Top 10 things to do / see while on vacation in Chicago?

We aren't going for a few more weeks, but we would love to know of any amazing restaurants / museums / sights to see / things to do / bars or clubs??



Thank you so much!Top 10 things to do / see while on vacation in Chicago?
It depends on what you like to do and what kind of budget you're working with, but here are some of my favorite things to do with my family when they visit, or how I spend my Saturday:



1. Shopping on State Street and Michigan Ave. State Street has the Marshall Fields building (now Macys) and it's just gorgeous. Water Tower Plaza is on Michigan and is a nice little mall with a lot of different stores. Not to mention H%26amp;M is right across the street.



2. The Bean in Millennium Park. It's a really cool giant mirror shaped like a bean, and lots of photos are taken there, even for weddings and such.



3. Mojo Spa in Wicker Park on Milwaukee. It's a very cool little beauty boutique that's run by a former chef. If you're lucky, you'll stop in while she's serving some delicious concoction for your to eat while you shop and get your nails done. Make sure to book your appointments ahead of time. They book up really fast. www.mojospa.com.



4. There are about three or four Ethyl's Chocolate Lounges in Chicago. Get the fondue for about 20 bucks, and share it with whoever you're with. It's delicious and it comes with a variety of fruit for dipping.



5. If you go to Mojo Spa, stay in the Wicker Park area and go to all the little boutiques and clothing shops. They're a little more pricey, but they're awesome if you're into fashion.



6. Another cute little boutique place is Armitage Street in Lincoln Park. Any cab driver will know where it is, or take the Brown line El and get off at the Armitage stop. Lots of cute stores.



7. Deep dish. While I'm not a fan, it's a must if you're visiting Chicago. Giordano's and Lou Malnatis are the favs in Chicago. There's a Giordano's right off Michigan, so that would be a good place to go after a day of shopping (730 N. Rush Street).



8. There are restaurants galore in this city, particularly steakhouses. David Burke's in my personal favorite, but the Chicago Chop House (they have a live pianist in the main room), Gibson's, Hugo's Frog Bar (shares the Gibson's kitchen, just as good, but cheaper and more fun), Morton's and Sullivan's are all amazing.



9. Shedd Aquarium. I haven't been yet, but I've wanted to since I moved here a year ago. I've heard only wonderful things.



10. Take a walk along Lakeshore drive or one of the beaches. Or even Navy Pier and ride the ferris wheel to get a great view of the city.



*If you want to go up either the Sears Tower or the Hancock building, do the Hancock. It's a lot cheaper, and the view is about ten times better because you can see the water. The Hancock is right on Michigan Ave, and it's next to the Water Tower Plaza - near a great little shopping area.



Hope this helps! You'll have an amazing trip. Chicago is a wonderful city and comes alive in the warmer months.
I have been on the spirit of chicago. It's a nice ride. It takes you around the lakeshore and shows really nice views of Chicago. Bring your camera. As far as the food, we had a brunch buffet and it was good.



Navy Pier has alot of shops and indoor rides and stuff. It does also have a large ferris wheel outside.



As for shopping, I really couldn't tell you. The only place I have shopped is at the Watertower next to the Hancock Building. It was really nice.



I would say the must see places are, Sears Tower, or Hancock Building for the views. The Museum of Science and Industry, and just walk the Magnificent Mile. That will keep you plenty busy. It is a beautiful city and you will have a lot of fun.Top 10 things to do / see while on vacation in Chicago?
The Field Museum of Natural History, Museum of Science and Industry is really amazing, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium rocks. Sears Tower or John Hancock Building for the best views. Dream shopping on Michigan Ave "The Magnificent Mile" is a must. Navy Pier for all sorts of cool stuff. Gino's East for the best deep dish pizza or Lou Malnati's Pizza if you get out in the burbs. Brookfield or Linclon Zoo, both are world class. Go to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, the oldest ballpark in the US and a great afternoon in Chicago if you really want to "live" Chicago. Eat at Harry Cary's, or the original Billy Goat Tavern on Lower Wacker Dr. Eat in some of the local ethnic neighborhoods. Take a Chicago River Architectural Cruise. I could go on forever. go to a good Chicago info website, like 877Chicago
Division street for tons of college age fun little bars.



Rush st (near division) street for cute little stores and nice resturants



Michigan Ave. for higher end stores (Versace, Tiffany and co ect....)



underground....trendy club....dress to impress!



Howl at the moon (piano bar).....always a fun place to hang with friends, get drunk, and singalong.



Pops for champagne.....cute champagne bar with jazz band in lower level



The four seasons brunch......very expensive but worth it!



Navy peir, fun carnival type atmosphere, touristy but a nice veiw near the water.



Giordanos, GREAT pizza ($14 medium will fill up 4 big eaters) yummy!



Nookies- In old Town...GREAT!!!, probably the best breakfast place in my opinion ($6 dollars and up per person)



Merchandise mart....cool building, so large it has it's own zip code! has a great little martini bar there called bluprint, also has an a bon pan, and a little wine shop with authentic gelato mmmmmm.



Have fun!!!!