Guidebook for Chicago
Entertainment & Activities
A great (and free!) zoo located less than a mile away... walk, ride, or bike!
1117 locals raden deze aan
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark StA great (and free!) zoo located less than a mile away... walk, ride, or bike!
Fireworks for the 4th and on each weekend of summer.Ferris Wheel, food, beer, Children's Museum-anything you could ever want is all right here. Plus, a great view of the water!
https://navypier.com/
933 locals raden deze aan
Navy Pier
600 E Grand AveFireworks for the 4th and on each weekend of summer.Ferris Wheel, food, beer, Children's Museum-anything you could ever want is all right here. Plus, a great view of the water!
https://navypier.com/
Kids and adults alike will love this learning experience: IMAX movies, space ice cream, rotating exhibits, and more! Don't miss it!
http://www.msichicago.org/
483 locals raden deze aan
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S Lake Shore DrKids and adults alike will love this learning experience: IMAX movies, space ice cream, rotating exhibits, and more! Don't miss it!
http://www.msichicago.org/
A wonderful park near the Loop/Millennium Park. Lots of parks and fun! Tons of fun in any weather... plus a rock climbing wall in summer and ice skating in winter!
http://maggiedaleypark.com/
175 locals raden deze aan
Maggie Daley Park
337 E Randolph StA wonderful park near the Loop/Millennium Park. Lots of parks and fun! Tons of fun in any weather... plus a rock climbing wall in summer and ice skating in winter!
http://maggiedaleypark.com/
On Navy Pier-- a great place to take the kids, enjoy so many hands-on activities!
http://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/
58 locals raden deze aan
Chicago Children's Museum
700 E Grand AveOn Navy Pier-- a great place to take the kids, enjoy so many hands-on activities!
http://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/
Drinks & Nightlife
Huge bar- with both indoor and outdoor seating and tons of unique beer on draft. Great people watching, too!
http://www.oldtownpourhouse.com/
63 locals raden deze aan
Old Town Pour House - Chicago
1419 N Wells StHuge bar- with both indoor and outdoor seating and tons of unique beer on draft. Great people watching, too!
http://www.oldtownpourhouse.com/
Delicious menu... don't miss the funky items, like the bone marrow!
http://www.giltbarchicago.com/
66 locals raden deze aan
Gilt Bar
230 W Kinzie StDelicious menu... don't miss the funky items, like the bone marrow!
http://www.giltbarchicago.com/
Hotel Lincoln’s rooftop bar is the hottest spot in the city this summer- in addition to the 60-seat indoor space. Seasonal cocktail menus & great views abound!
jparkerchicago.com
124 locals raden deze aan
The J. Parker
1816 N Clark StHotel Lincoln’s rooftop bar is the hottest spot in the city this summer- in addition to the 60-seat indoor space. Seasonal cocktail menus & great views abound!
jparkerchicago.com
A great bar- awesome deck, tons of TVs, and plenty of good eats and drinks make this a hot spot in Old Town. Check it out! A 7 minute (max) walk!
http://benchmarkchicago.com/
67 locals raden deze aan
Benchmark
1510 N Wells StA great bar- awesome deck, tons of TVs, and plenty of good eats and drinks make this a hot spot in Old Town. Check it out! A 7 minute (max) walk!
http://benchmarkchicago.com/
A FUN bar-- usually a little less crowded than its neighbors with some fun music (think 90s on their 2nd floor). Just walk on down the road... it'll be right there!
http://fireplaceinn.com/
19 locals raden deze aan
The Fireplace Inn
1448 N Wells StA FUN bar-- usually a little less crowded than its neighbors with some fun music (think 90s on their 2nd floor). Just walk on down the road... it'll be right there!
http://fireplaceinn.com/
Bar/brewery with a tour! Definitely worth checking out! FOR FREE!!!
http://revbrew.com/home
101 locals raden deze aan
Revolution Brewing - Brewery & Taproom
3340 N Kedzie AveBar/brewery with a tour! Definitely worth checking out! FOR FREE!!!
http://revbrew.com/home
Whisky distillery tours every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Book these tickets a few days in advance to be safe-- only $10, too!
