Aurora is one of the best cities in the state of Illinois that offers many amazing things to do and see. Located in the Greater Chicago's outer region, the city offers the visitors with plenty of entertainment; prominent architectural as well as historical landmarks; various cultural, shoppin , dining and nightlife options. The city is vibrant with its magnificent buildings lined up, creating a stunning view. Whether you're planning for a weekend getaway or a transit stop - the City of Aurora is a thriving destination. Explore the city's top attractions you must visit in your 48 hours stay in Aurora.
Image by Smallbones (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia CommonsFirst Day Tour of Aurora!
A stroll around Historic Downtown at 8:00 am
Kick start your day with a power walking tour of the historic downtown area. This is perhaps the best way to explore the city and also to marvel the beautiful architecture. After the stroll, you can sit yourself down for coffee and breakfast.
Breakfast at 9:00 am
Time to fuel up. There are lots of yummy breakfast options in and around downtown. Stop at Jake’s Bagels & Deli at 220 N Broadway, Aurora for some delicious, fresh bagels and more. Or relish some delish pancake at Aurora Pancake House. This is a destination eatery that will totally delight you with its fame pancakes.
Jake’s Bagels & Deli
220 N Broadway
Aurora, IL 60505
Phone number (630) 906-0332
Aurora Pancake House
321 N. Lake St.
Aurora, IL 60506
630.895.1122
William Tanner House Museum Tour at 10:00 am
After an wholesome breakfast, stop at William Tanner House Museum. This beautiful Italianate architectural style museum was opened in 1857. After admiring its extensive collections, you can drop by the museum store and gift shop that offers posters, historical books, toys and t-shirts.
Address: 305 Cedar Street, Aurora, Illinois 60506, US
Phone: 1 630-897-9029
Website:
www.aurorahistory.net
Next up is SciTech Hands On Museum at at 12:00 noon
This is a big venue that offers hands on sci-fi experience. The exhibits are simply awesome and this is truly a fun place to learn for children. All children below 18 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times. They offer several programs like Discovery Day Field Trips, Birthday Parties, Museum Overnight camps and much more. For more details, click the website below.
Address: 18 W. Benton Street, Aurora, Illinois 60506
Phone Number: 1 630-859-3434
Website:
www.scitechmuseum.orgHours:
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday to Friday: 10AM to 3PM
Saturdays: 10AM to 4PM
Sundays: CLOSED
Admission: $8 for General Public (4-59 years); $6 Military & Seniors 60 and Free entry for kids ages 3 years and younger
Lunch at 1:00 pm
Pitaville Mediterranean Grill for mouth watering Middle Eastern and Mediterranean delights. If you like Mexican cuisine, Pancho’s Family Restaurant serves amazing homemade Mexican fare.
Pitaville Mediterranean Grill 1552 N Aurora Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563
Phone number (779) 707-0234
Pancho’s Family Restaurant 1552 N Aurora Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563
Phone number (779) 707-0234
Phillips Park Zoo at 2:30 pm
Zoo time is always a fun time for all age groups. At Phillips Park Zoo, you can incur lots of understanding about the animal world. The zoo was originally opened in 1915 and it welcomes visitors all year-round. Admission here is free. After a fun zoo outing, you can also stop at the adjacent golf course.
Address: 1000 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora, Illinois 60505, US
Hours: 9:00 am to 5 pm daily
Phone: 1 630-256-3860
Kids Fun Time! Blackberry Farm at 4:00 pm
This is one of the best places to visit in aurora with kids. Arriving there, you will see the venue beautifully decorated with colorful flowers, miniature train, historical vehicles and lots of other interesting things. From merry go round to petting zoo to train rides and more - you'll love to come back here again and again. Their outdoor aquatic centers include Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center and splash Country Water Park. They also have fitness and athletic centers.
Address: 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora, Illinois 60506
Phone Number: 630-892-1550
Website:
www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/facilities/blackberry-farm
Catch up a play in Paramount Theater at 6:30 pm
This is a gem of a venue to enjoy shows and live musicals. The theater's Art Deco style coupled with the amazing Venetian elements will charm you totally. A fun evening is guaranteed here, so you ought to visit this theater when you're in Aurora. For show timings and tikets, please click on the website below.
Address: 23 East Galena Boulevard, Aurora, Illinois 60506
Phone Number: (630) 896-7676
Website:
www.paramountaurora.com
Dinner at 9:00 pm
For a scrumptious dinner you can stop at McBride’s North. They serve traditional American cuisine. Or if Italian is your choice, drop by Doughballs Pizza Palace.
