Under $100: Chicago

Spend a day in the Windy City without breaking the bank! Take this travel itinerary and personalize it to suit travel preferences and plans. This sample day is only about $80.

Start the day with Citrus and Gingersnap Pancakes at the Bongo Room for $10.25. The Bongo Room is known for their brunch and breakfast menu — they are so popular they no longer accept reservations.

Be sure to visit the Field Museum, a basic ticket costs $18 for adults with discounts for students and seniors. The museum focuses on science and history and holds the largest, most complete T. Rex fossil named Sue. Explore the Ancient Egypt exhibit and visit the Field Museum’s current exhibition as well.

Pick up lunch a Falafill while enjoying al fresco seating. This fresh, causal restaurant offers a picnic box for $9.50, which includes a complete meal of four falafels, an open pita, two sides and a dessert.

Peruse Millennium Park, an outdoor space filled with natural and cultural attractions. The space was converted from an industrial eyesore into a public cultural attraction with the help of Frank Gehry in 1997. The park includes gardens, landscape architecture and public art.

Dine at Delecce, an eclectic local restaurant. A dinner entrée, such as the Lobster Roll, and beverage will cost about $25. The restaurant is conveniently located near the next stop, Chicago’s Music Box Theatre.

Catch a movie at Chicago’s Music Box Theatre, known for its midnight screenings of cult classics, such as The Big Lebowski, and independent films. General tickets cost $10 and can be purchased in advance on the theatre’s website or at the box office.

Make a note of the most interesting parts of the trip and plan a return visit soon. For less than $100, Chicago is an affordable and eclectic option.