Things to do in Chicago.

[CyBer]

So I'm taking the Girlfriend on a trip to Chicago, and she has never been there. I plan on taking her to the Field museum, but after that I have no idea. I've been there twice before and can't remember exactly what I did (just that it was fun). Any suggestions on places to eat/things to do?

 

[RING4CY]

Blue Man Group at the Briar Street Theatre.

 

[Cycsk]

So I'm taking the Girlfriend on a trip to Chicago, and she has never been there. I plan on taking her to the Field museum, but after that I have no idea. I've been there twice before and can't remember exactly what I did (just that it was fun). Any suggestions on places to eat/things to do?

The Field Museum is a good start, but criteria is needed to give you meaningful advice. Do you want fun? Fancy? Partying? How much are you willing to spend? Where are you staying? What kind of music do you like?

 

[Buster28]

The restaurant and observation deck at the Hancock Tower. Much different view of the city than from the "Willis" Tower. Go at night when it's clear and get a drink at the lounge - spectacular views. :yes:

 

[CyBer]

The Field Museum is a good start, but criteria is needed to give you meaningful advice. Do you want fun? Fancy? Partying? How much are you willing to spend? Where are you staying? What kind of music do you like?

Fun mostly, I don't necessarily want to go to touristy places (though she want's to go to the bean and such). Not sure where I am staying exactly yet, but when I figure this out I will let you guys know.

 

[GMackey32]

John Hancock Building, Museum of Science and Industry, Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, House of Blues, Walk up and down the "Magnificent Mile" on Michigan Ave., take a sight seeing tour to see where movies like the Dark Knight and Transformers 3 or a tour to see where gangsters like Al Capone used to hang out, Willis (Sears) Tower, Millennium Park to see "The Bean"

Depending on how long you are going for and what you like, these are just a few things to do. I went last March for 2 days and saw a lot, but we made a point to not sleep in or waste time so we could see as much as possible.

Where are you staying?

 

[Rabbuk]

I've lived in Chicago for about 14 years of my life, my favorite thing about chicago besides going to cubs games is probably going to the Art Institute.

 

[GMackey32]

The restaurant and observation deck at the Hancock Tower. Much different view of the city than from the "Willis" Tower. Go at night when it's clear and get a drink at the lounge - spectacular views. :yes:

This. When we went, I planned on proposing that weekend, and we went to the Hancock Building the first night there. I wanted to do it then because it was so awesome, but I didn't want to do it that early in the trip (I wanted to go sightseeing and not stay in the hotel room all weekend).

 

[RING4CY]

Look into a tour. Here's one where you can hop on and off at any stop you want, so you don't have to drive around the city.

Chicago Trolley and Double Decker

 

[Cycsk]

Fun mostly, I don't necessarily want to go to touristy places (though she want's to go to the bean and such). Not sure where I am staying exactly yet, but when I figure this out I will let you guys know.

The bean is way, way more cool than it sounds. If cold, you can also skate there.

The Signature Room at the top of the Hancock Building has a reasonably priced lunch buffet on weekdays that isn't going to be much more than the cost of going to the observatory. However, it is very expensive at night. Great views in all directions right on Lake Michigan.

I would also recommend getting 3-day bus passes so that you can get around cheaply and quickly (though not like a cab ride). You can also use subways to get around town, such as going up north to Wrigleyville. Wrigley Field is right on the train line. And lots of good clubs up there. Plenty downtown also.

Again, the more you give criteria, the better advice I can give.

 

[Cycsk]

This. When we went, I planned on proposing that weekend, and we went to the Hancock Building the first night there. I wanted to do it then because it was so awesome, but I didn't want to do it that early in the trip (I wanted to go sightseeing and not stay in the hotel room all weekend).

The only reason to go to the Willis (Sears) Tower is the acrylic box that allows you to stand outside the building and look straight down.

