How to Visit Chicago

Whether you're looking for adventure, sightseeing, sports action or just a nice long weekend, Chicago is a great place to visit. It's a beautiful, clean city with exciting things for everyone. It's home to the Cubs, the Bulls, fantastic architecture and great restaurants -- and some of the best people you'll ever meet. So before you make any reservations, here's how to make a visit to Chicago.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Just get to Chicago and the city will do the rest.

Visiting Chicago

1. Stay downtown.Unlike many other of the nation's biggest cities, Chicago is an extremely residential place. So when you are looking for a place to stay, find an accommodation that will put you right in the heart of the city. Some of the best hotels in great areas are the Westin Hotel, the Omni Hotel, the Marriott (on Walton) and the Four Seasons.If you stay at one of these great spots, you will be just a short walk from almost anything you'll need.

2. Take the Architecture Boat Tour.One of the hidden gems (or not so hidden) of Chicago sightseeing is the architecture boat tour. Taking you all the way down the Chicago River, which runs right downtown, the tour discusses the great Chicago architecture that makes up its fantastic skyline. Check the website for exact times and locations of the tour, but generally it cost about $25 per person for the hour-long boat ride.The architecture that aligns the river is breathtaking, with huge skyscrapers, the Trump Tower under construction and such landmarks as Frank Lloyd Wright buildings and many other spectacular sights. It is a must see ... or ride.

3. Walk around the city.One of the things that Chicago has going for it over almost any other big metropolis in the world is how great of a walking city it really is. The city has numerous neighborhoods that are almost all worth walking through. Some of the best places to gander are the Gold Coast, Roscoe Village and the Southport Corridor.If just taking in the sights is not enough for you, all around the entire city are landmark signs with descriptions of why the area is so special. Stop and read these notes, they will make your walk and your stay in the city more enjoyable.Make sure to hit up Michigan Avenue. It's Chicago's main shopping area with malls and stores aligning the "Magnificent Mile". It will only take about 30 minutes, but walk the entire thing and enjoy the sunny day.

4. Make your way to the beach.People don't know this, but there is a beach right downtown in Chicago. It's called Oak Street beach and on hot summer days, it is packed. But head up to North Avenue beach if the sun is shining and take in the sights. There is a great bike/running path that goes all along Lake Michigan the entire length of the city. It's a great way to ride or walk along Oak Street and the North Avenue beach area. There's even an outdoor gym located on the beach. And if you get hungry, that giant ship on the sand of North Avenue beach is a restaurant, not a lost cruise vessel.

5. Go to a Cubs game.Do yourself a favor and catch a game. Ask any Chicagoan: whether you're a Cubs fan or not, there is no better way to spend an afternoon in Chicago than at a game in beautiful Wrigley Field. It is the oldest stadium in the National League and every nearly 40,000 fans show up for every game. The atmosphere is electric and whether the Cubs win or lose, every postgame turns into a party in Wrigleyville. All of the fans pour out into the surrounding bars as soon as the last out is made and the fun lasts all night. Get in on the action.

6. Get over to Millenium Park.It is Chicago's newest area. Built by Mayor Richard Daley just a few years ago, the park has become an epicenter of activities all year round. In the winter there is an ice skating rink and in the summer there are live concerts and different outdoor activities each week. The bean is one of the most popular attractions at the park. It's a giant reflective sculpture built in the shape of a kidney bean, hence the name. You can walk under it and around it and for some reason, it's just really cool to look at.

7. Eat well.Chicago has some great restaurants that you need to eat at.For lunch, there is a new place that is extremely popular amongst locals. It's called Sarah's Pastries and Candies and it's on Oak Street. Sarah's is a small pastry shop with incredible chocolates, but they also serve some great lunch items and it's a fun place to sit outside with a few pieces of candy and and a coffee and just relax.At night, go to the Gibson's area. It's a small triangular shaped area where State Street and Rush Street meet and it's surrounded by great restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Some of the best places are Tavern on Rush, the Lux Bar and Gibson's -- a local favorite steak house with the best atmosphere and the absolute No. 1 place to sit outside and eat at in the city.

Tips & Warnings

• If you happen to be bringing your dog, Chicago is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the world. There are many places where your dog can sit outside and eat with you and numerous dog beaches to take them to stretch their legs.
• The weather is Chicago is as unpredictable as it gets. Be sure to check the temperature before you leave to make sure you're prepared for whatever comes your way.