MUSEUMS

ADLER PLANETARIUM & ASTRONOMY MUSEUM (www.adlerplanetarium.org)

1300 S. Lake Shore Drive
Open daily, 9:30 am - 6 pm
Adults: $10; Children: $6

America's first planetarium has one of the world's greatest collections of antique astronomical instruments. It also has state-of-the-art exhibits like interactive computers in the CyberSpace Gallery and virtual reality experiences in the Definiti Space Theater (formerly the StarRider Theater). Settle down under the massive dome, and you'll take a half-hour interactive virtual-reality trip through the Milky Way and into deep space -- you'll feel as if you're literally floating in space.

ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO (www.artic.edu/aic)

111 S. Michigan Avenue
Mon. - Fri. 10:30 am - 5 pm; Thurs. 10:30 am - 8 pm; Sat./Sun. 10 am - 5 pm
Adults: $18; Children, Students, Seniors: $12; Children under 14: Free

The Art Institute is one of the world's most famous art museums, particularly known for its collection of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings by artists like Monet, Renoir, Seurat and Caillebotte. Recognizable favorites (aside from the stone lions at the front entrance) include "A Sunday Afternoon on La Grand Jatte--1884" by Seurat, "American Gothic" by Grant Wood and "Nighthawks" by Edward Hopper.

CHICAGO CHILDREN'S MUSEUM (www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org)
700 E Grand Avenue
10 am - 5 pm; Thursday evenings 5 pm - 8 pm
Adults: $10; Children: $10; Seniors: $9

Located on tourist-filled Navy Pier, this museum is one of the most popular family attractions in the city. The building has areas especially for preschoolers as well as for children up to age 10, and several permanent exhibits allow kids a maximum of hands-on fun.

FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY (www.fieldmuseum.org)
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive
9 am - 5 pm
Adults: $23; Children: $13; Students, Seniors: $20

The world-renowned Field Museum is an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Meet Sue, the largest, most complete T. rex ever found…explore an ancient Egyptian tomb…and much more. You'll discover the astonishing diversity of life on Earth and take a trip around the world with exhibits of Egypt, Asia, Africa, China and Native America.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO (www.lpzoo.org)
200 N. Cannon Drive
Mon. - Fri. 10 am - 5 pm; Sat./Sun. 10 am - 6:30 pm
Free Admission

Located in a beautiful park setting near Chicago's lakefront, the Lincoln Park Zoo boasts winding paths that lead to indoor and outdoor exhibits, including the recently opened Regenstein African Journey, where wild dogs, meerkats, aardvarks, giraffes, elephants, crocodiles, ostriches and other animals live in large, lush habitats.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY (www.msichicago.org)
5700 S. Lake Shore Drive
Mon. - Sat. 9:30 am - 4 pm; Sun. 11 am - 4 pm
Adults: $13; Children: $9; Seniors: $12

Where can you climb aboard a World War II submarine, plunge into a working coal mine, work alongside robots in a toy factory, explore cutting-edge prototype inventions, become a CSI sleuth and dissect an eyeball—all in one day? The Museum of Science and Industry— the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere—which is home to more than 35,000 artifacts and 14-plus acres of hands-on exhibits, experiences and programs designed to spark scientific inquiry and creativity.

SHEDD AQUARIUM (www.sheddaquarium.org)
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
Mon. - Fri. 9 am - 5 pm; Sat./Sun. 9 am - 6 pm
Adults: $24.95; Children: $17.95

The Shedd is one of the world's largest indoor aquariums, home to thousands of river, lake, and sea creatures in standard aquarium tanks and elaborate new habitats within its octagon-shaped marble building. The aquarium's permanent exhibits recreate marine habitats around the world: "Seahorses and Seadragons" features more than 650 featured species of marine life, and "Amazon Rising" showcases one of the world's most diverse environments, where anaconda, piranhas and arawanas make their home.

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SHOPPING

MAGNIFICENT MILE (www.themagnificentmile.com)

Take a magnificent vacation in just eight spectacular blocks. Explore over 460 exclusive stores and boutiques. Enjoy fine dining at over 200 restaurants. Discover unsurpassed hospitality at over 50 hotels. Marvel at Chicago’s famous architecture by boat, trolley or on foot. Learn why North Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago is called The Magnificent Mile.

Click here for a guide to the Magnificient Mile Area.

OAK STREET (www.oakstreetchicago.com/index.html)

Our clientele are offered their choice of unique and upscale clothing, shoes,jewelry, home furnishings, art, linens, and music. Full spa facilities, salon services, makeup, yoga and fitness classes are readily accessible to pamper you in a style to which the Oak Street shopper is accustomed. Fabulous restaurants, prestigious hotels, movie theatres, banking and valet parking are additional amenities par excellence.

Click here for a directory of Oak Street.

