How to Make the Most of a Layover: Road Trip to Chicago Navy Pier Posted on October 17, 2018September 11, 2026 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... I’ve never been to Chicago. Well, technically, I’ve been to O’Hare a dozen times. But I never left the airport. We drove in yesterday and decided to check out one of its iconic landmarks— the Navy Pier. Chicago’s mix of lakefront views, lively attractions, and rich culture makes it easy to fill a few hours or a whole day. Take a ride on the Centennial Wheel or river cruises before our flight. Visit the Children’s Museum or watch a play at the Shakespeare playhouse. Or enjoy a Chicago deep dish or Italian beef during a layover at Chicago Navy Pier. Table of Contents Layover at Chicago Navy Pier Road Trip Navy Pier Stroll What’s Happening on the Pier? Giordano’s Shoreline’s Architecture River Tour Like it! Pin it! Layover at Chicago Navy Pier Road Trip We arrived about 9 hours before our flight. I hate spending that time at the airport, so a long layover excursion sounded perfect for the day. Chicago’s Navy Pier sounded like a hassle-free, one-destination stop to get a little taste of Chicago. Navy Pier Stroll What’s Happening on the Pier? We planned to stroll along the pier and see what we could see. We’d follow it up with a skyline cruise and a deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s. We got a break in the weather. It was an unseasonable 72 for late September in Chicago. Although the beer garden was closed, many restaurants were still open. There are also a few souvenir shops along the pier. However, the view of Chicago’s skyline is the real highlight of the stroll. Even on an overcast day, the mountainous buildings jet into the sky. Giordano’s Get Giordano’s during a layover at the Chicago Navy Pier. It has been serving deep-dish pizza on the pier since 1974. All I can say is I’m glad we got a small one, but we probably could have gotten away with a personal pan pizza. I would also suggest you call ahead. We were told it would be 45 minutes before we were seated and then another 60 minutes for our pizza. If you call 312-288-8783 or go online, you’ll get served a lot faster. Shoreline’s Architecture River Tour Enjoy your layover at Chicago Navy Pier on a cruise excursion. Shoreline’s award-winning 75-minute Architecture River Tour to discover Chicago’s renowned landmarks as presented by our expert and entertaining guides. On your tour, you’ll learn how Chicago rose from the ashes of the 1871 Great Fire. And how it became the birthplace of the skyscraper and a significant influence on modern American architecture. Shoreline’s Architecture River Tour features commentary on more than 40 of the city’s most famous buildings, close-up views, and excellent photo. Like it! Pin it! This post is sponsored and/or contains affiliate links, from which I earn a commission at no extra cost to the reader. I appreciate your support and know that all the views expressed are my own. I love sharing stories, lessons from abroad, and tips for curious travelers. If my work has inspired you or made you smile, please buy me a coffee. Your support helps me keep the blog running—at no cost to you. My articles are available as mobile apps for offline reading and GPS-assisted directions. Download my articles on GPSMyCity. This post contains sponsored and/or affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission. Discover more from Duffel Bag Spouse Travels Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. Type your email… Subscribe DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES ChicagoNORTH AMERICAUnited States
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My cousin used to work in Chicago until last year she came back to Singapore. I heard so many stories from her. Glad to read about this post and it has so many information. I am planning for East Coast US tour in these two years and I have to do Navy Pier without fail. The 75 min river tour look fun to explore and check out the architecture, may be a great intro for Chicago skyline. Reply
I’ve never been to Chicago but everyone is always so impressed by the place. For sure, I am also in love with the architecture around. That pizza also looks very yummy! Reply
All these photos looks exciting.It seems like you had great time experiencing Chicago and Chicago Navy Pier.. Reply
Navy Pier is iconic and we’ve heard about it from friends that have visited before, even from across the pond x Reply
Just like “The Bean”, Navy Pier is always part of the must visit places whenever you head to Chicago. Perfect for some food tripping too. Reply
That pizza is so think and big! OMG! it is making me so hungry! Navy Pier looks like a beautiful place! Reply
That is really a long hour of layover but that is fine with me because I was given to see the beautiful place of Chicago Navy Pier. Reply
Definitely, Chicago is an amazing place for travelling.! There is so much to see and do. It looks like a really beautiful drive. You captured awesome pictures on your travel trip. That place looks amazing to visit. Thank you so much for sharing great experiences with us. Reply
I have taken a water tour there too. If I had a 9 hour delay at the airport, I’d be in the city in a blink of an eye too. I love Chicago. Reply
Seems like a great tour! I suddenly miss eating deep dish pizza. Thanks for sharing your wonderful trip! Reply
I have only been to Chicago’s Navy Pier once. Although many years ago, I still remembering it to be a highlight of my trip. Reply
I love how scenic Navy pier looks. Also I have seen this pizza place on the Food Network channel and I honestly can’t wait until I go to Chicago to taste it I might just end up having to eat pork again just so I can get me some deep dish. Reply
Chicago is such a great city. Probably one of my favorites in the world. Navy Pier is great at all times of the day too Reply
It sounds like you really made the most of your layover. What a lovely place to go and explore – I bet it is lovely walking down by the pier. Reply
I’ve never been to Chicago but it looks amazing in photos. I think, 45 minutes Architecture River Tour would be great to enjoy and discover renowned places. Reply
I want that pizza! Yum! I’ve never been to Chicago before but I want to go one day. Mostly to eat, I won’t lie. Reply
That pizza looks absolutely incredible – just look at that cheese! Navy Pier looks like a great place to visit whilst on a layover. Reply
I have been there. It is indeed a lovely place to explore so I agree with all your points and places. Reply
Chicago is such a great city. I was shocked at how beautiful it was and how good the food was too…you’ll never catch me there in the winter though 🙂 Reply
I love Chicago and deep dish pizza and Marina City and the Chicago River. Please let me go there soon. Reply
We really enjoyed the pier. We are planning another trip next summer when its warmer and more things to do outside. Reply