Chicago is like a second home to us - 5 hours drive from where we live, a big city from where we have often started our international tales and a place that evokes a lot of memories. Chicago is my favorite city in the world and I know that a lot of people would say - "Wait till you visit San Francisco or wait till you get to see New York" and I can assure you Chicago would still be the place I'd rather be even though in winters, all you want to do is snuggle under a blanket and call it quits. I have visited Chicago in Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter and for work, as a tourist and with a toddler.
It is the city that I fell in love with at first sight and I have always loved the vibe of the city. On most long weekends, Our first thought is "Let's drive down to Chicago." We have visited it so many times that now we just keep it at the end of the list, in case nothing else works out. In this post, you will find reasons you should visit Chicago in April and tips to stay on a budget. Spring and Summer are ideal times to visit Chicago even though most of the attractions I will be talking about are open year round.
We usually prefer stay in Downtown Chicago because it saves us time and energy. It is always easy to get back to the hotel and then head out again without having to think about the drive or the traffic. It is a good idea to check out the daily deal sites or plan your travel in advance and you can get yourself a great hotel for under $150.
We have stayed at Hilton which is closer to Grant Park and at a walking distance from the museums and is a good option to consider if you are traveling with family. Courtyard by Marriott is closer to Magnificent Mile and a convenient location at a walk-able distance from many restaurants and high end stores. Another good option is Club Quarters which is at the heart of the downtown. It also has an Italian Bistro with good breakfast options so you can fill up before you start your day. (More in Part 2 of this post).
Club Quarters Central Loop
Chicago Marriott Downtown
Visit the Millennium Park
There are a lot of ways to spend your time in the Millennium Park - Take pictures near the Bean which is a tourist hotspot and a picture here is mandatory memorabilia on a Chicago Trip. The Park also has a huge outdoor amphitheater - the Jay Pritzker Pavilion which has events and live shows all through the year. The Park is close to the Art Institute of Chicago which is an artist's dream and houses collections from across periods. While you are at it, also consider visiting the Chicago Cultural Center which has free exhibits and concerts. You can also stroll down to the Grant Park and explore the Logan Monument and the Agora Sculpture (Madeof 106 nine-foot tall headless torsos made of cast iron, the sculpture derives it name from the Greek word for meeting place.)
Logan Monument near Grant Park
At the Chicago Bean, Dec 2011 (Sub Zero Temps, obviously)
Chicago is home to many state of the art museums in the country. One of them is the Field Museum which is all about science & invention and has the world's largest Tyrannosaurus Rex. They also have special exhibits that run for a limited time besides their permanent exhibits. If you are traveling with kids, also consider visiting the Adler Planetarium which is next to the Field Museum. The Planetarium has many educational exhibits plus the best views of the city and over Lake Michigan. The Chicago City Pass is the way to go if you are staying over a long weekend and you can see 5 Chicago attractions for $98 per head which would usually cost you 200 $.
Take a Architecture Boat Tour
The beauty of Chicago is that every building is different from the one it stands next to and the Chicago skyline is proof of that. The architecture boat tour take you through the city and you can explore historical buildings that have been preserved well over time along with some modern architectural gems. The tour guides walk you through the history of Chicago and how the city was rebuilt after the Chicago Fire of 1871 and became a new, urban center.
Take a Walk down the Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile is a melting pot of tourists and locals alike and boasts of many upscale stores. However, if you don't usually shop at Chanel and Gucci, worry not - There's Macy's on State Street which is also a historic landmark and the Ghirardelli Chocolate Store for the chocolate fans out there. You can also do the river walk or eat at one of the many restaurants overlooking the river.
Spend the day at Navy Pier
Navy Pier is the perfect place for fun time with family or even otherwise. Spread over 50 acres, This place has a wide variety of activities and entertainment to offer. You can take a ride on the big Ferris wheel for some amazing views of the city and take the kids to the whimsical musical carousel. There are many great places to eat right on the Pier and you can also choose from the many sightseeing and dining boat cruises lined up on the waterfront. During Spring, they have the Chicago Flower and Garden Show with life-sized gardens.
No trip to Chicago is complete without a visit to the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago! Walk out on the Ledge for breathtaking views of the city which get even better at night. About a mile and a half away is another building that is worth visiting - The John Hancock Center with the 360 Chicago observatory. The Hancock elevators are the fastest in America, climbing 95 stories in 40 seconds. The Signature Room at the 95th at the John Hancock Center is a good option if you want to dine in and take in views of the city. It is an Upscale restaurant with American fare & a separate lounge atop the center.
View from Skydeck Chicago, Seen: John Hancock Center
View from Skydeck Chicago
