Akira & Sandra
Things To Do
Navy Pier
Since you’ll be at Navy Pier anyway for the wedding, you might as well stick around and explore! Navy Pier is where you go in Chicago for events, free public programs, attractions, culture, dining, shopping and more. It is also home to the Centennial Wheel, which soars to nearly 200 feet. It’s an iconic part of the Chicago skyline and a treasured piece of Chicago history, harkening to the city’s 1893 World’s Fair. The nation’s largest rooftop bar, Offshore Rooftop & Bar, offers panoramic lakefront and city views from atop Navy Pier’s Festival Hall. Access any number of Chicago tours from Navy Pier, including Chicago Big Bus Tours, architecture and sightseeing cruises, Navy Pier food and history tours, and Bike & Roll Chicago tours. You can also rent bicycles to explore the lakefront at your own pace.
Portillo's & Barnelli's
Any Portillo’s location will do, but this one is the closest to the venue. Portillo’s is known for their famous Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, chopped salad, cheese fries, homemade chocolate cake, and chocolate cake shake. #1 must-try fast food restaurant in Chicago.
Visit a Speakeasy
After prohibition ended, people are still fascinated with hidden bars to this day. So much so that Chicago is full of them! Here are just a few here, but do a quick Google search for a comprehensive list. Make sure you look up the bar before you go - there may be instructions and rules for entry! - The Roar - The Milk Room - Guilt Bar - The Office - The Drifter - Watershed Bar - Brando’s - Lulu’s
The Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile is Chicago’s premier commercial district. The vibrant, bustling area is home to upscale shops, luxe fashion outlets, cool restaurants and posh hotels. Landmarks include the historic Chicago Water Tower, the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower, the terracotta Wrigley Building skyscraper and the 100-story John Hancock Center, which has a rooftop observation deck with fine dining and panoramic city views. Please use this website and their comprehensive directories as your guide to The Magnificent Mile shopping, dining, restaurants, hotels and attractions including shows, theaters, galleries, museums and tours. Visit the events calendar and check out the “What’s Hot” blog for the latest information on upcoming and special offers at businesses around The Magnificent Mile.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
The largest Starbucks in the world! Need we say more? Guests can expect interactive tours, on-site roasting of rare Reserve beans, a rooftop deck, and exclusive drinks inspired by Chicago’s culture and history. Food options include desserts, pizzas, breads, sandwiches, and more from Italian bakery Princi.
Willis Tower
Formerly known as the Sears Tower, Willis Tower has been an iconic part of the Chicago skyline since 1973. At 110 stories high, Willis Tower is also one of the largest skyscrapers in the world.
McDonald’s Global Menu Restaurant
One of Akira’s favorite things to do while traveling is trying that country’s unique McDonald’s food menu. This McDonald’s has a constantly rotating menu of international items, so you can still try some global cuisine without the hassle!
Riverwalk
The 1.25-mile long path has been constructed in phases over time and includes four distinct districts; The Confluence, The Arcade, The Civic, and the Esplanade. The Chicago River is a treasured natural amenity in the urban canyon of world famous architecture and the Chicago RiverwaIk allows a close proximity to the waterway. The continuous path from Lake Street to the lake front also allows a vertical connection from Upper Wacker Drive down to the waterway.
Millennium Park
Millennium Park is a lakefront campus, located in the heart of downtown and is home to the iconic Cloud Gate statue (aka “The Bean”), interactive fountains, tranquil gardens, free events, public art, skating rinks, rock climbing, and plenty of green space.