Guidebook for Chicago
Entertainment & Activities
I favor this park more than nearly any park in the city. There is something for everyone: ice skating, wall climbing, tennis, adult-sized (and enjoyed) kids parks, swings, you name it. All with views.
175 locals recommend
Maggie Daley Park
337 E Randolph StI favor this park more than nearly any park in the city. There is something for everyone: ice skating, wall climbing, tennis, adult-sized (and enjoyed) kids parks, swings, you name it. All with views.
There are few aquariums in the midwest. This makes even some coastal aquariums pale in comparison.
673 locals recommend
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S Lake Shore DrThere are few aquariums in the midwest. This makes even some coastal aquariums pale in comparison.
Adler is a hidden gem. It also happens to have a (free) telescope that is positioned directly east of the museum. Find out the hours and check it out. Worth visiting as well...
393 locals recommend
Adler Planetarium
1300 S Lake Shore DrAdler is a hidden gem. It also happens to have a (free) telescope that is positioned directly east of the museum. Find out the hours and check it out. Worth visiting as well...
This is by far the best natural history museum in the midwest and beyond. This is walking distance from your vacation home. Go!!!
657 locals recommend
The Field Museum
1400 S Lake Shore DrThis is by far the best natural history museum in the midwest and beyond. This is walking distance from your vacation home. Go!!!
While this is the biggest tourist destination in Chicago, I have to recommend at least visiting it. Make time for the Crystal Garden, a Cirque performance, as well as the Shakespeare Stage...
933 locals recommend
Navy Pier
600 E Grand AveWhile this is the biggest tourist destination in Chicago, I have to recommend at least visiting it. Make time for the Crystal Garden, a Cirque performance, as well as the Shakespeare Stage...
Sightseeing
This is possibly the most photographed, and picturesque, park in Chicago. Activities for children through adults abound. The city reminds of its influence from every corner. Must visit...
1243 locals recommend
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph StThis is possibly the most photographed, and picturesque, park in Chicago. Activities for children through adults abound. The city reminds of its influence from every corner. Must visit...
Absolutely the best collection of Impressionist Art in the U.S.
1159 locals recommend
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan AveAbsolutely the best collection of Impressionist Art in the U.S.
Great views of the city skyline from the river. To access, go down the stairs or elevator to the sunken park, head to the central north end of the park and follow the path to the river.
273 locals recommend
Chicago Riverwalk
306-370 W Wacker DrGreat views of the city skyline from the river. To access, go down the stairs or elevator to the sunken park, head to the central north end of the park and follow the path to the river.
Absolutely gorgeous architecture with remnants of nearly every major city in this world.
15 locals recommend
Tribune Tower
Absolutely gorgeous architecture with remnants of nearly every major city in this world.
Architectural highlight of Chicago. A short walk - I recommend along the river - from your vacation home.
12 locals recommend
Wrigley Building
400-410 Michigan AveArchitectural highlight of Chicago. A short walk - I recommend along the river - from your vacation home.
Visible from much of Chicago; worth walking along the riverfront and taking the elevators up as much as you can get away with...
28 locals recommend
Trump
401 N Wabash AveVisible from much of Chicago; worth walking along the riverfront and taking the elevators up as much as you can get away with...
Essentials
By far the best grocery store on this side of Michigan. And thankfully, it has amazing views, as well. Make sure you check out the top deck, with grilled-to-order meats and amazing gelato.
866 locals recommend
Mariano's
2021 W Chicago AveBy far the best grocery store on this side of Michigan. And thankfully, it has amazing views, as well. Make sure you check out the top deck, with grilled-to-order meats and amazing gelato.
Food Scene
Excellent patio - make sure you check out the roof deck that overlooks the park; good ($$$) food for the neighborhood.
22 locals recommend
III Forks
180 N Field BlvdExcellent patio - make sure you check out the roof deck that overlooks the park; good ($$$) food for the neighborhood.
This is a great local restaurant that has fresh ingredients, and offers reasonably priced wine and beer, as well as free internet.
27 locals recommend
Brown Bag Seafood Co.
340 E Randolph StThis is a great local restaurant that has fresh ingredients, and offers reasonably priced wine and beer, as well as free internet.
FRIENDSHIP ON THE LAKE
200 N Lake Shore DrGreat view, food, and on weekends, entertainment.
Tavern at the Park
130 E Randolph StExcellent view from the top deck; good, but pricey, food.
This is probably the best breakfast in the neighborhood. The locals know it, so expect a wait.
75 locals recommend
Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe
130 E Randolph StThis is probably the best breakfast in the neighborhood. The locals know it, so expect a wait.
Amazing views of the city, with better food and more reasonable prices than the Hancock Tower. You can see Cite out your window (the top floor of the black building at the base of Navy Pier).
16 locals recommend
Cite
505 N Lake Shore DrAmazing views of the city, with better food and more reasonable prices than the Hancock Tower. You can see Cite out your window (the top floor of the black building at the base of Navy Pier).
Girl & The Goat
809 W Randolph StExcellent. $$$$, but worth the $ and wait.
Drinks & Nightlife
This restaurant is very close - just a short walk across the park - and has some good Mexican food.
11 locals recommend
Mezcalina Mexican Restaurant
333 E Benton PlThis restaurant is very close - just a short walk across the park - and has some good Mexican food.
Arts & Culture
I believe this is some of the best blues the city has to offer - and a short cab ride from the apartment.
86 locals recommend
Buddy Guy's Legends
700 S Wabash AveI believe this is some of the best blues the city has to offer - and a short cab ride from the apartment.
You may be able to catch a free concert or movie in this park. You can BYOB and picnic here, too. The structure is gorgeous both during the day and at night.
52 locals recommend
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
201 E Randolph StYou may be able to catch a free concert or movie in this park. You can BYOB and picnic here, too. The structure is gorgeous both during the day and at night.
The Chicago Theatre
175 N State StGreat theater. Iconic location. www.thechicagotheatre.com
Another great theater. http://broadwayinchicago.com/theatre/cadillac-palace-theatre/
36 locals recommend
Cadillac Palace Theatre
151 W Randolph StAnother great theater. http://broadwayinchicago.com/theatre/cadillac-palace-theatre/
Another great theater. http://broadwayinchicago.com/theatre/chicagos-oriental-theatre/
29 locals recommend
James M. Nederlander Theatre
24 W Randolph StAnother great theater. http://broadwayinchicago.com/theatre/chicagos-oriental-theatre/
Another great theater. http://broadwayinchicago.com/theatre/bank-of-america-theatre/
19 locals recommend
CIBC Theatre
18 W Monroe StAnother great theater. http://broadwayinchicago.com/theatre/bank-of-america-theatre/
The closest theater. http://www.harristheaterchicago.org
21 locals recommend
Harris Theater for Music and Dance
205 E Randolph StThe closest theater. http://www.harristheaterchicago.org
One of the best symphony orchestras in the world. http://cso.org
79 locals recommend
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S Michigan AveOne of the best symphony orchestras in the world. http://cso.org
Night life that is not only top-grade, but also provides amazing views.
19 locals recommend
theWit Chicago - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
201 N State StNight life that is not only top-grade, but also provides amazing views.