Things To Do
Restaurant Recommendations:
See below for some of favorite places to go in the area!
Taqueria Chingon
Casual Taqueria
Green Street Smoked Meats
Casual BBQ
avec Restaurant
Mediterranean-inspired shared plates (reservation recommended in advance)
Au Cheval
Burgers (expect long wait)
Rose Mary
Italian/Croatian (reservation recommended in advance)
Nancy's Pizza Chicago West Loop
Casual Stuffed/Deep Dish Pizza
Bonci Pizzeria
Casual counter-service Roman style pizza
Tilly Bagel Shop
Really good bagels
Alla Vita
Italian (reservation recommended in advance)
Duck Duck Goat
Chinese (reservation recommended in advance)
Time Out Market Chicago
Casual space featuring a variety of restaurants
Al's #1 Italian Beef
Italian Beef and Hot Dogs
Good Ambler
Cafe and Bakery
La Colombe Coffee Workshop
Cafe
Things to Do:
Chicago Architecture Tour
Looking for a fun way to see the city? We highly recommend taking an architectural boat tour along the Chicago River! It’s a relaxing and beautiful way to explore the city’s skyline and learn some cool history. Perfect for first-time visitors or locals looking to play tourist for a day. Book in advance—these tours fill up fast, especially on weekends! We recommend finding a tour on Vaitor, but there are a bunch of other sites that sell tickets!
360 CHICAGO
Located on the 94th floor of the iconic former John Hancock Center, 360 CHICAGO offers sweeping views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan. For a one-of-a-kind thrill, try TILT—a moving glass platform that angles you outward from the building for a heart-racing perspective 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile. It's an unforgettable way to see the city from a whole new angle.
Skydeck Chicago
Soar to the top of Willis (Sears) Tower and experience Chicago from 1,353 feet above the ground at Skydeck Chicago. Step out onto The Ledge—glass boxes extending from the tower—for an exhilarating view straight down and panoramic vistas of the entire city and beyond.
Chicago Riverwalk
Take in stunning skyline views as you walk along the Chicago River. Stop for a drink or bite to eat at one of the many riverside cafés, or embark on an unforgettable architecture boat tour. Feeling adventurous? Rent kayaks for a paddle through the heart of the city, or continue your walk all the way to the beautiful Lakefront Trail.
Lakefront Trail
Stretching along the shores of Lake Michigan, the Lakefront Trail offers stunning water views and a refreshing breeze. Perfect for walking, biking, lying out at the beach, or soaking up the skyline, this scenic path winds past beaches, parks, and iconic Chicago landmarks. It's beautiful way to experience the city's vibrant lakefront.
Millennium Park
Snap a photo with “The Bean” (Cloud Gate), or enjoy a walk through Lurie Garden, Maggie Daily Park, see the Buckingham Fountain, and even walk the lakefront trail —all located in this iconic downtown park.
Navy Pier
This lakefront attraction offers rides, restaurants, shops, and fireworks shows in the summer, all with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.
Shopping
Head to Michigan Avenue for world-class shopping, from luxury boutiques to iconic department stores. Or check out State Street for more great finds.
Explore Chicago Neighborhoods
Beyond downtown, Chicago’s neighborhoods each offer their own unique charm and culture. Discover vibrant street art and global cuisine in Pilsen, stroll through the historic brownstones of Lincoln Park, or enjoy the eclectic shops and music scene in Wicker Park. From the lakefront vibes of Hyde Park to the rich taking a water taxi to the heritage of Chinatown, exploring the city’s neighborhoods is the perfect way to experience Chicago like a local.