Playing Tourist in Chicago!
by freeandflawed - October 28, 2008
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The fact that I've lived in Chicago for most of my life doesn't stop me from playing tourist every now and then. Chicago has so much to offer and most of us natives take a lot of it for granted. There is so much to do and so many places to visit. I wanted to share a few of my favorites that you're sure to enjoy whether a native or official tourist. (These are only a few of the must-see attractions Chicago has to offer. Expect a part two in the future!)
The Sears Tower
I don’t care if you think it’s lame, but I love the Sears Tower. It makes me proud knowing that the tallest building in the U.S. resides in my city – take that Empire State Building! Now that I’ve gotten my pride out of the way, I have be honest with you. The Sears Tower is one of the only ways I can find my way while downtown. If I can see the building, I know what streets are nearby. I know, I know, that’s what the lake is for! Don’t judge!
Visit the Sears Tower
It only took me about 22 years, but I finally made it to the top of the Sears Tower. I couldn’t have chosen a more beautiful day either – not a cloud in the sky! It was truly a magnificent view of the city. If you have some extra time, definitely check it out. Plan ahead as the wait can be kind of obnoxious.
Sears Tower
233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
Built in 1973, the Sears Tower is 110 stories tall and is the tallest building in the United States as well as one of...
Built in 1973, the Sears Tower is 110 stories tall and is the tallest building in the United States as well as one of the five tallest towers in the world. Primarily an office building, the 103rd floor of the building is a Skydeck where visitors can step out and, on a clear day, peer out over Illinois, Lake Michigan, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. The Skydeck also has a number of interesting exhibits on Chicago, its history and the sights that can be seen both with the naked eye and through the high-powered telescopes located on the deck. The famous building is located just south of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, beside the Chicago River.
Buckingham Fountain
Every time I visit this fountain I try to scheme up a way to jump in it. I never do! It would be most refreshing during the summer months though. The fountain is a great place for photos, especially at night when it is all lit up. I only recommend not wearing flip flops if you intend to spend a lot of time near it. The ground is full of tiny pebbles and gravel. That gets really annoying!
Buckingham Fountain
S Columbus Dr & E Congress Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
A notable piece of Chicago's public art is Buckingham Fountain, a 25-foot high, multi-tiered fountain that has an imp...
A notable piece of Chicago's public art is Buckingham Fountain, a 25-foot high, multi-tiered fountain that has an impressive water display which runs for 20 minutes on the hour throughout the day. Its carved sculpture, exquisite design and main jet that shoots 150 feet in the air are augmented after dusk by a light and music show show; the last show begins at 10:00 p.m. It is located in downtown's Grant Park, about 2 blocks from the Art Institute of Chicago.
Guess what this is called :P
The Chicago Theater has one of the most famous signs ever – in my opinion of course! While attending school a block away from here, I saw many people snapping pictures of the building.
Chicago Theatre
175 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601
Characterized by its elaborate ornamentation, decoration and furnishings, the Chicago Theatre is one of the city's mo...
Characterized by its elaborate ornamentation, decoration and furnishings, the Chicago Theatre is one of the city's most popular venues for major theatrical and musical performances. Crowds of up to 3,600 have sat for performances by figures including the Indigo Girls, Duke Ellington and Bob Dylan. Towering stories overhead, the theater's famous marquee can be seen far down the street from the theater, which is located about a block from Millennium Park in The Loop neighborhood.
ABC 7 News Studio
Across the street from the Chicago Theater is ABC 7’s News Studio. During peak news hours you will find a swarm of people lined up outside of the window hoping to be caught by the cameras. Typically at the end of the show or before they go to commercial they will show the crowd outside.
Soldier Field
Maybe it’s just because I’m a Bears fan that I felt Soldier Field deserved to be on this list. With that said, I’ve never actually been to Soldier Field. I know! What kind of Bears fan am I?! A warm one, that’s what kind I am! That will all change this year though. Pinky swear.
Two Chicago Day Trips
Check out this fantastic guide by Leigh. She covers your trip whether you’re alone, with the kids or on a date.
Millennium Park
Millennium Park is one of my favorite places in all of Chicago. It’s home to Cloud Gate, a.k.a. The Bean, as well as Crown Fountain, or the faces spitting water at each other as I’ve so kindly called them. Often times, during the summer, there will be live music. In the winter you can enjoy ice skating. I’ve never ice skated outside and am really looking forward to trying that out with the manfriend this year!
There’s a great “foot bath” hidden within the greenery of the park. It’s the perfect place to relax on your lunch break, cool off or figure out who will live-blog your wedding. If you throw a penny in to make a wish, throw an extra one in for me!
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
The park is in a great location, especially for tourists. It is right along Michigan Avenue and close to the Art Institute, the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain and tons of fabulous shops and restaurants.
The park is in a great location, especially for tourists. It is right along Michigan Avenue and close to the Art Institute, the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain and tons of fabulous shops and restaurants.
Millennium Park
Don’t miss ice skating! Keep track of all the fun events happening at Millennium Park.
Marina City
These towers, made famous by their shape, used to terrify me as a child. I never saw the fence along the outside of the building and worried the cars would roll right off of the tower. I now know better! This is just another example of the fantastic architecture Chicago has to offer.
Today the towers are home to the House of Blues and Sax Hotel, as well as an upscale bowling alley and restaurants Bin 36 and Smith and Wollensky.
Water Tower
We all know the story of the great Chicago Fire, right? Short version: There was a fire. A big one. This was one of the few buildings to survive. The end. Chicago’s Water Tower is one of the most famous buildings in the city. And why not? Just look at it!
CTA Passes
Get around the city with one of the many CTA passes available. For tourists, the 1, 2, 3 or 5-day fun passes might be your best fare choice.
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I feel like I haven’t even touched a crumb of Chicago! Better go back soon… I think E would wet himself if I took his to Soldier Field, he loves his Bears :o)
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El Guapo says “bueno”. I have amigos in town tomorrow and need to figure out where to take them. Usually I am partial to the indoor Pirate-themed children’s musical at the navy pier, but these are also some very good options. Thanks for the tips.
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