I forgot to mention that Chicago has water taxis. Check their schedules if you are coming at a time other than before Labor Day weekend, though.

You could, for example, take the Shoreline harbor taxi from the Museum Campus to Navy Pier. Or Wendella's river water taxi from the N. Michigan Avenue (Wrigley Building area) to Chinatown.

The two companies have different boarding areas and different fares.

Question in response to "exiledprincess" - You mentioned under cuisine that "Chicago has any number of marvelous restaurants, including one of the best in the world" What restaurant are you referring to?? Thank you!

In case exiledprincess doesn't see this, I have to assume she was referring to Alinea, which is Michael 3-star.

Thanks, sf7307. Yes, I meant Alinea.

as far as restaurants go, besides our world-class foodie spots, we have one of the widest varieties of "ethnic" restaurants in the world. so if you've never had vietnamese/turkish/greek/polish/fill-in-the-blank food, this is a great time to try it!

I didn't see it mentioned above, but Chicago is home to several Frank Lloyd Wright homes and his studio/home in Oak Park. If you are a fan of his architecture, it's a great place to see the real thing.

I live in Chicago & willingly go on the Chicago Architecture Foundations tour. It's amazing & the docents have a wealth of knowledge.

Skip Navy Pier. Boooorrrriiiing.

Are you into pizza? Bring cash and head to Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinders for the pizza pot pie. Much better than any deep dish place. The place is always busy. Warning. It's in Lincoln Park on Clark Street right across from the site of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. http://www.chicagopizzaandovengrinder.com/

If you go there, grab drinks at the J. Parker on top of the Hotel Lincoln. http://www.jparkerchicago.com/

A foodie?? Restaurant row on Randolph is a treasure trove of delicious food. Here's a small taste - http://www.cntraveler.com/daily-trav...go-restaurants


If you can't get a Cubs game, see if Wrigley is offering tours.

Walk the Riverwalk at night. Magical!

I generally agree with the advice about the Signature Room drink and view, instead of the Willis Tower. BUT last time we did the Willis Tower and those plexiglass cubes cantilevered out over the abyss. It was a silly, touristy but fun experience and somewhat unique photo opportunity. Even a jaded teen enjoyed it.

That plexiglass box scared the bejesus out of me~I couldn't even step out on it! Much to the amusement of my sister, I did GI Joe crawl on my belly to the edge and peered over......

If you go to the Signature Room, try to go around sunset. I went at night, and while the city lights were gorgeous, Lake Michigan was a massive black void. By going at sunset, you'll get to see the lake AND the lights.