LordKOTL
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I will reiterate the Museum of Science and Industry.
Out of towner advice
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Yes, one of the best museums out there. When I used to go there, admission was free. When I think about it, that's pretty unbelievable for a museum of that caliber.
Also, since you'll be in Chicago for a while, you may want to look into getting a CityPass. It's basically a card that you purchase for a flat fee and it gets you into various attractions. You'll end up saving money this way as opposed to paying for them separately.
http://www.citypass.com/chicago
Also, the Willis (Sears) Tower is more famous, but I prefer the Hancock tower. Better views there.
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I'm not into museums that much, but the Museum of Science and Industry is my favorite. Definitely look into that CityPass since you're probably going to see everything they have on there over the course of 2 weeks anyway.
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I will say, as bad as the South Side is, the Museum of Science and Industry is worth going to and seems to be away from all the crime. Definitely worth a visit
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This is a 2 day attraction in order to see and experience everything. Well worth it IMO.
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[Edit: I just read this, and it’s a really long post. Sorry. I got carried away.)
I’ll hit on a lot of the attractions and touristy areas, but Chicago is a huge city that changes from neighborhood to neighborhood. If you go to everyone’s favorite bar and/or restaurant, you’re going to spend 13 days in a taxi.
I would go to the big attractions during the day (and lump those together geographically) and then stick to one neighborhood each night. One night, find a restaurant in Lincoln Square for dinner and then go to a couple nearby bars. The next night, do the same thing in a different neighborhood. If you’re going to the Steppenwolf for a play, check out places in Lincoln Park to eat and drink.
The best way to get around town is public transportation (the CTA). The system is vast, and you can buy an unlimited pass that will you take care of your whole trip. If you get stuck somewhere really late at night, there’s always taxis and Uber.
Grant Park
This is the center of the city. Geographically, that's not exactly true, but the location of everything relates back to this area. Within Grant Park, you'll find the Art Institute, Millennium Park and Buckingham Fountain. The Art Institute has one of the best collections in the world. It’s on the edge of the Park on Michigan Avenue. I'd spend a half-day there and then spend some time checking out the fountain and Millennium Park.
The Museum Campus
This is in the southeast corner of Grant Park. It contains the Field Museum of Natural History, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and Soldier Field (home of the Bears). I'd spend a half-day at the Field Museum and then check out the aquarium or planetarium. I wouldn't try to do all three in a day.
The Near North Side
If you go to the Art Institute and walk 3/4 of a mile north along Michigan avenue, you’ll cross the Chicago River and be on the Magnificent Mile. This is a 3/4 mile stretch of of luxury retail and restaurants. But when you first cross the river, you’ll see the Wrigley Building (and the Trump Tower behind it). This is where you’ll find the Wendella Architectural Boat Tours. That’s one of the best ways to see the city.
I’d start with an early boat tour, head north on Michigan Avenue, spend a few hours shopping along the Mag Mile, check out the Water Tower and then finish things up by going to the top of the Hancock Center.
The Hancock is the fourth-tallest building in the city, but I think its observatory has the best views. You can also grab a drink and relax while you’re up there, which you can’t do at the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower.
The Loop, Old Town and Lincoln Park
Just west of Grant Park, you’ll be in the Loop. The Loop has the Chicago Theatre, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera, Joffrey Ballet, Oriental Theatre, Bank of America Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre and Auditorium Theatre.
If you go a couple of miles north of the loop, you’ll be in the Old Town neighborhood. Check out Second City improv comedy. It’s a tourist trap, but it’s fun to do, once. The Steppenwolf Theatre is 3/4 miles west of Second City and always has something good going on.
If you’re into music or theatre, you should be able to find a couple of shows while you’re in town.
Wrigleyville and Uptown
Wrigley Field is three miles north of Grant Park. Hop on a red line train and get off at the Addison stop which is a block from the ballpark. After the game, you can find a lot of bars in the surrounding area. Almost all of them will be full of people who have drank way too much and aren't good at drinking way too much. Still, I would check one or two of them out just for the experience.
Afterward, I would get back on the Red Line train and head north for 1.5 miles. Get off at the Lawrence stop, and you'll be a block from the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge in the Uptown Neighborhood. It's about 110 years old, it's one of the oldest jazz clubs in the world, it was formerly owned by Al Capone, the music's great, the crowd's great, the atmosphere's great. It's one of my favorite places, and it's a uniquely Chicago experience.
Other Stuff
The Lakefront Trail. I have a friend who recently visited, and her favorite thing in the city was running along the lakefront. I would take some time and run it, walk it or bike it (you can rent a bike). The trail runs almost the entire length of the city, so pick a segment. The run through Lincoln Park is nice.
City Pass. A few people already mentioned it, but it's a bargain. Most of the big things I mentioned (the museums and Willis Tower) are covered with the pass. I didn't mention the Museum of Science and Industry (it's awesome), but it's also included.
