i'm going to be visiting this summer, and one day i am going to hang out downtown while my sister is at work. i don't mind walking a lot, or taking a cab, so what's some cool stuff to do? i've been to chicago maybe 8 times in my life, and i've done the art institue every time, so i think i'm done with that.
2007-03-02 04:07:26 · 9 answers · asked by leilani 6 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Chicago
Lots and lots to do. You know where the art institute is, but rather than go inside, walk just just north from there on Michigan Avenue to Millenium Park - that area is so fun during the summer, with the fountains and the bean and the people watching. If you continue up Michigan Avenue you can shop on that terrific street. Maybe stop by the John Hancock Tower at the end of Michigan Avenue and go up to the bar on the 95th floor and take in the view.
Walk back down and go east across to Oak Street Beach and the lakefront. After that, if you have time, hop in a cab (or the 146 bus off Michigan Avenue) and go up to the Lakeview neighborhood - maybe see Wrigley Field at Clark and Addison and explore the neighborhood around there. You could even walk all the way back down to where you started on Clark Street if you feel like walking four or five miles - it's a nice walk and takes you right across the Chicago River towards the end.
2007-03-02 04:50:40 · answer #1 · answered by Marc W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The lakefront parks are one of Chicago's best features. Check out Millennium Park (just north of the Art Institute) and Grant Park (just south of there). Since you've seen the Art Institute, why not check out the other museums. The Field Museum (natural history), the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium are conveniently together in an area known as the Museum Campus, in Grant Park near Roosevelt Road. You can get there by taxi, bus, or train, or you can take the free tourist trolley.
Another thing you might consider is the Chicago Architecture Foundation's river cruise. As you sail down the river, they point out all the architectural marvels in the business district. The architecture foundation also has walking tours that can be quite interesting.
Chicago has some of the best shopping in the world. You can spend hours strolling the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue, north of the river), either buying or window shopping. Also check out the old Marshall Field's store (now Macy's) on State Street in the Loop, one of the largest and most beautiful department stores anywhere. While you're browsing, enjoy the sidewalk performers and other street life that make Chicago a really exciting city.
Near North Michigan is Navy Pier, which is another big tourist destination (though personally not my favorite). Also there is the John Hancock Building. You can go to their observation deck and get one of the best "tall building" views you'll find in any city anywhere. (It's definitely better than the view from the Sears Tower, because Hancock is right by the lake.)
2007-03-02 16:37:03 · answer #2 · answered by dmb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check out the House of Blues. They have a nice restaurant and a cool venue to see a concert.
Water Tower Place has a nice mall to do some shopping and you can go up to the Signature Room to have a drink and check out the awesome skyline. (that way you don't have to pay for the observation deck)
Navy Pier is always fun. And you can go on an Architecture Boat tour from there. That is very cool to do in the summer!
Good luck and have fun!
2007-03-02 17:03:27 · answer #3 · answered by Jackie W 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The museum of natural history, that's where the mummys are! the planetarium, the art museum, soldier's Field football stadium, the magnificent mile! (full of stores!) the lake, lots of boats! the bars and restaurants! Navy pier, with the world's largest Ferris wheel! Lots of stuff to do. Go when there's a fest, and double the things to see! I lived there for years, it was fun!
2007-03-02 12:10:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Museum of Science and Industry is fun, The Shedd Aquarium is awesome, the Adler Planetarium is cool, I havent been to the zoos in a while but when i was there they were good. you could go to the Cheesecake Factory. Sears Tower. House of Blues. Theres tons to do.
2007-03-02 12:17:48 · answer #5 · answered by Jake S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Name it! The Hard Rock Cafe is there, the Museum of Broadcast Communications(the only beef I have with that is that its coverage stops at about the 1960's), countless stores, if you want to go past downtown, the Museums(Science and Industry, etc.), are further south. If you want a lot more information go to www.chicago.com
2007-03-02 12:15:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Water Tower its said to be haunted it was built in 1869 and it was the only building said to be surviving the 1871 chicago fire also check out mellinium park it was built 3 years ago and there is lots of cool stuff to do there
2007-03-02 19:53:27 · answer #7 · answered by nida 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Count pigeons at Daley Plaza.
It sounds like you're "into" museums. There are 52 more museums in Chgo...even more in the suburbs. Some are real gems. Check out the site below:
http://collaboratory.nunet.net/museums/pages.cfm
2007-03-02 17:23:16 · answer #8 · answered by tichur 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there's soooooo much to do in downtown.
2007-03-02 22:46:32 · answer #9 · answered by Coolbear4 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