Enjoy Chicago

1. Navy Pier has been a Chicago landmark since it opened in 1916. It now showcases a unique collection of restaurants, shops and plenty of entertainment. At Navy Pier you'll find the Chicago Children's Museum, an IMAX theater, Crystal Gardens (an indoor botanical park), the Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows. There is also a large boardwalk, perfect for mid-day strolling. While at Navy Pier, don’t forget to take a boat ride on one of several tourist boats.

2.The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world's great art museums, with collections dating from 3,000 B.C. through the present, including famous French Impressionist paintings and drawings; fine and decorative arts from America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America; photography, textiles and architectural works. It is located right next to Millennium Park.

3. Explore a world-renowned park located right in the heart of downtown Chicago. Millennium Park boasts an outdoor band shell, beautiful gardens, walking paths, an ice skating rink in the winter, and towering displays that spray children and the young-at-heart with cool water. Millennium Park is a “don’t miss”; plan to visit the Art Institute of Chicago on the same day!

4. Discover Sue, the largest and most complete T. rex ever found! At The Field Museum, you can get a bug's-eye view in Underground Adventure, descend into an Egyptian tomb, watch a glowing lava flow, be dazzled by sparkling gems, come nose-to-nose with the man-eating lions of Tsavo, and learn about the worlds cultures and environments.

5. At the Chicago Children’s Museum, located at Navy Pier, there are hands-on exhibits and new activities daily make every visit unforgettable for toddlers to ten year olds and adults, too! Dig deep in Dinosaur Expedition, try to stay dry in Waterways, or climb up to the crow's nest on the Kovler Family Climbing Schooner. Little tots have fun, too in Playmaze and Treehouse Trails.

6. The Shedd Aquarium houses the world's largest indoor aquarium offers more than 22,000 aquatic animals from around the world. Enjoy the Dolphin Show, and make a point to visit the Shark exhibit, where you will walk in an underground tunnel with several different species of sharks swimming overhead.

7. Perhaps Chicago's most identifiable claim to fame resides in its architecture. In fact, the city is a veritable museum of modern architecture. It is the birthplace of the skyscraper, and its architects have initiated international architectural styles and movements, the most notable being the Chicago School and the Prairie School. The Chicago Architecture Foundation offers tours, and lectures, and lists current exhibits and events.

8. Chicago's football history goes back to the 1930's and the Chicago Bears play at the newly renovated Soldier Field located on the shore of Lake Michigan just south of downtown, just south of the Field Museum of Natural History and the Shedd Aquarium.

9. The Chicago Fire, a member of the 10-team soccer league, plays at the newly renovated Soldier’s Field. The Fire is in the middle of the season during the summer months, and games are sure to entertain!

10. Chicago is truly a baseball town with the Cubs and White Sox playing in town. The Cubs are located on the North Side, in Wrigleyville, while the White Sox are located on the South Side. Both teams have huge fan followings, and whether you attend a Cubs game or a White Sox game, you will surely witness the brotherly camaraderie that exists in Chicago baseball.

11. Since 1959, The Second City has established itself as a Chicago landmark and a national treasure. The theatre that launched the careers of such comic greats as John Belushi, Mike Myers, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, and more offers nightly comedy shows, as well as a variety of other programs and services.

12. Chicago is home to a vital, vast and varied community of theatrical companies, as well as several large independent theaters, where you'll find everything from traveling Broadway megahits to experimental theater, to Chicago's famous improvisational groups that display the wit and humor of the Second City.

13. The rich contrasts of the city are wonderfully reflected in music. At Symphony Center, you'll find the world-famous Chicago Symphony Orchestra, led by musical director Daniel Barenboim.  A short stroll will take you to Buddy Guy’s Legends nightclub, named for its legendary blues guitarist owner.  The blues, jazz, reggae, modern rock, Hip Hop and more are alive in Chicago, with dozens of clubs all over town.

14. The 94th-floor observatory, more than 1,000 feet above Chicago at the John Hancock Center, features an open-air Skywalk, the Midwest's highest open-air experience; Sky Tours, which takes you on a personal audio tour of Chicago's incredible sights and remarkable history; Soundscope 3-D "talking" telescopes that speak in four languages and create startling real sound effects; a Chicago history wall; and a theme park-style ticketing area that recreates the construction of the John Hancock Center.

15. No syndicated talk show in television can compare to "The Oprah Winfrey Show's" ratings history. It has been the #1 talk show since 1986. "The Oprah Winfrey Show" has received 34 Emmy Awards, including 9 Emmys for Outstanding Talk Show and 7 Emmys for Outstanding Talk Show Host. Tickets for “The Oprah Winfrey Show” are hard to come by, so it is recommended that you call at least 6 months ahead of your visit to Chicago.

16. Best view of Chicago from one of the world's tallest buildings. The Sears Tower Skydeck offers FREE touch and tell computers featuring Chicago’s landmarks in six languages.

17. The Magnificent Mile offers more than 460 stores in eight city blocks. Beyond the Chicago favorites like American Girl, Crate & Barrel and Niketown, choose from delectable restaurants, unique shops and several museums and galleries to round out your day on the mile. 900 North Michigan Shops features Bloomingdale's Fashion department store, with six levels of upscale retailers, including several restaurants, full service salon and spa and a state-of-the-art fitness facility.

19. Westfield North Bridge is an elegant specialty center anchored by the Midwest flagship Nordstrom. Popular retail stores and innovative restaurants are enclosed in a four-level concourse at

20. Dining Out - Chicago mainstays like a perfect steak or deep-dish pizza, the city's diverse dining offerings feature everything from ethnic dining to traditional family fare to the hottest new restaurants. Giordano’s, Pizzeria Uno and Due are highly recommended for deep dish pizza, just be prepared for a delicious cheesy mess!