Mentioned by Lonely Planet Top Choices
Top things to do in Chicago, USA
"A few of the highlights of your tour include the Museum Campus, Navy Pier, Water Tower Place Mall, Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), and more. You’ll be able to disembark at most landmarks, so it’s easy to use this your to further your itinerary (although traffic can be a factor, so don’t rely exclusively on this for transportation)."
"Navy Pier combines everything you could ever hope for in an area of a city you're visiting, and it has placed it right on the shores of Lake Michigan. There are shops, places to eat, boat tours, mini golf and a Ferris wheel. You might also find the Children's Museum of interest if you're there with family."
"The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum opened in 1999 in Lincoln Park with a clear mission: to educate the public, especially urban dwellers, on the importance of maintaining the quality of nature that surrounds us and steps to take that can help the environment. Your little ones will learn a little bit about nature and the environment that surrounds them, with a look at Chicago's waterways, an animal habitat play area, a year-round butterfly garden and more. The museum also hosts traveling exhibits that change every few months."
"This child-friendly museum in Lincoln Park presents the natural history of the Chicago region in smart and interactive ways. As an institution the museum was founded back in 1857 and moved into a new home in the park in 1999. The old museum, now used by the zoo, was known for its detailed static dioramas, and while these are still here, they’re joined by spellbinding living environments like the astonishing Judy Istock Butterfly house, where 1,000 butterflies flutter in a 250-square-metre greenhouse."
"While Thursdays are technically free to Illinois residents, a suggested donation helps keep things running smoothly during 2020 museum free days."
"I think all of Chicago was pumped when the cubs won the World Series (probably more than just Chicago, and pumped is probably an understatement). But other than our beloved Cubbies, Wrigley’s savory snacks make us fly the W. Nachos do taste better in a Cubs hat, actually."
"This homemade ice cream is a treat that can be savored all-year round. With shakes, floats, cones, and sundaes, you can enjoy your ice cream any way that you want it."
"A post shared by Insomnia Cookies (@insomniacookies) on Jul 17, 2019 at 12:04pm PDT. If even picking up cookies is low on your to-do list, Insomnia Cookies comes to the rescue. This chain specializes in late-night cookie delivery (yes, you read that right), including sugar cookies, double chocolate mint cookies and drool-worthy smores cookies."
"Insomnia cookies are next on this list of the best desserts in Chicago. Cookies are the perfect addition to any day, so why not stop by Insomnia Cookies for an ice cream sandwich fix?. Unlike some other joints that offer ice cream sandwiches, Insomnia Cookies lets you customize your treat every step of the way!"
"6 locations in and near the city; Online: insomniacookies.com. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Defloured Bakery (@deflouredbakery) on Aug 4, 2019 at 8:26am PDT"
"Robust wood-fired pizzas, a sizeable wine list, and wallet-friendly daily specials have helped solidify Frasca as a neighborhood go-to. Try the Italian sausage pie — loaded with fennel sausage, sautéed onions, and mozzarella — with a glass of Cabernet. Al fresco dining is available on Frasca’s outdoor patio."
"Dessert fiends will want to visit this River North sports bar for some over-the-top cake shakes. The indulgent drinks — a blend of ice cream and craft beer — come with a slice of cake on top of the glass. They’re available in various flavors and can be made even boozier by adding a shot."
"Voted as one of Chicago's best new sports bar, Public House offers a great addition to the River North bar scene. Public House will satisfy guests with over 103 different types of beer to choose from.[Learn more]"
"For theatre lovers, check out a performance at The Chicago Theatre. If you feel like doing an activity, head to 10pin Bowling Lounge under the Marina Towers north of the Chicago River. They offer a selection of beers and upscale snacks."
"You can mix and match a wide variety of Nigerian stews, starches, meats, fish, and mollusks at Iyanze – a staple of Uptown’s West African food scene. The food at this restaurant in Uptown is prepared from scratch daily and served cafeteria-style. Get whatever looks good to you that day, and a couple of extra scoops in case you can’t make a decision."
"People rave about: Cool But Rude Latte Ginger and Curry Sauce Latte ($4.50). It wouldn’t be a trip to Wicker Park for breakfast or lunch without a quirky cup of coffee. Admittedly, Wicker Park is my favorite funky neighborhood in Chicago because of its #idgaf vibe."
"The Wormhole will take you back to the future—a model of Marty McFly’s DeLorean is literally in the shop. This ‘80s themed coffee shop has a menu full of delicious coffee options and is one of the coziest spots in Wicker Park. Order for pickup now!"
"Come for Marty McFly's Delorean, stay for the coffee in this cozy Wicker Park space. The Wormhole is a fan favorite, and owner Dan Weiss is planning a ‘90s-style sequel in Bucktown called Wormhole 2."
"Is there any pic that shouts strong, independent woman more than this?. The BBQ at Green Street is no joke, and the rustic farmhouse decor is the perfect complement for your most aggressive food pics."
"For a wholly novel experience, take a voyage to this radiant eatery. Garnished with varying plants and pretty decor, Beatnik clashes together textures, patterns, and colors to manifest a Bohemian Paradise. It will certainly be a date night to remember."