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 Sightseeing without the legwork |
333 North Michigan Avenue Southwest corner of Michigan Avenue Bridge at Chicago River, river level. Chicago, IL 60601 United States +1 312 751 1380 |
Only a river tour can offer such varied and unobstructed views of the city. Relax and marvel as you glide past more than 50 of the city's most spectacular and majestic sites. During the 90-minute cruise, guests may choose open air or indoor seating and are welcome to move about to take photos. Snacks and beverages are available on board. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tony  |
 Photo: Tony |
 Photo: Kathleen Carden |
 Photo: impala.1970 |
 Photo: Lynda L. |
 Photo: Ana Lopez |
 Photo: Notes From the Deep End |
 Photo: aimelaine |
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Discover the world in Chicago's backyard |
77 East Randolph Street Chicago Cultural Center Chicago, IL 60602 United States +1 312 742 1190 http://www.chicagoneighborhood... |
Known as "the city of neighborhoods," Chicago is home to 77 diverse community areas, each with rich cultures and traditions. Explore vibrant communities and learn about heritage and ethnic backgrounds on four-hour walking tours that visit national landmarks, world-class museums and enthralling architectural sites. Special tours covering various historical aspects of Chicago's culture are also available. Topics include 'Women of Chicago', 'The Great Chicago Fire', 'Italian Heritage' and 'Roots of Chicago Blues, Gospel and Jazz'. Tour destinations vary each week, so call for information. Admission: $25 adults, $20 senior citizens (65+), children 8-18 and students; Special Interest Tours: $50 adults, $45 seniors, including lunch. Tours are not recommended for children under 8. Obtain tickets at the Chicago Cultural Center or call to make a credit card reservation. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Haunting tours |
300 North Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60601 United States +1 708 499 0300 http://www.ghosttours.com/crui... |
If you are the type of person who stays up past the "witching hour" to watch "Poltergeist" or "The Haunting," this is the boat tour for you. Ghost writer and specter expert Richard Crowe knows where Chicago's bones are buried, and leads you safely through the "Lake Michigan Triangle" ghost ships. Learn about the "lake monster" that haunted travels of the shore of Evanston and Hyde Park. The three-hour tours are available for $20 on Saturday nights. Reservations are necessary, so call ahead. Special rates for groups of 25 or more can be arranged. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Millennium Park's Scene-Stealing Bean |
222 North Columbus Drive (AT&T Plaza, Millennium Park) Chicago, IL 60601 United States +1 312 742 1168 http://www.millenniumpark.org/... |
This popular sculpture in Millennium Park has become a landmark of Chicago's cityscape. Ever since the public first glimpsed the then-unfinished structure in 2004, its unique appearance has drawn a great deal of both criticism and praise. Designed by British artist Anish Kapoor and forged from steel plates that have been polished to a mirror-like finish, Cloud Gate has been affectionately named "The Bean" by city residents because of its legume-like shape. At 66 feet long, 42 feet wide, and 33 feet high, this is one mighty bean, weighing in at 110 tons. The highly reflective surface and curved shape create an effect similar to that of a funhouse-mirror, distorting the shape of curious onlookers and making it a popular attraction for children of all ages. The sculpture often takes on a life of its own as its surface reflects Chicago's skyscrapers and the blue sky. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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First-Class Movie Theater |
164 N. State Street Chicago, IL 60601 United States +1 312 846 2600 http://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/ |
For decades, the Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago has been a mecca for cinemaphiles around the world. Today, renamed for Gene Siskel, the beloved Chicago film critic, the place is as bustling as ever. On offer are everything from first-run Hollywood hits to the most obscure foreign films, revered and forgotten classics, low-budget independents, and a continuing stream of special programs and festivals. A cafe and gallery keeps crowds lingering long after the end credits roll. See website for showtimes, event calendar and more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bill Doughty |
 Photo: The Big Bad Swim |
 Photo: Isaac Downing |
 Photo: Justin/Blake Miller |
 Photo: Jill Ducey |
 Great way to get a first hand overview of Chicago |
17 East Monroe Street Palmer House Hilton Chicago, IL 60603 United States +1 312 251 3107 |