http://www.koval-distillery.com/newsite/
23 locals raden deze aan
KOVAL Distillery
4241 North Ravenswood AvenueWhisky distillery tours every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Book these tickets a few days in advance to be safe-- only $10, too!
http://www.koval-distillery.com/newsite/
Bar in the Hancock Building-- good food, good cocktails, unbeatable view! (Or venture up to the 96th for just the lounge!)
http://www.signatureroom.com/
525 locals raden deze aan
The Signature Room at the 95th®
875 N Michigan AveBar in the Hancock Building-- good food, good cocktails, unbeatable view! (Or venture up to the 96th for just the lounge!)
http://www.signatureroom.com/
Great place to check out- food, drinks, fun! $10 tours are also available!
http://www.gooseislandbrewpubs.com/
32 locals raden deze aan
Goose Island Brewhouse
1800 N Clybourn AveGreat place to check out- food, drinks, fun! $10 tours are also available!
http://www.gooseislandbrewpubs.com/
Yet another tour of a distillery... this one is around $17/ticket but very cool to see the science of booze!
http://chdistillery.com/
7 locals raden deze aan
CH Distillery
564 W Randolph StYet another tour of a distillery... this one is around $17/ticket but very cool to see the science of booze!
http://chdistillery.com/
Great summertime place - who doesn't love to get drinks/eats outside on Wells Street?!
http://www.woodieschicago.com/
15 locals raden deze aan
Woodie's Flat
1535 N Wells StGreat summertime place - who doesn't love to get drinks/eats outside on Wells Street?!
http://www.woodieschicago.com/
Sightseeing
The famous North Ave. beach is just a mile away-- walking distance, or a quick drive, but always a ton of fun! Both for kids, teens, and adults alike!
http://www.cpdbeaches.com/beaches/north-avenue-
338 locals raden deze aan
North Avenue Beach
The famous North Ave. beach is just a mile away-- walking distance, or a quick drive, but always a ton of fun! Both for kids, teens, and adults alike!
http://www.cpdbeaches.com/beaches/north-avenue-
From the famous bean, to the water walls/splash area, to the gardens, and the theatre space (think: free movies and concerts!)-- an absolute must see while in Chicago!
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/
1243 locals raden deze aan
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph StFrom the famous bean, to the water walls/splash area, to the gardens, and the theatre space (think: free movies and concerts!)-- an absolute must see while in Chicago!
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/
An aquarium that will spoil other aquariums for you! Go early (with any Chicago museum) to avoid the lines. Don't miss the sharks!!!
*Summers: Jazz @ the Shedd!
http://www.sheddaquarium.org/
673 locals raden deze aan
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S Lake Shore DrAn aquarium that will spoil other aquariums for you! Go early (with any Chicago museum) to avoid the lines. Don't miss the sharks!!!
*Summers: Jazz @ the Shedd!
http://www.sheddaquarium.org/
Willis Tower-- better known and forever known as the Sears Tower. Check out the great views of the city and snap some pictures on top of the glass Ledge.
http://www.willistower.com/
324 locals raden deze aan
Willis Tower
233 S Wacker DrWillis Tower-- better known and forever known as the Sears Tower. Check out the great views of the city and snap some pictures on top of the glass Ledge.
http://www.willistower.com/
Another fabulous museum in Chicago with rotating exhibits, Sue the dinosaur, and more!
*get there early!*
http://www.fieldmuseum.org/
657 locals raden deze aan
The Field Museum
1400 S Lake Shore DrAnother fabulous museum in Chicago with rotating exhibits, Sue the dinosaur, and more!
*get there early!*
http://www.fieldmuseum.org/
There is both the Boat.. but more importantly, on the River Walk is Island Party Hut: http://www.islandpartyhut.com/
Sit on the river, get some food/drink, and enjoy a great, new spot! *Hidden gem!*
Island Party Boat
There is both the Boat.. but more importantly, on the River Walk is Island Party Hut: http://www.islandpartyhut.com/
Sit on the river, get some food/drink, and enjoy a great, new spot! *Hidden gem!*
Famous, fun, and in the heart of it all! Right in Grant Park area, too!