 

[CyBer]

The only reason to go to the Willis (Sears) Tower is the acrylic box that allows you to stand outside the building and look straight down.

Yes I think she would like the clear boxes, but I'm not a huge fan of heights lol.

 

[GMackey32]

The only reason to go to the Willis (Sears) Tower is the acrylic box that allows you to stand outside the building and look straight down.

Yeah, I thought it'd be cool to take a photo looking down in that thing. We walked from our hotel right across the street from the Hancock Building there, was told the line was 3.5 hours long, so then we walked all the way back. At least it was nice that day....

The Hancock Building > Willis Tower

 

[Cycsk]

Yeah, I thought it'd be cool to take a photo looking down in that thing. We walked from our hotel right across the street from the Hancock Building there, was told the line was 3.5 hours long, so then we walked all the way back. At least it was nice that day....

The Hancock Building > Willis Tower

And lots of great shopping and restaurants near the Hancock Building. Ditka's is about a block west. Classy place but not terribly expensive for breakfast or lunch. Of course, I prefer Mr G's dawg and burger on State Street. Order a #1 for $5. Tons of places in the blocks just west of the Hancock, including Loyola University's downtown campus. The best of Rush Street runs parallel just a few blocks west of Michigan Avenue. Note that these places are about two miles north of the bean, but it is a very cool walk past the Hard Rock Hotel, Chicago River, Wrigley Building, Tribune Building, Nike store, Apple store, the Water Tower, and Water Tower Place (beware of estrogen clouds as you walk past the American Girl Place).

Also check out 4th Presbyterian Church right across the street from Hancock and Holy Name Cathedral on State Street and Chicago Avenue.

 

[CyBer]

Thanks for the ideas people keep em coming.

 

[Cycsk]

Where are you staying?

Do you want to go to places to party?

What kind of music do you like?

Do you want to see more museum-type things? Or are you content with the Field Museum?

 

[CyBer]

Not sure yet

Partying isn't a big deal to me

Lot's of types of music but mainly psychedelic rock and hip hop

Content with one museum but open for more options.

 

[Boxerdaddy]

Two recommendations...get some real pizza there. I prefer Giordano's but I know some peeps like Gino's and Malnatis.

Second...this isn't just Chicago but they do have a Medieval Times. If you've ever seen cable guy...you'll know the restaurant. It's in Schaumburg so depending on where you are driving from this might be doable. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament » Chicago

 

[RING4CY]

Two recommendations...get some real pizza there. I prefer Giordano's but I know some peeps like Gino's and Malnatis.

Second...this isn't just Chicago but they do have a Medieval Times. If you've ever seen cable guy...you'll know the restaurant. It's in Schaumburg so depending on where you are driving from this might be doable. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament » Chicago

A guy that lives on my floor that was born and raised in Chicago recommended to me to go to Gino's if you're in Chicago proper. Go to Giordano's if you're in the suburbs. I went to Giordano's in Buffalo Grove when I went to Chicago back in November.

Best pizza ever.

 

[Cycsk]

Two recommendations...get some real pizza there. I prefer Giordano's but I know some peeps like Gino's and Malnatis.

Second...this isn't just Chicago but they do have a Medieval Times. If you've ever seen cable guy...you'll know the restaurant. It's in Schaumburg so depending on where you are driving from this might be doable. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament » Chicago

If you like super thick stuffed pizza with a solid sausage patty layer on whole wheat crust, go to the Original Gino's East on Superior (not the hokey one on Wells in the old Planet Hollywood building). They have other good pizzas. Giordano's, Uno, Due, and Eduardo's (for pesto pizza) are also good choices.

Medieval Times is a long way away. I've heard it is fun if that is the sort of thing you enjoy, but it is not a downtown Chicago thing to do. You might want to go to Second City Comedy Club on Wells just north of North Avenue in Old Town on the near north side. If you like Medieval Times and your girlfriend is into decorating, the IKEA store is also out there.