Chicago Sightseeing Favorites
Want a quick look at the top Chicago sightseeing favorites for women?
LIPSTICK GETAWAYS’ Top 5 CHICAGO SIGHTSEEING FAVORITES
Below is the “quick scan” version. See next page for all the details, including more in-depth descriptions, addresses, links, and phone numbers.
1. An architectural tour.
After most of downtown was destroyed by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the rebuilding Chicago provided fertile ground for original American architecture.
Chicago Architecture Foundation Offers a wide variety of walking tours all over the city, as well as 90-minute River Tours.
Chicagoline is another popular source for 90-minute river tours.
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park offers guided tours of the home, studio, and historic neighborhood and self-guided audio tours.
2. A breathtaking city view
- My recommendation: a drink-with-a-view from the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor of the John Hancock Center (Magnificent Mile).
- Also at the John Hancock is the 95th floor Signature Room restaurant (overpriced) and the 94th floor Hancock Observatory. (The John Hancock Center is also a great vantage point for viewing the Navy Pier fireworks.)
- Another popular choice for a view is from the Sears Tower Skydeck (Loop).
3. Visit Millennium Park (Loop)
This grand and whimsical 24.5 acre urban park, located at the north end of Grant Park, opened in 2004 as a setting for art, architecture, music, landscape design. The famous Cloud Sculpture (”the Bean”) is truly delightful, as is the digitally-animated Crown Fountain.
4. Stroll down Astor Street (Gold Coast)
Just north of the bustling Mag Mile, this quiet, leafy historic residential street is lined with landmark mansions and town homes in a variety of architectural styles. And if the weather is fine, don’t miss nearby Oak Street Beach. You can walk, jog, or bike on the winding path with glorious views of the lake and the skyscrapers.
5. Chicago Cultural Center
Opulent 1897 landmark with a lavish interior– including the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass dome* — definitely worth at least a quick stop. In addition to free exhibits and programming, the Cultural Center is home to the city’s official Visitor Center where you can pick up tons of maps and info.
*You can see another spectacular Tiffany dome at the State Street location (fifth floor) of the legendary Marshall Field’s department store (now Macy’s, to the dismay of most locals).
Looking for all the details?
SEE NEXT PAGE for addresses, phone numbers, directions, and links.
Want to look for other Chicago sightseeing ideas?
Try these other excellent resources:
ChicagoTraveler.com
ChooseChicago.com
Chicago.Citysearch.com
Guidebooks:
I recommend one of the Chicago Guides from Frommer’s. At about 180 pages, I’m a fan of their pocket-sized Portable guides; (181 pages); or check out the full-sized Complete guide (about 320 pages).
And for simplicity, I still like the Dummies Guides series.
Did I miss something? Got your own Chicago sightseeing favorites?
Please share with your LG girlfriends! Either leave a comment below, or just send me a note: carol@lipstickgetaways.com.
Go Have Fun in Chicago!
Carol
p.s. Why did I leave out Navy Pier?
This 50 acre park with rides, exhibitions, entertainment, dining, and tour boats is very popular, especially with families. However … yawn … sorry, it doesn’t do anything for me. Too crowded and touristy, just not that interesting. (An exception — the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows is worthwhile.) The fireworks are cool, but you can view them from the John Hancock Center (see above).
However, here’s the link to the Navy Pier website so that you can decide for yourself.
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