Chicago is no stranger to hotels rooted in history. Be sure to stay at the historic Congress Plaza Hotel on Michigan Avenue, built in 1893 for the World's Columbian Exposition. The Congress Plaza, once owned by gangster Al Capone, still contains underground escape routes and an eerie feeling of local haunts.
The Congress Plaza Hotel and Convention Center
520 South Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60605
312-427-3800
congressplazahotel.com
The Windy City offers some exquisite dining options. From pizza to pasta, hot dogs to brats, Chicagoans know how to pack on the pounds.
When in Chicago, it is necessary to indulge in a traditional deep dish pizza or Chicago-style hot dog. Visit Pizzeria Uno, the home of the original deep dish pizza, in the avant-garde River North neighborhood.
If visiting in spring or summer, enjoy an alfresco meal and bask in the sounds of this great city. If in a rush, try a real Chicago-style hot dog from Gold Coast Dogs. It doesn't matter where you get it, as long as you don't use ketchup!
Pizzeria Uno
29 East Ohio
Chicago, IL 60611
312-321-1000
unos.com
Gold Coast Dogs
500 W. Madison Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603
312-715-9488
goldcoastdogs.net
The home of the original Chicago Water Tower and Pumping Station, one of few buildings to survive the Great Fire of 1871, Michigan Avenue is more than just a historical significance; it is also a modern day shopping destination.
The Magnificent Mile is an eight-block stretch of Michigan Avenue in the midst of downtown Chicago with more than 450 stores, including, American Girl Place, Bloomingdale's, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Apple, Best Buy, the Water Tower Place, Crate & Barrel, Cartier and Burberry.
The Magnificent Mile
Michigan Avenue, from the Chicago River to Oak Street
Chicago, IL
themagnificentmile.com
Chicago boasts some of the greatest and most exciting shows and live performances around. See performances like Billy Elliot the Musical, Wicked or White Christmas at any one of Chicago's great theaters. Venture up north for an unforgettable improv show at Chicago's very own Second City.
Cadillac Palace Theatre
151 W Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601
312-977-1700
broadwayinchicago.com
Bank of America Theatre
18 West Monroe St.
Chicago, IL 60603
312-977-1700
broadwayinchicago.com
The Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre
24 West Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601
312-977-1700
broadwayinchicago.com
The Auditorium Theatre
50 East Congress Parkway
Chicago, IL 60605
312-977-1700
broadwayinchicago.com
Broadway Playhouse
175 East Chestnut Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
312-977-1700
broadwayinchicago.com
Second City Chicago
1616 North Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60614
312-337-3992
secondcity.com
Chicago, like most large metropolises, has an elaborate transit system. The elevated train, better known as the 'L', is a great way for tourists toget around. In addition, visitors can use buses and taxis that are available 24 hours a day. Visit the Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) website for maps, schedules, fare information and a convenient trip planner widget.
Chicago Transit Authority
567 West Lake St.
Chicago, IL 60661
312-836-7000
transitchicago.com
Although visitors to Chicago can enjoy a number of outdoor festivals, farmers markets and park activities in the summer months, the other seasons are just as enjoyable.
The holiday season is one of the best times, when visitors can ice skate in Millennium Park, soak in hearty German fare at the Christkindlmarket on Daley Plaza, or enjoy ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo.
Daley Plaza
118 North Clark St.
Chicago, Illinois 60611
312-644-2662
christkindlmarket.com
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 North Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
312-742-2000
lpzoo.com
Millennium Park
201 East Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60602
312-742-5222
millenniumpark.org
