Going to Chicago for the first time what are the must do's? What is close to the Cicago Hilton? What are the saftey issues?

Catch a show at Second City, have a jazz Brunch on Sunday at Bistro 110, visit the observation deck at the Sears Tower, have a late night cocktail at the top of the Hancock or at Le Coq au Vin (?) in the Drake, grab a burger at Billy Goats, a fun American lunch at Ed Dibivics or more traditionally at Berghoff's, have breakfast at Lou Mitchells, have a romantic dinner at Ambrias (ambiance)or Everest (View) or a great steak at Gibsons, go Mexican at Frontera Grill or Greek at Papagus, have pizza at Pizzerina Uno, go to Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium or the Art Museum, have a drink at the Frog Bar and scour the store up and down Michigan Avenue.

Other ideas - Take a cruise (historical tour) on the Chicago River. Best steak in town is Ely's (Gibson's is loud and crowded but the piano bar there is a must.) Other restaurants: Panne Caldro (fabulous), Harvest on Huron.

Safety is no problem on the beaten track. Have a great time - its a wonderful city.

I love Chicago. You're have a great time and I wouldn't worry about safety as this is a lively, busy city. The museums are wonderful - Art, Science and Industry are some of them. Shopping is great along Michigan Ave and the Water tower place. The Blues clubs are good - take a cab to them. Stay downtown where the action is - good hotels near Michigan Ave. Have a good time.

Chicago Hilton and Towers (720 S. Michigan) is near the museum campus (Field Mus. of Natural History, Adler Planetarium aand Shedd Aquarium). It's alos walking distance to the Art Institute (200 S. Michigan) Spertus Mus. of Judaica, the Auditorium Theatre, Printer's Row neighborhood and most of the Loop (downtown). The hotel had a shuttle to North Michigan for shopping last time I was there. Also, Buddy Guy's Blues Club is right across Wabash Ave., and the Hothouse and other jazz clubs are nearby.It's an easy walk to one of the many fests in Grant Park, and a short cab ride to the Museum of Science and Industry and Chinatown. Regarding safety, north of the hotel is quite good, south is improving greatly but is still unappealing. West is fine although Wabash looks kind of dingy. You don't want to wander alone after dark, but this is true of most big cities.

Hope you'll do a search - there's been tons offered here about Chicago to-do's. Chicago's Lincoln Park is a jewel, a spread of greenery between Lake Michigan and the northside of Chicago. It has one of the last free zoo's in the country, and (at the south end, Clark and North Ave.) the Chicago Historical Society, a very interesting, do-able museum. Walk along the Gold Coast (high-end neighborhood between Lincoln Park and the north end of Michigan Ave shopping (Drake Hotel).

As for safety: move confidently and keep your eyes open and you should be fine. Don't forget the State Street Marshall Fields for a spot of shopping.

One of my favorite things to do here in Chicago is to visit the Lincoln Park Zoo. First of all, it's free. It's a rather small zoo right in the middle of the city, and many of the buildings were built in the early 1900s then restored in the '80s. I love to go out in the paddle boats on the little lake near the edge of the zoo--great views of the city. The park is close to the lake so you could walk over Lake Shore Drive and stroll on North Beach. I think you could get to the park by bus, trolley or cab (since the zoo is free you could use the $ you'll save on entrance fees to take a cab. Cab fare would probably be around $7 to $10 from where you're staying) Good Luck.

Consider taking a two-hour guided walking tour of the Loop offered by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. What a terrific way to really see what is all around you in the city! A river cruise and a bus tour are also available. Their headquarters is located across from the Art Institute, at 224 S. Michigan Avenue. Phone is 312-922-3432.