Things to do in Chicago
 

A few friends (nurses) and myself are going to Chicago next week. We are staying at the Seneca Hotel on the Magnificent Mile. Can anyone tell me what museums, restaurants, comedy clubs (clean) things to do...that are close by. We are taking the train and will not have a car. Thanks in advance! Mel :)

www.metromix.com might help.

You've asked such a general question that you won't get many specific answers unless you tell more about your likes/dislikes, age group etc. There are many venues in all those catagories close to you that might be a "choice."

Get a good map and probably hit the Cultural Center on Washington for more info and an introduction to the city. But Millenium Park, John Hancock, Field Museum, Art Institute, Shedd Aquarium, CAF Architectural Tours, private vendor lake tours to view from the water, shopping, State Street, theatre (but tickets may be hard to come by one week ahead), piano bars, comedy clubs, etc. may all be easily possible by foot.

It's a big city and your question is so open-ended that you may get more information by doing a search here for: Chicago comedy club or Chicago Field Museum etc. to get better specifics.

There are 100s of restaurants in downtown, LOOP, River North areas, you'd have to be specific about price ranges or types as well.

A drink on top of the Hancock and some time spent in the Art Institute are, IMHO, must dos.

that is too broad a question for folks here, lol. Chicago is jam packed with so many wonderful things. Go to amazon.com this instant and get a city guide. Go to an internet site for Chicago. Use the search engine here to find various trip reports and restaurant ideas. I do suggest making restaurant reservations, if possible. A great place for your group is Bistro 110 for Sunday Brunch. You can make many reservations through www.opentable.com
I'll make a suggestion, after going with a group of gals. If you want to shop, split up and meet later. It's impossible to shop with a group and you waste a lot of time.

Second City shows are always fun to watch (just hop in a cab; it'll be a quick ride). If it's good weather, it's also nice to walk along Lake Michigan. I second the motion re: the Art Institute--LOVE that place! Finally, shopping along Michigan Ave is typically a good time (although, personally, I'm still mourning the demise of Marshall Field's).

Have fun!

Second City is very funny, but I wouldn't call it "clean" as the OP specified. Just as a warning.

Also second the Art Institute and the Field Museum. Shopping on Mag Mile or State Street, just walking around and seeing Millennium Park and architecture. If the architectural boat cruise is running, I definitely recommend that as well.

Thanks for the suggestions so far. We are easily entertained...our ages are from 38 to 61. We are taking the train to Chicago. We love any tyoe food. We are staying at the Seneca Hotel. We don't want to spend a fortune on food but if it is worth it, we might. We do want to try the Chicago pizza and we are planning on a stop at the Cheesecake Factory.

Definitely take the Architectural Boat Tour (purchased from the Architecture Institute).

If WICKED is still in town..worth every penny!

Art Institute also a must.

Gino's East End for deep dish pizza! (By the Hancock Tower on the side street toward the lake)

Garrett's popcorn located on N. Michigan Ave.

Bistro 110 across the street (on North side, just behind the Park Hyatt) from the Water Tower is great atmosphere, great food and great prices!

Have fun! Our favorite city :)

Chicago is a great restaurant city, just like San Francisco and New York City. Why in the world would you pick a chain restaurant like The Cheesecake Factory?

Curious

gotta agree with curious. The Cheesecake Factory has pretty bland food...lots of big portions, loud place...yuk. I would rather eat at Food Life at the Water Tower!

I'll add my two cents to the people discouraging the Cheesecake Factory. It's always packed (never with locals)and the food is only so-so.

In addition to the other recommendations, try Reza's for something different. It's about 3/4 mile west of your hotel on Ontario at Wells and has a Persian/Mediterranean menu. Check their site at www.rezasrestaurant.com.

You could also try one of the places in Greektown. It's on Halsted and Madison, a mile west of State Street and many of the restaurants have outdoor seating in the summer. You can look at the Sears Tower and skyline while you eat.

You said you don't want to spend a fortune on food, but that's relative. If you give an idea of what your budget is, you can get suggestions that are more in tune with your thinking.

If you're arriving by train, you can purchase visitor passes from the machine near the Metra ticket windows at Union Station. The passes allow unlimited rides on all CTA buses and trains for a 24-hour period. A 1-day pass is $5, a 2-day pass is $9 and a 3-day pass is $12.

To reach the Seneca from Union Station, catch the Number 151 bus (Sherian) on Canal Street in front of the station. It will make its way to State, then Michigan Avenue and stop at Chestnut in front of Water Tower Place. Your hotel is 1 block east.

Mel, I agree with the past posters. Take a look at the recent thread on suggested restaurants in Chicago. There are choices for any budget.

Enjoy yourself and dine well when you are here!

OK... I actually like the Cheesecake Factory. At least the cheesecake. I agree that the entrees are a) overpriced and b) no better, at least, than what you could get at a non-chain place. BUT as someone who just recently had the awesomeness that is the chocolate mousse cheesecake brought to her hometown, I understand the attraction. So my compromise would be to find somewhere else for dinner (Lou Malnati's is GREAT for pizza) and then either have a later dessert at CF, or pick up some cheesecake slices and watch some trashy TV in the hotel room. :)

The Museum of Contemporary Art is quite near to the Magnificent Mile and had a terrific line up of shows when I was in Chicago two years ago. The restaurant in there was great also. The Art Institute as previously mentioned is also a must see I thought.

I did two tours with the Architecture Association, the river tour and the Mies tour. I second the previous suggestion, they are not to missed.

I found the weekly guide Time Out Chicago really helpful.

The Chicago Reader (www.chicagoreader.com) is also a great resource for food & things to do in Chicago.

Sounds like all the museums have been covered, but I'll toss in my 2 cents on food. One of my favorite restaurants is Cafe Iberico...great tapas (spanish small plates if you've never had it) & very reasonably priced. It's in the 700 block of N. LaSalle - a quick cab ride from where you'll be staying.

Hope you enjoy your time here!

My vote's for Cafe Iberico too. Great Tapas. Love that place!

Melody
You should browse through the Chicago on a budget thread (near the top now) for some good information.