Another vote for Chicago |
I think it depends on whether you want to drive or fly.
Pittsburgh is drivable and has tons to do and great food. Lots of outdoorsy stuff to do. Chicago is a little cooler but there is flying and the extra cost of that. Both cool places. |
Another vote for Chicago. |
Not only is there more to do in Chicago but it’s also a beach town in the summer so you can kind of have two different kinds of experiences. I really didn’t understand this until I went in the summer. |
Chicago is one of the best cities anywhere in the summer. You have no idea.
Go and you won't want return ![]() Pitt is fine but it's another city. Chicago is magical in the summer. |
What's the best beach in Chicago? |
I can’t speak to either city, but you might check and see if there are festivals, performances, or other special events you might be interested in. |
Montrose or Foster beach for families. Oak Street or North Ave. beach for more of a party/drinking scene. |
North Ave or Oak St.
Aug usually bring air shoe which is always cool. Blue angels alternates years with thunderbirds. When I used to work in the castle building we'd see them practicing that wk. Chicago in my 20s was the best times in my life. ![]() I'm sure it's changed now but still. Try The Lutz or Wushbone for brunch. So many of my fave places have unfortunately closed. New stuff for sure that's great. Architectural tour which I'm sure everyone's already mentioned. The museums in Chicago are like 100000000x better than anything in DC. Seriously. Uptown has Green Mill. Guessing still there? |
I’m intrigued. Where do you like to stay when you visit Chicago? |
I used to live in Chicago. There are lots of great neighborhood festivals and tons of performances, events, etc…in the city. Chicagoans really maximize their warm weather with spring and summer. Everyone is outside all the time. So, so much going on and to do. Plus the beach and lake is great. Amazing trail along the lake for walking, biking, running, rollerblading with fantastic skyline views. |
Both are great cities. I think I’d rather live in Pittsburgh, but for a 5-day sightseeing trip, I’d recommend Chicago. |
When you said short getaway I thought you meant 2-3 days in which case I’d vote for Pittsburgh bc there’s just enough to fill 3 days. It’s a cool city. But since you have 5 days, I say Chicago since there’s more to do. |
There’s plenty to do in Pittsburgh for 5 days: Kennywood, Incline/Station Square/Mt.Washington/Gateway Clipper Cruise, Aviary/Children’s Museum, PNC baseball game, Sandcastle Waterslide Park, Heinz Museum, Carnegie Science Museum, Carnegie Natural History Museum, Idlewild Park, the Point, Pittsburgh Zoo/Aquarium, The Benedum, etc. |
Warhol Museum |