Things to do in Chicago.

[CyBer]

Good suggestions everyone, I think the second city thing is something I'm most likely going to do, looks fun. So now I have

Millenium Park
Field Museum
Hancock Building
Possibly the old water tower
Italian beef somewhere
Deep Dish Pizza somewhere

Probably go to some stores that look cool while walking places, also I plan on taking the train most places I go if they are too far away.

 

[Clonefan94]

If you are looking for a fancy place to eat and get a great steak. My favorite is Joe's Seafood Steak and Stone Crab. On Grand. As others have said too, you can't miss really with any of the museums. Field is natural History, Science and Industry is pretty self explanatory as well as the Art Institute museum. If you are going in the warmer months, I highly recommend an Architectural boat tour. A great way to see the city.

 

[HFCS]

Good suggestions everyone, I think the second city thing is something I'm most likely going to do, looks fun. So now I have

Millenium Park
Field Museum
Hancock Building
Possibly the old water tower
Italian beef somewhere
Deep Dish Pizza somewhere

Probably go to some stores that look cool while walking places, also I plan on taking the train most places I go if they are too far away.

Sounds like a good start to me, if you go to the Hancock building you're near the old water tower and the modern water tower place mall and tons of shopping anyway.

You could take the red line up and down just a few stops to most of that stuff, not always right next to it, but never further than 10 blocks or so.

 

[HFCS]

If you are looking for a fancy place to eat and get a great steak. My favorite is Joe's Seafood Steak and Stone Crab. On Grand. As others have said too, you can't miss really with any of the museums. Field is natural History, Science and Industry is pretty self explanatory as well as the Art Institute museum. If you are going in the warmer months, I highly recommend an Architectural boat tour. A great way to see the city.

Joe's is probably the best seafood in the entire midwest, it's pretty ridiculous. Surprised it's not mentioned even more than it is by people, it's like the best of Florida seafood in downtown Chicago...and amazing steak too.

 

[Clone83]

The old water tower is free, and besides the tour and bit of history, when I was there had tons of brochures for various things to do and see in Chicago.

 

[cyatheart]

Go to the Planetarium. Lot less rif raf there than the Aquarium or Field Museum. Pick one of the shows to go to. Current one is called Deep Space Adventure and is good, or you can just do the seasonal show where they show you what constellations are out right now and how to find them....etc.

 

[cyatheart]

For Pizza you want to go to Pequods, nothing else is close and it isn't as touristy.

 

[CycloneChris]

Have you ever tried "Burt's Place" in Niles that I guess is the guy who made the original recipe and is a true life Soup Nazi of pizza? I keep saying I'm going to try it but you pretty much have to organize an entire day or your life around eating there, hahaha.

That's the precise reason I won't go there. Anthony Bourdain going there for his show means the owner has become an even bigger ***.

 

[Clonefan94]

That's the precise reason I won't go there. Anthony Bourdain going there for his show means the owner has become an even bigger ***.

Exactly, I refuse to go to these places, even if they are in fun. Ed Debevics is another place like this in the Chicago area. It's more in fun, but still, I don't like spending money at an establishment who's main goal it is to treat me like ****.

 

[HFCS]

That's the precise reason I won't go there. Anthony Bourdain going there for his show means the owner has become an even bigger ***.

I'm sure the pizza is pretty similar, you know when people go through all that work to get it, they psychologically are going to think it tastes better.

If you set the same beer in your fridge or on the top of a mountain you have to climb, I'm sure the one on the mountain top would taste more refreshing. As long as Pequod's is in business I'm fine if Burt decides NO PIZZA FOR YOU!

 

[CYphyllis]

Whirleyball. Funner than it looks, especially after a 6 pack too many.

WhirlyBall-Chicago’s Unique Venue For Private Parties-Corporate Events-Chicago, IL

If it's nice out, Wrigley is a great experience. People are friendly, plenty going on. One of the best things you can do is just check out the Tribune website during the week prior before you head up. See what is going on locally. There are always musical festivals, shows, etc. going on that can be a great time.

A music festival in the streets of downtown Chicago in the middle of the summer is hard to beat.

If all else fails, just write down the address of wherever you are staying and just start walking. Try different things, go exploring. Whenever you're done, hop in a taxi and head back.

 

[gocubs2118]

You can also take a tour of Goose Island Brewery if you're into that sort of thing. That's a lot of fun and you get free beer.

