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Hancock Tour. Better views than the Sears Tower because it's closer to the water.
If you're a deep dish person, definitely try Giordano's. I'm actually not a deep dish person (I'm a native NY'er, shhhh), but of all of them I've tried, Giordano's was up top, and they have locations downtown.
Shopping! If you want to go shopping, hit up the Mag Mile. Start at Michigan/Illinois and hit up Nordstrom. Then head North and you'll find any store you could possibly want. End at Water Tower Place and 900 N. Michigan malls.
If you're up for another tour, an architectural tour on the Chicago River is awesome if you're into Devil in the White City stuff. It's about an hour during the day, and the tour guides are really good.
1. the architectural foundation boat tour on the chicago river. i know you're doing a cruise, but this is the best tour ever! the docents really know their stuff so you'll get loads of info!
2. the art institute --- lots to see and there is an awesome new modern wing
3. millenium park - it's chicago, so it could be winter or summer in october (very low chance of it being fall...lol). whatever the case, take a stroll. some of its more prominent parts are: the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a sophisticated outdoor concert venue; the interactive Crown Fountain by Jaume Plensa; the contemporary Lurie Garden designed by the team of Kathryn Gustafson, Piet Oudolf and Robert Israel; and Anish Kapoor's hugely popular Cloud Gate sculpture on the AT&T Plaza.
if you still have time, go to the signature room on the 95th floor at the john hancock and have a cocktail....you'll get a great view while you're at it.
enjoy your trip! chicago's an awesome city!
let me know if you'd like more info!
If you only do three things in Chicago, I recommend:
1. Do the architectural boat tour. My husband really wanted to do one and I thought it would be boring. It turned out to be really cool.
2. Eat some deep-dish pizza. The Original Pizzeria Uno is my favorite, but Gino's East is great, too.
3. Check out the Sears Tower and the Hancock Building. They have a really cool brunch at the top of the Hancock.
Thanks guys! If 3 people are recommending the architectural tour, I guess I need to check it out!
I also recently read the book Loving Frank, about Frank Lloyd Wright's affair with Mameh Borthwick at the beginning of his career. So, I am also hoping to check out Frank Lloyd Wright's home and studio and the Robie House. Would you all recommend this?
It also looks like Millenium Park will have up a bunch of pavilions for the Burnham Centennial.
My tour day is starting to look like an architecture/literary tour and I am digging that!
Any other suggestions? I'll actually have a day and a half to myself, so I have a little time to play with.
I'll second (or sixth) the architecture tour. Totally worth it.
The Acquarium...love it! Cubs games are really cool, but if they're in the playoffs you probably won't be able to find tickets. Shopping is a must. The food is outstanding. Navy Pier is overrated.
definitely do the FLW tour if you have a chance...keep in mind his home & studio is in Oak Park (10 miles west of downtown) and robie house is in Hyde Park (10 miles south of downtown). while both are accessible via public transportation.....it could take some time getting back and forth. even if you're driving, traffic could be a nightmare.
as for the boat tour, i've done them with 3 different companies. i found the best one to be the architectural foundation's tour.
if you do millenium park, the architecture tour and FLW.....those should keep you pretty busy. you could also do a walking tour maybe. or if you have a book in hand, just walk around downtown. there's lots to see and do.
enjoy your time here!
1. I would definitely go to the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor of the Hancock Building - even the bathroom is awesome - you'll see what I mean! This is way better than doing the $15 "tour" of the 94th floor Observatory. Drinks in the lounge are pricey but so worth it to pay $8-$10 for a glass of wine and sit for a couple hours. Best time to go is an hour before sunset. You'll see beautiful views of the lake and be there late enough to see the lights of the city come on - magical! Go elsewhere for dinner - the food in the Signature Room (95th floor) is so-so IMO.
