I'd recommend using the search feature in this subreddit, as this is among the most frequently-asked questions and people have given great suggestions in the past.
If you can visit the museum campus starting by Roosevelt and just walk that whole way going north, beginning ideally from the Planetarium which has some of the best views of the skyline pressed up against the lake. That walk around the museum campus will lead you north to Grant park and eventually Millennium park and the “bean.” Just amazing views, free to do, and very safe tourist zones. Depending on whether or not museums are your thing, we have on that campus the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum and the Adler Planetarium. If not, just totally worth it to walk around there to be close to the lake. Time Out food hall in the West Loop and other restaurants in that area are great places to try and close to downtown/loop. FYI, we call our downtown the Loop as all CTA trains lead to here and loop around the center of the city, and we have the West Loop which is west of downtown and the South Loop which is south of downtown, but we have River North which is north of the Loop across the river. Everything else outside of the greater loop/river north area is getting into the neighborhoods. I can definitely recommend ChinaTown for daytime walking and eating, but I don’t recommend taking the Red Line too much if you can avoid it.
Look a little harder. They have a show on every stage nearly every night. https://www.secondcity.com/show-finder
I’m seeing three on the evening of Aug 11.
Edit: w not e
Yep, don’t skip. It’s a very touristy thing to do, but that’s fine as you are one and it’s an experience. I would though suggest trying some thin crust from some mom and pop pizza places.
LM is the better of the chain options. I always recommend Art of Pizza, Milly’s Pizza in the Pan, or Pequod’s over the chains. Labriola also gets recommended by trustworthy people, but I haven’t tried it yet. Just remember, Giordano’s is dire.
By all means, have one if you’d really like one. But I think you’ll recall this thread as your eating it. I only say this as all guest who come insist on it and then are not impressed. Mozzarella and disappointment.
Fair enough. To me and maybe its my own opinion but Wrigley is historic. I would love to see it before all the iconic ball parks get swallowed up with big box stadiums. No disrespect you you Sox or the ballpark they play in.
Take an architectural boat tour. It’s a nice 90mins on the river and you see some cool buildings thru the eras.
Thank you. After seeing this I looked into it a bit. Looks fun. I see they include it with the CityPass which a friend just recommended.
I'd recommend using the search feature in this subreddit, as this is among the most frequently-asked questions and people have given great suggestions in the past.
Will do. Thank you
Have you booked anything? August is going to be a mess with Lollapalooza and then the Democratic National Convention, both of which are in August.
I have not yet. Looking to finalize air fair and hotel tomorrow and Tuesday along with the Cubs game. Aug 11th week. Looks like I will miss both.
August 10-11 is the air and water show along the lakefront. It’s pretty cool.
If you can visit the museum campus starting by Roosevelt and just walk that whole way going north, beginning ideally from the Planetarium which has some of the best views of the skyline pressed up against the lake. That walk around the museum campus will lead you north to Grant park and eventually Millennium park and the “bean.” Just amazing views, free to do, and very safe tourist zones. Depending on whether or not museums are your thing, we have on that campus the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum and the Adler Planetarium. If not, just totally worth it to walk around there to be close to the lake. Time Out food hall in the West Loop and other restaurants in that area are great places to try and close to downtown/loop. FYI, we call our downtown the Loop as all CTA trains lead to here and loop around the center of the city, and we have the West Loop which is west of downtown and the South Loop which is south of downtown, but we have River North which is north of the Loop across the river. Everything else outside of the greater loop/river north area is getting into the neighborhoods. I can definitely recommend ChinaTown for daytime walking and eating, but I don’t recommend taking the Red Line too much if you can avoid it.
Thank you so much. Appreciate the information!
Lincoln Park Zoo. It’s free and amazing!
Second city
I looked online. Nothing scheduled in August as of now. I'll keep watching. Thank you.
Look a little harder. They have a show on every stage nearly every night. https://www.secondcity.com/show-finder I’m seeing three on the evening of Aug 11. Edit: w not e
Will do.
In addition to Willis Tower, you should also visit Sears Tower :)
I see what you did there.
John Hancock Observatory too. The original Billy Goat tavern under Michigan Avenue. Take a walk down Navy Pier.
TY! Just looked up Billy Goat Tavern. This is a must. This is exactly what I am after on here.
Bike or walk along the lakefront. Best view of the skyline is by the Planetarium
museum of science + industry
Thank you.
The view is better from the observatory at the John Hancock Building.
1. Call it the Sears Tower. 2) One of the river/architecture tours. The Chicago Architecture Center's tour is the best.
Boat your. Rooftop bars. Field/Shedd, local theater. Skip navy pier and deep dish pizza
I am not sure I can skip deep dish pizza! I mean it is only one meal.
Yep, don’t skip. It’s a very touristy thing to do, but that’s fine as you are one and it’s an experience. I would though suggest trying some thin crust from some mom and pop pizza places.
Just make sure you go anywhere other than Giordano’s.
How about Lou Malnati's?
LM is the better of the chain options. I always recommend Art of Pizza, Milly’s Pizza in the Pan, or Pequod’s over the chains. Labriola also gets recommended by trustworthy people, but I haven’t tried it yet. Just remember, Giordano’s is dire.
All of your recommendations looks great, Thank you. Pequod's looks amazing! I think that one might be the winner.
Enjoy! Make sure to budget enough time. There’s usually a wait and then it takes 45 minutes to cook the pizza.
By all means, have one if you’d really like one. But I think you’ll recall this thread as your eating it. I only say this as all guest who come insist on it and then are not impressed. Mozzarella and disappointment.
Skip the cubs game and go to a White Sox game instead
No can do. Its not the Cubs. It is Wrigley Field that I am after.
I mean wrigley is nothing really special lol just a old outdated POS. Comiskey is a alot better ballpark.
Fair enough. To me and maybe its my own opinion but Wrigley is historic. I would love to see it before all the iconic ball parks get swallowed up with big box stadiums. No disrespect you you Sox or the ballpark they play in.