219 locals raden deze aan
Buckingham Fountain
301 S Columbus DrFamous, fun, and in the heart of it all! Right in Grant Park area, too!
Everything Else
Home of the Chicago Cubs-- just a few stops down on the L (red line). Catch a game, grab a beer, see the Wrigley neighborhood.
1004 locals raden deze aan
Wrigley Field
1060 W Addison StHome of the Chicago Cubs-- just a few stops down on the L (red line). Catch a game, grab a beer, see the Wrigley neighborhood.
The world famous Mag Mile! Great shopping, restaurants, people watching-- it's got it all!
598 locals raden deze aan
Hot Tix - Mag Mile Location
The world famous Mag Mile! Great shopping, restaurants, people watching-- it's got it all!
Free, beautiful, and right near Millennium Park. Check out this beauty in the middle of the city's largest buildings!
19 locals raden deze aan
Lurie Garden
220 E Monroe StFree, beautiful, and right near Millennium Park. Check out this beauty in the middle of the city's largest buildings!
Want to explore Chicago like a local? This FREE program pairs visitors with a tour guide who can take you to any of the neighborhoods or 40 attractions! 10 days notice. http://chicagogreeter.com/
Chicago Greeter
72 E Randolph StWant to explore Chicago like a local? This FREE program pairs visitors with a tour guide who can take you to any of the neighborhoods or 40 attractions! 10 days notice. http://chicagogreeter.com/
Get yourself in a boat, on the water, and enjoying summertime in Chicago as it's meant to be enjoyed!
http://www.chicago-boat-rentals.com/
Chicago Powerboat Rentals
111 N Lake Shore DrGet yourself in a boat, on the water, and enjoying summertime in Chicago as it's meant to be enjoyed!
http://www.chicago-boat-rentals.com/
A beautiful place to walk, bike, run, or just sit and soak in the water, the skyline, and the people!
229 locals raden deze aan
Lakefront Trail
Lakefront TrailA beautiful place to walk, bike, run, or just sit and soak in the water, the skyline, and the people!
First Officially Recognized Gay Community in the US. Fun area equipped with great bars and shopping! An L ride away!
92 locals raden deze aan
Boys Town
First Officially Recognized Gay Community in the US. Fun area equipped with great bars and shopping! An L ride away!
Arts & Culture
Voted the best museum in the world!
http://www.artic.edu/
1159 locals raden deze aan
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan AveVoted the best museum in the world!
http://www.artic.edu/
Do not miss Second City! Get tickets in advance if they're during a prime time, but it is so worth it... plus, you can (and should) get your drinks delivered to your seats!
http://www.secondcity.com
433 locals raden deze aan
The Second City
230 W North AveDo not miss Second City! Get tickets in advance if they're during a prime time, but it is so worth it... plus, you can (and should) get your drinks delivered to your seats!
http://www.secondcity.com
Walk down the block to enjoy some great comedy... and food/drinks! Some of the famous comics started here!
http://www.chicago.zanies.com/
77 locals raden deze aan
Zanies Comedy Night Club
1548 N Wells StWalk down the block to enjoy some great comedy... and food/drinks! Some of the famous comics started here!
http://www.chicago.zanies.com/
This is pinging the wrong address, but highly recommend a river architecture tour (on the boat!) with a bar on board.
So much fun!
http://www.cruisechicago.com/architecture_tours/
114 locals raden deze aan
Chicago Architecture Center
111 E Wacker DrThis is pinging the wrong address, but highly recommend a river architecture tour (on the boat!) with a bar on board.
So much fun!
http://www.cruisechicago.com/architecture_tours/
Free museum-- not exactly close, so you'll need a car/Uber/something! But free and beautiful. During the fall, they have folk artists from Mexico on site.
http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org
222 locals raden deze aan
National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 W 19th StFree museum-- not exactly close, so you'll need a car/Uber/something! But free and beautiful. During the fall, they have folk artists from Mexico on site.
http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org
Kid friendly, great IMAX experience, and an in depth, up close view of the planets, moons, and solar system!
