Will be in Chicago from 2 - 5 May. What places of interest should we visit?

Answer 1

Besides all of the permanent things that are here (museums, zoos, etc.) Chicago has tons of great theaters. Visit the Hot Tix store on Michigan Ave and Randolph St. You can buy day-of-the-show theater tickets for halfprice. In addition, we've got an exploding comedy scene, with improv, sketch and standup comedy seven nights a week. you can check out Second City and see the comedy stars of the future, or walk down the street to Zanies and catch the top standup acts in the country (both are located in the Old Town neighborhood). In addition, there are a bunch of small improv groups who attend classes at local comedy schools and give inexpensive shows to hone their skills. Check out a copy of Time Out Chicago magazine when you get here (available at pretty much every newsstand and bookstore). They have a whole section listing every comedy show for every night of the week.

Time Out Chicago is a pretty good source for EVERYTHING that is going on in Chicago the week you will be here. It's a weekly magazine and has comedy, theater, clubs, live music, etc. events for the entire week, with location, times and prices. It's a pretty good source. There are lots of things going on in Chicago that only occur during a week or so. The museums and stuff will always be here, but a particular musical guest, comedy act or gallery art show may only be appearing for one week. You might not want to miss it.

Answer 2

What are your interests? If you like museums, the Museum Campus is on the South Side, the Hard Rock Cafe has a location here, if you are interested in broadcasting history we have a Museum of Broadcast Communications, we have two zoos in the area, plus if you are up for a ninety minute drive there's another one,in Milwaukee, WI. We have a Hooters location here, North Pier has a lot of cool restaurants and a ferris wheel, Navy Pier, which is just a short walk from North Pier, has a lot of cool stuff too, we have a Coyote Ugly location not too far from the Brown Line Chicago Avenue stop, ALL of Chinatown is interesting, both for the food and the culture, there is a lot more but it would take way too long.

Answer 3

Riding the CTA trains gives an idea of the scope of the city.
Museum of Science & Industry is a whole day long experience, but worth it.
Start at the HWLC Library (inside, top to bottom), walk north on State Street (or Wabash) to the river, continue north on Michigan Avenue, stop for lunch somewhere, visit the Hancock Observatory, take the subway train south from the State and Chicago stop to Cermak stop, see Chinatown.
Try to catch a free evening concert at Millenium Park (bring a picnic basket & blankets). Bicycles can be rented from there also.
Ride the Devon bus from Loyola University to the end, use an all day pass from the Cultural Center store, see the Preston Bradley Hall while there, continue south on the Lincoln bus from Devon, get off to shop at Lawrence Avenue or where you like.
Walking tours of the loop are available. Boat rides start at the Adams Street bridge across the river from Union Station, near the Sears Tower, going to Navy Pier, where the sell candy coated cashews.
You will enjoy Chicago*. But after three days of seeing and doing things, you may be thankful that wheelchairs are available to get you to your plane on time.
* - Camera & Credit Card Required.

Answer 4

prepare for extreme heat.

Michigan Avenue - shopping, Millenium Park (must-see), Art Institute (must see for art lovers), Ralph Lauren restaurant.

Chicago River architecture tour - see the city (ok...just downtown) from a boat - boats dock at Navy Pier and other places
Navy Pier - the most touristy place in Chicago
Skydeck at Sears Tower - about $12 per person
Signature Lounge at John Hancock Center - on the 90-something floor
Oak Street Beach or North Avenue Beach
Late night dining or drinking in the Gold Coast for 21-35 year olds
Oak Street for ultraexclusive shopping - French and Italian designer boutiques and such
fine dining in the city - Charlie Trotter's, Tru (over $120/person)
free music festivals at Grant Park
gay Boystown in Lakeview
Wrigleyville, the neighborhood around Wrigley Field
the museums: Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum of Natural History
Wicker Park - a hipster neighborhood - a little shady
Chinatown
comedy show at Second City - former home to many SNL alums
Jerry Springer taping, Oprah taping
night clubs, hipster bars, trendy clubs...
the list goes on and on....

Answer 5

Visit Navy Pier, take a walk through Millennium Park, shopping on State St. and North Michigan Ave. The meuseums are good especially the Field Museum and Art Institute. See a play like the Color Purple or Wicked, ride the "EL" trains, dine on good food that'll stick to your ribs, and finally, try out the night life!

Answer 6

Millennium Park, John Hancock observatory, Art Institute, Brookfield Zoo

Answer 7

You know your tastes better than anyone else...but there is a lot to see and do. Keep your mind open. Some of the best food can be found in Chicago.
Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum
Navy Pier
Museum of Science and Industry
Sears Tower Skydeck ... is a must everytime we go.

Answer 8

The shedd aquarium, field museum and adler planetarium are some of my favorite chicago tourism places.