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Top Ten Things to do in Chicago

There is no shortage of things to do in Chicago. Here are ten activities that will help you experience what this unique city is all about.
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There is no shortage of things to do in Chicago. As a traveler to this grand metropolis, you can admire its magnificent and innovative architecture and public art, take in the richness of its culture by visiting one of its many art galleries and theatres, or by attending one of its many concerts and musical performances. You can also catch some sporting action at one of its iconic sporting venues. One thing is for certain. As you immerse yourself in all that this city has to offer, you will develop a deep appreciation for its vitality and unique character. An appreciation that will be reciprocated and form the basis of the many treasured memories that Chicago will give you.

 

Here are ten ways in which you can get to know this beautiful city better.

 

 

Take a Cruise to Take in Chicago’s Breathtaking Buildings

 

Home to some of the world’s most famous skyscrapers, Chicago has one of the tallest and densest skylines in the US. One of its best-known buildings in the Willis Tower, the third tallest building in America. Other famous skyscrapers in the city include the John Hancock Center and the Aon Center.

 

The city also hosts a number of historic buildings such as the Chicago Cultural Center, the Chicago Board of Trade Building, the Fine Arts Building, the Wrigley Building, and the Chicago Building.

 

More importantly, Chicago has been the home of major movements in US architecture. The products of these can be best viewed from the water, through the Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour, the Chicago Architecture Center Cruise, and the Chicago River Architecture Cruise.

 

 

Experience a Slice of Chicago’s History at the Chicago Cultural Center

 

By paying a visit to the Chicago Cultural Center, one of the city’s landmark buildings, you will be stepping on ground that has been occupied by heads of state, royalty, and diplomats. The Center is also home to more than 1000 exhibitions and programmes covering the performing, visual, and literary arts, and serves as the headquarters of the Chicago Children’s Choir. Admission to the Center is free.

 

 

Soak in the City’s Artistic Spirit with a Visit to the Art Institute

 

The Art Institute of Chicago is widely considered to be one of the world’s leading art museums. Here, you can explore the largest collection of Impressionist art outside Europe and explore the history and culture of Ancient Greece, Japan, Africa, and the Americas.

 

 

Blow your Mind with a Visit to the Museum of Science and Industry

 

The Museum of Science and Industry is the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Housed in the only remaining building from the 1893 World’s Fair, it offers a number of fascinating experiences. Here you can stand before a 40-foot tornado, climb aboard a World War II German submarine, and descend into an Illinois coal mine.

 

 

Take Bus Tours of Landmarks Associated with Chicago’s Gangland Past

 

Famous Gangsters such as John Dillinger and Al Capone occupy an important place in Chicago’s history. Today, their spectres continue to haunt the city in the form of landmarks associated with them. These include speakeasies that used to serve as bases for their operations, and other gangster hangouts such as Congress Hotel, Palmer House, and Death Alley. A number of bus tour operators offer tourists the opportunity to take in the murkier aspects of the windy city’s history, through dedicated gangland bus tours. These include the Gangsters and Ghosts Tour and the Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour.

 

 

See Chicago as a Bird Would

 

What visit to Chicago would be complete without a trip to the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center? That is, if you don’t suffer from a fear of heights. Here, you can take in breathtaking views of Chicago’s skyline, the lakefront, and four states. Thrillseekers can also enjoy TILT, Chicago’s highest ride. This giant moving platform literally tilts visitors over the edge of the building.

 

 

Relax with an Outing to Millennium Park

 

If a bird’s eye view of Chicago is not for you, you can chill out in the more down-to-earth Millennium Park. Here, amidst three blocks of open lakefront space, you can ride a Ferris Wheel, enjoy music performances, and indulge in your love of ice skating.

 

 

Catch a Game at Wrigley Field

 

Baseball lovers and those seeking to experience a baseball game can pay a visit to Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. Built in 1914, this iconic stadium occupies an important place in baseball history. On non-game days, fans can sign up for a tour of the historic facility and have a picture taken of them standing in front of Wrigley Field’s ivy wall.

 

 

Shop and Dine Along the Magnificent Mile

 

Sometimes the best holiday memories are made during long walks. Such as the one along the Magnificent Mile, one of the great avenues of the world. Here, you can shop till you drop, enjoy high-quality international cuisine, and take in views of Chicago’s magnificent architecture and landscape all at the same time.

 

 

Get a Taste of the Wild Side in the Lincoln Park Zoo

 

There can be few better family outings in Chicago than a visit to the Lincoln Park Zoo. This 35-acre landscaped zoo offers free admission and is the home of one of the famous Great Ape house, one of the best assemblages of Gorillas and Chimpanzees in the world.

 

 

A Hotel that Can Enable You to Get the Most of an Iconic City

 

No article can do justice to the magnificence that is Chicago. The windy city is simply bursting with experiences to have. To make sure that you return home with as many of these as possible under your belt, it is important to stay at a Chicago hotel that is ideally located and well-connected to the city’s major spaces. The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place is within walking distance of many of downtown Chicago’s attractions and well-connected to the rest of the city by public transport. In addition, the hotel offers the highest level of luxury and service to ensure that your stay in the city is as enjoyable and memorable as your adventures in it.