This tour provides an excellent overview of Chicago. Titled "Inside Chicago," the tour includes a four hour bus ride through the Loop, the South Side, the Lakefront, Hyde Park, the Magnificent Mile and Gold Coast areas. You can also take the "Sky Deck" tour, which features a double decker bus with open top seating and makes extra stops at the John Hancock and Sears Towers. Fees for the ride are $26, $13 for children. The two hour version of this tour costs $16, $8 for children. Sky Deck rides are $32, $16 for children. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Big City, Big Park |
235 South Columbus Drive Chicago, IL 60602 United States +1 312 744 3370 |
If you're looking for a place in Chicago to get away from it all, then come to a place where you can walk down pebble paved walkways, play tennis or just relax under the luscious trees. This is Grant Park. Named after General Ulysses S. Grant, the park belongs to the citizens of the city. It spreads out over 319-acres and has a dozen tennis courts and 16 softball fields! It is also the venue for many local summer events and concerts. So sit by the beautiful Buckingham Fountain, it's a great way to cool off in summer and has a fabulous view of the city and lake. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Workout convenience in the heart of downtown |
211 North Stetson Chicago, IL 60601 United States +1 312 616 9000 http://www.lsac.com/ |
The Lakeshore Athletic Club at Illinois Center (LACIC) is a full-service club with a huge variety of equipment and classes available throughout five floors of workout heaven. Every fitness innovation is immediately made available to LACIC members. Still, even with the downtown professional clientele (which include local athletic celebrities), the LACIC avoids the country-club feel most gyms of this caliber have. The Lakeshore also boasts the tallest indoor climbing wall in the Midwest, swimming pool, squash courts, basketball court and an indoor running track. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Phillip Capper |
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Self-sufficient haven |
300 North State Street Marina City Chicago, IL 60610 United States +1 312 222 1111 http://www.marina-city.com/ |
Claiming to be "a city within a city", Marina City offers its residents various amenities. And if you want to know more about the functioning of this city, you better call 24 hours in advance and reserve your tour around. The building is divided into condominiums. All rooms have cable connection. Do your laundry as you enjoy a great view of the city. But if are too lazy to wash your clothes by yourself, then pass your chores to the efficient Marina Cleaners. All groceries can be purchased on-site at Marina Food & Liquor. Walk in at Crunch Fitness to stay in shape. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Christine Kelly |
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Free winter fun for the whole family |
55 North Michigan Avenue (at Madison Street) Chicago, IL 60602 United States +1 312 742 5222 http://millenniumpark.net/ice/... |
This downtown rink is festive and unusual, located in Millenium Park. In addition to the fun of gliding and spinning about, you will be in the middle of the city, so make a day of it. After a few brisk turns around the rink, you may want to stop in the warming area and fill up on hot refreshments. Free admission. Skate rental available: $5. Skates must be rented on a per session basis. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lori |
 Photo: Michael Pourdehnad |
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 Photo: Anne M. Holcomb |
 Photo: tvindy |
 Photo: David McCowan |
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Outdoor Urban Fun |
222 North Columbus Drive Chicago, IL 60601 United States +1 312 742 1168 / +1 312 744 3370 (Event Hotline) http://www.millenniumpark.org/ |
Millennium Park is one of the newest additions to Chicago's many wide-open urban spaces, and is host to a range of indoor/outdoor activities for the entire family. You can listen to top musical events at the outdoor pavilion, or glide across the bustling ice skating rink come winter. The park is also home to some of the city's best public art, such as the interactive Crown Fountain, and the scene-stealing Cloud Gate, a mirrored sculpture situated in the middle of the plaza. For a scenic walk, take a stroll through the Lurie Garden, or wind your way along Frank Gehry's BP Bridge. For a bit of the park's history, be sure to take a peek at the Peristyle, a replica of the curving row of paired Greek columns that were on the corner of Grant Park near Michigan and Randolph from 1917 to 1953. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: findable |
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That Great Street |
1 N State Street Chicago, IL 60602 United States |
Running through the heart of downtown Chicago is State Street, a major shopping and dining thoroughfare. Flagship stores include Macy's (formally Marshall Field's) and Sears, as well as numerous other boutiques and chains such as Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, H&M, Old Navy, and Filene's Basement, to name a few. A walk along State Street also finds notable historic buildings such as the Harold Washington Library and the Reliance Building. Review © 2007, Wcities |