sorry for shortcuts...phone post...had never been to chi so my wife and i hopped aboard amtrak for a week long vacation...could use suggestions on what to see (touristy and non) good neighborhoods bad ones good restaurants (expensive and value)...no car just 7 day cta pass but i figure thatll get us anywhere we want to go...thanks for the help!

What types of things are you into? There's tons of stuff to do there, so it'd help if you could narrow your interests down.

 

The CTA is a great way to get around. I've used it every time I've been to Chicago (not having a car, so totally depending on mass transit), and I've never had a major problem. Checking www.google.com/transit to plan your trips, though, is better than going it blindly.

If you enjoy a diner-like atmosphere where you get insulted by the waiters and waitresses and can insult them right back and watch them dance on tables (family-approved dancing ;)), check out Ed Debevic's at 640 N. Wells.

Anywhere along the Brown line is good.

 

My favorite street, where I used to live, is Southport Ave.  The Indians will be playing at Wrigley, so there will be a bunch of Clevelanders in the area.

 

Millenium Park is cool, go see the bean.

Good God-Where do I start? Chicago is one of my favorite cities and I have spent weeks there in the past few years.  Here are my recommendations in no particular order and Im including restaurants...

 

-Check out Lincoln Park: Take the Brown Line North to Armitage and walk through the neighborhood that goes all the way to the lake.  If you head up to the lake go to the zoo or beach.  MUST EATS: Go to a place called "Toast" for breakfast.  Its on the corner of Halsted and Webster.  Amazing breakfasts.  Also, for a cheap grat Greek meal...at that same intersection is a place called Athenian Room for lunch or dinner.  It is essential that you head west on webster a few blocks and go to a bakery called "Sweet Mandy B's".  You will never eat a better dessert in your life.  Others: Cafe Ba Ba Reeba for tapas and sangrias.

 

-Go to the top of the hancock tower. Its free and the views ar as good as Sears Tower.

 

-Go to a cubs game.  I think they will be in town this week. Try to get bleacher seats and just enjoy Wrigley Field.

 

-Old Town: Get off at Sedgwick and check out oldtown..another neat neighborhood.  MUST EATS: Twin Anchors for Ribs.  Get the zesty sauce.  Twin Achors is two blocks north of North Avenue ON SEDGWICK.

 

-Gold Coast: Go up to the Gold Coast and shop.  Clark/Division stop on the Red Line.  This is Rush Street area.  Plenty of places to find a nice meal...but I like The Tavern on Rush or Big Bowl.

 

-Magnificent Mile (michigan Avenue).  Just walk it.

 

-Grant/Millenium Parks: Check out the fountain and the bean to take some pictures.

 

-Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Planetarium, Museum of Contemporary Art right on Michigan Avenue.

 

Party it up!

 

 

I would also try a river architecture tour if you have the time.  Mary Poppins is also playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre.

"-Go to the top of the hancock tower. Its free and the views ar as good as Sears Tower."

 

Wrong - there's an admission fee to go to the top of the Hancock Tower http://www.hancock-observatory.com/en/Things_to_do/general_info.html

 

However, the cheaper option is to go to the bar at the Signature Room on the 95th floor. Just order a drink - they're pricey but less expensive than you'd pay for admission to the observation level. http://www.signatureroom.com/

Thanks.  I didnt even know they had an observatory, I just go to the lounge every time.

Shedd Aquarium is really nice.  I highly recommend it.

 

Can't go wrong with a stroll on Michigan Ave. or Navy Pier.

Oh, and if you're a nerd like me, you must check out the Museum of Science and Industry.  That's my most favorite museum in the whole wide world!  :-D

"-Go to the top of the hancock tower. Its free and the views ar as good as Sears Tower."

 

Wrong - there's an admission fee to go to the top of the Hancock Tower http://www.hancock-observatory.com/en/Things_to_do/general_info.html

 

However, the cheaper option is to go to the bar at the Signature Room on the 95th floor. Just order a drink - they're pricey but less expensive than you'd pay for admission to the observation level. http://www.signatureroom.com/

 

Actually he's somewhat correct.  I've gotten away with walking in with a blank 8.5x11 sheet removed from the trash all folded up.  Yeah..........got my tickets online..........

 

Nah, I wouldn't really recommend that.  I got lucky, but have paid the $11.50 typically.

Thanks everyone for the help.  We had a great time in Chicago and took many of your suggestions.  I was a little lazy with my camera (I'm not the best photographer anyways, and when I'm enjoying myself often times I don't have my camera or I forget to snap some photos) but I did take some decent shots here and there, so when I get some time I'll post them.