If you have one day in Chicago, and never been there before, what all should I check out?

Question

I'll be going to Chicago next week for a day. I'm 22, but I'm not really looking for nightlife or bar scene (as I will be with company of my father who's 40+).

What should I go check out, if I only have 1 day to experience Chicago?

Answer 1

The Field Museum.
Less than 10% of their collection is on view at any time.
Check out all the animals killed some by Teddy Roosevelt that are now endangered or extinct.

After the museum, head north to Buckingham Fountain (The one featured in Married with Children).

Continue north to Millennium Park

Continue North to Navy Pier for a boat ride. Several to choose from including sailing, jet skis, and dinner cruises.

If you come in when the tall ships are in you can board each one for a small fee and they sometime include a sailing lesson.

Tall Ships Chicago
The largest gathering of Tall Ships ever to set sail together in the Midwest will arrive in Chicago July 30 - August 4. The festival brings nearly 30 Tall Ships to the shores of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, providing a display reminiscent of the lakefront in the 1800's.

Or you can skip Millennium Park and Buckingham Fountain and just take a free trolley from the Museum Campus to Navy Pier.

Or you can take your pick from any or all of the 3 museums in the Museum Campus. They are the Adler Planetarium, Field Museum of Natural History and John G. Shedd Aquarium.

Or you can continue North and go to a Cubs baseball game or head South to a White Sox baseball game.

Attached are a few websites you can check out:

www.fieldmuseum.org
www.adlerplanetarium.org
www.sheddaquarium.org
www.tallshipwindy.com
http://gochicago.about.com/od/chicagomuseums/ss/museum_campus.htm

Answer 2

I'd probably start the day with a boat tour to get a feel for the city. Try one of the tours that leaves from either the Wrigley Building or Navy Pier.

After that, maybe check out the Art Institute. You don't have to be an art snob to appreciate the fact that you can see some of the greatest works of art in the world only a few feet from your nose. To know you're looking at a painting or sculpture that was made more than 400 years ago, or a genuine Picasso or Seuratte (sp?) or Jackson Pollack is a pretty cool thing.

After that, if you're ready for lunch, stop by Miller's Pub on Wabash, only a short walk away from the Art Institute. It's a Chicago tradition, with lots of old photos of classic Chicagoans on the walls. They serve great food and it's a great atmosphere.

You don't say what day you're going to be here, but either way, the Cubs are supposed to be in town that week. If you can get a ticket from a scalper, go for it. Go to the Piano Man bar, about a block or two north of Wrigley Field and ask around. There used to be a guy named Ticket Teddy that gave pretty good deals. when I bought a pair from him a few years, he not only gave me a good deal but bought us a pitcher of beer too! Even i you don' get inside the ball park, just walking around and soaking up the atmospher at one of the gazillion bars is pretty cool. In fact, you can probably skip lunch at Miller's pub and get lunch there around the ballpark. It's a lively scene, I have to admit (and I'm a Sox fan!)

Later in the evening, go check out the John Hancock building. Skip the observatory deck and go the Signature Room. The elevator on the south side of the building will take you there. There's a big fancy restaurant up there, but there's also a bar. I know, I know, not another bar. But you don't have to drink. Just order a couple of cokes, maybe something to snack on and take in the view. It's great. You can walk around the room and see the city from almost every side.

Finally, depending on how late you'll be here, you might want to check out Second City improv on Wells Street. They get going about 8 p.m. and it's usually a pretty good time. Or if you like stand up, there's Zanies right down the street. You might want to check out the website of both and make reservations in advance. have fun.

Answer 3

Billy Goat Tavern is famous for there cheeseburgers and Cokes. Or get a slice of deep dish pizza downtown. Or a Vienna Beef Chicago hot dog.

There's the Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute, and several others. Hancock Tower observatory is another idea. You can see the city on the 93rd floor of the tower.

And make sure to take the "L" and the buses. It's only $2 each person, and you are able to get all over the city.

Answer 4

Go to Millenium Park on Michigan Ave and look at the Cloud Gate sculpture (often called "the bean"). You have to stand next to it to see how truly cool it is. The Art Institute and Grant Park are nearby. Then head further north and Check out the Museum of Contemporary Art on Chicago Ave.

Navy Pier is kindof lame... nice to walk around and see the water, but the shopping there is too "touristy."

Eat at Portillos on Ontario Ave if you want casual food. Or try the Rock Bottom Brewery if you want some great beer and food.

Answer 5

Millenium Park, Michigan Ave, the Museum Campus (Shedd, Field and Planetarium), the lake front. Ride a tour boat (get the one on Wacker it's closer than the ones on Navy Pier)
Navy Pier is a tourist trap. Fun, but there are so many other great things to see. Enjoy

Answer 6

One day?..

Start the day with going to the top of the John Hancock...[skip the sears tower]... then spend an hour or two in Millennium Park...and the rest of the afternoon at the Field Museum..

For dinner, maybe deep-dish pizza at Giordanos or Ginos East.

Then, now that youre full lol, end the day with a ride down Lake Shore Drive at sunset or evening, evening is nice because of all the lights.

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{ BUT, if the Tall Ships fest is going to be happening when youre there, go for it! [and skip Millennium and/or Field M}.. it will be very crowded, but its worth it, 'cuz these ships arent something ya see every day. }

Answer 7

Try Navy Pier - close to Grant Park ,museums, downtown, Michigan Ave (the magnificent mile)......

Answer 8

navy pier, hancock center (observatory, has better view than the sears tower observatory), Millenium park, check the field museum too if you have time. take a walk in the downtown loop, there is always stuff going on.

Answer 9

U-505 and a Chicago Style Pizza! Just Do it!! If you could stay longer there is a whole lot more. nm

Answer 10

Museum of Science and Industry.