Mentioned by The Crazy Tourist
50 Best Things to Do in Chicago (IL
"Architect/Firm: Burnham & Root, 1888 and Frank Lloyd Wright, 1907The Loop The architectural masterpiece originally designed by Burnham & Root in 1888 is one of the most-recognized buildings in the city. Frank Lloyd Wright later re-envisioned its two-story mezzanine with an oriel staircase and glass ceiling to illuminate white marble with gold geometric patterning, which now covers darker, copper-plated ironwork. The commercial office's facade experiments with late Roman, Venetian, Moorish, and medieval-European elements."
"Before even visiting Chicago I knew about the famous stairs of the Rookery Building. If you want to take a picture of them (from the bottom) you’ll need to go on a tour of the building. Since the whole building is amazing, it’s well worth the admission…plus it goes to a good cause."
"Further down Randolph is Macy's on State Street, another stunning landmark building boasting seven floor of retail space and great dining options. Across the way, Block 37 is a five-story modern urban mall boasting its own gourmet food hall Latinicity and new Dine-in AMC Movie Theatre."
"3162 North Broadway Street Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 281-6111 www.hisstuffchicago.com. His Stuff offers attire for men who are in touch with their inner fashionisto. The clothing in this boutique can be gaudy, or casual, but they will never be outdated."
"One of the biggest department stores in the world and recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Flex your plastic around eight floors of amazing fashion, from DKNY to Ralph Lauren to Michael Kors."
"Of the numerous buildings that Frank Lloyd Wright designed around Chicago, none is more famous or influential than Robie House. Because its horizontal lines resembled the flat landscape of the Midwestern prairie, the style became known as the Prairie style. Inside are 174 stained-glass windows and doors, which you'll see on the hour-long tours (frequency varies by season, but there's usually at least one tour per hour). Advance tickets are highly recommended."
"Named one of the 10 most significant buildings of the 20th century by the American Institute of Architects, the 9,000-square-foot Robie…"
"Your mouth is sure to drop to the floor the first time you lay eyes on this stunning structure, a nine-sided building that incorporates…"
"Lisa Lubin is an established travel/food writer and photographer, video consultant, three-time Emmy®-award winning TV producer, and travel industry expert. After more than a decade in broadcast television she took a sabbatical and traveled around the world for three years. She has been blogging atLLworldtour.comsince 2006."
"The timeless Chicago hotel has all the fame and historic charm to make your green-eyed followers even more envious of your travels."
"Known for its limestone gatehouse and highly decorated columbarium niches, which are composed of photographs, artwork, flags, and other mementos of individuals whose ashes are stored there, this cemetery, established by Chicago's Czech community in 1877, also features storied mausoleums, stained glass images and a special dedication to Chicago Cubs fans. It's a quieter, welcome alternative to public parks that often draw rambunctious young children."
"Wright designed and built his first home in 1889, on the strength of a $5,000 loan from his then employer and mentor, seminal Chicago…"
"The Comedy Club House is a unique and popular comedy club when you want to step outside of the best suburbs of Chicago and enjoy the downtown comedy scene. They have hilarious stand-up and improv group performances, but they also offer improv training courses and comedy workshops for those looking to get into the comedy world. There’s also the Kids Comedy Company, where children from five up to eleven can have fun and learn some life long creative skills – this being one of many things to do in Chicago with kids."
"A post shared by BJ Party (@bjpartyimprov) on Jul 25, 2019 at 6:04am PDT. This comedy club is a good option for those who want to enjoy a show in an intimate setting, as the space and the seating here are limited. If you want to watch the show while munching on or drinking something, The Comedy Clubhouse follows a BYOB (bring your own beverage) and snacks policy."
"This club has a lot going for it: no drink minimum; no age requirements; pizzas, snacks, and drinks for purchase; and tons of stand-up comedians. Open-mic nights are free, but with relatively inexpensive tickets available for other shows, you might want to consider going to a headlining act — either on the main or B stage. The shows run every night of the week, attracting some of the funniest talent in the city."
"Jim Belushi has teamed up with The Comedy Bar to make it one of Chicago’s premiere venues for laughs. With its location in the heart of downtown, it makes it a convenient stop for people seeking out a night of entertainment. The venue is modern with no drink minimum so your tipsiness can be determined at your own pace."
"A post shared by Chris and Kerry Walker (@thewalkertwiins) on Oct 3, 2018 at 8:25am PDT. Guests can enjoy good food and drinks while they watch the acts on stage. Besides comedy shows, burlesque shows are also held here, so check the schedule and plan accordingly if you wish to watch a specific performance."
"Located at the north end of Lincoln Park Zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory features four serene greenhouses (Orchid House, Fern Room, Palm House and Show House) all displaying fantastic arrays of flora. During summer, venture outdoors to find a lush, French garden filled with a large variety of plants and flowers, and a beautiful fountain. Many Chicago residents utilize this space to sit and read, toss a football around, let their kids run freely or just take in the beauty of nature."
"The Lincoln Park Conservatory, with its glass walls and exotic plant species, feels like a sanctuary in the middle of the bustling city. The Victorian-era building is divided into four spaces: the Fern Room, Orchid House, Palm House, and the Show House. Each houses thousands of plant and flower varieties that thrive in the conservatory’s balmy conditions all year round."
"Lincoln Park Conservatory has been a beautiful getaway since the 1890s. Inside, you’ll find tropical palms, ancient ferns, and plenty of other exotic plants."
"Just beyond Wrigleyville lies this section of Lakeview; it's been a major "gayborhood" since the 1970s, which also makes it one of the…"
"Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions and is certainly not your average pier. Stretching over 3,000-feet into Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is packed full of entertainment, offering 50-acres of shops, restaurants, parks, and attractions. Enjoy a ride on the Centennial Wheel that stands prominently in the middle of Pier Park, and there’s often live music, art exhibitions, and firework displays throughout the summer."
"Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions, and one of the most popular destinations in the Midwest. While there are fees at many of the attractions at Navy Pier, there are some that are free. One of the best reasons to visit is the view, which is (of course!) free!"
"The Poetry Foundation Library is another attraction that you can’t find anywhere else in Illinois. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find it anywhere else in the US. There are only a handful of poetry libraries in the entire world, but the good news is that the Chicago version is one of the best."
"Chicago's Poetry Foundation is all about the study of poetry. It was the first place in the city of Chicago to focus only on poetry as an art form, which was the dream of Poetry magazine's Harriet Monroe. The foundation's goal is to heighten public and cultural interest in poetry."
"Originally built as the South Shore Country Club, this South Side icon was penned by architects Marshall and Fox in 1905. Purchased by the Chicago Park District in 1975 and renamed as the South Shore Cultural Center, the landmarked Mediterranean Revival building features painstakingly restored historic details, a grandiose ballroom, and golf course. It remains a popular venue for weddings and other large events."
"The South Shore Cultural Center is a great example of what the South Side has to offer. The sprawling landscape surrounding the center features manicured gardens, a golf course, nature paths, a butterfly garden, and picnic areas. Next to the former country club is a wild, overgrown nature preserve with a fire circle and views of Lake Michigan and the city."
"Located only a few minutes south from Hyde Park's Museum of Science & Industry, the South Shore Cultural Center has been an iconic structure in the neighborhood since 1905. Throughout the summer it focuses on rich programming that is free to all. Entertainment ranges from West African dance performances to live jazz or classical music."