dupe

Lived there 2 years. Go back once a summer. Love it. Must go to:
Giordanos Pizza
Museum of science and industry
XOCO (sandwich place)
Als #1 beef sandwiches
Carmines
ESPN sportzone is kinda fun. Nothing to really "avoid"

I also like the Weber Grill restaurant in downtown Chicago. I don't think that has been mentioned in this thread.

Navy Pier - biggest waste of time ever.

I went there and rode the ferris wheel when it first opened and i was younger.

Hated it then. Still hate it now.

Thinking of getting one of these pass's to avoid ticket lines and save some bucks.

http://www.smartdestinations.com/chicago-attractions-and-tours/_d_Chi-p1.html?pass=Chi_Prod_Go


<DT id=Chi_Att_Adler_Planetarium_dt jQuery1265042801577="12" sizcache="2" sizset="37">Adler Planetarium <DD id=Chi_Att_Adler_Planetarium_dd jQuery1265042801577="13" sizcache="2" sizset="38">Located on Lake Michigan and voted 'Best View of Chicago's Skyline,' the Adler features the fully-restored Gemini 12 spacecraft flown by NASA astronauts Jim Lovell and Buzz Aldrin. The capsule is the more... <DT id=Chi_Att_Arlington_Park_dt jQuery1265042801577="14" sizcache="2" sizset="39">Arlington Park <DD id=Chi_Att_Arlington_Park_dd jQuery1265042801577="15" sizcache="2" sizset="40">Internationally acclaimed as one of racing's most beautiful settings, Arlington Park hosted its inaugural meet in 1927 and re-opened its doors in 1989 after a devastating fire engulfed the clubhouse f more... <DT id=Chi_Att_Chicago_Architecture_Foundation_dt jQuery1265042801577="16" sizcache="2" sizset="41">Chicago Architecture Foundation <DD id=Chi_Att_Chicago_Architecture_Foundation_dd jQuery1265042801577="17" sizcache="2" sizset="42">The Chicago Architecture Foundation is your gateway to discovering Chicago's world-renowned architecture. Start your visit at the orientation center which features a large scale model of downtown Chic more... <DT id=Chi_Att_Chicago_Children_s_Museum_dt jQuery1265042801577="18" sizcache="2" sizset="43">Chicago Childrens Museum <DD id=Chi_Att_Chicago_Children_s_Museum_dd jQuery1265042801577="19" sizcache="2" sizset="44">Chicago Children's Museum is the place where play and learning connect! Only at CCM can you scale a towering schooner, build a tall skyscraper to add to the Skyline, dig for bones in a Dinosaur Expedi more... <DT id=Chi_Att_Chicago_History_Museum_dt jQuery1265042801577="20" sizcache="2" sizset="45">Chicago History Museum <DD id=Chi_Att_Chicago_History_Museum_dd jQuery1265042801577="21" sizcache="2" sizset="46">The Chicago History Museum is a visitor's first stop in discovering the rich and vibrant history of Chicago. Showcasing items from a 22 million-piece collection, the Museum is also home to a world-ren more... <DT id=Chi_Att_Frank_Lloyd_Wright_Home_and_Studio_Tour_dt jQuery1265042801577="22" sizcache="2" sizset="47">Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio Tour <DD id=Chi_Att_Frank_Lloyd_Wright_Home_and_Studio_Tour_dd jQuery1265042801577="23" sizcache="2" sizset="48">This unusual complex served as Wright's private residence and studio for the first 20 years of his career, 1889-1909. Wright used his home as an architectural laboratory, trying out design concepts be more... <DT id=Chi_Att_Gray_Line_Hop_On_Hop_Off_Trolley_Tour_dt jQuery1265042801577="24" sizcache="2" sizset="49">Gray Line Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour <DD id=Chi_Att_Gray_Line_Hop_On_Hop_Off_Trolley_Tour_dd jQuery1265042801577="25" sizcache="2" sizset="50">Enjoy a scenic tour of Chicago's lakefront and downtown area aboard new Upper Deckers and Trolley busses, similar to cable cars in San Francisco. Have the freedom to get on and off all day for two ful more... <DT id=Chi_Att_Gray_Line_North_Side_Tour_dt jQuery1265042801577="26" sizcache="2" sizset="51">Gray Line: North Side Tour <DD id=Chi_Att_Gray_Line_North_Side_Tour_dd jQuery1265042801577="27" sizcache="2" sizset="52">Experience the vitality and excitement of America's 'Second City' on this two-hour North Side tour. Discover the hustle and bustle of one of the world's most prestigious financial centers on State Str more... <DT id=Chi_Att_Gray_Line_South_Shore_Tour_dt jQuery1265042801577="28" sizcache="2" sizset="53">Gray Line: South Shore Tour <DD id=Chi_Att_Gray_Line_South_Shore_Tour_dd jQuery1265042801577="29" sizcache="2" sizset="54">Historic cultural Chicago is on full display on the two-hour Gray Line South Shore Tour. Travel through Grant Park, the front lawn of the city and site of Soldier Field, where you might hear some musi more... <DT id=Chi_Att_Gray_Line_Inside_Chicago_The_Grand_Tour_dt jQuery1265042801577="30" sizcache="2" sizset="55">Gray Line: The Grand Tour <DD id=Chi_Att_Gray_Line_Inside_Chicago_The_Grand_Tour_dd jQuery1265042801577="31" sizcache="2" sizset="56">See the North Side and South Shore business and residential districts on this four-hour tour of America's 'Windy City.' Travel through