Best Arts and Culture Places in Naperville

"Before you start your exploration of Chicago in earnest, fuel up with a pastry and caffeinated beverage at this third-wave coffee shop, conveniently located near Navy Pier. The almond croissants are the perfect compliment to your morning pick-me-up. There’s no better way to kick off your 3 days in Chicago itinerary."

"Built in 1916, Navy Pier was purposed as a mix-used dock for commercial freighters and warehousing, public pleasure cruises and public gatherings. The pier extends 3,300 feet out into Lake Michigan from the Chicago shoreline. Today, Navy Pier is the most visited tourist attraction in all of Chicago."

"Head over to Navy Pier to go up on the Centennial Ferris Wheel!. A fun way to get an amazing view of Chicago and the lakefront. You can get tickets through the Go Chicago Explorer Pass or check with the Loew’s hotel – they sometimes have specials going where you can get tickets with your stay."

"DowntownWalk among the Warhols If the modern wing at the Art Institute of Chicago isn’t enough, lovers of modern art can’t miss the Museum of Contemporary Art. In fact, the building itself (home to the MCA since 1996) is a modern marvel and an ode to Chicago in both its nods to famous architects from the Chicago School and in its design, which was inspired by the city’s grid system. Featuring a collection that includes Andy Warhol, Alexander Calder, Jasper Johns, Jeff Koons, and countless more modern art heavy-hitters, the museum will leave you dazzled for hours."

"Installation view, Duro Olowu: Seeing Chicago, MCA Chicago Feb 29-May 10, 2020 Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA Chicago. The Museum of Contemporary Art is always free for visitors under age 18, visitors with disabilities and their caregivers receive free admission, members of the military and police and fire departments and veterans, and Illinois elementary and high school teachers. To encourage more people to visit and visit often, the MCA has a pay-what-you-can policy — no one will be turned away."

"If you like to support local Chicago artists, then you need to go to the Prospectus Art Gallery. The gallery features famous Chicago artists and up-and-coming artists as well."

"The wildly over-the-top ice cream confections at BomboBar are Chicago’s answer to Black Tap’s milkshakes. These colorful creations are topped with all manner of sprinkles, mini bomboloni, and candy, and the dozen or so flavors of gelato on rotation are all made fresh from scratch daily. Flavors like birthday cake, banana split, and cookie monster dough are especially kid-friendly."

"BomboBar is the place to be for the best desserts in Chicago. These guys serve a variety of different sweet treats, but the Gelato Shakes are not to be missed. Far from a regular shake, these intense milkshakes are piled high with chocolates, Oreos, gummy candies and much more."

"Description: BomboBar serves coffee, hot chocolate, breakfast sandwiches, gelato and its signature bombolini (an Italian hole-less doughnut). Location: 832 W Randolph St, Chicago IL 60607"

"Huck Finn Restaurant serves up hearty American meals all day, but regulars swear by their donuts.|© Salim Virji / Flickr. Huck Finn Restaurant serves up hearty home cooking all day long in three Chicagoland locations. While best known—or perhaps most appreciated—for its donuts, the diner has excellent breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, too."

"This diner mini-chain has three locations on the South Side that provide patrons with a satisfyingly sweet finish to every meal. Chow on golden brown pancakes, club sandwiches, and burgers but make sure to save some room for a donut delight. The signature treat features one of Huck’s donuts topped with choice of ice cream and whipped cream."

"The creative Firecakes Donuts has two locations and one food truck roaming the city that serve up La Colombe coffee alongside their donuts or donut ice cream sandwiches (yes, this exists). Firecakes uses quality ingredients, including chocolate from France and fruits from local farmers for its jellies, and often invents new flavors for different seasons or holidays. Try the Peanut Butter Cup or the beautiful Tahitian Vanilla Iced donut."

"Firecakes Donuts was one of Rose’s go-to donut shops and turned out to be one of my favorites. I’m not sure if it’s just underrated in the online community or what, but these donuts are INCREDIBLE."

"As the name suggests, Champagne is the focus at this corner fixture, which opened its doors more than 35 years ago. River North denizens and visitors alike will find one of the largest collections of sparkling bottles, including to-go packages. If the selection process ever seems daunting, turn to the team (many of whom have been there for decades), who can also offer guidance and food pairing recommendations."

"The Robey’s 6th-floor lounge is a ways away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Located in humble Wicker Park, Cabana Club gives you a look at metro Chicago in its entirety from a distance, letting you soak in the neighborhood peace while viewing that gorgeous architecture boundlessly. At UrbanMatter, U Matter."

"This seasonal rooftop lounge and bar is the place to be for all things stout drinks and good times. Located on the 6th floor of The Robey, you’ll be met with an amazing 180-degree panorama of the skyline. Highlights include the John Hancock building as well as several of the local churches."

"Sitting on top of Wicker Park’s Robey Hotel, the Cabana Club is a swanky rooftop bar/restaurant with a mini dipping pool. The cool thing about this rooftop of course are the views. But that’s because there simply aren’t too many views from this vantage point in Wicker Park."