We’ve all heard the noise.
If you scroll through the comment sections on social media, you’ll find plenty of people who have never set foot in Chicago eager to tell you exactly why you shouldn’t visit.
But one British couple decided to ignore the “don’t go there” warnings and see the city for themselves.
Their verdict? Chicago isn’t just okay-it’s absolutely stunning.
James and his partner Sianna, travel vloggers from the UK, recently dropped a video documenting their first 24 hours in the Windy City.
Despite their followers telling them they would “regret going,” the duo was left wondering why anyone would ever hate on this place.
Here is what happened when they took on the CTA, the world’s biggest Starbucks, and the legendary Italian Beef.
The Commute: $5 vs. London Prices
The couple stayed out near O’Hare and took the Blue Line into the city.
While they had a brief struggle with the ticket machine (a relatable struggle for anyone who doesn’t carry cash), they were floored by the price.
They snagged a 24-hour pass for $5.
In London, an all-day travel card can run nearly £20 (about $26).
“You can’t rely on bloody bank cards,” James joked after paying cash, but once they were on the train, the mood shifted. Watching the sunrise over the highway from the Blue Line gave them their first taste of the skyline.
Upon exiting at Grand, the reaction was immediate.
“Why does this look so American?” they laughed, pointing out the flags and the rusty-but-charming L tracks. “Picture America… this is 100% it.”
The “Grand” Coffee Experience
You can’t visit downtown without noticing the massive Starbucks Reserve Roastery on Michigan Avenue.
The couple decided to see if the “biggest Starbucks in the world” lived up to the hype.
While they suffered a bit of sticker shock—spending $17 on two coffees—they admitted the four-story coffee palace feels more like a restaurant than a quick caffeine stop.
“It’s definitely worth coming here to visit,” James said, noting the cocktail bar on the fourth floor and the sheer scale of the operation.
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The “Midwest Nice” is Real
Perhaps the best moment of the vlog happened on the Riverwalk.
The couple was debating whether to buy tickets for an architecture boat tour—tickets that usually run about $65 a pair—when two local women turned around and handed them two tickets for free.
“You guys can have our tickets… we got too many,” the women told them.
It was a classic example of Chicago hospitality.
The couple hopped on the boat (shout out to their guide, Bill) and spent the next hour getting their minds blown by the skyscrapers.
“The buildings are just something else, man,” James said. “You can spend all day just walking around and hurting your neck looking upwards.”
The Italian Beef Test
You simply cannot come to Chicago and just eat salad.
The couple headed to Al’s #1 Italian Beef to try the city’s signature sandwich.
“Apparently, it’s the best beef Italian sandwich you get in Chicago,” James said.
The verdict? “I agree.”
Despite the price tag (about $41 for a massive sandwich, fries, and a drink), they were all in on the “soggy bread” and sweet peppers. James demolished the sandwich in record time, noting the incredible flavor of the gravy dip. It was messy, expensive, and exactly what they needed.
Final Thoughts: Ignore the Haters
After a full day of walking 1.3 miles from Grand to the lake, eating massive portions of food, and cruising the river, the couple had a message for their comment section.
“First impressions of Chicago… Why did so many people tell us not to come here?” they asked. “You could not be further from the truth.”
They praised the architecture, the vibe, and the beauty of the city, urging their viewers to stop listening to the media and come see it for themselves.
“We haven’t seen anything wrong with it so far,” they concluded. “It’s incredible.”
Welcome to Chicago, guys. We’re glad you made the trip.
Checkout their full vlog below:
