“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).

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the movie’s release, making it the perfect time to honor the classic film. Explore the below locations on your own or join a guided walk with On Location Tours or Chicago Movie Tours.

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 car up. If you are dropping off your vehicle, you might want to check your miles, because — as Cameron’s 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 gang makes a stop at the Chicago Board of Trade, where Cameron overlooks the busy trading floor and Ferris proposes to Sloan.

This historic Art Deco building presides over Chicago’s downtown financial district. Step inside the soaring marble and bronze lobby, then visit the Chicago Board of Trade Building Museum to learn more about this landmark’s storied history. 141 W. Jackson Blvd.

Fun fact: The Board of Trade building also served as the headquarters of Wayne Enterprises in Batman Begins.

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. The exterior shots of the restaurant were taken at 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 of Chicago houses a true treasure trove of artworks that span millennia.

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. The Art Institute has curated a DIY museum tour of the artworks featured in the film. 111 S. Michigan Ave.

The parade route

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, the iconic Flamingo statue by Alexander Calder. South Dearborn Street from Randolph Street to Jackson Boulevard

Fun fact: Another famous parade scene, when Harrison Ford evades capture in The Fugitive, was filmed nearby at Daley Plaza.

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.”