BONUS: Adler After Dark!
http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/
393 locals raden deze aan
Adler Planetarium
1300 S Lake Shore DrKid friendly, great IMAX experience, and an in depth, up close view of the planets, moons, and solar system!
BONUS: Adler After Dark!
http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/
In Chicago's Southport Corridor, a great place for off-beat, indie, and foreign films... including midnight showings!
http://www.musicboxtheatre.com/
152 locals raden deze aan
Music Box Theatre
3733 N Southport AveIn Chicago's Southport Corridor, a great place for off-beat, indie, and foreign films... including midnight showings!
http://www.musicboxtheatre.com/
Movies and beer- what more could you want!? (Plus, $5 admission for most movies -- you can't beat it!)
http://www.brewview.com/
6 locals raden deze aan
The Brew & View
3145 N Sheffield AveMovies and beer- what more could you want!? (Plus, $5 admission for most movies -- you can't beat it!)
http://www.brewview.com/
So many good things to say, but not enough words to say it!
http://cso.org/
79 locals raden deze aan
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S Michigan AveSo many good things to say, but not enough words to say it!
http://cso.org/
Goodman Theatre
170 N Dearborn StChicago's Broadway!
http://www.goodmantheatre.org/
Blue Man Group @ Briar Street Theater!
http://www.blueman.com/chicago/about-show
47 locals raden deze aan
Briar Street Theater
3133 N Halsted StBlue Man Group @ Briar Street Theater!
http://www.blueman.com/chicago/about-show
Food Scene
In the heart of River North -- a great place for family dining, with fairly reasonable prices. Family style Italian and quarts of wine! Yum!!
https://www.quartinochicago.com/
44 locals raden deze aan
Quartino Ristorante
626 N State StIn the heart of River North -- a great place for family dining, with fairly reasonable prices. Family style Italian and quarts of wine! Yum!!
https://www.quartinochicago.com/
Great outdoor seating right down the road from the condo (walking distance). SCRUMPTIOUS, yet refined, BBQ.
http://chicagoqrestaurant.com/
46 locals raden deze aan
Chicago Q
1160 N Dearborn StGreat outdoor seating right down the road from the condo (walking distance). SCRUMPTIOUS, yet refined, BBQ.
http://chicagoqrestaurant.com/
Famous restaurant owned by the first female winner of Top Chef, Stephanie. If you're planning on going, make a reservation early (like, weeks early).
http://girlandthegoat.com/
496 locals raden deze aan
Girl & The Goat
809 W Randolph StFamous restaurant owned by the first female winner of Top Chef, Stephanie. If you're planning on going, make a reservation early (like, weeks early).
http://girlandthegoat.com/
Also owned by Stephanie (of Girl & the Goat) -- not quite as crazy to get into and still very scrumptious!
http://littlegoatchicago.com/
159 locals raden deze aan
Little Goat Diner
3325 W Randolph StAlso owned by Stephanie (of Girl & the Goat) -- not quite as crazy to get into and still very scrumptious!
http://littlegoatchicago.com/
Just down the street and a fun spot for kiddos.
http://www.rainforestcafe.com/
6 locals raden deze aan
Rainforest Cafe
605 N Clark StJust down the street and a fun spot for kiddos.
http://www.rainforestcafe.com/
Scrumptious spot for sandwiches and baked goodies- breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus... plus freshly baked bread!
https://lafournette.com
28 locals raden deze aan
La Fournette
1547 N Wells StScrumptious spot for sandwiches and baked goodies- breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus... plus freshly baked bread!
https://lafournette.com
Yummy coffee and breakfast located within Hotel Lincoln-- La Colombe coffee/espresso drinks, crepes, and more!
14 locals raden deze aan
Elaine's Coffee Call
1816 N Clark StYummy coffee and breakfast located within Hotel Lincoln-- La Colombe coffee/espresso drinks, crepes, and more!
