Chicago, Illinois is a bustling metropolis with activities and sights to keep tourist busy for days on end. With this handy guide, having only 24-hours in the Windy City is no problem at all.
Enjoy Chicago Architecture with a Walking Tour of the Loop
The Loop is easily accessible and a great starting point for exploring Chicago’s architecture. The Loop is named so because the tracks of the elevated trains, or The El, form a loop around the downtown core- all trains lead here- and are the best way to reach this area of the city. In the Loop, visitors will find the theatre district with such photogenic theatres as the Chicago Theatre, and the Goodman Theatre.
The Loop is home to a large number of public art displays from artistic greats such as Picasso, Miro, and Chagall. A walking art tour of The Loop is a must for any art lover, as is a stop at the Chicago Institute of Art.
The Chicago Institute of Art is an enormous building that art aficionados could spend hours in gazing at everything from modern design to Impressionist art. To make the most of a short stay in Chicago, pick up a museum map at the entrance and limit the time spent here to the galleries that appeal to individual taste. Many famous works of art are here including works by Manet and Monet, Grant Wood’s American Gothic, and Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks. Major works of interest are detailed on the museum map.
Take a Chicago Walking and Tasting Tour
To get a glimpse of life outside the high rises of The Loop, embark on a culinary tour of the Wicker Park and Bucktown areas of Chicago. Run by Chicago Food Planet Tours, the tasting tour is lunch, history, and culture all in one. With several stops to try some of Chicago’s tastiest treats from hot dogs to hot chocolate, the walking tours are lead by knowledgeable guides who also give detail and insight into the architecture and history of the neighbourhoods.
Shop the Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile is so named because of the concentration of high end shops along Michigan Avenue. Here, shoppers will find name-brand stores such as Victoria’s Secret, Apple, Crate & Barrel, Tiffany & Co., and luxury boutiques for designers like Jimmy Choo, Givenchy, Prada, and the like.
For a glimpse of Chicago’s past, the Chicago Water Tower, built in 1869 was one of only a handful of buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The tower serves as a symbol of Chicago’s resilience and recovery after the devastating fire burned most of the city to the ground. Beautifully lit at night, the Chicago Water Tower is a great photo opportunity.
Take in the Chicago Skyline
Chicago is a city best enjoyed from above. Home to some of the tallest buildings in the United States, visitors can wonder at the bustling streets from a spectacular vantage point with vistas overlooking Lake Michigan. On clear days, it is possible to see Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin across the Lake. The Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) is located in the heart of The Loop and features the SkyDeck observation platform located on the 103rd floor. New in 2009 are enclosed glass-floored balconies which extend four feet outside of the building.
For a more adult evening, skip the Willis Tower and head directly to the John Hancock Center. Instead of paying for the price of admission to the Center’s own observation deck, stop at the Signature Room and Lounge located on the 95th and 96th floors. Open for lunch and dinner daily, and serving brunch on Sundays, the Signature Room is a great place to take in the view while sipping a legendary Chicago cocktail. http://www.signatureroom.com/Home/
Nightlife: Chicago’s Music Scene
To cap off the quintessential Chicago day, visit one of the city’s many live music clubs. One of the most popular spots is Blue Chicago, which is home to nightly live blues entertainment. The hangout is so popular, there are now two locations mere blocks away on N. Clark St. Admission to one location is also good for the second location.
Howl at the Moon is another Chicago favourite. The dueling piano bar sees crowded dance floors busting a move to all manner of musical genres as the talented musicians play requests throughout the evening. Located at 26 W. Hubbard St, the entrance line forms early for revelers waiting to dance the night away.
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