where to go to in chicago?

Question

im going to chicago at the end of the month for about 2 days, i was just wondering what the best tourist spots to visit.including museums and stores, and streets (that have many good stores), and anything of that nature! thx a bunch

Answer 1

If I had a friend coming from out of town for 2 days, here's what I'd recommend:

Head to Lincoln Park, one of Chicago's trendiest neighborhoods, for a trip to Lincoln Park Zoo. It's small, free, open every day, and has just undergone a major renovation. Be sure you visit the brand new Ape House and the polar bear underwater viewing window, where the polar bears will often play peek-a-boo. http://www.lpzoo.com/index2.html

After the Zoo, head west on Armitage Avenue toward Halsted. Grab a bite of lunch, there are lots of options, including Minnies (http://centerstage.net/restaurants/minnie.html), Sai Cafe, Argo Tea and Tilli's. After lunch, browse the many great boutiques like Art Effect (http://www.arteffectchicago.com/), Cynthia Rowley, LUSH Handmade Cosmetics, Barker & Meowsky, Origins, Soapstone and more. And, perhaps most importantly, there are Vosges (http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/) and Ethel's boutiques (http://www.ethelschocolate.com/lounges.asp) here, so you can get a fix of Chicago-made gourmet chocolate. I believe a head-to-head comparison is essential.

Once you're done shopping on Armitage, hop on the Brown Line and take it downtown into the Loop. The views of the city are great, and if you're here, riding the L is just one of those must-do things. Get off the train at the Washington stop and walk over to the Chicago Cultural Center (http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalContentItemAction.do?BV_SessionID=@@@@0277662543.1155567074@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccdaddihjfmgddcefecelldffhdfgn.0&contentOID=536899808&contenTypeName=COC_EDITORIAL&topChannelName=SubAgency&blockName=Cultural+Center%2FGeneral+Information%2FI+Want+To&context=dept&channelId=0&programId=0&entityName=Cultural+Center&deptMainCategoryOID=-536884129)
Pick up maps, brochures, coupons, etc, at the Visitors Center and check out the current art exhibits, all of which are free. Also gawk briefly at the dome in Preston Bradley Hall, which is simply gorgeous.

Head to State Street for some shopping. I like shopping State Street before Michigan Avenue because I think that you can get through it more quickly. There's plenty to see, but not nearly as much as there is on the Mag Mile.

You'll find what used to be the 7-story flagship Marshall Field's store (now Macy's) at State & Washington. Worth stopping in just to see the Tiffany dome. As you head south on State Street, there's plenty more shopping options. My top picks would be Filene's Basement (the State Street store is MUCH better than the Michigan Ave location) and H&M; but Nordstom Rack, Carson Pirie Scott (more impressive for it's architecture than it's fashion offerings) and many more line the street....

Downtown has some great art options:
Millennium Park (http://www.millenniumpark.org/), where there's terrific sculpture and often free performances.

The Art Institute of Chicago (http://www.artic.edu/). If you're in town on a Thursday or Friday before Labor Day, you can check out AIC after a full day of shopping, since they're open until 9 pm.

The Field Museum also has extended evening hours, most of which are on Saturdays and Sundays untli Labor Day. (http://www.fieldmuseum.org/plan_visit/default.htm)

You also need to walk the Magnificent Mile, which runs along Michigan Avenue from Wacker (the River) to Oak Street (the preferred address for Chicago's most elite boutiques). Your shopping options will include Max Mara, Bloomingdale's, Saks, Tiffany, Niketown, H&M, Crate & Barrel, Armani Exchange, Nordstrom and more. The only mall I would say is a must-do is North Bridge at 520 N. Michigan Ave. Nordstrom is the mall's anchor store, but I go there for Sephora (http://www.sephora.com/) and the city's top two chocolate boutiques, Vosges and Ethel's.

The shopping on Navy Pier is very kitschy, I can't recommend it at all. If you want to go for the ferris wheel, the views of the city, or the Wednesday or Saturday night fireworks, Navy Pier is fine; but it can't hold a candle to Michigan Avenue, State Street or any of the better neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Andersonville or Lincoln Square when it comes to the stores and the quality of the merchandise.

Have fun!

Answer 2

Ah Chicago, my kind of town.... So much here.... The Field Museum (Museum of Natural History), The Art Museum, The Museum of Science and Industry.... The Shedd Aquarium, the Planetarian... The Lake Front, Millenium Park, Grant Park, Shop on Michigan Avenue, State Street...... Go atop the Sears Tower, the John Hancock building....great views....

Go to Rush Street, go to Wrigley.... Chicago is the greatest city in the world....

Answer 3

Depends on what you have in mind.....

For great shopping check out State Street and Michigan Ave. For fun toursity type shopping check out Navy Pier. If you want to check out a museum or two the best two options are the Art Museum and the Field Museum. The best value in Chicago is the Lincoln Park Zoo (it's free and it's top notch). If you want to check out a small neigborhood take the brown line (the El) north to Wilson and check it out. There's a little German type village with coblestone streets and great restaurants. You must check out Millenium Park and walking along the lake is always fun. If you wanted to hit the beach the North St. Beach is your best bet and it's close to downtown. If you are looking for a cheap place to eat while downtown check out the visitors center across from the Water Tower (a cool tourist site to see while downtown right on the heart of Michigan Ave.). It's a quirky fast food joint. While in this neck of the woods you should check out the Water Tower Place an indoor mall with most of your favorite premium stores. For a great restaurant downtown check out Weber Grill on State St. awesome food all cooked on Weber Grills or for a great lunch bargain check out Reza's (mediterannean food) lunch buffet for $10. For a great breakfast Lou Mitchell's is a must over by Union Station. If you looking to see a good view of the city go the John Hancock Building and take the elevator to the 95th floor to the Signature lounge. Buy yourself a cocktail for $10 and get a great view of the city. I hope this helps!!!! Chicago is my kind of town. Have fun!

Answer 4

The Shedd Aquarium is wonderful. So is the Museum of Science and Industry.
I have never been to Navy Pier, but everyone says it's great, too.

Answer 5

go to metromix.com , stay away from division street(cheesy bars), if you go 2 blocks west you will be robbed and left for dead. State st. & Mich. ave has good shopping. Lincoln park zoo . navy pier very touristy.have fun.......shedd aqarium,museum of science and industry pretty. i think king tut may still be there(not sure at all)but you need to buy tickcets in advance if still there. have fun.

Answer 6

Michigan Ave. Is hands down the place to go!!! Or go down LakeShore Drive thats where all of the Museums are down on the south side!!! But Michigan Ave is FUN!!!! Hits up my IM and I'll tell you more

Answer 7

Macy's,Navy Peir the beach,the museum of science and industrey talk the train downtown to realy see stuff

Answer 8

The weiner circle. Its a restaurant. I'm not exactly sure where it is. It is hilarious. They put you down when you order. It was on Dave Attels show on comedy central. Food is excellent also. Have fun!

Answer 9

i dont know i live in wisconsin i go to chicogo all the time but i dont pay attention to me its still the united states which doesnt change

Answer 10

go downtown!!
some good vibes there, nite time especialy .
dont forget modern art & architecture