Exploring Chicago Airport: Activities And Attractions

Chicago O'Hare International Airport is a busy airport with lots of shopping, eating, and wellness amenities. If you have a long layover, you might want to check out the yoga room or the spa. There's also plenty of art to see, including the popular neon tunnel, The Sky's the Limit. If you're hungry, you can try local specialties like Chicago-style hot dogs, pizza, and Garrett Popcorn. For a sit-down meal, there's Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi. And if you have a long layover, you can even head downtown to explore Millennium Park, the SkyDeck at Willis Tower, and more.

Eat at Tortas Frontera

If you're looking for a bite to eat at Chicago's O'Hare Airport, you can't go wrong with Tortas Frontera. Created by celebrity chef Rick Bayless, this Mexican restaurant is a favourite among travellers, food critics, and journalists alike.

Tortas Frontera has achieved legendary status for its delicious tortas (pressed Mexican sandwiches made on a telera roll) and other Mexican fare. The menu also includes salads, guacamole, soups, cocktails, micheladas, aguas frescas, wine, and locally made alfajores (a dulce de leche sandwich cookie). The restaurant combines high-quality ingredients from top local providers with recipes based on the incredible food found in Mexico. You can be sure that all the food is fresh, as the prep kitchen isn't big enough to store or make a lot of food ahead of time.

Tortas Frontera has three locations in O'Hare Airport: in Terminal 1, near gate B11; Terminal 3, near gate K4; and Terminal 5, near gate M18. The restaurant is open daily from 5 or 6 am to 9 or 10 pm, depending on the terminal. You can also order online via their app or website for pickup.

The restaurant has received rave reviews from several publications. Time Out Chicago praised its listing of local farms where its meat comes from as "unheard of" for an airport restaurant. The Chicago Tribune called it "finally, a reason to get delayed at O'Hare!" and GQ Magazine included it in its list of the "Top Ten Airport Restaurants in America".

So, if you're looking for a tasty meal to enjoy during your layover at O'Hare Airport, be sure to check out Tortas Frontera. With its convenient locations, delicious food, and positive reviews, it's sure to be a memorable dining experience.

Relax in the yoga room

If you're looking to unwind and relax at Chicago O'Hare Airport, the yoga room is the perfect place. Located in Terminal 3, next to the quiet area in the rotunda, you can easily find this tranquil space to stretch, meditate, or simply take a moment for yourself.

As you step into the yoga room, you'll be greeted by sustainable bamboo-lined floors and wall-to-ceiling mirrors, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Yoga mats are readily available, and an instructional TV plays yoga classes, guiding you through your practice. There's also a designated area for your luggage and belongings, so you can focus on your relaxation without any distractions.

The yoga room offers a private and serene environment with a frosted-glass wall that allows natural light to fill the space while providing privacy from the bustling airport. Plants line the exterior windows, and calm earth tones enhance the overall sense of tranquillity. You can also meditate or listen to calming sounds, creating a truly peaceful experience.

With its convenient location across from the USO and proximity to public restrooms, the yoga room is easily accessible and provides a great opportunity to freshen up. Feel free to change into comfortable clothes and wash your face before or after your yoga session. The yoga room is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., so you can easily fit in a relaxing session during your layover.

So, if you're looking to stretch your body and calm your mind during your time at Chicago O'Hare Airport, the yoga room is the ideal spot. Unwind, recharge, and reflect in this peaceful sanctuary within the busy airport.

Explore the art trail

If you're looking to stretch your legs and take in some art during your time at Chicago O'Hare Airport, there's plenty to explore.

Start in American Airlines' iconic Terminal 3, where you can see the world flags hanging, representing every country American Airlines services from Chicago. Then, head over to Terminal 1 to see the four-story-high brachiosaurus and visit the Field Museum.

Next, check out "Sky's the Limit", a 744-foot-long kinetic neon sculpture of light and sound. This $1.2 million installation is an underground tunnel connecting Terminals 1 and 2, with access to United Airlines. It's a great spot for fun photos and interesting pictures.

Over at Terminal 2, you can learn about WWII war hero Butch O'Hare, after whom the airport is named. See the F4F-3 fighter plane and read about his story. There's also a free 1,800-square-foot Family Lounge in Terminal 2, with stroller parking, device chargers, and a colourful seating area.

Coming soon to Terminal 5 is an art investment with a $3.5 million budget. While we don't know the specifics yet, it's sure to be impressive!

If you have time, you can also take the Chicago L's Blue Line from Terminal 2 to get downtown in 45 minutes. There, you can explore Chicago's world-class museums, such as the Adler Planetarium and the Shedd Aquarium. However, keep an eye on the time, as it's easy to lose track when you're out and about!

Shop at the duty-free stores

Chicago O'Hare International Airport has a few duty-free shopping options for travellers. Duty-free shops can be found in Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5.

One of the duty-free shops is located in Terminal 5, just after the security point. This shop offers a convenient location for travellers who don't want to shop for duty-free goods on board the plane. The shop carries a range of duty-free goods, including liquor, chocolate, cosmetics, and perfume. While the selection may be limited, it is a pleasant place to shop before your flight.

Another duty-free shop, the Dufry Duty-Free Shop, can be found in multiple terminals. This shop offers a variety of duty-free items, such as fragrances, cosmetics, and liquor. While the shop may be smaller than expected, it provides easy access to duty-free goods.

In addition to the duty-free shops, O'Hare Airport also has a variety of other shopping options, including luxury brands, souvenirs, and bookstores. Whether you're looking for last-minute travel essentials or a special treat, you're sure to find something to suit your needs.

Visit the Urban Garden

If you're looking for a peaceful spot to relax and recharge during a layover at Chicago O'Hare Airport, head to the Urban Garden. This unique indoor garden is located in the rotunda building between Terminals 2 and 3, and it's definitely worth a visit.

The Urban Garden covers 928 square feet and features 26 "aeroponic" towers that grow a variety of vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers. The produce is harvested and served fresh at nearby airport restaurants, including Tortas Frontera, Wicker Park Sushi & Seafood, Blackhawks, and Tuscany. It's truly a farm-to-table experience!

Some of the crops grown in the garden include habanero peppers, bibb lettuce, thyme, oregano, and green beans. The growing process is similar to hydroponics, with seeds first germinated in nutrient-rich volcanic rock and then transferred to eight-foot-tall towers that provide a fertilized water mixture. This efficient system allows for quick maturation, with some plants ready for harvest in just four weeks.

The Urban Garden is more than just a source of fresh produce. It also serves as a tranquil oasis for travellers. Comfortable chairs are set up around the garden, creating a park-like atmosphere. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the view of the runways while surrounded by the lush greenery of the garden.

So, if you're looking for a quiet place to unwind or want to experience the innovative side of airport dining, be sure to visit the Urban Garden during your next layover at Chicago O'Hare Airport. It's a great way to support sustainable initiatives and treat yourself to some delicious, locally sourced food.

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