 

[Cycsk]

Good suggestions everyone, I think the second city thing is something I'm most likely going to do, looks fun. So now I have

Millenium Park
Field Museum
Hancock Building
Possibly the old water tower
Italian beef somewhere
Deep Dish Pizza somewhere

Probably go to some stores that look cool while walking places, also I plan on taking the train most places I go if they are too far away.

You might want to add the Art Institute which is on Michigan Avenue just south of the bean.

From what I read, you won't need to take any trains. Buses will probably be your better option. You only need trains if you are going a few miles, such as up to Wrigleyville. You can do everything on your list (except Mill. Park and Field M) walking from any hotel in the River North/North Michigan/Streeterville areas.

 

[packattack425]

hookers and blow

 

[Al_4_State]

Oakwood 83.

Tell 'em "Chief" sent ya.

If it's nice out, Wrigley is a great experience. People are friendly, plenty going on. One of the best things you can do is just check out the Tribune website during the week prior before you head up. See what is going on locally. There are always musical festivals, shows, etc. going on that can be a great time.

A music festival in the streets of downtown Chicago in the middle of the summer is hard to beat.

If all else fails, just write down the address of wherever you are staying and just start walking. Try different things, go exploring. Whenever you're done, hop in a taxi and head back.

Everything here is 100% golden. Went to Chicago a couple years ago for a buddy's bachelor party. We spent one day going to a Cubs game, and another wandering the streets near Wrigleyville and killing a good 3 hours at a free music festival.

 

[Cy$]

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.

there's lots of shopping at Willis Tower...2 gift shops and pretty good views..when I was there in the summer twice it was a good time. I went once with friends and the other time with family. Navy Pier is kinda cool if you like boat rides. I recommend doing the Seadog....pretty cool boat ride around Lake Michigan. Giordano's has good pizza and we went there to eat...good old Chicago Pizza.

Hard Rock Cafe is nice if you are into music and sometimes there are live bands playing

 

[Cycsk]

there's lots of shopping at Willis Tower...2 gift shops and pretty good views..when I was there in the summer twice it was a good time. I went once with friends and the other time with family. Navy Pier is kinda cool if you like boat rides. I recommend doing the Seadog....pretty cool boat ride around Lake Michigan. Giordano's has good pizza and we went there to eat...good old Chicago Pizza.

Hard Rock Cafe is nice if you are into music and sometimes there are live bands playing

One of my absolutely favorite things to do in Chicago is to visit Buddy Guy's Legends Blues Club on S. Wabash Ave (right behind the Chicago Hilton) on the south side of downtown. Every night a different great band starts at 9:30 and goes until 1 or 2. And if he is not performing somewhere else, Buddy Guy will be at the bar and sometimes joins the band himself for a few songs.

 

[marothisu]

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?

Well first, Field Museum is cool and its part of a whole area, so if you really wanted to check out the Aquarium and Planetarium, they are right there. Of course, the obligatory trip to Millennium Park is probably on the must (i.e. the bean).

As far as other things, throw out some stuff you enjoy like what kind of music, food, entertainment, etc. For food and drinks, let me know a price range and I will shoot you suggestions. What neighborhood are you staying in as well? That will have an impact on a lot of stuff.

 

[marothisu]

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:

The observation deck at the Hancock Tower is cool, the restaurant and lounge, but I think all of that is overrated. It's basically like being in a plane. When you're up that high, the only thing you really see is a few taller buildings and a ton of yellow (mostly street lights) at night. When you look out that high, you can't really see what's DOWN and you're mostly looking from West of the interstate out into the burbs. I live 1.5 blocks from the Hancock and have been up there and can barely even see my place from up there because it's "too close." Honestly, I prefer my 25th floor apartment view anyday to one at the Hancock or most at the Sears Tower...although the view from the Metropolitan Club on the 66th floor of the Sears Tower is cool, but that's pretty much closed to the public.

 

[marothisu]

Glad to know Mr.G's is still going strong. I haven't been there in 15+ years.

I live right near that place. You'd probably be shocked at how much the area has changed if you haven't seen it in a long time, but that 1/4 strip hasn't changed. Place is meh though, but good drunk food. I much prefer Tempo Cafe for drunk food though.

wait I'm thinking of Mr. J's..but anyway