The Premise: Forget faking a fever. Today, we’re leveraging the power of online booking and savvy scheduling to achieve the impossible: a perfect Chicago day. We’ll capture the essence of Ferris’s carefree spirit, but with a touch of modern efficiency.
We’re recreating the magic of Ferris’s legendary day, blending the classic movie moments with a modern Chicago experience.
The Itinerary:
Rise and Shine (But Not Too Early): 9:00 AM
- Unlike Ferris’s elaborate setup, we’re relying on a well-charged phone and a killer playlist.
- Start with an 80s playlist to set the mood.
- “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” This isn’t just a quote; it’s our mantra.
Glenbrook North High School: 10:00 AM
- Visit Ferris’s girlfriend Sloane’s school.
- Walk the concrete stairs that Sloane walked down.
- Location: 2300 Shermer Road, Northbrook, IL 60062
Cameron’s House: 10:45 AM
- Drive by Cameron Frye’s modernist home.
- See the glass-encased garage where the Ferrari scene took place.
- Location: 370 Beech Street, Highland Park, IL 60035. (Respect the resident’s privacy)
333 West Wacker: 11:15 AM
- View the uniquely curved building that was shown during the start of the downtown scenes.
- Location: 333 West Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606
Willis Tower Skydeck: 12:00 PM
- Reach new heights! We’re heading to the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) for breathtaking views.
- Modern Twist: Book your Skydeck tickets in advance to secure your spot.
- “Anything is peaceful from one thousand, three hundred and fifty-three feet.”
- Take some epic panoramic photos for your social media.
- Location: 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606
Chicago Board of Trade: 1:00 PM
- See the iconic building featured in the film.
- Location: 141 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60604
Lunch at Italian Village: 1:45 PM
- See the Iconic neon sign that was shown in the movie.
- Location: 71 West Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60603
Parking Garage & Wells Street: 2:30 PM
- See the parking garage where the Ferrari was dropped off.
- See Wells Street where the Ferrari joyride began.
- Location: 172 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60602, and West Madison Street & South Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60602.
Art Institute of Chicago: 3:15 PM
- Just like Ferris, Sloane, and Cameron, we’re hitting the Art Institute.
- Modern Twist: Pre-book your tickets online to skip the lines. (Official Site: Art Institute of Chicago)
- “A man needs a hobby.” We’ll soak in the art, especially Seurat’s “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte.”
- Capture the moment with a quick, artistic Instagram reel.
- Location: 111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603.
Daley Plaza & Federal Center: 4:30 PM
- Experience the Von Steuben Day Parade atmosphere (or a similar event).
- See the Picasso sculpture.
- Walk through the Federal Center and see the Calder’s Flamingo sculpture.
- Location: 50 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602, and 230 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60604.
Wrigley Field: 5:30 PM
- A quick trip to Wrigleyville to soak in the atmosphere of Wrigley Field.
- Even if there is not a game, the area is full of energy.
- Take some photos of the iconic stadium.
- Soak in the atmosphere of the iconic ballpark.
- Location: 1060 West Addison Street, Chicago, IL 60613.
Lake Shore Drive: 6:30 PM
- Cruise down Lake Shore Drive, enjoying the city skyline and lake views.
- Location: 1114 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611
Glencoe Beach: 7:30 PM
- Cruise down Lake Shore Drive, enjoying the city skyline and lake views.
- Location: 1114 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611
Evening Views: 9:00 PM
Find a rooftop bar or scenic spot to enjoy the city lights.
Key Elements:
- Respect for private property: When visiting residential locations, maintain a respectful distance.
- Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust the itinerary based on traffic and event schedules.
- Pre-plan: Book tickets and make reservations in advance, especially for popular attractions.
This itinerary provides a comprehensive tour of Ferris Bueller’s Chicago, blending movie nostalgia with the city’s modern attractions but it is just a framework. Feel free to customise it to your interests and preferences. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and create unforgettable memories!
Is it achievable? Absolutely not this is for fun!
Where to Stay
About Cramberts
From our home base in Amsterdam, we frequently explore some of Europe’s most vibrant cities, and we’ve compiled detailed guides to share our insider knowledge. Whether you’re seeking the canals and culture of Amsterdam itself, the sunny beaches of Gran Canaria, the historic charm of Lisbon and Porto, the bustling energy of Barcelona and Madrid, the refined elegance of Paris and Munich, the unique character of Sitges, or the diverse landscapes of the Randstad region, you’ll find comprehensive information and recommendations in the links below.
See Also
Amsterdam | Barcelona | Chicago | Cologne | Gran Canaria | Iceland | Lisbon | London | Madrid | Munich | Paris | Porto | Randstad | Sitges | Sydney | Washington DC
Note: Some of these links are affiliates which means using them won’t cost you any extra but we do receive a small commission for each referral. You’re not obligated to use them but we appreciate it if you do. Thanks in advance for supporting our site if you choose to use our links.