than lower bowl and you see everything. Avoid anything past row 11 though—you start losing the scoreboard and fly ball tracking.

The Bleacher Experience: Look, you have to do the bleachers at least once. General admission, no assigned seats, pure chaos. Get there early—gates open 90 minutes before most games, 2 hours for weekends and special occasions. The left field (north) entrance line moves way faster than right field.

Here’s the thing nobody tells you: people save entire rows of seats until the second inning, and it’s technically allowed. Get in when gates open, claim your spot, and don’t be shy about it. Bring sunscreen and a hat—there’s zero shade. The bleachers get the wind coming off the lake, which sounds nice until it’s 55 degrees in April and you’re getting blasted.

What to Avoid

Terrace Reserved rows 7 and higher (sections 202-233) are pole city. Yeah, they’re cheaper, but you’re watching half the game through a metal support beam. Rows 15+ also have the upper deck cutting off your view of fly balls and the scoreboard. Only go here if you’re genuinely broke or just want to say you went to Wrigley—the experience matters more than the view for some folks, and I respect that.

​Premium Seating at Wrigley Field

If you’re in the mod to drop some serious cash, you want to know exactly what you’re getting. Wrigley’s premium offerings range from “special occasion splurge” to “expense account only”. The all-inclusive setups are legitimately worth it if the alternative is paying $15 per beer and $18 for sad nachos all game.

American Airlines 1914 Club

This is the crown jewel—located directly behind home plate underneath the stadium. All-inclusive means chef-attended grills, multiple bars with craft beer and premium spirits, wine selection, and dedicated in-seat vendors. You get private entrance access 2 hours before game time, climate control, and private bathrooms.

Pricing runs $500-$3,000 per ticket depending on opponent. Weekend games against the Cardinals or big matchups? You’re looking at the high end. Weekday games against the Reds in May? More like $500-800. The art deco design is legitimately cool—brass fixtures, vintage American Airlines posters, historic Cubs photos from 1914.

Who it’s for: Corporate entertainment, special occasions, or if you genuinely don’t care about money and want the full experience without any hassle.

The Barrel Room

Similar all-inclusive setup to the 1914 Club but slightly different location. Pricing similar—$500-$2,000 per ticket range. Access to free food and drinks, VIP entrance, the works. Honestly, if you’re spending this much, pick whichever has better seat location for your game. The amenities are basically identical.​

The Yard (New for 2025)

Wrigley just added this semi-private space above the batter’s eye in center field—it’s basically if the bleachers had bottle service. Groups of 4-8 get a reserved table with high-top seating, unlimited beer, wine, seltzers, and non-alcoholic drinks in a private cooler, plus a ballpark meal (Small Cheval burger, hot dog, or vegetarian option). Pricing starts at $175 per person and varies by game. Maximum capacity is 50 total guests across all five rental spaces.

This is perfect for smaller groups who want the bleacher energy without the general admission chaos. You’re still in the action, but you’ve got a reserved spot and unlimited drinks. Way better value than club seats if you actually drink.

Field Box Club (Sections 3-5, 30-32)

These are the first 12 rows right on the field, with sections 3 to 5 and 30 to 32 angled toward home plate. They check tickets all game, so no sneaking down. Club designation varies by section—Section 3 is rows 1-12, Section 4 is rows 4-12, Section 5 is only rows 10-12.

Warning: Some seats right on the wall have brutal legroom issues. Section 3 rows 10-14 lowest seats, Section 4 rows 4-9 lowest seats, entire laundry list of problem spots. The trade-off is you can literally lean over and look straight down onto the field. Worth it for kids who want to be close; not worth it if you’re over 5’10” and value knee function.

Suites

Wrigley has 80 suites holding 15-150 guests. IDEAL Suite Level pricing runs $8,000-$25,000 per suite depending on game and location. That includes interior and exterior padded seating, unlimited beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks, plus in-suite catering.

Realistically, these are for corporate groups or splitting costs with 10-15 friends for a big game. The per-person math can actually work out okay if you’re doing it right, especially when you factor in the included food and booze.