Blackhawks. There’s not a whole lot to do around the United Center, but there are a couple of bars nearby. Get to the area a little early and have some beers with the other fans.
Bars. Chicago has great bars. Most are open until 2am, but a handful have a license to stay open until 4am. Those times get pushed back an hour later on Saturdays. Go to a dive bar on a Saturday and stay until 5am. I’d suggest Carol’s Pub in Uptown. The band plays nothing but classic country music (Hank, Merle, Waylon, Cash), the bathrooms are disgusting and the crowd is one of the most diverse collection of weirdos you can find.
Food. This could be a whole other post the size of this one, so I won’t go into specific places. Chicago is an amazing food city. The high end and the low end are both amazing. You’ll find a lot of places that serve hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, hamburgers, gyros and other fast food. Go to those.
That brings me back to the neighborhoods. Like I said before, explore the neighborhoods. For lunch, find the neighborhood’s favorite hot dog/Italian beef place. For dinner, find the best Mexican or Thai place. Check out the independent cafes and bookstores. Find the local bars. Check out the local bands. If all else fails, ask the bartenders where they like to drink.
I’ve been away for a few years (I’ll be back in a couple of months, thankfully), and I actually miss the touristy stuff, but the neighborhood stuff is what makes the city great. Good luck.
I’ll hit on a lot of the attractions and touristy areas, but Chicago is a huge city that changes from neighborhood to neighborhood. If you go to everyone’s favorite bar and/or restaurant, you’re going to spend 13 days in a taxi.
I would go to the big attractions during the day (and lump those together geographically) and then stick to one neighborhood each night. One night, find a restaurant in Lincoln Square for dinner and then go to a couple nearby bars. The next night, do the same thing in a different neighborhood. If you’re going to the Steppenwolf for a play, check out places in Lincoln Park to eat and drink.
The best way to get around town is public transportation (the CTA). The system is vast, and you can buy an unlimited pass that will you take care of your whole trip. If you get stuck somewhere really late at night, there’s always taxis and Uber.
Grant Park
This is the center of the city. Geographically, that's not exactly true, but the location of everything relates back to this area. Within Grant Park, you'll find the Art Institute, Millennium Park and Buckingham Fountain. The Art Institute has one of the best collections in the world. It’s on the edge of the Park on Michigan Avenue. I'd spend a half-day there and then spend some time checking out the fountain and Millennium Park.
The Museum Campus
This is in the southeast corner of Grant Park. It contains the Field Museum of Natural History, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and Soldier Field (home of the Bears). I'd spend a half-day at the Field Museum and then check out the aquarium or planetarium. I wouldn't try to do all three in a day.
The Near North Side
If you go to the Art Institute and walk 3/4 of a mile north along Michigan avenue, you’ll cross the Chicago River and be on the Magnificent Mile. This is a 3/4 mile stretch of of luxury retail and restaurants. But when you first cross the river, you’ll see the Wrigley Building (and the Trump Tower behind it). This is where you’ll find the Wendella Architectural Boat Tours. That’s one of the best ways to see the city.
I’d start with an early boat tour, head north on Michigan Avenue, spend a few hours shopping along the Mag Mile, check out the Water Tower and then finish things up by going to the top of the Hancock Center.
The Hancock is the fourth-tallest building in the city, but I think its observatory has the best views. You can also grab a drink and relax while you’re up there, which you can’t do at the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower.
The Loop, Old Town and Lincoln Park
Just west of Grant Park, you’ll be in the Loop. The Loop has the Chicago Theatre, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera, Joffrey Ballet, Oriental Theatre, Bank of America Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre and Auditorium Theatre.
If you go a couple of miles north of the loop, you’ll be in the Old Town neighborhood. Check out Second City improv comedy. It’s a tourist trap, but it’s fun to do, once. The Steppenwolf Theatre is 3/4 miles west of Second City and always has something good going on.
If you’re into music or theatre, you should be able to find a couple of shows while you’re in town.
Wrigleyville and Uptown
Wrigley Field is three miles north of Grant Park. Hop on a red line train and get off at the Addison stop which is a block from the ballpark. After the game, you can find a lot of bars in the surrounding area. Almost all of them will be full of people who have drank way too much and aren't good at drinking way too much. Still, I would check one or two of them out just for the experience.
Afterward, I would get back on the Red Line train and head north for 1.5 miles. Get off at the Lawrence stop, and you'll be a block from the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge in the Uptown Neighborhood. It's about 110 years old, it's one of the oldest jazz clubs in the world, it was formerly owned by Al Capone, the music's great, the crowd's great, the atmosphere's great. It's one of my favorite places, and it's a uniquely Chicago experience.
Other Stuff
The Lakefront Trail. I have a friend who recently visited, and her favorite thing in the city was running along the lakefront. I would take some time and run it, walk it or bike it (you can rent a bike). The trail runs almost the entire length of the city, so pick a segment. The run through Lincoln Park is nice.