Delicious sushi, great views, right on Wells (including outdoor seating and upstairs lounge with cocktails from the exclusive mixologist).
http://www.kamehachi.com/
29 locals raden deze aan
Kamehachi
1531 N Wells StDelicious sushi, great views, right on Wells (including outdoor seating and upstairs lounge with cocktails from the exclusive mixologist).
http://www.kamehachi.com/
Great Italian food just a few blocks down from the condo. Patio and indoor seating and so mouth wateringly yummy!
http://www.orsosrestaurant.com/
23 locals raden deze aan
Orso's
1401 N Wells StGreat Italian food just a few blocks down from the condo. Patio and indoor seating and so mouth wateringly yummy!
http://www.orsosrestaurant.com/
Famous Rick Bayless's restaurant (you may be familiar with him from Top Chef judging, or his line of salsa/chips at your local grocery store).http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/frontera-grill/
38 locals raden deze aan
Frontera Grill
445 N Clark StFamous Rick Bayless's restaurant (you may be familiar with him from Top Chef judging, or his line of salsa/chips at your local grocery store).http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/frontera-grill/
Delicious food-- Traditional Chicago style deep-dish. Cannot stop drooling!
http://www.loumalnatis.com/
513 locals raden deze aan
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
1120 N State StDelicious food-- Traditional Chicago style deep-dish. Cannot stop drooling!
http://www.loumalnatis.com/
Standard Chicago... everyone who lives here and leaves craves it as one of their first stops when back in the area. Delish Chicago-dogs, Italian Beef, the works!!
270 locals raden deze aan
Portillo's Hot Dogs
100 W Ontario StStandard Chicago... everyone who lives here and leaves craves it as one of their first stops when back in the area. Delish Chicago-dogs, Italian Beef, the works!!
DELICIOUS! What a great place for brunch/lunch... seriously, have never had anything less than scrumptious here! *WARNING* there will be a wait on weekends, so go early!
www.kanelabreakfastclub.com
110 locals raden deze aan
Kanela Breakfast Club
3231 N Clark StDELICIOUS! What a great place for brunch/lunch... seriously, have never had anything less than scrumptious here! *WARNING* there will be a wait on weekends, so go early!
www.kanelabreakfastclub.com
Just the other way down Wells is yet another great breakfast/brunch spot found in Yolk! You're welcome and enjoy!
http://eatyolk.com/
27 locals raden deze aan
Yolk - River North
747 N Wells StJust the other way down Wells is yet another great breakfast/brunch spot found in Yolk! You're welcome and enjoy!
http://eatyolk.com/
Sushi! You could walk this, but we always drive. Great sushi - dine in or take out, but we usually take out here.. Mouth is watering! (Crazy Roll is GOOOOD!)
http://www.tiparosthai.com/
Tiparos Thai Cuisine & Sushi Bar
1540 North Clark StreetSushi! You could walk this, but we always drive. Great sushi - dine in or take out, but we usually take out here.. Mouth is watering! (Crazy Roll is GOOOOD!)
http://www.tiparosthai.com/
Shopping
A resale shop with exclusive designers (think Armani, Tory Burch) with the proceeds benefitting the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.
http://www.mercyhome.org/mercybeaucoup
Mercy Beaucoup Resale Boutique
1545 North Wells StreetA resale shop with exclusive designers (think Armani, Tory Burch) with the proceeds benefitting the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.
http://www.mercyhome.org/mercybeaucoup
The flagship store of the now defunct Marshall Field's on State Street is now Macy's, but to the Chicagoan, it will always be Marshall Field's.
In the winter- don't miss the themed windows!
Marshall Field and Company Building
111 N State StThe flagship store of the now defunct Marshall Field's on State Street is now Macy's, but to the Chicagoan, it will always be Marshall Field's.
In the winter- don't miss the themed windows!
Fun for the kiddos- get a new doll, see the play, have tea, and enjoy!
http://www.americangirl.com/retailstore/chicago
14 locals raden deze aan
American Girl
835 Michigan AveFun for the kiddos- get a new doll, see the play, have tea, and enjoy!
http://www.americangirl.com/retailstore/chicago
The LEGO® Store Chicago
835 N Michigan AveMore fun for the kids... and let's be honest, some adults, too!
Chicago
835 North Michigan AvenueShopping on Michigan Avenue... can't beat it!