Things To Do in Chicago

Things to Do:

Chicago White Sox vs Detroit Tigers at Rate Field

We're so excited to find out that the Tigers are playing in Chicago for our wedding weekend! Their games are Thursday/Friday @ 6:40p, Sunday @ 1:10p (and 6:10p Saturday, but you'll be partying with us at that time!) Unfortunately the Cubs are away this weekend, but Wrigleyville is still a fun part of the city if you'd like to explore.

Lincoln Park Zoo

We love the Lincoln Park Zoo! It's a free zoo, so take a stroll through while you're enjoying the views of the Chicago skyline from Lincoln Park.

Architecture Tour

Chicago’s architecture tours are an awesome way to see the city from the water - Shoreline, Wendella and the Chicago Architecture Center are some of the companies that offer them (originating from either Navy Pier or near the InterContinental) and they’re fun no matter how many times you’ve heard the lore of the backwards-flowing Chicago River!

Cloud Gate (aka "The Bean")

Lovingly referred to by Chicagoans as "The Bean", Cloud Gate is a nice walk down Michigan Ave at the top of Millennium Park.

The Art Institute of Chicago

We took our engagement photos here! They have a phenomenal collection.

Lakeshore Trail

Chicago's Lakeshore Trail runs for 18 miles up the coast of Lake Michigan and is a great place for a walk.

Field Museum

Chicago's natural history museum on Museum Campus by Soldier Field.

Adler Planetarium

We love the Adler's planetarium shows! There's a beautiful view of the skyline from just outside the front steps (also on Museum Campus).

Shedd Aquarium

As the third member of Museum Campus, you'll also have a great view of the skyline on the other side of the fish tanks.

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Science and Industry is (in Michelle's opinion), one of the best spots in the city. It's fairly far south though, so probably best to drive.

Restaurants:

We LOVE food. This is our best attempt at a curated list, but it's hard to go wrong! Reservations are generally recommended for most Chicago restaurants. I did my best to order this from the closest to the InterContinental to the furthest.

The Purple Pig

$$$-$$$$, small plates that are best for dinner (walkable)

Quartino Ristorante

$$, one of Michelle's original favorite Italian places (walkable)

Niu Japanese Fusion

$$$, sushi and Japanese fusion (walkable)

River Roast

$$, riverside American restaurant with a great view (walkable)

3 Arts Club Cafe

$$, cafe in Restoration Hardware in Gold Coast. Best for lunch but needs a reservation

North Buena Deli

$, deli sandwich counter in Lincoln Park, conveniently right by the Zoo

Cedar Palace

$, casual Mediterranean in Lincoln Park next to Michelle's old apartment. Great if you go to the Zoo!

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!

$$-$$$, Spanish tapas and Michelle's all-time favorite Chicago restaurant. Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba is closer to downtown with almost the same menu for those that don't want to venture to Lincoln Park.

Green Street Smoked Meats

$, order-at-the-counter BBQ in West Loop

Maxwell's Trading

$$$$, a hidden gem in West Loop

Farm Bar

$$, cozy American in Lakeview

Avli Taverna

$$, cozy Mediterranean in Lincoln Park

Cebu Chicago

$$, casual Filipino in Lakeview, best for lunch

Sushi Taku

$$, all you can eat sushi (BYOB) in Wicker Park

Coda di Volpe

$$-$$$, Italian in Southport/Wrigleyville. The weekend lunch-only sandwiches are the best thing on the menu

Spacca Napoli Pizzeria

$$, the best Neopolitan pizza in the city (we don't love deep dish...) that is worth the hike to Ravenswood (where we live!)