The Ultimate Guide To Legendary Wrigley Field Photo Credit: Heather maguire Unsplash

Wrigley Field Seating Chart

Wrigley Field now seats 41,649 fans, a big leap from its original 14,000-seat footprint in the early 1900s. That growth has come from waves of renovations trying to fit more people into a tight neighborhood ballpark without losing the old-school charm. If you want to see how the modern layout actually looks before you buy, here’s the current Seating Chart For Wrigley Field: https://www.mlb.com/cubs/ballpark/information/gates.

Chicago Cubs Tickets

Holy Cow—if you plan ahead, you can usually find Cubs tickets, but rivalry series and games against contenders still sell out fast. Think of Wrigley as a high-demand park: you’ll get in, but how much you pay and where you sit depends on how early you start looking.​

Get your Chicago Cubs tickets through out partner at Vivid Seats here. Grab seats for the Cubs, Sox, Bulls, Bears, or pretty much any major event, and it’s handy if you want to compare prices and locations across the whole stadium in one place.

Buying direct from the team at their website is the cleanest move if you want peace of mind. You see real-time inventory, pick your exact section, and don’t have to worry about whether the tickets are legit.​

MLB Ticket Exchange is the league’s authorized resale setup, so you’re buying from other fans but through an official, verified system. It’s a solid option if you want the flexibility of resale pricing with the security of team-backed authenticity.​

PRO TIP: Buy early for big games, wait for deals on weekday matchups. If you’re targeting a rivalry series, weekend game, or matchup against a contender, buy as soon as tickets go on sale—prices only climb as the date gets closer. But if you’re flexible and targeting a mid-week game against a lower-profile team, secondary market prices often drop 24-48 hours before first pitch, and sometimes even in the final hours before game time. 

The Ultimate Guide To Legendary Wrigley Field Photo Credit: Sea Cow Wikipedia

Wrigley Field Bag Policy

 No backpacks (including clear ones), hard-sided coolers, or anything over 16 x 16 x 8 inches. Bring a small purse, drawstring bag, soft-sided cooler, or clear single-compartment bag under that size. Medical bags and diaper bags get exceptions. There’s an express lane if you show up with no bag at all—highly recommended.

​Additional Policies

Here are some of the other key polices you need to know. For a full list check out the Wrigley Field Website

Outside Food: You can bring in food and sealed non-alcoholic drinks (no cans or glass). This is the move—outside food saves you a fortune.

Alcohol: Beer stops selling after the last out of the 8th inning for day games, 7th inning or 10:30pm for night games. Anyone looking under 35 gets carded.

No Re-Entry: Once you leave, you’re done—except for Gallagher Way access through a specific gate during innings 1-8. You can’t take drinks between the park and Gallagher Way.

Prohibited Items: No umbrellas, selfie sticks, hard coolers, glass bottles, inflatables, tripods, or any tobacco/vaping products. Wrigley has no bag check, so don’t show up with this stuff.

The Ultimate Guide To Legendary Wrigley Field Photo Credit: Pat Joseph

Getting To Wrigley Field

Navigating to Wrigley Field is convenient with various public transportation options. Whether you prefer the efficiency of Metra Trains, the direct drop-off of Pace Shuttle Buses, or the accessibility of Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Buses and Trains, there are multiple ways to reach the iconic stadium. Here’s a detailed list of transportation choices for your seamless journey to Wrigley Field:

  • Metra Trains: Metra offers train service to Wrigley Field via the UPNW line. Take the train to Irving Park and transfer to the 80 Bus from Irving Park Metra/Blue Line stop to Clark or Sheridan. Finally, a short walk of a couple of blocks will bring you to Wrigley Field.
  • Pace Shuttle Buses: Pace operates the Wrigley Field Express shuttle bus service, which directly drops you off at Wrigley Field. The cost is $4.50, and you can park at Randall Rd and 90 to catch the bus. 