McBride’s North2340 S Eola Rd
Aurora, IL 60503
Phone number (331) 704-0305
Doughballs Pizza Palace40 W New York St
Aurora, IL 60505
Phone number (630) 844-5205
Get a glimpse of Aurora's nightlife at 11:00 pm
While in vacation, you must not skip a post dinner night-out accompanied with drinks, music, dance and lots of entertainment. There are several cool and happening bars in and around Aurora region, like
A Complete Map Guide on Day1 Tour of Aurora
Second Day Tour of Aurora!
Breakfast at 8:00 am
Day 2 of the city tour awaiting. For breakfast, try out Pomegranate Restaurant. Here you can enjoy a wide range of dishes - French onion soup, bacon, toast, eggs etc. Another good breakfast joint to enjoy fresh bagels with cream cheese is Jake’s Bagels & Deli
Pomegranate Restaurant55 S Commons Drive, Aurora, IL 60504
Phone number (630) 692-0009
Jake’s Bagels & Deli220 N Broadwy, Aurora, IL 60505
Phone number (630) 906-0332
Aurora Regional Fire Museum at visit at 10:00 am
This place is an interesting venue to soak in lots of resourceful information about fire safety and prevention. The museum have extensive collections and display history and artifacts of the city's fire departments. This is an apt place to bring your kids to educate and entertain.
Address: PO Box 1782, Aurora, Illinois 60507
Phone: (630) 256-4140
Website: www.auroraregionalfiremuseum.org/museum
Historic exploration at Grand Army of the Republic Hall at 11:30 am
This historic building is registered under United States national Register of Historic Places. Built in 1877, this Gothic style revival structure will wow you totally. The building is octagonally-shaped, with half stories and the outside features an 1851 cannon, a flagpole and a bench. Visit the venue and pay homage to the US veterans.
Address: 23 East Downer Place Aurora, Illinois
A Quick Lunch Break at 1:00 pm
I bet you must be hungry by now. Grab a quick bite at Gillerson’s Grubbery and enjoy their yummy burgers and pretzel buns. For Mexican delights you can stop at Taqueria El Tio. Relish their fresh tacos and salsas.
Gillerson’s Grubbery33 W New York Street, Aurora, Illinois 60506
Phone number (630) 340-3719
Taqueria El Tio81 S River Street, Aurora, Illinois 60506
Phone number (630) 844-6603
Soak in Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center at 2:30 pm
Stop in this fun spot - family-friendly aquatic center is a wonderful venue to unwind with your family and friends. There are lots to enjoy here, from Zero-depth entry leisure pool to twisting enclosed body flume slide to drop-off slides to volleyball courts to Lap-lane swimming to a sand play area - all these and more.
Address: 828 Montgomery Rd, Aurora, Illinois 60505
Phone Number: 630-851-8686
Website:
ww.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org
Shop at Chicago Premium Outlets at 4:30 pm
Get ready for some exciting fashion discovery at Chicago Premium Outlets. You will come across exceptional brands in amazing deal here. Stroll and browse along this outdoor center that encompasses more than 140 stores, including Coach Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Armani Outlet, Michael Kors, Under Armour and more. The venue also has many other entertainment areas, like skating pond, art installations, fireplaces, a play area and water.
Address: 650 Premium Outlet Boulevard, Aurora, Illinois 60502-2901
Phone:(630) 585-2200 Shopping Line: (630) 585-2200
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am - 9pm and Sunday 10am - 7pm
Aurora Skate Center at 6:30 pm
The venue hosts birthday parties, skate programs, private parties, live organ-music dance session and more. This is a fun place for everyone, from little ones to adults. You can also check out the Aurora Skate Shop on line where you can get all your skating needs.
Address: 34 W 113 Montgomery Road, Aurora, Illinois 60504
Phone Number: (630) 898-5830
Website:
www.skateaurora.com
Hollywood Casino Aurora at 8:00 pm
Enjoy your last meal of the day at ChicagoLand Casino dining. This is a delectable steak house and features amazing buffet.
Later, you can catch a sparkling night scenes at Center Stage - one of the top casino entertainment venues in Greater Chicago regions. There are lots of entertainment choices available. With the hottest slots and table games, you cannot miss out the star like feel experience in this one of the most happening casinos in Chicago.
Address: 1 W New York Stret, Aurora, Aurora, Illinois 60506
Phone Number: 1 800-888-7777
Website:
www.hollywoodcasinoaurora.com
A Complete Map Guide on Day 2 Tour of Aurora
