The Second City
The legendary improv theatre that launched Belushi, Murray, Fey, and Colbert.
The call
Worth it if you're traveling as a couple and you're traveling solo.
Short answer
Is The Second City worth it?
The Second City deserves a place on most first itineraries.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
A sketch revue at the birthplace of modern improv is a genuine bucket-list comedy night — but which room you book changes the experience.
- 02
The Mainstage revue is the polished, scripted-and-improvised flagship and the safest bet; the smaller e.t.c.
Is it a fit?
Go if
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, The Second City is an easy yes.
You're traveling solo
Solo, The Second City is an easy yes.
History and culture matter to you
The Second City rewards a trip built around history & culture.
The night matters
The Second City rewards a trip built around nightlife.
Think twice if
You're traveling with kids
With kids, skip The Second City.
You're watching the budget
The Second City can strain a tight budget. Go only when it is a priority.
You only have one day
Keep The Second City only when it outranks a half-day elsewhere.
You want context, not just the photograph
The Second City offers some depth & learning, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
Plan it well
- Cost
- $30–55
- Timing
- Evenings; check the lineup, as the mainstage revues are the strongest bet.
- Booking
- Reserve tickets ahead, especially for weekend shows.
- Allow
- 2–2.5 hours
- Accessibility
- Accessible seating available; mention needs when booking.
- Getting there
- Old Town on Wells Street; Brown/Purple Line Sedgwick stop is a short walk.
Consider instead
Sources and method (2)
- Opened December 16, 1959; alumni include John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert en.wikipedia.org ↗
- Since SNL began, ~50 of its cast/writers came from the Old Town club axios.com ↗