DK Travel : Chicago : Itineraries

A Day in The Loop

Morning

Start early with breakfast at the charming Atwood Café in the lobby of the historic Hotel Burnham , with its beautifully reconstructed interior. Then stroll a block west to Daley Plaza to see the giant unnamed Picasso sculpture, stopping off at the Hot Tix booth at 78 W Randolph Street, to get half-price, same-day tickets to a Loop theater performance. Continue along Michigan Avenue, past the Chicago Cultural Center , and south to The Art Institute of Chicago. A whirlwind tour of the highlights (see Collections), all conveniently located on the upper level, can be done in a couple of hours, though you may want to come back for a second helping.

Afternoon

Either have lunch in The Art Institute’s outdoor café or head west along State Street to eat at Marshall Field’s legendary seventh-floor Walnut Room, a Chicago fixture since 1907. Then burn off the calories by shopping your way around the vast store and along the famous street that it’s situated on. For pre-theater dining, try the sophisticated Rhapsody , convenient for the Symphony Center Or, on week-days, try the all-you-can eat buffet at Trattoria No. 10 .

Evening

After the show, hop a quick cab ride to stylish Nine for a cocktail or some dancing late into the night in the slick second-floor Ghost Bar.
A Day in the Near North

Morning

Line up early with the locals for a fortifying stack at The Original Pancake House (22 E. Bellevue Pl.). Afterward, stroll south on Rush Street to Oak Street. Take a left and walk the most exclusive shopping block in the city, where you can pop into stores such as Barneys New York. Once you hit Michigan Avenue, it’s a short jaunt to the John Hancock Center and its sky-high views. Back on terra firma, cross the street to the Historic Water Tower for a closeup look at a piece of Chicago’s history. Lovers of modern art should cross Michigan again and head to the Museum of Contemporary Art with its spacious galleries and sculpture garden.

Afternoon

Everyone will get what they want for lunch at Foodlife, a gourmet food court on the second level of the mall in Water Tower Place . You can shop the seven floors of Chicago’s first ever vertical mall, and then shop some more – and sightsee – along the Magnificent Mile . If you’ve worked up an appetite, stroll over to the The Drake for high tea, which serves until 5pm.

Evening

Alternatively, NoMI in the Park Hyatt Chicago serves stylish contemporary fare (reservations needed), as befits the neighborhood. Or just join the smart set over cocktails at the Bar at the Peninsula Chicago .
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 .