Your First Time in Chicago
Description:
Chicago is the heart and soul of the Midwest. It is a vibrant city that still holds that laid-back Midwestern charm. Chicago continues to grow as a large global center, but no need to fear, it is one of the friendliest and most diverse cities, offering something for every visitor. Museums, and world-class theater are perfect for the artistic minded; outdoor adventures on the lake are great for the summer; an array of mouth watering restaurants are around every corner; and beer pubs, wine bars, and swanky clubs light up every night.
Lake Michigan is a defining aspect of the windy city, with 26 miles of sandy shoreline hugging the east side of the city. The Navy Pier Ferris Wheel, Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate, and other must-see landmarks are just steps away from the water. Directly by the lake front, downtown (The Loop) is full of urban hustle and bustle, but the city sprawls out away from the lake boasting over 100 unique neighborhoods, each with a different vibe to match the personality and interests of any visitor. Whatever your interest, Chicago will draw you in and keep you exploring.
Lake Michigan is a defining aspect of the windy city, with 26 miles of sandy shoreline hugging the east side of the city. The Navy Pier Ferris Wheel, Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate, and other must-see landmarks are just steps away from the water. Directly by the lake front, downtown (The Loop) is full of urban hustle and bustle, but the city sprawls out away from the lake boasting over 100 unique neighborhoods, each with a different vibe to match the personality and interests of any visitor. Whatever your interest, Chicago will draw you in and keep you exploring.
Author: Adi
Day 1 - Chicago
Your first time to Chicago will only let you scratch the surface, but the downtown area is a great place to start. The Art Institute is the most famous art museum in the city, located right on Michigan Avenue. While in the Loop, visiting Museum Campus, particularly the Field Museum is a must, as well as stopping by the Cultural Center for more trip ideas, or taking the famous Architecture Tour and then stopping for lunch in Millennium Park. South of the Loop you could wander through the University of Chicago and then stop by the award-winning Dusable Museum. It is also worth making the trek west to the beautiful Garfield Park Conservatory and the Frank Lloyd Wright Home. Then, be sure to head north of the Loop to take a look at Wrigley Field. Parking is difficult and expensive in the Loop, but a car can by handy for moving around south and west of the Loop. Public transportation is plenty and typically easy in all main areas.
1
Millennium Park
Location:
view in google maps222 North Columbus Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone:
+1 312 742 1168 / +1 312 744 3370 (Event Hotline)2
Chicago Cultural Center
Location:
view in google maps78 E. Washington St
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone:
312/744-66303
Chicago Cubs National League Baseball
Location:
view in google maps1060 West Addison Street
Wrigley Field
Chicago, IL 60613-4397
Phone:
+1 773 404 28274
Chicago Architecture Foundation
Location:
view in google maps224 S Michigan Ave
Departing from the Chicago ArchiCenter
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone:
312/922-34325
DuSable Museum of African-American History
Location:
view in google maps740 E. 56th Place
Chicago, IL 60621
Phone:
773/947-06006
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
Location:
view in google maps951 Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60301
Phone:
708/848-19767
Garfield Park Conservatory
Location:
view in google maps300 North Central Park Avenue
Chicago, IL 60624
Phone:
+1 312 746 51008
Art Institute of Chicago
Location:
view in google maps111 S. Michigan Ave
At Adams St
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone:
312/443-36009
University of Chicago (The)
Location:
view in google maps5801 South Ellis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
Phone:
+1 773 702 123410
Field Museum (The)
Location:
view in google maps1400 S Lake Shore Dr
Roosevelt Rd. and Lake Shore Dr
Chicago, IL 60605-2496
Phone:
+1 312 922 9410Day 2 - Chicago
Chicago is such a culinary paradise you could spend your whole visit eating! You cannot leave Chicago without trying the famous Chicago deep dish pizza, but plenty of ethnic options, innovative contemporary dining, and comfy neighborhood diners will keep you satisfied.
1
Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder
Location:
view in google maps2121 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614-4613
Phone:
(773) 248-25702
Frontera Grill & Topolobampo
Location:
view in google maps445 N. Clark St
Between Illinois and Hubbard sts
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone:
312/661-14343
Lula Café
Location:
view in google maps2537 N. Kedzie
Chicago, IL 60647
Phone:
773 489 95544
Schwa Restaurant
Location:
view in google maps1466 North Ashland
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone:
1 773 252 14665
Chicago Diner
Location:
view in google maps3411 North Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60657
Phone:
1 773 395 6696Day 3 - Chicago
No matter the day of the week, Chicagoans are ready to have fun. Across the city the melodies of jazz and blues pulsate from lounges and other music venues, laughter pours out of comedy clubs, glasses clink at local taverns, and DJ beats bump loudly from swanky clubs. If you plan to experience Chicago nightlife you will not be catching up on your zzz’s!
1
Green Mill
Location:
view in google maps4802 North Broadway Avenue
At Lawrence
Chicago, IL 60640
Phone:
+1 773 878 55522
Second City
Location:
view in google maps1616 North Wells Street
In the Pipers Alley complex at North Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
Phone:
312 664 4032 /31233739923
Schubas Tavern
Location:
view in google maps3159 North Southport Avenue
Between Belmont Avenue & Fletcher Street
Chicago, IL 60657
Phone:
773 525 25084
Smart Bar
Location:
view in google maps3730 North Clark Street
At Racine Ave
Chicago, IL 60613
Phone:
773 549 41405
Hopleaf
Location:
view in google maps5148 N Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60640
Phone:
773 334 9851Day 4 - Chicago
It would be a shame to visit Chicago and not take in the fantastic performing talent. The city is home to some of the best actors, dancers, musicians, and comedians in the world, as well as classy, fancy, and modern theaters in great locations. The ornate Chicago Theatre and the Goodman Theatre (the oldest non-profit theater in the city) are only two blocks apart directly downtown; the relatively new and very modern Harris Theater is conveniently tucked away in Millennium Park; the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre resides on Navy Pier; and the breathtaking Auditorium Theatre shines in the South Loop.
2
Goodman Theatre
Location:
view in google maps170 North Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone:
312 44338003
Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
Location:
view in google maps800 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone:
+1 312 595 56004
Joan W Irving B. Harris Theater
Location:
view in google maps205 East Randolph Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone:
+1 312 334 24005
Auditorium Theatre
Location:
view in google maps50 East Congress Parkway
Chicago, IL 60605
Phone:
312 922 21107
Chicago Theatre
Location:
view in google maps175 North State Street
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone:
312 443 1130