Mentioned by Thrillist
The Most Beautiful Buildings in Chicago, According to an Architecture Expert
"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)."
"This iconic Chicago attraction is bursting with attractions. However, many of them charge a fee. Believe it or not, though, there are several free things to do in Chicago at Navy Pier."
"The first Sunday of every month there’s free admission for kids under 15. There are a few other ways to get discounts, too."
"The Charnley-Persky House Museum is in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood. The location is famous for being one of the only surviving residential pieces designed by Louis Sullivan. Frank Lloyd Wright was also a contributor to the project; at the time of the house's construction, Wright worked for Sullivan."
"Description: Charnley-Persky House is one of the oldest houses of Chicago (with Glessner and Clarke Houses) and it is said to be the first modern house in Chicago. The red house next to it was built shortly before, and the differences are amazing. Tours are offered on Wednesday afternoons."
"With over 40,000 unobstructed-view seats, the White Sox stadium is a good spot to capture your ice cream cone, the crowd, AND the field in one shot. Unless you’re going for the 3lb ice cream sundae in a batting helmet… you’re probably gonna need two hands for that."
"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."
"Older school children and some older teens may enjoy the stunning architecture and impressive art collection found here. Located on the Magnificent Mile, Chicago’s one of the most easily recognized landmarks was built from 1867-1869 and survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Exhibits change regularly so check the website to see what’s on display before you visit."
"Who can resist the charm of this Gothic revival sandcastle tower in the middle of the Mag Mile?. Add to that its history and use, and this structure always gets a vote in our best-of lists. Built in 1869, following completion of the Pumping Station across the street, the Tower now houses a city-run art gallery."
"This free gallery is located within the historic Water Tower and features a rotating gallery of works by Chicago photographers and artists."
"When you want date night and your man wants BBQ, Chicago Q is a great compromise. I personally love it more in the summer because their patio for outdoor dining is so cute, but it’s a solid date spot no matter what!"
"No Chicago day tour is complete without indulging in a some deep dish pizza, so grab a slice at Lou Malnati’s on N Wells Street which many locals swear is the best joint in town (or Giordano’s, or Gino’s East, depending who you ask). From there it’s only a couple more blocks to the Flamingo Rum Club, which is known for its mural depicting a trio of larger-than-life, fluorescent pink flamingos…AKA Instagram heaven and one of the best photo spots in Chicago."
"Sit down for dinner at one of Chicago’s popular deep dish pizza restaurants (my favorite is Lou Malnati’s). The pizza takes at least 30 minutes to arrive at the table after ordering, so make sure to get a salad or appetizer if you’re hungry."
"In the warmer months, kids of all ages will love visiting the outdoor sculpture garden and all year long families can try their hands and Family Day on the first Saturday of the month. Located on the University of Chicago campus, students, faculty and alumni often contribute to the exhibitions."
"The David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art is part of the University of Chicago's campus. The Smart Museum has a permanent collection with more than 15,000 objects, ranging from modern art to Asian art to contemporary art to European art. The galleries are rehung each year."
"At the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, You’ll find thousands of artifacts, books, posters, photographs, maps, and manuscripts, ranging from military medals to swords, that tell America’s history through the eyes of the citizen soldier. Take a tour any day of the week (free with admission) or wander collections ranging from WWII and Korean War training comics to medical research files on topics like early ambulances and Civil War nurses. Pritzker Military Museum & Library, 104 S."
"The Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Chicago is dedicated to highlighting and studying military history. Founded in 2003, the museum now has more than 115,000 objects, 67,000 books, and 9,000 photos. The collection includes rare military memorabilia, glass negatives, posters, artwork, and videos."
"Museum admission is always free for anyone with an active military ID, the Chicago police and fire departments and children under 18. General free admission days for 2020 are:. April 6 – Centennial of WWI"