Chicago Guide
Things not to miss
1 Boat tours
• The Chicago River, which snakes through the city centre, is best experienced on a boat tour, with the Chicago Architectural Foundation's cruises being the best.
2 Millennium Park
• The embodiment of Chicago's visionary zeal and innovation, Millennium Park is an urban playground of whimsical steel sculptures and fountains, landscaped gardens, theatre and music venues, and an ice-skating rink in winter.
3 Field Museum
• Supported by a sizeable donation offered by noted merchant Marshall Field, this museum has a collection of noteworthy taxidermy (lions, tigers and bears, oh my!), some great natural history exhibits, and the famed skeleton of noted T. Rex "Sue".
4 Cocktails at the Signature Room
• From high atop the John Hancock Tower, the Martinis will hit you a bit harder, but it's OK: you'll have a world-class view and the opportunity to see much of the city (and a few nearby states) from the snazzy digs here.
5 Robie House
• Frank Lloyd Wright's so-called "organic" reached a new and distinct level in this house that he created for a local bicycle manufacturer. After checking out the interior, you may want to wander around Hyde Park a bit.
6 Steppenwolf Theatre
• Founded in a basement, the Steppenwolf has grown into a world-renowned theatre company, and ensemble members include John Malkovich, Laurie Metcalf and Gary Senise.
7 Second City comedy club
• Located in the heart of Old Town, Second City has been a proving ground for improvisational comedy neophytes for four decades. Come for the mainstage show, and you might want to stick around for the late-night offerings.
8 The Oriental Institute
• This University of Chicago research institute uncovers it's newly excavated ancient Near and Far Eastern finds for public viewing. Lots of exotic Asian items to be admired.
9 Architectural Walking Tours of the Loop
• Given the Loop's prominent place in the development of American architecture, visitors should check out one of the architectural tours offered by either the Chicago Architecture Foundation or the Chicago Greeter Program.
10 Baseball at Wrigley Field
• The ivy-covered walls, the boisterous crowd, and free-flowing hot dogs and beer all add up to the quintessential baseball experience, no matter who wins the game.
11 Oak Park
• Take a walk through Ernest Hemingway's birthplace for a peek into one of Chicago's close-in and leafy suburbs. Along the way, make sure to stop by for a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio.
12 Chicago History Museum
• From Abraham Lincoln's deathbed to engaging exhibits that take visitors through the city's two World's Fairs, the Chicago History Museum is a solid way to learn about the past two centuries of history in the Windy City.
13 Green Mill Tavern
• Take in some stellar jazz during the wee hours of the morning at this former speakeasy and pretend you're living during the Roaring Twenties, when Al Capone might easily have been sitting next to you.
14 Tiffany Dome
• This sparkling masterwork by Louis Tiffany is the real highlight of the Chicago Cultural Center. Your eyes will be glued to the elaborate roof of Preston Bradley Hall, particularly if you can take in a concert at the Center.
15 The lakefront path
• Jog, walk or, even better, rent a bike and explore the spectacular shores of Lake Michigan. Rent a bike from Navy Pier or North Avenue Beach and make your way north and south along the lake.
16 Art Institute of Chicago
• With one of the largest art holdings in North America, the Art Institute of Chicago is sure to keep you occupied for hours. Be sure to visit the Impressionist wing.