Grant Park, the front lawn of the city and site of Soldier Field. more... <DT id=Chi_Att_Kohl_Children_s_Museum_of_Greater_Chicago_dt jQuery1265042801577="32" sizcache="2" sizset="57">Kohl Childrens Museum of Greater Chicago <DD id=Chi_Att_Kohl_Children_s_Museum_of_Greater_Chicago_dd jQuery1265042801577="33" sizcache="2" sizset="58">Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago is the only museum in the Chicago area that exclusively provides exhibits and programming for ages birth to 8. All 17 permanent exhibits are hands-on and inte more... <DT id=Chi_Att_LEGOLAND_Discovery_Center_dt jQuery1265042801577="34" sizcache="2" sizset="59">LEGOLAND Discovery Centre <DD id=Chi_Att_LEGOLAND_Discovery_Center_dd jQuery1265042801577="35" sizcache="2" sizset="60">LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, a giant indoor LEGO world designed for families with children aged 2 to 12, opened its first location in the US in Schaumburg's Streets of Woodfield shopping center. The att more... <DT id=Chi_Att_Lincoln_Park_Zoo_Carousel_and_Children_s_Train_dt jQuery1265042801577="36" sizcache="2" sizset="61">Lincoln Park Zoo Carousel and Childrens Train <DD id=Chi_Att_Lincoln_Park_Zoo_Carousel_and_Children_s_Train_dd jQuery1265042801577="37" sizcache="2" sizset="62">Take a ride on the Endangered Species Carousel located next to the Lion House, a Chicago landmark. Enjoy the hand carved and beautifully hand painted animals in need of protection. The young and the y more... <DT id=Chi_Att_Museum_of_Contemporary_Art_Chicago_dt jQuery1265042801577="38" sizcache="2" sizset="63">Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago <DD id=Chi_Att_Museum_of_Contemporary_Art_Chicago_dd jQuery1265042801577="39" sizcache="2" sizset="64">Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago to see the most thought-provoking art created since 1945. One of the nation's largest facilities devoted to the work of living artists, the MCA, Chicago i more... <DT id=Chi_Att_Museum_of_Science_and_Industry_dt jQuery1265042801577="40" sizcache="2" sizset="65">Museum of Science and Industry <DD id=Chi_Att_Museum_of_Science_and_Industry_dd jQuery1265042801577="41" sizcache="2" sizset="66">Spark your imagination and indulge your curiosity at the Museum of Science and Industry! You've invited to explore hands-on exhibitions like the U-505 Submarine, Earth Revealed, ToyMaker 3000, the bel more... <DT id=Chi_Att_Navy_Pier_dt jQuery1265042801577="42" sizcache="2" sizset="67">Navy Pier <DD id=Chi_Att_Navy_Pier_dd jQuery1265042801577="43" sizcache="2" sizset="68">Go a little overboard at Navy Pier's Pier Park, an outdoor landscaped area which features attractions such as a permanent 150-foot-high Ferris Wheel presented by McDonald's, a Musical Carousel, an Old more... <DT id=Chi_Att_Navy_Pier_Adventure_Golf_dt jQuery1265042801577="44" sizcache="2" sizset="69">Navy Pier Adventure Golf <DD id=Chi_Att_Navy_Pier_Adventure_Golf_dd jQuery1265042801577="45" sizcache="2" sizset="70">Putt, putt, putt your way around Pier Park on the Pier's 18-hole miniature golf course. It weaves around the base of the Ferris wheel while touring Chicago-themed golf holes. Challenge yourself on the more... <DT id=Chi_Att_Navy_Pier_Carousel_dt jQuery1265042801577="46" sizcache="2" sizset="71">Navy Pier Ferris Wheel <DD id=Chi_Att_Navy_Pier_Ferris_Wheel_dd jQuery1265042801577="49" sizcache="2" sizset="74">Take a ride on Navy Pier's most visible attraction, the 150-foot-high Ferris wheel. The Navy Pier Ferris Wheel, presented by McDonald's, is year round fun for kids of all ages. Modeled after the world more... <DT id=Chi_Att_Navy_Pier_Light_House_dt jQuery1265042801577="50" sizcache="2" sizset="75">Navy Pier Light House <DD id=Chi_Att_Navy_Pier_Light_House_dd jQuery1265042801577="51" sizcache="2" sizset="76">Kids find excitement on the Light House. The attraction takes riders slowly up to the top and then bounces gently downward. more... <DT id=Chi_Att_Navy_Pier_Wave_Swinger_Ride_dt jQuery1265042801577="52" sizcache="2" sizset="77"> <DT id=Chi_Att_Shedd_Aquarium_dt jQuery1265042801577="54" sizcache="2" sizset="79">Shedd Aquarium <DD id=Chi_Att_Shedd_Aquarium_dd jQuery1265042801577="55" sizcache="2" sizset="80">On the shores of Lake Michigan lies a gateway to an underwater world unlike anything you've ever seen, heard, or touched. Sharks patrol, jellies pulse, and fishes from around the world school together more... <DT id=Chi_Att_Shoreline_Sightseeing_Architectural_River_Cruise_dt jQuery1265042801577="56" sizcache="2" sizset="81"> <DT id=Chi_Att_Sears_Tower_Skydeck_dt jQuery1265042801577="60" sizcache="2" sizset="85">Skydeck Chicago <DD id=Chi_Att_Sears_Tower_Skydeck_dd jQuery1265042801577="61" sizcache="2" sizset="86">No trip to Chicago is complete without experiencing what Chicago Tribune readers voted one of the "7 Wonders of Chicago"! Treat yourself to unparalleled, 360-degree views of up to four st more...