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Buses and Trains To Wrigley:

  • CTA provides several bus and train options to reach Wrigley Field:
    • Red Line: Direct service to Wrigley Field via the accessible station at Addison. Fans can transfer to Red Line trains from all other rail lines and most east-west bus routes.
    • CTA Bus #152 (Addison): Stops at the intersection of Clark & Addison.
    • CTA Bus #22 (Clark): Also stops at the intersection of Clark & Addison.
    • CTA Bus #8 (Halsted): Operates north on Halsted from 79th Street to Broadway/Waveland.
    • CTA Bus #154 (Wrigley Field Express): Provides direct service to Wrigley Field from parking lots at DeVry University on Rockwell, a quarter-mile west of Western and a quarter-mile south of Addison. Service begins three hours before each game and continues until one hour after night games end, and two hours after weekend games end.
    • CTA Website

Remember to check the schedules and availability of these services before planning your trip to Wrigley Field.

Rideshare Tips For Wrigley

For rideshare pickup and drop-off at Wrigley Field, specific areas have been designated for these services. The designated locations are as follows:

  • Addison Street between Broadway and Halsted Street.
  • Irving Park Road between Clark Street and Seminary Avenue.

To enhance your experience when using rideshare services at Wrigley Field, consider the following tips:

  • To avoid congestion, walk west of Racine on Waveland and set your pickup spot there. The further west you go, the easier it will be for the Uber to access and pick you up.
  • For night and weekend games, make use of the free remote parking lot at 3900 N. Rockwell Street, accessible from Irving Park Road. Free shuttles operate to and from Wrigley Field, providing service two hours before the game starts and one hour after it ends.
  • The Cubs offer a complimentary bicycle valet service for home games in the alley just east of the main entrance to the CTA Red Line stop on Addison Street. The valet opens three hours prior to the regular season game’s scheduled start time and closes one hour after the game concludes.

It’s important to be mindful of increased traffic and congestion around Wrigley Field during games and events. The Cubs strongly recommend the use of public transportation for events at Wrigley Field.

Parking Tips For Wrigley Field

If you do plan to drive to Wrigley,  here are some tips for a hassle-free game day experience at Wrigley Field:

  • Book Parking in Advance: Utilize iphone/android apps like SpotHero to reserve parking spaces near Wrigley Field in advance, ensuring a stress-free arrival.
  • Peer-to-Peer Parking: Explore the Wrigleyville neighborhood’s peer-to-peer parking marketplace on SpotHero, where residents offer their parking spots to visitors.
  • Free Street Parking: Seek free street parking within a mile of Wrigley Field, arriving early to secure a spot as these spaces tend to fill up three hours before the game.
  • Free Remote Parking: Take advantage of the Cubs’ free remote parking at 3900 N. Rockwell St., with complimentary shuttle service to and from Wrigley Field for night and weekend games.
  • Tailgating: Note that tailgating is not permitted at any Wrigley Field parking site, but pre-game festivities at Gallagher Way offer a lively alternative.

Arrive early to secure your parking spot and consider the convenience of public transportation to enhance your overall game day experience.

Wrigley Field: Best Seats, Insider Tips and More.

Wrigley Field Insider Tips and Hacks

Wrigley’s in the middle of a residential neighborhood called Wrigleyville (see next section), which means the whole experience extends way beyond the turnstiles. You’re not showing up to a parking lot stadium—you’re walking into a scene. Use that to your advantage.

Food Strategy: Bring Your Own: Wrigley allows outside food and drinks (no alcohol) in clear bags. This is huge. Grab sealed water bottles outside for $1-2, sandwiches, peanuts, whatever. The concessions are among the most expensive in baseball and frankly not good. Post-pandemic, quality has tanked except for Hot Doug’s behind center field in the bleachers.

If you must eat inside: Hot Doug’s gourmet dogs if you’re in the bleachers. Helmet nachos are a classic. Everything else is just expensive belly-filler.

Better move: Hit Small Cheval outside the park for burgers, or grab a massive burrito from EL Burrito Mexicano near the L and bring it in. Murphy’s Bleachers across the street for pre-game drinks is mandatory.

Ticket Hacks: Cheapest tickets are always in Terrace Reserved upper rows (sections 202-208, 227-233 in the back). You can sometimes find these for under $20 for weekday games. Buy those, then walk around the park—you’re allowed on the concourse even with nosebleed seats. For most of the game, just stand in a good spot. Security doesn’t care unless you’re trying to sit in someone’s seat.

