Blair
Halifax
I'm in town for business and will be staying on extra weekend at the end of the trip. What should I do? I plan on seeing one of the science museums. I like to walk around and find stuff off the beaten path.
There are so many options and things to do in Chicago...
Definitely check out the The Art Institute of Chicago. The variety of current exhibitions will not disappoint. It's diverse and beautiful.
From there, I would walk over to Millennium Park and take a selfie in front of the bean. Why not?
You could also hit up the Skydeck Chicago for some amazing views 103 floors up. It's a bit touristy, however, but a fun experience.
If you eat meat, I would then make my way to Au Cheval for the cheeseburger. It's the best in Chicago.
You have to eat some pizza too, of course. Try Pequod's Pizza, the caramelized crust is hard to beat.
For a fun sit down pizza spot, try Piece Pizzeria and Brewery. It's located in Bucktown, which is a walkable area great for exploring and shopping. Have fun - it's an amazing city!
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The Museum of Science and Industry is in Hyde Park, a neighborhood of Chicago, and is pretty far outside the city, plan on spending a good chunk of a day if you decide to go there. The Adler Planetarium is more central if astronomy is one of your interests. When are you coming? The weather right now is pretty miserable, hopefully it will warm up sometime before July :-)
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There are many museums downtown. The museum campus has 3 of our finest museums: Adler Planetarium (my favorite),Shedd Aquarium and The Field Museum and all are walking distance from each other. Further south is the Museum of Science and Industry. There is also a very cool small museum Lasers & Holography. There are many hundreds of restaurants so it depends on where you are staying.There are also a multitude of theaters and other things to do. Millenium Park and Navy Pier are two of our biggest attractions. There is a brand new attraction I just read about at John Hancock Center which is called Tilt!. You go to the 94th floor and grab on to handles and are inclined 30 degrees directly over the glass looking down. Not for the faint of heart.
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Walking along the lake is great - miles of paved paths north of downtown that can lead you to Navy Pier.
I also love checking out the live weekly magazine/salon (a la NPR) The Paper Machete at The Green Mill.
OH - and I just *have* to mention my favorite pizza spot (tried many of the top ones in Chicago): The Art of Pizza
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I always recommend either the Wendella Boats or Chicago Architecture Tour tours of the Chicago River. A great way to see the city of Chicago is by the Chicago River. If more adventurous, you can also kayak or canoe the river through guides or on your own.
You definitely want to check out the Willis Tower Skydeck, see a baseball game at Wrigley Field or U.S. Cellular Field if you have time.
Another great option is the The Green Mill to see a beautiful historic jazz club from the Al Capone era.
The best thing about Chicago is the different neighborhoods. Downtown and lakefront are cool, but check out one of the neighborhoods like Lincoln Square Neighborhood Wicker Park Wrigleyville Uptown Andersonville
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Rent a Divvy bike and ride up the lakefront trail. Stop near Fullerton or Belmont. Near Fullerton Ave there are lots of cafes, restaurants, shops and bars to explore. Belmont is similar with a great Chicago coffee shop (Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea)! Enjoy.
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Museums are great. Museum of Science and Industry is my favorite. Shedd Aquarium is a great place as well. In the evening, make sure to visit the Millennium Park. Go their before sunset and stay till all lights come on. Michigan Avenue (on which Millennium Park is) is great for a nice stroll and shopping
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If you want to get out into the neighborhoods a little, take the Blue Line on the 'L' to Logan Square. Grab a drink at Billy Sunday on the square and then dinner Longman & Eagle. This area is booming with new restaurants and bars.
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Catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field! That's always a great experience regardless of who they're playing. Enjoy!
One of my favorite things to do in Chicago is take the Chicago Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise put on by Chicago Architecture Foundation. You learn a lot about the city and there are several architecture styles on display in the Chicago area; it's quite fascinating. Get your tickets at Chicago's First Lady Dock.
Kristi nailed it with the Museum of Science and Industry, by far the best science museum in Chicago. Also the best place to see remnants of White City form when Chicago held the Worlds Fair.
Speaking of, If you have the chance read "The Devil in the White City" by Eric Larson before you go. It will give you lots of good tidbits about Chicago.
Thanks,
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You should get your bbq food coma on at Chicago q and then indulge in a comedy show at Second City
You can't go wrong with the museum "Triple Play" near downtown Shedd Aquarium; The Field Museum; & Adler Planetarium. Each is within easy walking distance of the other and getting to one is a short cab or bus ride from downtown area. You may have to ask which bus to take.
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Millenium Park, Wrigley FieldMuseum of Science and Industry, Michigan AvenueThe Field MuseumChinatown,Wicker Park, West Loop
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