DK Travel : Chicago

Big-city sophistication combined with small-town hospitality create the perfect blend in this, the Mid west’s largest city. Chicago’s influential architecture, cuisine for every budget and taste, great shopping, diverse ethnic neighborhoods, and outstanding museums are reason enough for a visit. And the icing on the cake? The city boasts a lakefront and park system that are as beautiful as they are recreational.

Everest

The restaurant on the top floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange has dazzling views and to-die-for chocolate soufflé.
Exploring Far South

Morning

Mingle with University of Chicago students over good coffee and great pancakes at the Original Pancake House , where the sweet, baked Apple Dutch Baby is a must-try. From there, walk about a mile (1.6 km) south or hop on the no. 28 bus at the corner of Hyde Park Boulevard and Lake Park Avenue to visit the Museum of Science & Industry , where you can easily spend an engrossing few hours exploring the hands-on exhibits. For lunch, skip the museum food and head west about a mile (1.6 km) to Medici (see Medici on 57th), a great Italian joint, known for its delicious pizzas. The extravagant Garbage Pizza is a favorite.

Afternoon

Stroll about four blocks southwest to the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago whose museum will transport you back to ancient times. Its Suq gift shop offers unique souvenirs, such as a replica of an ancient board game. Just east of the institute is Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece of Prairie-style architecture, Robie House. Take a tour of this to really gain some insight into the great man’s vision. Then stroll around the university’s leafy quadrangles if it’s good weather, or backtrack a little to the Smart Museum of Art if you’d rather be inside. Either way, round off your day with some good ol’ home-style Southern cooking at the no-frills Dixie Kitchen (see Dixie Kitchen & Bait Shop).
Exploring Northside

Morning

Fuel up for the day at one of Lincoln Park’s favorite breakfast joints, Frances’ (2552 N. Clark St.), where they serve a wonderfully fluffy French toast. Afterwards, stroll east down Wrightwood Avenue, and you’ll pass the ornate Francis Dewes Mansion. Keep walking until you come to the Lincoln Park Zoo , where you can take a ride on the wild side on the African Safari motion simulator, complete with 3D visuals. Then see all the animals in person, before breaking for lunch with a view at Café Brauer, built in 1908 by Prairie School architect Dwight Perkins.

Afternoon

During warm weather, head to the lakefront along Fullerton Avenue where you can stroll, rent bikes, sun-bathe, or even brave the ever-chilly Lake Michigan waters. In colder months, catch a bus (nos. 22 or 151) and immerse yourself in the exhibits at the Chicago Historical Society, or take a five-minute cab ride to Armitage/Halsted Shopping District for some classy retail therapy.

Evening

This part of town has an abundance of good eateries: hop the El four stops or cab it to try Mia Francesca , a lively Italian trattoria where the pasta dishes are big enough for two, and there’s an excellent wine list. Still going strong? Round off your day with a visit to Kingston Mines – just a short cab-ride away – to hear some of best blues that the city has to offer.
Exploring South Loop

Morning

Start by grabbing coffee and an omelet at the boho Artists’ Restaurant (412 S. Michigan Ave.) From there, walk down to Balbo Avenue to catch the free trolley (see Trolley Buses) that will take you to Museum Campus. Here you can chose between the Field Museum , Adler Planetarium , and Shedd Aquarium (see John G. Shedd Aquarium) all within walking distance of each other. If you plan to visit other museums on your trip, it makes sense to purchase a City Pass (see CTA tickets & passes). If you opt to see the highlights of each, end up at the Shedd, where the Soundings restaurant offers good food and great views overlooking the lake.

Afternoon

Hail a cab (plenty wait outside the museums) or walk to the nearby pedestrian bridge at 18th Street to get to the Prairie Avenue District , where you can stroll the historic streets and maybe even catch the 3pm tour of the Glessner House (see Prairie Avenue District). If you’ve still got the energy, walk one block west to the fascinating National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum.

Evening

Head over to Wabash Avenue for an early supper at one of the trendy eateries on this burgeoning strip. Mayor Richard Daley has been known to frequent Gioco (1312 S. Wabash Ave., 312-939-3870) for its stellar Italian fare (reservations are recommended). Ready for more? Then stay up late to hear the blues at Buddy Guy’s Legends .
Fairmont

Overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan, the Fairmont features large, comfortably furnished rooms that include dressing areas and marble bathrooms.
Federal Center

Flanked by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s federal buildings, this plaza (1959–74) contains Alexander Calder’s striking statue Flamingo (1974).
Federal Reserve Bank

This impressive structure is one of 12 regional Reserve banks. When it was first built in 1922, it had the largest bank vaults ever constructed.
Field Museum

One of the three lakefront institutions to occupy the 57-acre (23-ha) Museum Campus, this vast museum boasts a collection of more than 20 million fascinating natural history and anthropological artifacts.
Field Museum

Scare-fest The Relic (1997) starred Penelope Ann Miller and Tom Sizemore as researchers trying to stop a murderous monster before it killed again. Many interior scenes were shot on replica sets but were near-perfect matches to the real museum.
Field Museum

Delve into cultures and environments from ancient Egypt to modern Africa, via Midwestern wildlife, and the underground life of bugs. The Field also offers a closeup of the world’s largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, as well as many other fossils.

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