“How can I possibly be expected to handle school on a day like this?”

We’ve all been there, even if we’re not Ferris Bueller. You look outside at the shining sun, soft breeze, and then wonder, “How can anyone expect me to handle work on a day like this?” So take the day off! While you’re at it, follow in Ferris Bueller’s footsteps too as I take you through the film locations in Chicago that made Ferris Bueller’s Day Off such a wonderful adventure (but make sure Ed Rooney isn’t on your tail).

The parking garage


“You have nothing to worry about. I’m a professional”

“A professional what?”

You may not have a Ferrari, but at least pass by the parking garage where Cameron reluctantly gave his dad’s up. If you are dropping off your vehicle, you might want to check your miles, because – as Cameron’s dad learned the hard way — you never know what’s going on with your car unless you’re driving it. Madison Street & South Wells Street

Willis Tower Observation Deck


Get an incredible view of Chicago from the Willis Tower, or the Sears Tower (as it was named when the movie was filmed). Take the high-speed elevators up to Skydeck Chicago on the 103rd floor for breathtaking views. Like Sloan, you’ll realize how peaceful the city is at 1,353 feet, and you might even see Cameron’s dad. 233 S. Wacker Dr

Chicago Board of Trade


The visitor center is open 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can see the floor and all the commotion right from the visiting center floor, so take note of Cameron’s hand gestures and get trading at the Chicago Board of Trade! 141 W. Jackson Blvd.

Chez Quis or the fancy restaurant


If you think you’re ready to steal somebody else’s reservation and pretend to be Abe Froman, The Sausage King of Chicago, you might want to wait before you enter through the façade that displays the elegant doors to “Chez Quis,” the fancy French restaurant from the film. The restaurant isn’t actually a restaurant at all, but rather someone’s house. The exterior shots of the restaurant were taken at 22 W. Schiller Street here in Chicago, which is actually someone’s private home. The house has since been remodeled and no longer features the ivy covered front. The interior scenes were filmed at a restaurant in Los Angeles, so you may want take a couple more days off to visit that location. 22 W. Schiller St.

Wrigley Field


There’s no better way to spend a day off than watching the Chicago Cubs at historic Wrigley Field. Kick back, heckle the batters, and catch a fly ball. Grab your tickets today — just make sure Ed Rooney isn’t watching the game on TV. 1060 W. Addison St.

The Art Institute of Chicago

Take in some of the priceless pieces of art housed in the Art Institute of Chicago on your day off. One of the best museums in the country, the Art Institute offers free admission to Illinois residents on Thursday afternoons. So get lost in the tiny dots of A Sunday on La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat, which is the panting that entrances Cameron. You can also fall in love like Sloan and Ferris viewing American Windows by Marc Chagall, the striking blue stained glass windows. 111 S. Michigan Ave.

The parade

Your last stop on your day off, and perhaps the most famous scene of the movie, is from the German-American Parade scene that takes place right on Dearborn and Adams. Relive the moment Ferris lip syncs the sweet melodies of Danke Schoen then quickly gets the city of Chicago dancing with his rendition of Twist and Shout. At this intersection you’ll see the red-orange statue that resembles an insect, but is actually called Flamingo. South Dearborn Street from Randolph Street to Jackson Boulevard

So go ahead, listen to your inner Ferris and take the day off, because remember, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”