Perhaps the most famous structure in Chicago stands 1,454 feet high, the tallest building in the U.S. since 1974. It was recently renamed the Willis Tower by a London-based insurance brokerage that secured the naming rights. The SkyDeck Observatory is open to guest daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. April to September, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. from October through March.
Willis Tower
233 S Wacker Dr
Chicago, IL 60606
http://www.theskydeck.com
Chicago is famous for its deep dish pizza and you'll find a number of pizzerias that don't disappoint. Try Giordano's World-Famous Stuffed Pizza at any of its 39 Chicago-area locations.
Giordano's World Famous Stuffed Pizza
1040 W. Belmont Ave
Belmont, IL 60657
(773) 327-1200
http://www.giordanos.com
Home of the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field is one of the most famous baseball stadiums in the country. The back walls are covered with ivy and the scoreboard is updated by hand, contributing to the hometown feel.
Wrigley Field
1060 W Addison St
Chicago, IL 60613
(312) 645-9511
http://www.wrigleyfield.me
The musical, "Chicago," portrays the city through the eyes of jazz and you'll find plenty of it here. For the best in bebop and swing, head over to Andy's Jazz Club. Andy's has jazz playing at 12 p.m., 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. so you can get your jazz hot anytime of the day.
Andy's Jazz Club
11 E Hubbard St
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 642-6805
Http://www.andysjazzclub.com
There's a reason the beautiful Chicago Botanic Gardens are located 25 miles from the city. The beauty of these gardens invites you to get away from the hustle and bustle and stroll through the 400-acre preserve, filled with lagoons, Japanese gardens, topiaries and 20 other gardens. Don't miss the Bee Line, a glass enclosure filled with 10,000 bees.
Chicago Botanic Gardens
1000 Lake Cook Rd
Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 835-5440
http://www.chicago-botanic.org
If you're an art lover, you must visit the Museum of Contemporary Art. Featuring such media as photography, dance, music and an acre of sculptures, the MCA has had the largest collection of contemporary art since 1996. During the summer the museum hosts a number of art-related events.
Museum of Contemporary Art
220 E Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 280-2660
http://www.mcachicago.org
A Chicago landmark since 1959, the Second City Theater has launched the careers of some of our best-loved comedians, including Mike Myers and Bill Murray. With two stages, actors perform live original comedy every night of the week. You can even sign up to take classes with some of the best professionals in comedy.
Second City Theater
1616 N. Wells Street
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 337-3992
http://www.secondcity.com
This annual event doesn't feature chips and dip. Held every summer in Grant's Park in downtown, the Salsa festival features many of the world's best salsa dancers. Classes and workshops are available to teach you how to heat up the dance floor with these hot moves. Bars and clubs stay open until the morning hours with performances and open dancing.
A list of the top 10 best is always up to interpretation but Hugo's Frog Bar stands out among Chicago's best restaurants. This bustling steak and seafood restaurant is always jam-packed and worth the wait. Check out Hugo's Happy Hour and the nightly piano player.
Hugo's Frog Bar
1024 North Rush St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 640-0999
http://www.hugosfrogbar.com
One of the largest fountains in the world, this landmark has a dazzling light, sound and water show in Grant Park every hour daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m, April to October. It's delightful and free.
