Just south of the business-centric Loop, this sprawling area mixes ethnic enclaves such as Chinatown (founded in the 1870s by migrant transcontinental railroad workers) with uppercrust addresses, built after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 (see 1871: Great Chicago Fire). The region has many Chicago “must-sees,” but the jewel in the crown is undisputedly the impressive Museum Campus: here, the Field Museum, John G. Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium celebrate the wonders of the earth, sea, and sky respectively, collectively drawing over four million visitors each year. The highway that once separated the Field from its neighbors has been replaced by an inviting green campus, where cyclists and skaters join museum-goers on the plant-bordered paths in fair weather.
Feel like playing the blues? At Blues Heaven Foundation, staff say they can teach visitors the harmonica in 10 minutes.-
This, the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, completes the Museum Campus trio. Visit its numerous galleries to walk among the stars, explore the worlds that orbit the Sun, and be enlightened by 1,000 years of astronomical discovery. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch the Sky Theater show, which is projected on the 68-ft (21-m) dome of the historic Zeiss planetarium. The virtual reality events in the StarRider Theater are also awe-inspiring, launching you into the outer reaches of space and even give you the chance to interact with the show via a panel in the armrest.
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One of several popular Bar Louies in town, this Little Italy outpost plies generous martinis (and great bar food) to a twenty-something crowd.
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This dark, intimate Little Italy hideaway is a great place to cozy as a couple before or after dinner with one of 40 by-the-glass wines, or a “sampling flight” of three wines.
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Located in the former studios of Chess Records, where blues greats from Muddy Waters to Willie Dixon once recorded, Blues Heaven has an interesting collection of records, photos, and stage costumes dedicated to Chicago’s blues style and its performers. Chess music plays on the PA, and there are occasional live performances. Rock aficionados will note the address is the namesake of a Rolling Stones song.
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Run by bluesman Buddy Guy, this club is arguably the city’s best. To get a table, come early and dine on decent barbecue.
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A quaint French bistro in the heart of Little Italy charms fans with its sunny decor and fine classics like steak au poivre.
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The menu at this former fire station is best at its most basic, including burgers and sandwiches.
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Crowned by the landmark Chinatown Gate spanning Wentworth Avenue, Chicago’s Chinatown isn’t that large – running roughly eight blocks – but it is colorful. Home to Chicago’s oldest Asian community, Chinatown was founded in the 19th century by transcontinental railroad workers fleeing West Coast prejudice. It continues to be a place where Cantonese and Mandarin are spoken far more widely than English. Stroll Wentworth to see the ornate On Leong Tong Building, buy fresh almond cookies from Chinese bakeries, peruse the many import and herbal shops, or chow down in one of the dozens of local restaurants.
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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 .
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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.
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Restaurant price categories
Price categories include a three-course meal for one, a glass of house wine, tax, and a 15–20%% tip.
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