This is a must-do! Even with both of us living in Chicago for nearly a decade, we try to do this every summer and its our favorite tourist recommendation when friends come into town. For a truly unforgettable experience, hop on an architecture boat tour (many depart from the Riverwalk AND make sure it specifies "architecture" in the listing) to learn about the incredible buildings from a unique perspective on the water.
We absolutely love the Chicago Riverwalk in the summer. Take a stroll down the iconic Chicago River, with incredible close-up views of its world-renowned architecture. Grab a drink and enjoy the views from Tiny Tapp and City Winery. In the evenings, you might even catch Art on theMART, the world's largest digital art projection, illuminating the Merchandise Mart building right across the river.
One of Nick's favorite Sunday activities as a member of 8 years, the Art Institute is one of the world's leading art museums. Nick actually took Heidi on one of their first dates to show off his impressive rehearsed knowledge of the collection. It boasts an incredible collection spanning centuries and continents, from Impressionist masterpieces to modern art and historic artifacts. It's a fantastic way to spend a few hours escaping the summer heat.
Chicago's summer evenings are perfect for enjoying a drink with a view. Downtown offers numerous fantastic rooftop bars, many with breathtaking panoramic vistas of the skyline and Lake Michigan. It's a great way to unwind and take in the city's beauty. Our favorites are: The London House for River and City views, Cindy's for Lake and Millennium Park (The Bean) views, Z Bar (in the famous Peninsula Hotel) for an upscale drink on the Mag Mile.