First timer to Chicago. (Lincoln, Ohio: hotel, house, transfer to)

[Canadian GP]

I'm staying at The Hard Rock and have one full day to spend sightseeing. What attractions close to my hotel should I not miss? FYI, not a big partier so not looking for a busy night life.

[Kevin J]

Very close to your hotel:

1. Millennium Park
2. North Michigan Avenue (shopping)
3 Lakefront
4. Chicago Architectural Foundation architectural boat tour (departs at Michigan and Wacker)

15-20 minute walk from your hotel:
1. Willis Tower (aka Sears Tower) observatory


All of that would fill an entire day. If you're into art and don't mind spending half your day in a museum, the world-class Art Institute of Chicago is very close to the Hard Rock. There are other things to see downtown, but nothing else that I would call a must-see.

[ChiGuy2.5]

Below are some Kevin mentioned, plus others.

1. Most visitors MUST see Millenium Park. I strongly suggest you see it. Its VERY close by.

2. I also recommend you visit Lincoln Park Zoo, if you like animals. It can be quite a hike from the hardrock on foot. A cab may cost $10 with the tip.

3. Willis Tower is less than a 15-20 minute walk in my opinion. I would say no more than 10 mins. I strongly recommend it for new comers as well.

4. The architecture tour I strongly recommend as well.

5. Navy Pier is very close to your hotel. It is a great place to take amazing skyline shots. You can also ride the ferris wheel up to the top and get an even better series of pictures.

6. If you are a shopper, magnificent mile is full of shopping you can do.

Hope you enjoy your stay!!

[aragx6]

Willis Tower is more than a mile from the Hard Rock, so while it's certainly walkable, it's by no means a 10-minute walk. Not unless you're doing that sweet power walking thing they did in the Olympics.

[ChiGuy2.5]

Originally Posted by aragx6

Willis Tower is more than a mile from the Hard Rock, so while it's certainly walkable, it's by no means a 10-minute walk. Not unless you're doing that sweet power walking thing they did in the Olympics.

Potato, potato. Its close. I walked from Public House to past Willis Tower in 10 minutes. I guess I am a fast walker?

[jdiddy]

Originally Posted by Canadian GP

I'm staying at The Hard Rock and have one full day to spend sightseeing. What attractions close to my hotel should I not miss? FYI, not a big partier so not looking for a busy night life.

Rent a bike, ride the lakefront. There are bike shares at Ohio st beach.

[Canadian GP]

I'm a retired mailman from Canada, I just hope my wife can keep up.

These are all great ideas, thanks so much.

[flamadiddle]

I would also highly recommend a boat tour. They take you up and down the Chicago River and out onto Lake Michigan. Very cool. There are a bunch of different providers and the hotel can tell you where to get tickets, etc. For example >

http://www.mercuryskylinecruiseline.com

Chicago River and Lake Architecture Tours - Seadog Cruises Navy Pier

Wendella Boat Tour

[NC_MVP]

I too will be a first time visitor to Chicago in October. I will be staying at the Crowne Plaza Avenue Hotel. The CTA transit map is confusing to me. After reading several threads, it seems the best option from O'Hare is to take the blue line, then walk to the hotel, but I am still not sure which stop to take.

While in Chicago I plan to walk/shop Michigan Avenue, visit the John Hancock Observatory, do the Architecture River Tour, and see Millennium Park. Any ideas for nightlife?

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by NC_MVP

I too will be a first time visitor to Chicago in October. I will be staying at the Crowne Plaza Avenue Hotel. The CTA transit map is confusing to me. After reading several threads, it seems the best option from O'Hare is to take the blue line, then walk to the hotel, but I am still not sure which stop to take.

Crowne Plaza...if you take the train from O'Hare:

1) Ride to the Jackson stop for the Blue Line. Will take 40-50 minutes to get down there.
2) Make a transfer to the Red Line at Jackson. Transfering at this stop is easy, and free. When you get off the train, look for the signs that say "Red Line" and have some arrows pointing downwards. Downwards is some stairs. Basically take those stairs and you'll come to a pedestrian tunnel..just walk to the other side of the tunnel and up the stairs.
3) Get on the Red line in the direction of Howard.
4) Get off at the Chicago stop (just a few stops).
5) Walk to your destination.


If you have trouble doing the transfer thing or can't find anything, look for someone with a CTA uniform on, or look for someone who looks nice and is a local. They'll help you out. Also, if you aren't familiar with O'Hare, to get to the Trains, you're going to want to get down to the Baggage Claim/ground transportation area, and then you'll start to see signs that say "CTA Trains to the City." There's only a few signs for some reason in the levels above baggage claim/ground transportation.


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As far as nightlife goes, what are you looking for? There are multiple areas for night life in Chicago and some are different than others