Weather permitting, take an Architectural River Cruise – our favorite is this one sponsored by the Chicago Architecture Foundation, aboard "Chicago's First Lady". This is one of the most popular tourist activities in the city and for good reason – the tour guides do a fantastic job telling interesting stories that bring the city’s history to life.
Explore the hotel! The InterContinental opened in 1929 as the Medinah Athletic Club, an indoor recreational playground that was once one of the most glamourous places to be seen in the city. The building incorporates an assortment of architectural styles: Egyptian, Greek, Mesopotamian and Medieval that wouldn't be out of place in an elaborate Epcot Center exhibit. One of the most famous spaces is the Johnny Weissmuller pool, named for the original Tarzan actor of the 30s and 40s who used the pool for training while he was in town. There are also interesting artifacts from the building's history tucked away throughout the hotel's public spaces.
Chicago is home to plenty of great museums – The Art Institute of Chicago and Field Museum are both walkable from the InterContinental.
The Museum of Science & Industry requires an Uber/Taxi from the hotel, but has some really cool exhibits including the only German U-Boat in the U.S., as well as one of the most expensive and elaborate doll houses ever crafted (including a chandelier made with real diamonds).
Explore the Lakefront Trail, easily accessible from the hotel by simply heading east! Renting a Divvy bike is also a great way to experience the Trail as it has dedicated bike paths throughout.
Whirlyball is a fun group activity unique to Chicago. It is a combination of lacrosse and basketball played in bumper cars. The locations in Chicago also have bowling lanes and other games, as well as a full restaurant/bar on site.
(West Loop) Hands down our favorite restaurant in Chicago (and many say one of the best!), they are now open for lunch on weekends. Takes reservations but also accepts walk-ins with a wait. Try the MV Martini, the Burrata e Ham, and as many pastas as you possibly can!
(West Loop) – The most iconic burger in Chicago (traditionally topped with pork belly and a fried egg). No reservations, requires a (usually long) wait. Go early, put your name in, and explore the rest of Randolph Street and Fulton Market District while you wait 2-3 hours for them to text you.
(West Loop) – Argentine-influenced restaurant, fantastic steaks and seafood, plus fun cocktails and a great wine list. Usually an easy reservation any night of the week.
(Fulton Market) - new, Italian-Croatian cuisine. Very popular but highly recommended. Tough reservation, but it is usually possible to walk in with a wait.
(Fulton Market) – Peruvian tapas, very cool atmosphere at the rooftop of the Hoxton Hotel. Doable reservation and can also walk in with a wait.
(Fulton Market) – Upscale food court with vendors from around the city, this is a great way to sample a few local dishes. Also has a bar and outdoor seating, and sometimes live music on the weekends.
(River North) – *walking distance from the hotel*…Italian spot that is great for grabbing a mid-day snack and Aperol Spritz.
(River North) – *walking distance from the hotel*…lively, fun atmosphere, good food and drinks and outdoor space.
(River North) - *walking distance from the hotel* - this is one of our favorite places to order from for lunch, fast casual Mexican Tortas from Rick Bayless.
(River North) - *walking distance from the hotel*…fast casual place, serving Chicago’s famous Italian Beef Sandwiches
Our top deep dish pick is Pequod’s, north of the hotel near Lincoln Park. Lou Malnati’s is another popular chain, they have a few locations close to the hotel.
(River North) – *walking distance from the hotel*… Located at the top level of the 900 N Michigan shops. Has a full bar and golf simulators; simulators require online reservations.
(River North) - *walking distance from the hotel*… Trendy tiki bar, great drinks and atmosphere
(Loop) - Maybe the best Old Fashioned in the city...great, artisanal cocktails here served in a swanky law library atmosphere.
(Loop) - Darts themed bar with a great beer list.
(Loop) - This hotel has 2 great hangout spots that are not to be missed. Cindy’s is a popular rooftop bar with views of Millennium Park and “The Bean”, however be advised it usually has a wait. The hotel also has a fantastic game room featuring bocce, pool and foosball as well as a full bar.
(Fulton Market) – Arcade bar with a good beer list
(Fulton Market) – huge bar with good cocktails and a ton of games and activities to keep you entertained, including bowling, karaoke, bocce, and more.
(Lincoln Park) – This bar is designed to mimic a casino sportsbook now that sports gambling is legal in Illinois.
(Lincoln Park) – historic blues bar, lively atmosphere
(Lincoln Park) - live music themed bar
West Town has a ton of breweries that are easy to hop between over the course of an afternoon (On Tour, Around the Bend, Forbidden Root, etc.) as well as District Brewyards which is a self-serve bar featuring a rotating selection of local breweries
(Wicker Park) – Fun speakeasy with very good cocktails and burlesque performances.
(Logan Square) – Historic neighborhood blues club - advance tickets may be required and can be purchased online.
(Logan Square) – Modeled after a Miami beach club, this hip bar is known for its several full size shuffleboard courts.
(Wrigleyville) – Along with Murphy's, these are some classic Wrigley bars if you want to go up and check out the area. Sluggers has batting cages up to 90 mph so hecklers in the bleachers can try their luck and see if they fare better than the pros.
(Uptown) – An historic jazz club that still has Al Capone’s old booth preserved for posterity!