STATE STREET RETAIL HISTORIC DISTRICT

The landmark State Street Retail Historic District features the gigantic flagship Macy’s on State, Sears, and other Loop options including H&M, Nordstrom Rack, Urban Outfitters, Old Navy and Forever 21. Get the world’s greatest popcorn at Garrett Popcorn Shops’ three Loop locations. Shop for fine diamonds and gems on Wabash Avenue, the Midwest’s largest jewelry district.

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RESTAURANTS

PARK GRILL (www.parkgrillchicago.com)
11 N. Michigan Ave. -- 312.521.7275
$16 - $25
Bus: 145, 146, 151

Location, location, location -- it's what sets Park Grill apart from all the other upscale comfort-food restaurants in town. This popular contemporary American restaurant in Millennium Park sits in the shadows of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and "Cloud Gate" (a.k.a. "The Bean") is essentially on the roof, making it perhaps the easiest-to-find restaurant in Chicago. The dinner menu features not-too-fussy starters such as a lump crab cake and jumbo sea scallops; entrees include Atlantic salmon and a pork shank. The lunch menu features soups, salads, pasta and sandwiches.

PIZZERIA DUE
619 N. Wabash Ave. -- 312.943.2400
$9 - $15
Bus: All Michigan Avenue buses

Founder Ike Sewell achieved fame by introducing deep-dish pizza to Chicago when he opened Pizzeria Uno in 1943. Pizzeria Due opened across the street in 1955 and offers the same menu in a much larger space. Ninety percent of the menu is dedicated to deep-dish pizza which takes a minimum of 45 minutes to prepare. (An "Express Lunch" is available between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.) The place attracts a loyal following of Chicagoans taking a lunch break from shopping on Michigan Avenue, local professionals, hotel patrons and conventioneers.

SIGNATURE ROOM AT THE 95TH (www.signatureroom.com/Home)
875 N. Michigan Ave -- 312.787.9596
$26 - $30
Bus: 3, 33, 125, 145, 146, 151

A spectacular view is a given from almost any part of the Signature Room on the Hancock's 95th floor or Signature Lounge on the 96th. The theme throughout is elegant Art Deco, with dark wood, marble tile and accent lighting. An impressive wine selection is showcased in a glass cabinet by the waiting area. Ascend the stairs and stroll back to the Lounge, with its incredible south and west views of the city. Back in the dining room, the views are primarily of the lake and of Navy Pier, in all its illuminated excess.

SPIAGGIA (www.spiaggiarestaurant.com)
980 N. Michigan Ave. -- 312.280.2750
Bus: 3, 145, 146

Spiaggia continues its reign as one of this town's premiere dining destinations, Italian or otherwise. Nominated for the prestigious James Beard Outstanding Restaurant Award in 2006, chef Tony Mantuano (who took home the James Beard Award for Best Chef--Midwest in 2005) prepares seasonally specific tasting menus and a la carte options that awe and inspire. Sure, the price is high, but with a breathtaking vista of Lake Michigan--tiered so that every table gets a good view--it's worth every penny when you want a place to impress.

TABLE FIFTY-TWO (www.tablefifty-two.com)
52 W. Elm Street -- 312.573.4000
$19 - $34
Train: Red Line, Clark/Division

Art Smith, Oprah's personal chef, cookbook author and TV personality, is the force behind this Gold Coast spot. The restaurant offers a menu of refined Southern decadance, including chicken and waffles and pan-seared catfish, plus seasonally-minded entreees, wood-fired pizzas and sides such as braised collard greens. But the best treat isn't on the menu: It's a sizzling skillet of parmesan cheese biscuits that arrives right after you sit down. The main floor has a shabby-chic cottage look with a stone bar, hickory flooring and a copper tin-punch ceiling. The second floor dining room features a more formal vibe with Venetian wallpaper and chandeliers.

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CITY TOURS

CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM TOURS (www.chicagohistory.org)
1601 N. Clark Street -- 312.642.4600

In addition to its own exhibits, the Chicago History Museum hosts walking, bus and "L" train tours that explore the city's rich history. "L" tours run on Sundays from 1 to 3, bus tours run on Saturdays from 1 to 5, while walking tour times vary. Check the website for specific dates, itineraries, prices and to purchase tickets.

CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD TOURS (www.chicagoneighborhoodtours.com)
77 E. Randolph Street -- 312.742.1190
Adults: $30; Children, Students, Seniors: $25

Sponsored by the city's Department of Cultural Affairs, Chicago Neighborhood Tours are 4- to 5-hour narrated bus excursions to about a dozen diverse communities throughout the city. Departing at 10am from the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St., every Saturday, the tours visit different neighborhoods, from Chinatown and historic Bronzeville on the South Side to the ethnic enclaves of Devon Avenue and Uptown on the North Side. Neighborhood representatives serve as guides and greeters along the way as tour participants visit area landmarks, murals, museums, and shopping districts. Regularly available specialty tours include Literary Chicago; the Great Chicago Fire; Roots of Blues, Gospel & Jazz; Threads of Ireland; Jewish Legacy; and an Ethnic Cemetery tour. These tours, which generally run about 4 to 6 hours and include lunch, are more expensive ($50 adults, $45 seniors and children).

