Chicago, once called The Second City, is now the third largest city in the United States. Chicago is also one of the most bustling metropolises in the world. Residents work hard during the week, but play harder on the weekends. Saturday is one of best days to party in the Windy City, whether you're from Chicago or visiting from out of town.
Surprisingly, downtown Chicago has much more going on on Saturdays during the daytime. The Loop basically shuts down in the evening, but the neighborhood is family friendly when the sun is out. Enjoy the most magnificent skyscrapers in America of downtown Chicago, taking in a view of the city from the top floors of either the John Hancock building or Willis Tower. Or if you prefer to stay at street level, head over to Chicago's downtown parks between the Loop and Lake Michigan. See the largest fountain in the city in Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain. Or take a group photo of your reflection in Millennium Park's Cloud Gate sculpture.
Willis Tower Skydeck
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
312-875-9696
the-skydeck.com
John Hancock Observatory
875 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
888-875-8439
hancockobservatory.com
Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park
541 North Fairbanks Court
Chicago, IL 60611
312-742-7529
Cloud Gate in Millennium Park
55 N Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
312-742-5222
millenniumpark.org
The majority of Chicago's venues, clubs and bars are on the north side. Sports fans should go to Wrigleyville, whether or not there's a Cubs game that day. But indie fans should spend the day in Wicker Park-Bucktown. The six corners of North, Damen and Milwaukee Avenues are busy all day long on Saturdays, with cafes, shops and restaurants crowded during the daytime, and the nightlife getting even crazier. Logan Square has the best burgers in town at Kuma's Corner, and the largest beer selection in the Midwest can be found at Hopleaf in Andersonville.
Kuma's Corner
2900 West Belmont Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618
773-604-8769
kumascorner.com
Hopleaf Bar
5148 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60640
773-334-9851
hopleaf.com
Chicago's south side is more expansive, but the most diverse area of the city. Art lovers should check out the galleries in Pilsen, which are much livelier on Saturdays. Get a dose of Asian culture in Chicago's Chinatown, one of the largest in the country. President Barack Obama's former neighborhood is Hyde Park, one of the more decadent South Side neighborhoods and home to the historic Museum of Science and Industry. Before the sun goes down, take a hike or bike ride along the southern strip of the Lakeshore Trail for one of the best skyline views while you exercise.
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637
773-684-1414
msichicago.org