Rooftop tickets are separate businesses across the street—they include unlimited food and beer but you cannot access the stadium with those tickets, and there’s no re-entry. It’s a completely different experience. If you’ve never been to Wrigley, don’t do the rooftop first.

Timing & Access: Arrive at least 2 hours early for day games and big matchups. Parking is a nightmare. Honestly, just take the Red Line to Addison—it drops you right there.

Gates open 90 minutes before 6:40pm games, 2 hours before all other games (including weekends). If you want to see visiting team batting practice, get there right when gates open. Home team BP is earlier and you’ll likely miss it.

The Wrigley Tour: Tours run out of the Gallagher Way gate on the west side. Arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time. This is actually worth doing if you’ve never been—you get access to areas you’d never see during a game. But don’t do it the same day as your game; you’ll be exhausted.

First Game Certificate: Go to the booth inside the Gallagher Way Gate (Main Concourse). They print a free, personalized certificate for your kid’s first game. Do this in the 1st inning before the line gets long.

Random Wrigley Hacks & Must-Dos: Walk the entire concourse before you settle into your seat, especially if it’s your first time. The park is small enough that you can lap it in 10 minutes and the vibe changes significantly in each section.

The ivy on the walls is real. Balls get stuck in it. Ground rule double. You’ll see it happen.

If you’re in the bleachers, bring a glove—players warm up in the outfield and will toss balls to fans. Also, people are generally friendly out there despite the general admission chaos. Just don’t be an asshole about saving seats.

The hand-operated scoreboard is iconic. Watch it between innings—there’s usually someone updating scores from other games.

Weather at Wrigley is legitimately unpredictable. April games can be 45 degrees and sleeting or 75 and sunny. Layer up and check the forecast. The lake effect wind is real and it will ruin an otherwise perfect day.

One last thing: The Cubs are terrible at sellouts these days unless it’s a marquee matchup, so you can often score day-of tickets cheaper. Don’t overpay weeks in advance for a random Tuesday in June.

The Ultimate Guide To Legendary Wrigley Field Photo Credit: Chris6d

A Guide To Wrigleyville

Most Cubs fans head straight to Clark Street in Wrigleyville—the bars are packed hours before first pitch, the street closes to traffic on game days, and the whole neighborhood turns into one big tailgate party. Murphy’s Bleachers and The Cubby Bear are the epicenters, but there are dozens of bars within a two-block radius that fill up with locals, die-hards, and tourists. Post-game, most fans either stay on Clark Street or walk west to Southport Avenue for a quieter vibe with better food and fewer crowds.​

Best Bars Near Wrigley Field

Murphy’s Bleachers (3655 N Sheffield Ave): This is the Wrigleyville blueprint—an old-school bar just outside right field with a huge patio, rooftop seating, Cubs memorabilia everywhere, and a mix of locals and tourists. Murphy’s has been a fixture for close to 80 years and is still family-owned and operated. You can hear the roar of the crowd from inside the bar, and the energy is electric before and after games. If you only hit one bar, make it Murphy’s.​

The Cubby Bear (1059 W Addison St): The legendary sports bar directly across from Wrigley Field with live music, multiple levels, and packed-game-day chaos. Known for its lively atmosphere and constant stream of local bands and DJs. Great if you’re chasing the full “I went out in Wrigleyville and lost my voice” experience.​

Sluggers (3540 N Clark St): Total circus in the best way—batting cages upstairs, arcade games, dueling pianos, and bachelor/bachelorette parties everywhere. The go-to choice after a Cubs game if you want to keep the party going. Not subtle, not chill, but absolutely a Wrigley institution.​

Lucky Dorr (3714 N Clark St): Craft beer bar with a patio right next to Wrigley where you can hear the roar of the ballpark. The menu focuses on elevated ballpark bites like sausages and pretzels, and the beer list highlights local Chicago breweries. Great pregame meet-up if you want craft beer instead of macro beers.​

Vines on Clark (3554 N Clark St): One of the largest and best patios in Wrigleyville that stares directly at Wrigley Field. Ideal for eating, drinking, and soaking in the gameday atmosphere without ever going inside the stadium. Perfect for day drinking and big groups.

