Chicago

[creampuff]

What do you think?

I'm finalising my RTW holiday route and I can stop in Chicago for 2 or 3 days?

[scottri]

I went last year at the beginning of route 66. Only had a couple of days there but really enjoyed it. Did the boat ride to check out all the high rise buildings, walked the edge of the lake, had a deep pan pizza, saw the Baseball. Plenty of bars etc. I'd deffo go back.

[NailedOn]

Go there, it is great. Some highlights.

Sears Tower observation deck.
John Hancock Bldg for cocktails or dinner.
Lake Shore Drive for the views and Art Institute.
Shopping on the Magnificent Mile.

Best to stay downtown, near the river or lake.
I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

[creampuff]

Am I correct in thinking there are a lot of Art Deco buildings there? I like Art Deco

[GCH]

It is a great city.

scottri said:

I went last year at the beginning of route 66. Only had a couple of days there but really enjoyed it. Did the boat ride to check out all the high rise buildings, walked the edge of the lake, had a deep pan pizza casserole, saw the Baseball. Plenty of bars etc. I'd deffo go back.

Fixed that for you

[Matt Harper]

Temps get a little gnarly during the winter months.

[Matt..]

- Go to a sports game (eg. Baseball at wrigley, Bulls basketball, bears nfl, Blackhawks nhl)
- view from Adler planetarium
- John hancock viewing deck is vastly better than Willis/Sears building. You can get tickets that allow day and night viewing. Both times are a must


Definitely worth a stop.

[Truffles]

Go on a walking tour organised by the architectural foundation. They are led by proper architects so you get to understand a lot more than on the regular tourist tours. http://www.architecture.org/tours/walking-tours

[Bungleaio]

Truffles said:

Go on a walking tour organised by the architectural foundation. They are led by proper architects so you get to understand a lot more than on the regular tourist tours. http://www.architecture.org/tours/walking-tours

I'm planning on going to Chicago at some point so I've saved that link, looks really interesting.

[Timja]

You MUST go to a Blues place, amazing music in Chicago! Somewhere like Kingston Mines. The Zoo is pretty good (and free) - Good viewing of Polar Bear underwater swimming. Chicago Cultural Centre is an impressive building inside, there was a small Money Museum which had history of the dollar that was good for 30 mins, Millenium Park is nice with interesting art/sculptures like the Cloud Gate sculpture (The Bean) - very impressive.

Lots of other stuff as has been mentioned. Have a good time!

[leemanning]

We've recently come back from a week staying with my cousin. Wasn't really expecting too much but it was excellent.

Loads of awesome places to eat, great bars, a beach, downtown area, good shopping, loads of parks

Plenty to do for 2-3 days and just take in the city.

Temps are hot in the summer and really cold in the winter so dress appropriately.

Also don't bother with a car, use UBER, it's excellent and really cheap

[creampuff]

Well the RTW ticket is booked. 18 flights..... including 2 days in Chicago

[5potTurbo]

Just seen this.
I've visited Chicago probably a dozen times since 2010. I love the city. Summer's hot and humid, winter can be ball breakingly cold! June & September are good months to visit.

As I've family in the area, I've only stayed in a hotel once when I was there on business with a colleague - the Sofitel Water Tower. It's a short walk to Michigan Avenue.