xumelanie and I are taking the Megabus up to Chicago (staying downtown) this weekend and would like some feedback on your favorite places.  We aren't there long and won't have a car, so we'd prefer to check out the downtown area.  Below are some really generic ideas we have been punting around.

 

Navy Pier

Magnificent Mile

Science and Industry Museum

House of Blues

xumelanie and I are taking the Megabus up to Chicago (staying downtown) this weekend and would like some feedback on you favorite places.  We aren't there long and won't have a car, so we'd prefer to check out the downtown area.  Below are some really generic ideas we have been punting around.

 

Navy Pier

Magnificent Mile

Science and Industry Museum

House of Blue

 

Hey bfwissel.  check these very threads

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,20961.0.html

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,17270.0.html

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,19321.0.html

 

I suggest the Hancock deck.  Go very early or very late.  It's crowded.  Skip the house of blues.  What hotel will you be in?

 

You don't need a car as you can take a train or walk everywhere.

 

It will be chilly at this time of year so bundle up.

"I suggest the Hancock deck."

 

 

Instead of going to the observation deck, go to the Signature Lounge (96th floor of the Hancock Tower) http://www.signatureroom.com/Signature-Lounge/. Instead of paying $15 for the observatory admission you can pay $8 to $10 for one (overrpriced) drink and still get amazing views. Science and Industry Museum is great - if you're seeing a specific show at House of Blues, then go for it but otherwise it's a concert venue. Can I ask what you're interested in when it comes to Navy Pier? It's really chintzy/touristy (not in a good way) and getting to/from will take up time. Millennium Park is touristy in a good way - definitely check it out.

 

Walking Michigan Avenue (Magnificent Mile) is a great experience - check out the Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building (catty corner to each other). It'll probably be crowded with holiday shoppers, so if you need some breathing room, head west toward State Street where it meets with Oak Street - imagine the center of Cincy's Hyde Park on steroids, that's Mariano Park where there's plenty of places to sit and get a bite to eat.

 

 

Shedd Aquarium is a must-see, too.

 

Otherwise, just take some time to stroll through downtown. It's truly amazing. Navy Pier does hvae a great view of the city looking back from its tip, so I would visit.

The Chicago Architecture Foundation offers a number of walking tours and boat tours that will likely be far more informative than the typical tourist circuit.

Dont forget to visit the Obama residence.

 

Restaurants a plenty. 

Shopping.  The shopping is great on Oak Street.  Skip MA, it's for amateurs.

^You can't even get close to his house anymore.

 

Also, if you have time, take the Brown line to the Amitage station and just walk around.

^You can't even get close to his house anymore.

 

Also, if you have time, take the Brown line to the Amitage station and just walk around.

 

Well you can walk on the other side of the street.

If you go to the hancock building definitely go to the lounge.  I went up to the observation deck after not trying it in a few years and it was a tremendous disappointment.  Bright lights and a new coffee shop obstruct views.

 

Don't forget to visit State Street!

 

I also agree with Chris.  Take the brown line to armitage and walk around.  Lots of great architecture

 

Get breakfast at Ann Sather's on Belmont.  Amazing cinnamon rolls.

 

Shopping is expensive on Oak Street.  Even people who live on Oak Street can't afford the retail.  :-D  Although I've found plenty of reasonably priced stuff at Barney's  I do enjoy their restaurant on the top floor too.

 

Check out Wicker Park.  Take the blue line out there and get off at Damen.  Marvel at the 6-way intersection and all the people and great architecture.

 

 

Instead of going to the observation deck, go to the Signature Lounge (96th floor of the Hancock Tower) http://www.signatureroom.com/Signature-Lounge/. Instead of paying $15 for the observatory admission you can pay $8 to $10 for one (overrpriced) drink and still get amazing views.

 

Is there a dress code at the Signature Lounge?  If not, how do people tend to dress there?

Just so you know (and to clarify) - the Signature ROOM is the restaurant at the top; the Signature Lounge is the bar. Stick with the Lounge :-)

 

During the day, I'd say that dressy casual would be fine - when I was there, it was anything and everything from fanny-packing sandal-wearers to dolled up couples. A "dressy casual" shirt and nicer jeans would be perfectly fine; later at night I'd imagine people get more formal but I don't believe the lounge has any kind of hard and fast dress code.

Just so you know (and to clarify) - the Signature ROOM is the restaurant at the top; the Signature Lounge is the bar. Stick with the Lounge :)

 

During the day, I'd say that dressy casual would be fine - when I was there, it was anything and everything from fanny-packing sandal-wearers to dolled up couples. A "dressy casual" shirt and nicer jeans would be perfectly fine; later at night I'd imagine people get more formal but I don't believe the lounge has any kind of hard and fast dress code.

 

You are correct and its holiday season, so the rooms will be booked for corporate parties.

I've seen anything and everything at the lounge.  I would say dress "Friday Casual" at work.  You know.... nicer shoes, jeans, and a nice button-up shirt or sweater. 

Did the architectural boat tour one time and it was terrific.

I second the Shedd Aquarium recommendation.  Truly a great, great aquarium and a must see on any tourist trip to Chicago.

Take a train ride around the loop then, that's always fun.  Then just walk about.  To me that is the best way to discover find stuff.