Ten Tips for Tourists Visiting the Windy City

Chicago, Illinois is a very large city, with a number of world class attractions, such as Navy Pier, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and the Magnificent Mile. Chicago is famed for historic architecture and landmark skyscrapers. The John Hancock Center and Sears Tower soar tall in the city skyline, Visitors to Chicago can easily get overwhelmed with how much there is to see and do in the Windy City.

The Chicago Architecture Tour Foundation, CAF, leads a variety of different tours. Docents have answered questions of many visitors to the city. The foundation decided to create a list of tips for people visiting Chicago, answering questions that were repeatedly asked.

The Chicago Architecture Foundation is a non-profit organization that offers tours of the city's architecture for a fee. The tours include a historic perspective of The Windy City. Visitors can select tours based upon their area of interest, and the availability at the time of their visit. The tours are a terrific way to get oriented to the City.

Following are the suggested top ten tips for an educational visit to the Windy City.

1. Plan ahead: Research Chicago before visiting to decide what attractions \are most interesting. The Internet has a wealth of information about The Windy City. Travel clubs, such as AAA, are an excellent source of information. Gather maps, materials, schedules and information ahead of time.
2. Create an itinerary. Allow extra time to change plans as necessary. The foundation recommends The Historic Loop Skyscrapers walking tour as an excellent introduction to Chicago. There are over 85 themed tours available in the city and surrounding neighborhoods.
3. Visit popular attractions. Chicago's most popular attractions are easy to find and visit on an individual basis.. Suggestions include Chicago's Millennium Park, The Loop, Sears Tower Sky Deck and the John Hancock Observatory. These sites can be seen as part of a CAF Tour, or can be visited independently.
4. Schedule time specific tours and periods of free time. Tours are a great way to get oriented, but plan time for individual sightseeing.
5. The Chicago River Cruise is highly recommended for people who visit between April and November. The view and perspective from the river is unique. Relax in seated comfort and enjoy the boat ride on this narrated tour.
6. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Bring an umbrella. Be prepared for changes in weather.
7. Bring a camera and take pictures of scenes to enjoy later.
8. Be inquisitive. When taking a tour, talk to the other people, as well as the docent leading the tour. Making friendly conversation often garners great tips on other tours, restaurants and museums.
9. Enjoy the city lights. Make sure to include Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue in the evening, to see the sparkling lights. CAF offers a "Happy Hour" walking tour from May - September.
10. View the skyline from Navy Pier. Go out to the museum campus and/or Navy Pier to get a good view of the Windy City's fabulous skyline. These two landmark areas jut out into Lake Michigan, and have stunning views of the city and the amazing skyline.

An Architecture Tour is highly recommended when visiting the Windy City. The Chicago Architecture Foundation offers a number of different tours, including: Preserving Chicago's Loop, Evanston Walking Tour, Historic Courthouse District of River North Walking Tour, Temples of Culture Walking Tour, Architecture River Cruise and more. See the Chicago Architecture Foundation Website for details.

For tips about transportation, see Getting Around City of Chicago

Chicago Skyline from Lincoln Park

Navy Pier

Skyscrapers on Chicago River

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