Chicago, the “Windy City” as it is often called, lies along the shores of Lake Michigan. It is known for its vibrant arts scene, numerous cultural attractions, excellent shopping, and interesting architecture. The city enjoys a worldwide reputation as a focal point of 20th century architecture and art, with architects such as Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, and artists like Picasso, Mirõ, Dubuffet, and Chagall having left their mark. The city also has much to offer in the sporting sphere, too, with the Chicago Bears in American football, the Chicago White Sox and Cubs in baseball and the Chicago Bulls in basketball. Last, but not least, are the beautiful beaches.
1. Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is a world class museum with hundreds of thousands of artworks. The diverse collection spans thousands of years and includes pieces from a variety of media including painting, prints, photography, sculpture, decorative arts, textiles, architectural drawings and more. The Institute is known for its collection of impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings including Georges Seurat’s 1884 “A Sunday Afternoon on La Grand Jatte,” Renoir’s 1879 “Acrobats at the Circque Fernando” and numerous paintings by Claude Monet. The main building, designed by Shepley, Rutan, and Coolidge in beaux-arts style, was built for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Several other buildings have been added on over the years and today the complex measures 400,000 square feet. Address: 111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago Official site: http://www.artic.edu/
2. Millennium Park
Millennium Park is located in downtown Chicago bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the North and Monroe Street to the South. The main features of Millennium Park include the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, an outdoor concert venue; the interactive Crown Fountain; Lurie Garden; and the Cloud Gate sculpture on the AT&T Plaza. Address: 201 East Randolph Street, Chicago Official site: http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html
3. Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile
Michigan Avenue is probably one of the most attractive boulevards in America. The city’s famous Magnificent Mile is a section of Michigan Avenue north of the Chicago River, with numerous galleries, boutiques and luxury shops. Some of the attractions along here include the John Hancock Center, the Wrigley Building, and the Tribune Tower. Michigan Avenue splits between North and South designations at Madison Street. Official site: http://www.themagnificentmile.com/
4. Navy Pier
The Navy Pier originally opened in 1916 as an amusement area and shipping facility but is now one of Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions. Today, the Navy Pier is made up of 50 acres of gardens, attractions, shops, restaurants, concert venues, and parks. There is a 150 ft Ferris wheel and an historic carousel in Navy Pier Park. Visitors can also watch a film at the 3D Imax Theater, watch actors perform the classics at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, or visit Crystal Gardens, a one-acre, six-story, indoor botanical garden. Also located here is the Chicago Children’s Museum. The Pier hosts year-round festivities, including the Chicago Festival in August. Cruise ships leave from here on various sightseeing excursions. Address: 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago Official site: http://www.navypier.com/
5. Shakespeare Theater
The Shakespeare Theater in Chicago has a permanent facility at the Navy Pier. The seven-story, glass curtain-walled theater houses a 500 seat courtyard theater and a 200 seat flexible black box theater. Address: 800 East Grand Avenue, Chicago Official site: http://www.chicagoshakes.com/
6. Museum of Science and Industry
At the north end of Jackson Park is the Museum of Science and Industry, founded in 1933, and arguably the most impressive museum in Chicago. It is devoted to the application of natural laws in technological and industrial development. The museum is thought to be the first in the U.S. to incorporate the idea of “hands-on” exhibits. Visitors are encouraged to interact with hundreds of exhibits. The MSI features permanent and changing exhibits, as well as an OMNIMAX theater. Address: 5700 South Lakeshore Drive, Chicago Official site: http://www.msichicago.org/
7. Lyric Opera of Chicago
The Lyric Opera of Chicago offers a full opera season, from October to March, with well known classics. It began in 1954 and is today world-renowned. Address: 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago Official site: http://www.lyricopera.org/
8. Oriental Institute Museum avaviel
The Oriental Institute Museum, located on the University of Chicago campus, is dedicated to the archeology and art of the Near East. Some of the antiquities on display include finds from excavations in Egypt, Sudan, Iraq, Turkey, and Israel. Address: 1155 East 58th Street, Chicago Official site: http://oi.uchicago.edu/museum/
9. Willis Tower SkyDeck
Until 1996, when the Petronas Towers were built in Kuala Lumpur, the 110 story Sears Tower, now Willis Tower, was the world’s tallest office block. While there are now several taller buildings, the view from here is incredible. On a clear day you can see 40 to 50 miles over four states, and gain a bird’s eye view of Chicago’s impressive architecture. The Willis Tower took three years to build and was opened to the public in 1974. The building is 1,453 feet tall with an observation area, called the SkyDeck, on the 103rd floor, 1,353 feet above the ground. A glass box with a glass floor, known as the Ledge, juts out from the SkyDeck, where visitors can stand and look directly down at the city below. Address: 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago Official site: http://www.theskydeck.com/
10. John Hancock Center
The John Hancock Center stands 1,125 ft high and is easy to recognize by its dark metallic looking exterior and cross-braced steel design which runs up the outside of the building. As well, two 345 ft high telecommunications aerials project up from the roof. Visitors can enjoy the views from the 94th floor observatory. The building, constructed in 1970, contains a variety of shops, offices and apartments. Address: 875 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago Official site: http://www.johnhancockcenterchicago.com/
Where to Stay in Chicago for Sightseeing The best sightseeing, shopping, and dining and the most interesting architecture are found in Chicago’s city center, and this is where most visitors will want to stay.
The city center encompasses the famous Magnificent Mile and areas of the waterfront, which are particularly popular in summer. Below are some highly-rated hotels in convenient locations.
- Luxury Hotels: At the high end of the luxury hotels is the Langham, with a beautiful riverfront location, and close to the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, and Navy Pier. The recently renovated Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile is a more modestly priced top-end hotel with a great location in the city center. In this same category and close to everything is the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel. This hotel offers beautiful views over Lake Michigan and Millennium Park.
- Mid-Range Hotels: In a good location, within walking distance of many of the major sites and set in the heart of the theater district, is the Hampton Majestic Chicago Theatre District. The Kinzie Hotel is a popular contemporary boutique hotel, centrally located for sightseeing and shopping. In a great location, just a couple of blocks off the Magnificent Mile, is the ACME Hotel Company, which describes itself as “hip” but is also quirky and cozy at the same time.
- Budget Hotels: Budget options in the city center are few and far between. The Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown has a decent location in the city center, with small rooms for Hampton but good service. The best bargains are outside the city center and require some commuting. Two good-value options are the Majestic Hotel and Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace Hotel, both in the Lakeview East neighborhood, north of downtown.