Gman Tavern: Chill, slightly artsy bar just off the main madness with craft beers and occasional live music. Good “we want to talk and still hear each other” option before or after the game. Consistently rated as one of the best bars in Wrigleyville.

Billy Goat Tavern – Wrigleyville: Spin-off of the iconic downtown spot with the same “cheezborger, cheezborger” energy and no-frills burgers. Good quick stop if you want something greasy and classic.

Solid Restaurants Near Wrigley Field

Big Star Wrigleyville: Taco and bourbon combo right off the park with al pastor tacos, queso, and a solid whiskey list in a loud, party vibe setting. Good for groups that want food with their drinks.

Happy Camper Pizzeria Wrigleyville: Solid pizza spot near the ballpark with creative pies and a fun atmosphere. Good for families or groups who want something more substantial than bar food.​

Coalfire (Southport Ave): Thin-crust, blistered-edge pizza with creative toppings—not deep dish, but one of the better pies within a short hop of Wrigley. Great if you’re staying nearby or doing a neighborhood wander.

Byron’s Hot Dogs: Classic Chicago dog stand with hot dogs, Polish sausages, and fries—no nonsense. If you want a Chicago-style dog without dealing with tourist lines, this is the move.

Swift Tavern Wrigleyville: Welcoming neighborhood restaurant and bar just steps from Wrigley Field where timeless flavors meet warm hospitality. Good for a sit-down meal before or after the game.

The Ultimate Guide To Legendary Wrigley Field Photo Credit: Sawyer Bengston Unsplash

Hotels Near Wrigley Field

If you’re in town for a Cubs game, the best move is to stay in Wrigleyville/Lakeview if you want to walk to the ballpark and be in the middle of the gameday chaos. River North is the next best option—you’re 20-25 minutes from Wrigley on the Red Line, surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and Magnificent Mile shopping. Lincoln Park splits the difference—closer to Wrigley than downtown, quieter than Wrigleyville, with great neighborhoods to explore. The Loop works if you’re doing other Chicago sightseeing and don’t mind a 25-minute train ride to the game.​

Hotels in Wrigleyville (Walking Distance to Wrigley Field)

Hotel Zachary
Hotel Zachary is literally across the street from Wrigley Field—you walk out the door and you’re at the ballpark. It’s a boutique hotel with Cubs-themed decor, spacious rooms, locally inspired dining and cocktails, and rooftop views of the stadium. The location is unbeatable if you want to be in the middle of the Wrigleyville gameday experience without dealing with transit or traffic. Best for fans who want to roll out of bed and walk to the game.​

The Chicago Hotel Collection – Wrigleyville
Located steps from Wrigley Field with modern rooms and Cubs-themed touches. It’s one of the only hotels right in Wrigleyville besides Hotel Zachary, so you get the convenience of walking to the game without the crowds of staying downtown. Good for fans who want proximity without paying Hotel Zachary prices.​

The Inn at Wrigleyville
A brownstone building converted into full-sized apartments literally across the street from the Wrigley bleachers—even closer than Hotel Zachary. You get multiple bedrooms and space to spread out, so it’s perfect for families or groups. The location is unbeatable, and the apartment-style setup gives you more room than a hotel.​

Hotels in Lakeview/Lincoln Park (Close to Wrigley)

Hotel Versey
A former Days Inn transformed into a Cubs-themed boutique hotel about 20 minutes walking distance from Wrigley Field. It’s clean, affordable, and in a great Lincoln Park location with easy access to restaurants and nightlife. Best for fans who want a budget-friendly option within walking distance of Wrigley without paying Wrigleyville prices.​

Majestic Hotel Chicago
Located in Lakeview about 0.6 miles from Wrigley Field with friendly staff and a nice residential neighborhood feel. You can walk to Starbucks, restaurants, and Wrigley Field in 10-15 minutes. Good for fans who want a quieter stay close to the ballpark.

Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace Hotel
About 0.6 miles from Wrigley Field with easy walking distance to the ballpark and the CTA Red Line at Addison Street. The neighborhood has quality dining options and beautiful residential streets. Good value for fans who want to be close to Wrigley without staying in the middle of Wrigleyville chaos.​

City Suites Hotel
Highly rated boutique hotel in Lakeview within walking distance of Wrigley Field. Clean, comfortable, and in a great neighborhood with local restaurants and bars. Best for fans who want a quieter residential area close to the action.​

Hotels in River North (Near Downtown, Red Line Access to Wrigley)

Hyatt Place Chicago River North
Located in River North near the Magnificent Mile with easy access to the Red Line. You’re 20-25 minutes from Wrigley by train, and you’re staying in the heart of Chicago’s tourism district. Best for fans who want downtown convenience and sightseeing access while still getting to Wrigley easily.​

Kinzie Hotel
Boutique hotel in River North close to the Red Line and surrounded by restaurants and nightlife. You’re staying downtown but still have easy train access to Wrigley. Good for fans who want to explore Chicago beyond just the ballpark.​

Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown River North
Suite-style hotel in River North with complimentary breakfast and easy Red Line access to Wrigley. Best for families or groups who want space and downtown convenience.

Budget Options

Old Chicago Inn featuring Room 13
A small, nostalgic property about 0.5 miles from Wrigley Field with budget-friendly rates. It’s tiny but clean, and the location is walkable to the ballpark. Best for fans who care more about saving money than hotel amenities.

Wrigley Hostel
Basic hostel accommodations in Wrigleyville for budget travelers who just need a bed near the ballpark. Best for solo travelers or backpackers on a tight budget.

The Ultimate Guide To Legendary Wrigley Field Photo Credit: Christopher Alvarenga Unsplash

Fun Things To Do In Chicago

If you’re a local visiting Wrigley for the first time or a local looking to explore this fantastic city, Chicago offers a plethora of exciting activities during the summer. Here are some of the best things to do:

Millennium Park: Explore Millennium Park, home to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (known as “The Bean”), outdoor concerts, and beautiful gardens. Attend free events like outdoor film screenings and concerts.

Navy Pier: Visit Navy Pier for its amusement park rides, the Centennial Wheel, cruises on Lake Michigan, and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The Navy Pier fireworks display is a must-see on summer nights.

Lakefront Trail: Enjoy outdoor activities along Lake Michigan on the Lakefront Trail. You can bike, jog, rollerblade, or simply take a leisurely stroll while enjoying stunning views of the lake and city skyline.

Beaches: Chicago boasts several sandy beaches along Lake Michigan, such as North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach. Relax in the sun, take a dip in the lake, or join beach volleyball games.

Chicago Riverwalk: Stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, where you can find cafes, restaurants, and art installations. Take an architecture boat tour to learn about the city’s fascinating history.

Grant Park: Spend time in Grant Park, known as Chicago’s “front yard.” Visit Buckingham Fountain, attend outdoor festivals like Taste of Chicago, or relax on the Great Lawn.

Lincoln Park Zoo: Explore the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is free to enter. Enjoy a day surrounded by wildlife, attend special events, and take a stroll through the beautiful Lincoln Park Conservatory.


Visiting Wrigley is less about checking a ballpark off your list (and this should be on your list) and more about dropping into a living, slightly chaotic baseball neighborhood that’s been doing this for over a century. The park is quirky and imperfect—there are poles in the way, the wind plays games with fly balls, and you’ll probably pay too much for something—but that’s exactly what makes it feel real.

Go early, walk the concourse, grab a pregame drink in Wrigleyville, and let the whole day breathe instead of just showing up for first pitch and leaving at the final out. Let us know if we missed any of your favorite spots, here are some other guides in Chicago and the region. Go Cubbies!

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Written by Brad Richards, Founder of Gameday Guides. This guide includes insights from personal visits as well as updated info from team sources, fan forums, and stadium policies. We aim to help you plan with confidence — enjoy your gameday.

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