Chicago, first time in the US: What to do; see; eat; buy & miss

LondonDiva

helllllp!

I'm off to Chicago next month and it's my first time in the States. :j

I know that I'm going to be causing my credit card some serious trauma, but wondered if any of you globe trotting MSE'ers had any tips, ideas on what to do; see; eat; buy & miss.

I'm hoping to get some, ok loads of stuff for me, as well as holiday & christmas gifts for family, friends & godchildren:).

Any info gratefully received

Diva:T
:T

puffinmuffin

shopping is great in Chicago. A trip up the Sears Tower is pretty good for the views and the ultra-fast lift. I also enjoyed the Field Museum but i am a nerd for that kind of thing.

LondonDiva

What's the Field Museum?

WelshWoofer

Take a warm coat - it's always freezing in Chicago and the wind that comes in off the lake is biting.
Good shops though - don't buy Clinique/Clarins type stuff in stores - waiot until duty free in the airport - it's much cheaper there (loads cheaper than home).

PBA

You absolutely must make sure you have a proper Chicago pizza from either Ginos or Pizzeria Uno/Due. It is absolutely incredible, nothing like the so-called American style pizza you get from the likes of Pizza Hut or Domino's over here.

If you're going for the shopping, try and get to an outlet mall. There's a good one in Michigan City, Indiana (about 2 hours from Chicago) but there are probably closer ones as well. The prices on the high street in the US are great, but the savings in the outlet malls are even better so go to one as early as possible in your stay. For high street shopping, North Michigan Avenue is undoubtedly the best place to go.

If you're into art, the Art Institute of Chicago has a fantastic collection. It's free admission one day a week (not sure which day though), although of course it's less busy on days when you pay to get in. The Shedd Aquarium is top notch as well.

In terms of things to avoid, I'm having trouble thinking of any. However like any American city it has it's share of depressed areas so take a guide book from the library to make sure you don't accidentally stray into the wrong part of town. My personal preference is to avoid going up the Sears Tower (sorry puffin) but get a drink at the top of the Hancock Building instead - it's not as tall so you're in the middle of the Chicago skyline rather than above it. Also don't be tempted to get the cheap train from the airport, but get a cab into town instead. The train takes ages and stops in some of the worst areas of the city, whereas a cab will take you straight to your hotel.

In case you couldn't tell, I passionately love Chicago. I'm lucky enough to have relatives living in Michigan so fly into Chicago every year but the highlight of the trip is undoubtedly the couple days we spend there. You will have a fantastic time, I guarantee it!

Sobraon

Fantastic City!
Free concerts in the new Millennium Park are great.
The Field museum - get a City Pass.
The Aquarium is fun near the Field Museum
Go up the Hancock Tower (and evening meal in the 'Cheesecake Factory' at the bottom)
PJ Clarks bar near Navy Pier
Fireworks over the lake from Navy Pier (check the dates)
The brilliant skyscrapers at night (particularly the Wrigley building)
Just chilling out in a lovely city
I'm beginning to feel jealous…
[FONT=&quot]So here's a pic of Chicago this June from the Hancock Tower-

[/FONT]

barron_2

Totally agree with PBA,
Fantastic city,shops should be decked out for thanksgiving and xmas when you go.

Visit some of the Blues/Jazz Bars,ask the concierge at hotel for the good local ones.(The Back Room on Division is good,as is Jillys next door)
Cab it there and Cab it back.

Theres a great chinese,just round the block from The Marriot(Nth Michigan),cant remember the name.(front door ,left,next street ,left,on the right)

Mike Ditkas(Chicago Bears) - Mega Burger Grill(Try The Fridge)!!
Sullivans - Best steaks and huge !!

Get down to Rush Street & Division,great night with free shooters(drink)and free alcojello(jelly and spirit)

Oh the memories!!!!!!!!

Happy Hols

magic_pants

Went there last year and one thing you MUST do is go up to the top of the Hancock Tower at night and have a cocktail in the cocktail bar there. You might have to queue a bit but it's well worth it for the views.

baffcat

I agree with Sobraon, go to the Aquarium, which is right on the lake-front. The beluga whales are lovely, and if you're lucky you'll be able to touch them. There are some nice shops (sorry... STORES) down there too.

Baff

Barter

If you happen to still be there on the 1st Sunday in December, go to the zoo, where they have the annual "Carolling to the animals" Yes, really, but a very pleasant atmosphere, & it could only happen in America!

LondonDiva

rachelmk wrote:

Take a warm coat - it's always freezing in Chicago and the wind that comes in off the lake is biting.
Good shops though - don't buy Clinique/Clarins type stuff in stores - waiot until duty free in the airport - it's much cheaper there (loads cheaper than home).

I'm heading to Macy's & the outlet store;) Shouldn't stuff be about the same ish?