Things To Do
Chicago River Architecture Tour
This is a must for visitors to Chicago! Cruise along the river by boat and learn about the city's amazing architecture with unobstructed views. They offer 45 and 90 minute tours. We've done both and they're both great. There is a bar on board!
The Art Institute of Chicago
One of the best art museums in the world! It's located in Grant Park near the Cloud Gate scultpure ("The Bean"), Buckingham Fountain and Lake Michigan. The museum is home to Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks", Georges Seurat's "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte", Archibald Motley's "Nightlife", Grant Wood's "American Gothic", Pablo Picasso's "The Old Guitarist" and so many others.
Magnificent Mile
The best shopping district in the Midwest! The Magnificent Mile is a 13-block segment of Michigan Avenue stretching from the Chicago River to Oak Street. Highlights include the Nordstrom department store and the world's largest Starbucks, which is 5 stories high and offers rare coffees and cocktails.
Field Museum
A wonderful natural history museum that is home to the largest Tyrannosaurus Rex specimen ever discovered. The Field Museum is located in Chicago's "Museum Campus" alongside the Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium.
Cindy's Rooftop
If you find your way down to Millenium Park or The Art Institute, afterward we suggest checking out Cindy's Rooftop in the Chicago Athletic Association. It's a bar and restaurant with a balcony that overlooks Millenium Park, Grant Park and Lake Michigan. Reservations are not needed for the bar.
Aba
For those staying in West Loop, we recommend checking out Aba for food and drinks. It's a beautiful Mediterranean restaurant with a rooftop patio. You will likely need reservations!
Bandit
Bandit is a fun, casual bar in West Loop that serves elevated pub fare with craft cocktails, beer and wine. Typically reservations are not required.
Au Cheval
Au Cheval is a restaurant in West Loop known for having the best burger in Chicago. They don't accept reservations so expect to wait up to 3 hours for a table. You can give them your number and leave, then come back when your table is ready. It's worth the wait, we promise!
Parlor Pizza Bar West Loop
This restaurant in West Loop is great for groups and those looking for something easy with a great beer and cocktail menu. You don't usually need reservations but it couldn't hurt for larger parties.
J.P. Graziano Grocery
West Loop has arguably the best sandwiches in Chicago at J.P. Graziano Grocery. It is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated Italian grocery store and sandwich shop that has been open since 1937. It's perfect for a quick, casual lunch.
Texan Taco Bar
A lively rooftop country bar with Tex Mex bites, TVs (sports) and skyline views. It's always busy, so even though it's large we recommend getting a reservation for larger goups.