First Timer in Chicago: Jun 17-20 (Lincoln, La Salle: appointed, best neighborhoods, rent)

[scguy89]

Hello everyone,

I am visiting Chicago for the first time in my life (tagging along with my gf for her conference) and we are staying at the Palmer House - Hilton off 17 East Monroe Street.

What would you guys suggest I do to fill my days while she is at her conference? What sight seeing things could we see while we are there? Places to walk and check out? Restaurants nearby?

Is a boat tour of the river a waste of time and money or would we find it enjoyable?

Neither of us have been ever and we want to get a good picture of the area.

We are really excited so any ideas or suggestions would be great.

[jahk]

The boat tour with the Chicago Architecture Foundation - Welcome - 312.922.3432 is well worth the time and money. And in late June the weather will be about perfect for a boat tour. Their walking tours are also a good way to see the city and learn some history. I've never been disappointed.

You might also check out the events section in the Reader (Chicago Reader | Events | Recommended). It's pretty dense, but you might find a favorite band playing in town while you're here.

If you're interested, Blue Man Group in Chicago is less expensive than Las Vegas. Buy Tickets | Blue Man Group

Chicago's a big enough place that if you're interested in something, you can probably find it. Kayaking on the river? It's here. Lakefront walks? Yep, they're here. Shopping? Yep. Offbeat museums? https://www.imss.org/ Yep, they're here. Lithuanian polka bands? Probably, but I'm not sure where to find them.

[nana053]

If you have time, Chicago's own neo-futurists are a great choice for a fun evening. It's a bit north, but not hard to get to. It's inexpensive as well.

Neo-Futurists - TMLMTBGB

[hindukid]

I recommend you rent a bike and bike as much of the lakefront trail as you can. There is no better way to see the lake than by bike. It is too long to walk that much if it and the road is too far away to drive it.

Best neighborhoods outside downtown to explore are Lincoln park, Lakeview and Wicker Park.

Also I really recommend going to the terrace on trump for drinks.

[edsg25]

Originally Posted by hindukid

I recommend you rent a bike and bike as much of the lakefront trail as you can. There is no better way to see the lake than by bike. It is too long to walk that much if it and the road is too far away to drive it.

Best neighborhoods outside downtown to explore are Lincoln park, Lakeview and Wicker Park.

Also I really recommend going to the terrace on trump for drinks.

good choice of neighborhoods, but i'd definitely add hyde park to the list.

[ToriaT]

Millenium Park is within walking distance and the art institute is very close by to where you will be staying. Also there are these red double decker buses you can get on I do not know much about them but that might be a good idea.

[scguy89]

Originally Posted by jahk

The boat tour with the Chicago Architecture Foundation - Welcome - 312.922.3432 is well worth the time and money. And in late June the weather will be about perfect for a boat tour. Their walking tours are also a good way to see the city and learn some history. I've never been disappointed.

You might also check out the events section in the Reader (Chicago Reader | Events | Recommended). It's pretty dense, but you might find a favorite band playing in town while you're here.

If you're interested, Blue Man Group in Chicago is less expensive than Las Vegas. Buy Tickets | Blue Man Group

Chicago's a big enough place that if you're interested in something, you can probably find it. Kayaking on the river? It's here. Lakefront walks? Yep, they're here. Shopping? Yep. Offbeat museums? https://www.imss.org/ Yep, they're here. Lithuanian polka bands? Probably, but I'm not sure where to find them.

Thanks for the ideas. I love architecture and urban planning so I thought the boat tour would be a good idea for us. The Blue Man Group is a great suggestion as well. We probably hit up at least one museum while we are there as well. (She's planning on skipping out after lunch a couple days )

Originally Posted by nana053

If you have time, Chicago's own neo-futurists are a great choice for a fun evening. It's a bit north, but not hard to get to. It's inexpensive as well.

Neo-Futurists - TMLMTBGB

That sounds like a really unique idea! We had a (much smaller scale) group like this in college I used to go see. Unfortunately we won't be in town on the weekend so we won't be able to enjoy them. I'll keep them in mind for my future visit though.

Originally Posted by hindukid

I recommend you rent a bike and bike as much of the lakefront trail as you can. There is no better way to see the lake than by bike. It is too long to walk that much if it and the road is too far away to drive it.

Best neighborhoods outside downtown to explore are Lincoln park, Lakeview and Wicker Park.

Also I really recommend going to the terrace on trump for drinks.

I'd like to talk her into riding around but she probably won't be up for it. We have a great bike trail here in Greenville and I've yet to get both of us on it at the same time.

As for the Terrance at Trump: It looks absolutely amazing but it may be out of our price range. Would we be considered strange if we just went there for a couple drinks to enjoy the atmosphere? Also, I wasn't planning on bringing anything nicer than khakis and a nice button down. Would I want to bring some nicer clothes if we end up there? Don't want to feel out of place.

Originally Posted by ToriaT

Millenium Park is within walking distance and the art institute is very close by to where you will be staying. Also there are these red double decker buses you can get on I do not know much about them but that might be a good idea.

Will definitely check out both of those venues you mentioned!

Also I'm obsessed with urban development and planning so if there are any "wow" areas that I should see, please let me know.

Thanks for the ideas. I'm pretty excited.

[scguy89]

The only thing I know about Chicago is:

Da bears
White Sox
Boat Tours
Sears Tower
Urban city.

[i_am_hydrogen]

- John Hancock Observatory, especially at night
- Lincoln Park Zoo, which is free. Make sure to visit the South Pond nature boardwalk adjacent to the zoo.
View in autumn:

- Oak Street beach. Surrounding by high-rises, it has a unique feel.
- LaSalle Street has amazing architecture, including the Chicago Board of Trade.

[scguy89]

Originally Posted by i_am_hydrogen

- John Hancock Observatory, especially at night
- Lincoln Park Zoo, which is free. Make sure to visit the South Pond nature boardwalk adjacent to the zoo.
View in autumn:

- Oak Street beach. Surrounding by high-rises, it has a unique feel.
- LaSalle Street has amazing architecture, including the Chicago Board of Trade.

Thank you for the tips.

The Lincoln Park Zoo and boardwalk sounds like a no brainer and I'll probably venture out to the Oak Street beach for myself.

I want to make it to the John Hancock Observatory but what is included with the general admission ($15)?

Also would you get the Sun and Stars ticket in addition ($22)?

I think I'll make La Salle street one of my day adventures to explore the city. I want to walk around there, Michigan Avenue and the Millennium Park.

Is the Willis Tower worth the money ($17.50) or would you stick to the observatory? Also, I'm sure the wait is horrendous but would we want to purchase the fast pass option for $35?

Thanks again!