City Pass. A few people already mentioned it, but it's a bargain. Most of the big things I mentioned (the museums and Willis Tower) are covered with the pass. I didn't mention the Museum of Science and Industry (it's awesome), but it's also included.
Blackhawks. There’s not a whole lot to do around the United Center, but there are a couple of bars nearby. Get to the area a little early and have some beers with the other fans.
Bars. Chicago has great bars. Most are open until 2am, but a handful have a license to stay open until 4am. Those times get pushed back an hour later on Saturdays. Go to a dive bar on a Saturday and stay until 5am. I’d suggest Carol’s Pub in Uptown. The band plays nothing but classic country music (Hank, Merle, Waylon, Cash), the bathrooms are disgusting and the crowd is one of the most diverse collection of weirdos you can find.
Food. This could be a whole other post the size of this one, so I won’t go into specific places. Chicago is an amazing food city. The high end and the low end are both amazing. You’ll find a lot of places that serve hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, hamburgers, gyros and other fast food. Go to those.
That brings me back to the neighborhoods. Like I said before, explore the neighborhoods. For lunch, find the neighborhood’s favorite hot dog/Italian beef place. For dinner, find the best Mexican or Thai place. Check out the independent cafes and bookstores. Find the local bars. Check out the local bands. If all else fails, ask the bartenders where they like to drink.
I’ve been away for a few years (I’ll be back in a couple of months, thankfully), and I actually miss the touristy stuff, but the neighborhood stuff is what makes the city great. Good luck.
brett05
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I'd also recommend avoiding the Wrigley area if you are trying to avoid the high crime areas.
EDIT: Most people don't know this.
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Wrigley can get rowdy but calling it a "high crime area" is quite laughable.
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Painting the whole south side as a war zone makes me think you don't live here. Or you don't leave lakeview much
BringBackDitka54
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Let me guess... Cubs fan?
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Chicago has a lot to offer:
The Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, and the Art Instituted can keep you quite busy for quite a few days. I don't know where the crime thing in Wrigleyville comes from but a tour of Wrigley Field is fun (never done it but several friends have) as in the boat architecture tour, too. If you want a good view the Willis Tower and the Hancock Tower are options. The Signature Room (Hancock Tower) restaurant is a fun place for a drink, can't recommend the food unfortunately.
Food: Chicago is a fantastic food town; one of the best in the country. From Italian Beef, to Chicago Pizza and its many variations (Lou Malnati's is my personal favorite), steak houses (Bavette's is my favorite), to Michelin starred destination restaurants. So, eating very well and diversified, won't be a problem. If you drink, finding a bar isn't hard either!
Entertainment: Besides sports, Second City Comedy club, Buddy Guy's for blues, The Chicago Theatre, Steppenwolf theatre and some that don't come to mind. Shopping downtown Michigan Ave. (Magnificent Mile) and Oak Street and the general area have a lot of (mostly) high end shopping and a lot of restaurants.
The Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, and the Art Instituted can keep you quite busy for quite a few days. I don't know where the crime thing in Wrigleyville comes from but a tour of Wrigley Field is fun (never done it but several friends have) as in the boat architecture tour, too. If you want a good view the Willis Tower and the Hancock Tower are options. The Signature Room (Hancock Tower) restaurant is a fun place for a drink, can't recommend the food unfortunately.
Food: Chicago is a fantastic food town; one of the best in the country. From Italian Beef, to Chicago Pizza and its many variations (Lou Malnati's is my personal favorite), steak houses (Bavette's is my favorite), to Michelin starred destination restaurants. So, eating very well and diversified, won't be a problem. If you drink, finding a bar isn't hard either!
Entertainment: Besides sports, Second City Comedy club, Buddy Guy's for blues, The Chicago Theatre, Steppenwolf theatre and some that don't come to mind. Shopping downtown Michigan Ave. (Magnificent Mile) and Oak Street and the general area have a lot of (mostly) high end shopping and a lot of restaurants.
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When was it last free? 30+ years ago? Its cost money my entire life.
brett05
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The Sun-Times and Tribune do an article every year or so showing it. Usually comes out sometime when the Classic happens.
brett05
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It has been a long time. It went down to one day a week and then ten days a year and now unless a sponsor comes in, basically never.
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This must have been late '70s/early '80s. They then started charging a couple days a week, and it went from there.
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Museum has ton of free days, at least during the summer (for IL residents only). They're all during the week obviously.. and I have no desire to be swarmed with a bunch of unsupervised kids.
brett05
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http://www.msichicago.org/visit-the-museum/museum-info/admission/free-days/
You are right, however, more and more of the museum costs more than just GA
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Yeah I know.. you can spend more than $50 just yourself going there when considering the GA, if you wanna see a special exhibit and then factoring in their probably overpriced cafe.
And that doesn't even factor in parking.
Actually now I see why I haven't gone in almost 10 years (and my dad paid 100% for me).
brett05
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I got like the step down from the best membership on groupon this past year. It was like $75 but includes GA, Free Omnimax, Free Parking ($12-20 a car), and some passes to some of the special exhibits.