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1.5 days in Chicago

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Old Aug 2nd, 2015, 07:39 AM
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1.5 days in Chicago

We have never been to Chicago. We have only 1.5 days to visit this trip. Where do we stay? Michigan mile or Loop? What MUST we see and do??
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Old Aug 2nd, 2015, 09:57 AM
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For us, the Art Institute was at the top of our list. But we also pre-arranged for the City Greeter tour of two neighborhoods we wanted to visit. That was fun and free but you have to arrange ahead of time. There's an interesting list of suggestions. When we were tired of walking, we rode the bus from north to south on the line closest to the lake. It also went by the zoo.

We stayed at Best Western River North which was only a couple of blocks from a bus stop. We purchased public transportation passes at a nearby drug store. Hotel was chosen because of price and free parking.

We didn't take the architecture boat tour but wish we had. Just not enough time.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2015, 10:49 AM
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Michigan Avenue. Visit Hancock tower signature lounge.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2015, 04:55 PM
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The Best Western River North no longer has free parking available.

I'll bet you really don't have 1.5 days in Chicago. If you are arriving one day around or after noon and leaving on the next in the afternoon, you *might* have two 1/2 days - possibly less.

Coming in on the weekend? That even gives you less time than weekdays, because of later opening and earlier closing times for some of the major attractions.

Without knowing your exact times of arrival and departure, it is difficult to give suggestions.
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Old Aug 3rd, 2015, 05:50 AM
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Architecture boat tour and Art Istitute would be my personal top two. I would stay on Michigan Ave.
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Old Aug 3rd, 2015, 07:26 AM
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There are many posts like this one, if you do a quick search. (I'm assuming you were thinking michigan avenue, not the state, as your tag. ).
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Old Sep 8th, 2015, 12:52 PM
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We will be arriving on a Sunday afternoon mid October and our flight out is late on Tuesday.
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Old Sep 8th, 2015, 01:36 PM
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For sights and activities, check www.choosechicago.com, the city's official tourism site. You can also check www.chicagomag.com and www.chicagoreader.com. These sites also have restaurant listings searchable by price, cuisine and neighborhood.

For transit info including maps, a trip planner, how to purchase farecards and track trains and buses with a smartphone, check the CTA site at www.transitchicago.com. For theatre, check www.chicagoplays.com.

Keep in mind that the Chicago Marathon is October 11 and hotels will be at a premium that weekend.
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Old Sep 8th, 2015, 02:57 PM
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I did what Simpson510 suggested--CAF river cruise & AIC. Stayed at the Marriott Magnificent Mile. You may want to look into the Chicago City Pass. I liked the Purple Pig restaurant. Go somewhere for deep dish pizza, such as Lou Malnati's or Gino' s East.
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Old Sep 12th, 2015, 02:39 PM
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Marriott Magnificent Mile versus The River Hotel?
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Old Sep 12th, 2015, 03:08 PM
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I REALLY liked the Omni. The room was a sort of suite w/ french doors from the sitting area into the bedroom, wet bar, etc. Very reasonable rates for the quality of room. Kitty corner from Neiman Marcus, walking distance to the John Hancock Tower and around the corner from the Driehaus museum.

Maybe 1.5 miles from the Art Institute so walkable but a very short cab or bus ride.
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Old Sep 12th, 2015, 03:49 PM
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Thanks janisj, I will check out the Omni. Trying to find the best location for under $300 if possible. We were sold on The River and the price went up. Looked at The Ivy, really like it and the Marriott's location better than the Ivy. We are really having a hard time making this decision...
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Old Sep 12th, 2015, 04:11 PM
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Omni is booked! I just went with the Ivy, it was almost $200 (total trip) cheaper. Hoping that is isn't TOO small...that was the only negative in the reviews.
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Old Sep 13th, 2015, 06:54 AM
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The Ivy has a better location, Streeterville. Used to live nearby.
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Old Sep 13th, 2015, 09:48 AM
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I really liked The River Hotel. The rooms are a little small but just how much room do you need to sleep and shower. It is very clean and the bed was comfortable. I particularly liked the individual room temperature control.

I found it to be centrally located. Half a block east of Michigan Ave, about a 1 1/2 blocks from the subway and the "L". Just a couple blocks from the Art Museum and Millennial Park and an easy walk up the Miracle Mile.

My favorite restaurant is Volare on St Clair for Italian.
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