Going to Chicago end of this month ... need all tips!

[kathy884]

You have lots of great suggestions!

I'm just going to second two things that I would definitely do in your shoes. I've tried all the most famous Chicago Deep Dish pizzas, and Lou Malnatis is my favorite (looks like it's a favorite of most of the other posters too). I got a different one two months ago when I was in the city as the other place was right by my hotel, and I wish I had made the effort to do Lou Malnatis instead lol.

Also, especially since it doesn't take too long to do, definitely stop by Millennium Park and the Bean which is in the park. The Bean is unique and a super fun little stop. We really enjoy that, and it's a must do stop for us every time we're in the city for more than a day.

If taking a stroll the River North area -- magnificent mile area is kind of nice. It's more of a shopping area than anything. I realize you are staying elsewhere, but when I'm a tourist in the city, that's my favorite place to stay.

 

[MabelM]

The Architectural Boat Tour is my favorite thing to do in Chicago. I have lived in Chicago my entire life and found the tour fascinating. The Lincoln Park Zoo is not far from Wrigley so you could stop in there before or after the game. There might not be much time after the game. Since it is free, there is no pressure to stay for a long visit.

If you take the blue line from Rosemont, I would definitely get off at Addison and take the Addison bus to Wrigley. It should save time since it is more direct than taking the blue line and transferring to the red line.

I am a Lou Malnati’s fan. Giordano’s is also good. D’Agostino’s is not far from Wrigley and is a good local place. There are a lot of fun restaurants and bars around Wrigley. There is a ton to do before or after a game.

 

[Cadiewampus]

I want to echo the other peoples' recommendations to take an Architecture River Tour if you have time! I'm sure many people are reading this thinking it's lame and they're not into architecture. But believe me, I'm not into that type of stuff at all and I had a really great time! I had another friend who just went to Chicago with her friends and she too told me how much she enjoyed the tour.

There's something about being on the Chicago River lazily cruising along it while being given a tour of Chicago from a different vantage point that makes the tour money and time well spent!

Its been since 98 that have been on the River tour. Do they still take you through through the Lock and out on to the lake?

 

[elgerber]

Another vote for Ginos for pizza and the architecture boat tour. Both are fanstastic.

 

[RedHead0186]

Its been since 98 that have been on the River tour. Do they still take you through through the Lock and out on to the lake?

Some of the cruises do. Some just do the river, but some will do the river and the locks (you purchase tickets specifically for which one you want).

 

[Cadiewampus]

Some of the cruises do. Some just do the river, but some will do the river and the locks (you purchase tickets specifically for which one you want).

I remember going out onto the lake thinking are we sure this isn't an ocean.

 

[comicguy]

My wife and are going to Chicago at the end of this month, and we'll have a couple of days to check out the city. This is one of our few trips that we're actually not going to Disney World. We fly into O'Hare on the 29th, have a conference in Rosemont on the 30th and 31st, are going to the Cubs game on the 1st and flying home on the 2nd. So we'll have half a day on Tuesday (afternoon/evening), half a day on Wednesday (morning/afternoon), Friday (going to the Cubs game this day) and part of Saturday (evening flight home) to tour the city. We're staying in Rosemont, so we won't have a car. So we'll have to take uBer or Lyft or public transportation everywhere.

Neither of us have ever been to Chicago. So I'm looking for all tips. Where to eat, where to visit, where not to go, where not to visit or where not to eat, lol. DW has said she wants pizza. Other than that, and the Cubs game on Friday, the 2nd, we have no plans outside of our conference. So please give me all your tips and tricks.

Just returned from our Chicago trip (last night) and can say these were some good and great things to do and for you to consider:

Strolled Navy Pier and Magnifevt Mile Good (nice views at the pier and a fun atmosphere a bit touristy, Mag Mile was nice to look at buildings, not much of a shopper but did find the Lego store, that is always a treat to look into, still a bit touristy)
Museum of Science and Industry Great I spent almost 7 hours here, I did do 2 of the added price tours but one was Spider-man and I am a big comics fan! and the other was the coal mine). I will say I am a bit of a History nerd!
Field Museum of Natural History Great Again, I spent alomost 7 hours here! Dinosaurs and T-Rex Sue! how could one go wrong!
Chicago Art Institute Great It was impressive to see some of the masterworks, of course Medival weapons and stuff are fascinating as well!
Deep Dish Pizza Great Labriola's was pretty darn good!
Chicago Hot Dog Good was enjoyable! Would eat again!
Cubs game Wrigley Field Great was nice to visit a storied stadium. Traffic was a nightmare and they had several blocks blocked off. We had some cheap tickets so that helped with traffic headaches.
Architecual Boat Tour Great Loved seeing the building from the water and the narration was wonderful.
Millinium Park and The Bean Good NIce area to visit and relax a bit (although I was told that Lalapoolza will be happening starting next week starting Wed?)

Plenty to do if you are willing to explore! We were located along the downtown riverwalk so it made a few of these easy to get to! We used Uber to get around to the farther places, mainly because I did not feel like dealing with learning train system. So I did pend more in that regard