Chicago, Illinois — Things to Do
Sightseeing in Chicago
Of all America's large cities, Chicago just might rank as the friendliest. And what it lacks in New York bravado and LA style, Chicago makes up for in the astonishing variety of its architecture, vibrant culture and thriving art scene, highlighted by the Art Institute of Chicago. It is also a true family-friendly destination with world-class attractions such as the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium.
With so much to see, its worth getting a sense of perspective from the start. Visit the John Hancock Observatory for a view of the city from 1000ft (600m) in the air. Then check out Navy Pier for a 3-D motion simulation of Chicago's fascinating history and exciting future. Afterwards, hop on a boat tour departing from the adjoining pier.
A good option for visitors is the Go Chicago Card which gives you admission to all the city's key attractions, shopping and dining discounts, various free tours and a guide book. The card is available from the Segway Experience (224 South Michigan Ave. Tel: (1)312 663 0600 or (1)800 887 9103) and costs start from US$49.
Shopping in Chicago
The fact that Chicago has a city-appointed Director of Fashion tells you that this is a great place to shop for haute couture. If you want to dress for success there is one destination: The Magnificent Mile along Michigan Avenue. Along an eight-block stretch over 460 stores offer luxury items and fashion bargains to suit most budgets. Another area worth exploring is Oak Street, a renowned concentration of designers and salons.
Chicago is equally famous for its art and antiques dealers which are congregated around the River North Gallery District. And on Sunday mornings don't miss the Maxwell Street Market, with over 500 stalls selling everything under the sun. Get there early and don't be afraid to bargain.
Malls and department stores are open from 10am to 9pm Monday to Saturday; 12pm to 6pm Sundays. A GST of 8.75% is levied on most products and is added at point of purchase, not on the price tag.
Chicago Nightlife
Chicago's unassuming nightlife scene comes as a refreshing change to other US cities and although most locals prefer to stay close to what they know and hang out at their local watering hole, Chicago still has its fair share of hip and happening places to see and be seen in. Most nightclubs and music bars are dotted throughout the windy city with the most popular haunts located in Lincoln Park, Wicker Park and Lakeview where revelers can find music clubs devoted to just about every genre from rhythm and blues and jazz to alternative rock and Indie. The city's waterfront nightlife is popular with residents and tourists alike while the piano bars at The Drake Hotel and the Ambassador East Hotel's Pump Room are favorites with locals. Wells Street in the Old Town offers some great restaurants and bars as well as the popular Zanies Comedy Club. Chicago's gay scene is grouped together on a stretch of North Halsted Street in Lakeview and men's bars dominate the strip. The birthplace of house music in the 1980s, Chicago has plenty of loud and pumping clubs full of 20-somethings dancing the night away to the latest offerings of the resident DJ. Many of these types of clubs pop up and disappear at a dizzying rate while others have been around for decades. The culture scene in Chicago is bustling with shows and plays running throughout the year at renowned Chicago theater companies, such as Steppenwolf Theater Company, the Goodman Theater, and the Victory Gardens Theater. Broadway-style entertainment can be found at the LaSalle Bank Theater and the Cadillac Palace Theater. And when in town, a visit to Symphony Center to hear the Chicago Symphony Orchestra perform is an absolute must.
Attractions for Kids
The windy city may not at first glance seem like a city that caters to the little ones, but children on vacation in Chicago will find there are more than enough attractions and activities to keep them busy. On clear days, enjoy the panoramic views over the city form atop the iconic Sears Tower, which was renamed the 'Willis Tower' on 16 July 2009, or the Hancock Observatory or enjoy a stroll through Lincoln Park or the Chicago Botanic Gardens on a sunny day. When it's really hot, head off to one of the many indoor playgrounds or even the CoCo Key Water Resort where children can splash around for hours in the massive water park. The Navy Pier is a great place to walk along the docks and enjoy the spectacular views from the Ferris wheel or even a ride on the carousel or the funhouse. When the wind is blowing and the rain bucketing down, take the kids to the any one of the fascinating and exciting museums Chicago has to offer. With so many attractions on offer and plenty more lurking round every corner, children on vacation in Chicago will be just as enchanted with this city as their parents.