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ENTERTAINMENT

BUDDY GUY'S LEGENDS (www.buddyguys.com)
754 S. Wabash Avenue -- 312.427.0333

Chicago's premier blues club, owned by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Buddy Guy himself, has been booking some of the best local and national blues bands seven nights a week for 20 years.  Buddy Guy's Legends serves up a full menu specializing in authentic Cajun fare and the club is open for lunch Monday through Friday where you can listen to live music while you dine from noon until 2:00PM.  The walls of Legends are adorned with some items from Buddy's personal collection, turning the club into a miniature blues museum. 

CHICAGO SUMMERDANCE (website)
601 S. Michigan Avenue -- 312.742.4007

Chicago SummerDance is an eleven-week festival (June 17 to August 29) featuring free one-hour dance lessons by professional instructors, followed by two hours of live music and dancing on a 4,600 square foot open-air dance floor in the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park. SummerDance events occur every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, 6 to 9:30 pm, and Sunday afternoon, 4 to 7 pm, weather-permitting.

GRANT PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL (www.grantparkmusicfestival.com)
205 E. Randolph Drive -- 312.742.7638

The Grand Park Music Festival is the nation's only remaining free, outdoor classical music series. On July 4 at 1:30 PM, celebrate our country’s birthday and musical heritage with American composers as well as three Europeans – Dvorak, Johann Strauss, Jr. and Tchaikovsky – whose visits to the U.S. left indelible marks on their music.  Free lawn seating.

THE GREEN MILL (www.greenmilljazz.com)
4802 N. Broadway Street -- 773.878.5552

Gangsters and celebrities haunted this nearly century-old club in its early days. Now well-heeled jazz enthusiasts and urban hipsters make the scene. Touring and local acts, from cool jazz to big band, take the stage each weekend; local performers play regular slots on school nights. Every Sunday since 1986, the Green Mill has hosted the Uptown Poetry Slam, the verse performance competition that sparked the poetry slam movement. The club fills up quickly on weekends, so come early to get a view of the stage.

TASTE OF CHICAGO (www.tasteofchicago.us)
Grant Park - Main Entrance at Michigan Avenue & Congress Drive

Every year, colorfully decorated tents surround the outside kitchens of more than 70 restaurants from all over Chicagoland, which also includes a daily upscale restaurant serving in the Gourmet Pavilion. Exotic aromas permeate the air and no visitor leaves a food booth empty handed. Taste of Chicago annually attracts more than 6 million visitors from all over the city, the suburbs, U.S. and internationally. The festival is ever evolving and has become the marquee event of the summer not to be missed!

SECOND CITY (www.secondcity.com)
1616 N. Wells Street -- 312.337.3992

For nearly 50 years, Second City has been the top comedy club in Chicago and the most famous of its kind in the country. Famous graduates include Elaine May, John Belushi, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Horatio Sanz, and Rachel Dratch. Future greats are no doubt on stage right now, performing the kind of hit-and-run sketch comedy that tries to stay both topical and universal. Free improvisation sessions follow the regular shows except on Friday nights.

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CHICAGO TOURISM BUREAU (www.choosechicago.com)

The Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau is the premier sales and marketing organization that promotes Chicago’s world-class assets to global leisure travel and convention business to ensure the economic vitality of the City and its member business community. Visit this website to learn everything there is to know about your vacation destination Chicago.

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MAPS

Magnificient Mile Area Guide

Oak Street Directory

Museum Campus Map

CTA Visitor's Map

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HOW TO GET AROUND CHICAGO

The CTA is the easiest and most affordable way to get around town in Chicago. The CTA is comprised of the "L" train system and the bus system. You can also plan your trip ahead of time on the RTA website (www.rtachicago.com).

Full Fares

Transit Card: $2.00 on buses; $2.25 at rail stations; transfer for 25 cents. Transfers allow two additional rides within two hours after the first boarding.

Cash: $2.25 per ride, accepted only on buses; exact fare only; no change returned. No transfers issued when paying with cash.

The Reduced Fare (bus and rail) is determined by the type of payment you use:

Cash Reduced Fare: $1 per ride on bus; 85 cents on rail*, exact fare only. No transfers issued when paying with cash. *Cash not accepted at rail station turnstiles. See rail station Customer Assistant and add 85 cents value at the fare vending machine.

Reduced Fare Transit Card: 85 cents on buses and at rail stations. Transfer for 15 cents. Transfers allow two additional rides within two hours after the first boarding.

Reduced fares are offered only to those customers who are eligible. Click here to find out if you qualify for Reduced Fare.

Passes

The CTA sells passes that offer unlimited rides for 1, 3, 7, or 30 days. Passes are activated on first use, and and are good for all CTA buses and trains. Passes can be purchased at certain "L" stations, and at retail locations throughout Chicago. Click here for a full list of locations where farecards can be purchased. Passes can also be purchased in advance at the CTA online shop.

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