2. Mag. Mile shopping is great but for a nearby complete change of scenery go on Oak Street (walking distance from Water Tower) to see some fun boutique stores and to Lincoln Park (cab ride) for a great mix of beautiful row houses, shops and quaint restaurants. Our favorite is Geja's Cafe on Armitage St. - great fondue! The Lincoln Park Zoo is also a favorite - I like it much better than Brookfield Zoo which is quite a distance from downtowm.
3. Here is a link to an article from USA Today with some Chicago tourist ideas to consider: http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/cityguides/chicago/2008-01-29-10-tourist-tips_N.htm
Ladybuglove - the info about FLW is good to know. Maybe I can plan to go to one house on Friday while I'm rambling around on my many tours and hit up the other one on Saturday morning. If I could do only one of the houses, which would you recommend?
I will definitely top my night off with a drink at the Signature Lounge either on Friday night or Saturday night when I meet up with my co-workers. I think that all sounds great!
Surgie - I love boutique stores and quaint restaurants. Mag. Mile doesn't seem that appealing to me . . . I've lived in NY and been to Las Vegas and a few other big cities with shopping areas, once you've seen a nice high end store, you've seen them all . . . Oak Street and Lincoln Park sound a little more up my alley. And thanks for the food recommendation. Mmm . . . fondue!
This is all great information guys, thanks!!!
@ladygoodman: i would do the home & studio in oak park. once there, i would do the guided interior and walking exterior tour. this may take 2-4 hours (depends on you). although it's only 10 miles away, be sure to cushion in 1-3 hours for the roundtrip it will take you to get from downtown to oak park (whether its via public transport or car).
if you do end up going to hyde park, also cushion in 1-3 hours for rountrip transport.
here's the link for FLW: http://www.wrightplus.org/programs/details/home-studio-daily-tours.html#combination
lincoln park is a great place for boutique shopping. so is wicker park/bucktown (just west of downtown). it has more of the new york vibe that you have experience with. i know, i know....i just added to your choices. i can't help it....chicago's just that awesome!
let me know if you have more questions!
oh, yeah. one of my favorite restaurants is le colonial...in the gold coast (near mag mile and oak street shopping). everything is so yummy and delish! and the service is A+++! it's french-vietnamese cuisine. great atmosphere, food and service....you can't beat that!
@ladybuglove I agree le colonial is excellent!
Shopping in Lincoln Park and Wicker Park/Bucktown (my former neighborhood) is so fun!
and, another thing...since you are coming in october...watch out for the extra foot traffic if you're coming the weekend of the 11th. the marathon's on the 11th and there's going to be lots more extra people here.
1. Okay.....SKIP GIORDANO'S....check out Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder on Clark Street in Lincoln Park. Easy bus ride from the Mag Mile. It is near the site of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre and has the best sicilian pizza pot pie EVER!! Make sure you bring cash.
2. Wrigley Field. I am not a baseball fan (Go Red Wings), but seriously this place is legendary. Hell, Babe Ruth played there.
3. Macy's/Marshall Fields on State Street. It's the original store and holds so much of Chicago history. Make sure to grab some Frango mints :)
oh....and the Signature Lounge is okay. There are much better options for rooftop viewing and drinks. C-View at the Affina, Vertigo at the Dana Hotel, Roof at the Wit Hotel, or The Terrace at the Trump International Hotel.
truth be told, I'm not the biggest fan of Navy Pier because it is really touristy, but after being proposed to there, I can't help but love it. You HAVE to ride on the Ferris Wheel, just to say you've been there!
I also suggest the art institute (and take your picture in front of the big lions!
The John Hancock building!
I also love sitting by the Buckingham fountain at night.
You must go to "Chocolate at the Pen" ... it is Friday and Saturday night!!!!!!!!! They have a huge chocolate dessert buffet and a live band. It's at he Peninsula hotel. If you like steak, the best bone in rib eye is at Gibsons.
