I'm going to Chicago this weekend. Staying on Mag. Mile. Any suggestions on what to do?

Answer 1

Go to the Art Institute, milenium park, and Navy pier. Have a hot dog at Portillos or Ed Debevics

Answer 2

If you are into shopping, then you don't really need to go anywhere other than the Magnificent Mile. In the suburbs, Woodfield Mall is good as well.

For art, definitely the Art Institute; it is absolutely amazing. Also, the Shedd Aquarium, the Planetarium and the Field Museum are always good. If you like music, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is amazing, although they may already be at their summer retreat.

If you like the outdoors, Grant and Millennium Parks are good; they are a great place to picnic or relax.

If you are into sports, take in a Cubs game if at all possible; its something everyone should experience. ESPN Zone is a lot of fun as well.

As far as food goes, you have to do Chicago Deep Dish pizza. I would recommend Giordano's myself or Lou Malnatis; Gino's is overrated. Also, hit up a Portillos for a Chicago style hot dog. If you enjoy rude servers, visit Ed Debevic's; its always a lot of fun. For dessert, plan a long stay at the Girhardelli Chocolate Store downtown. Their sundaes are straight from heaven.

You can also visit Navy Pier and take a boat ride on the Chicago River.

I hope this helps, and I hope you have a great weekend!

Answer 3

Do anything that take you away from the Mag Mile. It's a busy, crowded tourist trap. Since you'll be here this weekend, travel to the North Side of the city to Andersonville for the annual Midsommar Fest street fair. Andersonville is a neighborhood with a Swedish heritage and that flavors some of the festival (they do that maypole dance stuff and now serve chilled glogg, although it's supposed to be cool this weekend, so hot glogg might be better), but the fest has a lot of rock, blues, jazz and dance bands playing as well. It's a fun time but costs $5. The fair is located on North Clark Street at Foster. Get a CTA map when you get here; it's easy to get to.

Or you can go to the Old Town Art Fair (Lincoln and Wisconsin streets). There's a $5 entry fee, but it's a lot of fun. Music, food, art, drinks. And going on at the same time is the Wells Street art fair on Wells street between Division Street and North Ave. It's $5 before 7 p.m. and $7 after that. Again, a lot of art on display and for sale, bands, food... it's in the same neighborhood at the famed Second City comedy club; you might even be able to get a ticket to a show that evening. If you hang around long enough, Second City has a free after hours (midnight) improv show where members try out new skits, etc.

The annual Blues Fest is going on in Grant Park. It's free and has some of the top blues acts in the country. This year pays tribute to the musicians of New Orleans and has a couple of legendary New Orleans musicians playing.

If you're intent on staying near Michigan Ave., at least walk over to navy Pier. It's kinda cheesy at times, but there's a lot to look at, a lot of places to eat and drink and there are fireworks on Saturday night.

If you want to see the "hip" side of town, take the Blue Line train to the Damen stop and walk around Wicker Park. Granted it's pretty corporate now and the former punk flavor of the neighborhood is pretty much eradicated, but there's a bunch of shops and unique restaruants and stuff. There are a few clubs with live bands, most notably the Double Door

Anyway, I always advise people coming here to get away from the touristy areas and see the acutal city. To me, there's no fun in seeing the same stuff that everybody else sees.

Answer 4

What not to do, attend one of our many musesums: Scinece and Industy, Feild Musium, Art Insititue, Plantearum, Shedd Aquarum. See a Broadway Show: Wicked, Spelling Bee, Spanalot. Go shopping on Mishigan Ave. Navy Pair. See the architecture: Sears tower, John Hancock, River and Lake Boat tours, Frank Lloyde Wright. Visit the parks, walk around and take in the sights. Go to a movie in our fomous movie houses, attend one of our many night clubs and off broadway shows, or second city. There is so much, so one weekend is really limited to Chicago's rish tourest possiblites, there is so much to do, pick something. The City should have a web sight which hould help.

Answer 5

Stuff you simply are not allowed to miss:

Obviously, you're going to go shopping. Go to Filene's Basement (which, oddly occupies the 4th/5th floors) on Michigan near the Water Tower. Mucho Bargains. I never go to Chicago without at least a quick trip here. (link below)

Clearly, you need to eat. I have two favorites for "tourist budget" food. The first is a sandwich place called Potbelly (don't let the name fool you, they serve very healthy, very yummy food, and cheap!) Also, I can't ever leave Chicago without a visit to Pizzeria Due (which is the second Uno's location and within view of the first) for a deep dish spinach pizza. (Links to each below)

Enjoy your trip...I've never had a bad time in Chicago.

Answer 6

there's a Bennigan's at 225 North Michigan Ave, and yet yet another at a hundred and fifty S. Michigan. the two one among that are close (225 North could desire to decide for to be closer) Then there is Harry Caray's at 33 W. Kinzie (kinzie & n dearborn). surprising broiled whitefish! Lot's of Budweider. in case you go with for Thai, there is Singha, at 350 North Clark. you particularly can not get it incorrect with Bennigans or Harry's.

Answer 7

Goto the Art Institute, you're only a couple blocks away depending on where you're staying and its right next to Grant and Millennium parks if you're interested in going for a walk. I don't know how long you're staying but The museum is free on Tue or Wed.

Also check out:
Metromix.com
Chireader.com

They have great events calenders.

Answer 8

There is the Sear tower, shopping, the field musum, planaterium, Shedd, the Art Institute, grant park Millenium park, theatre, music, city festivals - Old Town Art fair is this weekend.

Answer 9

Go to the 7 story mall and there is a Gallery that sells some of the coolest stuff it called Tasconos. Very good prices and cool stuff.

Answer 10

Navy Pier
Get some popcorn from Garrett's Popcorn. The carmel and cheese mix just melts in your mouth. The BEST popcorn in the world!!
Museum of Science and Industry