<DT id=Chi_Att_Tall_Ship_Windy_dt jQuery1265042801577="62" sizcache="2" sizset="87"> <DT id=Chi_Att_The_Art_Institute_of_Chicago_dt jQuery1265042801577="64" sizcache="2" sizset="89">The Art Institute of Chicago <DD id=Chi_Att_The_Art_Institute_of_Chicago_dd jQuery1265042801577="65" sizcache="2" sizset="90">No trip to Chicago is complete without a visit to the world-renowned Art Institute. With beautifully renovated galleries throughout the museum, one of Chicago's oldest museums is now the newest! Treas more... <DT id=Chi_Att_The_Field_Museum_dt jQuery1265042801577="66" sizcache="2" sizset="91">The Field Museum <DD id=Chi_Att_The_Field_Museum_dd jQuery1265042801577="67" sizcache="2" sizset="92">The Field Museum is home to Sue, the world's largest, most famous T. rex, plus more than 35 world-renowned exhibitions. In 'Underground Adventure', visitors magically 'shrink' to explore a subterranea more... <DT id=Chi_Att_The_Hancock_Observatory_dt jQuery1265042801577="68" sizcache="2" sizset="93">The Hancock Observatory <DD id=Chi_Att_The_Hancock_Observatory_dd jQuery1265042801577="69" sizcache="2" sizset="94">Take your trip to great heights at The Hancock Observatory. The adventure beings with a 140-second thrill ride up 1,000 feet in the world's fastest elevator. Even before you catch your breath, you'll more... <DT id=Chi_Att_The_Peggy_Notebaert_Nature_Museum_dt jQuery1265042801577="70" sizcache="2" sizset="95">The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum <DD id=Chi_Att_The_Peggy_Notebaert_Nature_Museum_dd jQuery1265042801577="71" sizcache="2" sizset="96">Experience nature right at your fingertips in the heart of Lincoln Park. Thought-provoking, hands-on exhibits examine midwestern ecosystems and bring the natural world up close in extraordinary ways. more... </DD>

The CityPass can be a good deal if you plan your schedule and make sure you will recoup the costs.


Also, be aware that each museum has a free day every week. If you are tight on funds, you can brave it, but it's best to avoid usually.

Ditto ... lots to do and see, great place to visit!

Most of the museums are going to be free the Monday my wife and I are there (a week from today). We were planning on going in the morning, then fly out that afternoon. I assumed that since it's a Monday and the cold as hell weather, they wouldn't be all that busy. Am I wrong?

Yes. Or Gino's East Pizza.

It will probably help school is in session and it's cold. We did free day at MOSI one year in June and it was a nightmare. Plan accordingly though, each of the museums will take you a couple of hours minimum just to breeze through. If I had to choose one thing at MOSI it would be the U-boat tour.

Field museum was a bit underwhelming to me, but the Art Museums are great.

We are flying in through Ohara and out through Midway.

Didn't read the whole thread, but if you are flying into Midway airport, check out the Battle of Midway exhibit in concourse A. Takes 5 min, and there's a fully-restored Dauntless hanging from the ceiling.

That Frank Lloyd Wright home would be pretty stinkin cool.

I dont know a whole lot of Chicago...I do know that the ESPNzone is We todd ed. All the games are pre 2004. Even the Madden big screen game. It's like Madden 03. Weird.

Oh, you should get some Portillo's too. Portillo's is delicious.

Christ I ****ing hate that airport. You'd almost think you're in a different country. I fly into Midway everytime, and it's closer to downtown.