Haha, I enjoy reading this thread, even though I've lived here for 3 years. I haven't done over half of the things on this list. I really should go to the Chocolate at the Pen - yum - and I have no excuse, as I can literally see it from my couch.
ETwedding ... I was there with my sister and mother and we did it two nights in a row!!!!!! Talk about 10 lbs of weight gain =)
I 2nd Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinders. I always suggest to people to EAT when you're here, there are so many awesome restaurants that are not chains and SO delicious! And I also 2nd the architectural boat tour - just awesome.
I lived in Chicago for 3 years AND we just got back from our honeymoon in Chicago!
1. I love the architecture foundation boat tour!
2. Walk along the lake most anywhere, but nice at North Ave Beach and Oak St. Beach (just north of Navy Pier)
3. Kayaking on the Chicago River (or on the lake but i've never done that one)
4. Whole Foods off North Ave. - this is seriously the biggest, fancied whole foods ever. We got a lot of picnic stuff here then ate dinner in Millenium park. They have a bar and a back deck by the river.
It's probably too late in the year, but see if there are any free music concerts at Millenium Park.
Shopping - I love Filene's basement more than anything else but that's b/c we don't have them in the south.
Do not go to Navy Pier unless you love touristy things. I have done the Frank Lloyd Wright tour in Oak Park and it was nice enough, but it takes quite a while to get there from Oak Park so I wouldn't go if I only had a day.
For breakfast get the baked french toast from Corner Bakery.
Signature lounge at the Hancock is cool I guess but if you have a good view from the cruise or your hotel room then I would pass. You can get a better drink for half the price elsewhere.
Museums - Art Institute and Museum of Science and Industry. It's a bit of a hike to the MSI, but they have a awesome U-Boat tour for only $5 more.
Deep Dish Pizza - takes a long time to cook and I hope you digest cheese well if you decide to do it. Very yummy though.
I second the Shedd Aquarium. It really is a world-class aquarium....I love it. Any of the museums are great too.
Brookfield Zoo is also great, but a hike from downtown.
Millenium Park is great for siteseeing.
Navy Pier is touristy, but at night, on the ferris wheel, you can't beat the view of the city. Other than that, it's just full of souvenier shops mostly. But you can always do a boat cruise ride or one of the dinner cruises. They take off from Navy Pier, can get spendy, but are worth it.
If a baseball fan, visit Wrigley Field or US Cellular Field.
Football fan, Soldier Field.
For Shopping: Michigan Avenue Mag. Mile.
Thanks for all your suggestions guys! It's been really helpful when it comes to planning my trip. I'm definitely going to look up some of the restaurants you've all suggested. I might be sightseeing by myself, but that doesn't mean I'll restrict myself from trying out all the good food Chicago might have to offer. I'll look up Le Colonial. Also, getting a cocktail at a place that overlooks the city definitely appeals to me, so I'll check out all the other places you've recommended. If you guys have any other places that might be good for someone to get a drink alone, please indulge me!
Also, I am staying near in the Mag Mile, so if you have any food and drink places to recommend there, that would be cool. That might be good for grabbing breakfast in the morning and maybe a drink or dinner at night.
Based on ALL your recommendations, I registered to do the architectural boat cruise and am really excited. And thanks for your advice about the Navy Pier, I might check it out, but being in heavy touristy areas isn't for me.
So far I have:
Friday - Arrive in Chicago, architectural boat cruise (12pm), Devil the White City tour (7pm) . . . I'll probably just do a little exploring in between the cruises, maybe I'll check out a pizza place so I can say that I've done the deep dish thing.
@qususara - I'll try out Chicago pizza if you're telling me that it's a little less touristy than Giordano's. Anything interesting about the St. Valentine's Day Massacre right in that area?
Saturday - See FLW studio . . . wander around the city a bit.
Sunday & Monday - Work Stuff
Tuesday - See FLW house in Hyde Park and wander!
Your weekend sounds perfect - i live in Chicago and I am jealous! You will not regret the FLW home/studio tour or the Robie house, I did both a couple years ago and they were fantastic. Also, when I saw them they were in the middle of renovations, so I'm sure by now they look absolutely amazing!
Since you said you would be wandering about Lincoln Park, I will recommend Enoteca Piattini, a fantastic little Italian place. My husband and I have been there several times, is it such a quaint little restaurant, so delicious and not to mention well-priced, which is nice after an afternoon of shopping;-)
Alright ladies . . . I have 2 days left in Chicago and one day left to sighsee. I have done the architecture boat tour, did the "Devil in the White City" tour with Weird Chicago, walked through Oak Park and toured the FLW Home and Studio and Ernest Hemingway's birthplace. I walked to Millenium Park and took tons of great pictures!
I was hoping to go to the Robie House or Wrigley Park tomorrow, but I realized neither are giving tours then!
Where should I go? What should I do? I have practically the whole day and I need help!
Thanks!
I have also been in the Navy Pier area and did a cruise that circled Lake Michigan. I got some awesome pics of the skyline at sunset!
You don't even have to tour Wrigley to get the feel - if you take the red line to Addison, it lets you off right by Wrigley and you can walk around Lakeview. I personally love the stretch of Lake Shore from Addison to the LPZ - and the temp is just right that a cozy jacket and cup of coffee keep you toasty.
You could also check out the boutiques in Lincoln Park - Webster has some good ones. Barney's Co-Op is right there on Halsted.
Oh, if you like vegan/vegetarian food the Chicago Diner on Halsted is famous... for a relaxed, fun meal Nookie's Tree is fun, also on Halsted.
I also love the Museum of Contemporary Art.
You can still enjoy the Robie house without getting a tour. In fact, Hyde Park is often very overlooked. I went to college there and there is a lot of character and some incredible architecture. The Robie house is steps from Campus. You can easily get to Hyde Park via the metra - it takes less than 20 mintues from downtown. I suggest getting off at the 55th-56th-57th stop (it is one stop). Once you exit the metra you can get a delicious Panini or a scoop of gelato at Istria Cafe. Ask them to point you west - then walk down 57th until you hit Woodlawn Avenue. Take a left there (be sure to enjoy the 100-year-old+ limestone mansions on this street) and in one block you will be at the Robie House. Once you are done admiring the outside, continue west on 58th St. You will hit the heart of campus of the University of Chicago, where you can admire the gothic architecture and ivy. When you eventually leave, I'd again walk down 57th (this time going east) and allow yourself time to pop into bookstores and coffee shops (The Medici is a very popular college spot) - because the neighborhood houses a world class university, it is also home to some of the best new and used bookstores in all of Chicago. If you have a lot of time, go east of the metra and the Museum of Science and Industry is just steps away, and they have some pretty cool exhibits too.
This is not the place to come in Chicago for shopping or haute cuisine, but it does offer a unique piece of Chicago culture that is frequently overlooked.
Definitely recommend the Art Institute and the architectural boat tour (we didn't have time and I was SO SAD)! Billy Goat Tavern is always fun but we LOVED <span class="sub-head-orange">Coco Pazzo Café (not the regular one but the cafe). It was for real some of the BEST food we'd ever eaten. LOVED! We went to Navy Pier to see the fireworks during the summer and it was really fun even though it was touristy. So excited for you! I LOVED Chicago!
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I've never been to Chicago before and am going in October for a work conference. I am heading up a day early to get a little sightseeing in and would love recommendations.
so far, all I've done is book a tour with Weird Chicago to go to places discussed in Devil in the White City. And I have booked my hotel, which is near the Magnificent Mile. With work, we're doing a cruise, where I'll get to see the skyline lit up at night (although I might get that view from my hotel!).
So, my question is, if you could recommend 3 things that I have do in the 24 hours I have to see Chicago on my own, would would they be?