Chicago: A Second-to-none City [Take two]
Art Institute of Chicago: The second-largest art museum in the US, the Art Institute houses treasures and masterpieces from around the globe, including a fabulous selection of both impressionist and post-impressionist paintings. The Modern Wing dazzles with natural light, and hangs Picassos and Mirós on its 3rd floor.
The Cloud Gate (AKA The Bean)
That’s me making my mark 🙂
Museum of Contemporary Art: Consider it the Art Institute’s brash, rebellious sibling, with especially strong minimalist, surrealist and book arts collections, and permanent works by Franz Kline, Rene Magritté, Cindy Sherman and Andy Warhol.
Millennium Park: Rising boldly by the lakefront, Millennium Park is a treasure trove of free and arty sights. Frank Gehry’s 120ft-high swooping silver band shell anchors what is, in essence, an outdoor modern design gallery. However, the thing that has become the park’s biggest draw is ‘the Bean’ – officially titled Cloud Gate – Anish Kapoor’s ridiculously smooth, 110-ton, silver-drop sculpture. Locals and visitors alike find it hard to resist such playful art, as you’ll see from all the folks splashing around in Crown Fountain and touching the sculpture.
The best pizza joint ever
John Hancock Center: Get high in Chicago’s third-tallest skyscraper. In many ways the view here surpasses the one at Willis Tower, as the Hancock is closer to the lake and a little further north. Those needing a city history lesson should ascend to the 94th-floor observatory, and listen to the archaic audio tour that comes with admission. Those secure in their knowledge should shoot up to the 96th-floor Signature Lounge, where the view is free if you buy a drink ($6 to $14).
Navy Pier: Once the city’s municipal wharf, Navy Pier, which is a half-mile long, is now covered with a Ferris wheel (per ride $6), an IMAX theater, numerous shops and gimmicky chain restaurants. Locals groan over its commercialization, but its lakefront view and cool breezes can’t be beat. The fireworks displays on Wednesday (9:30pm) and Saturday (10:15pm) are a treat too.
Chicago River and Lake Architecture Tour: Chicago is renowned for its stunning and original architecture, and the most relaxing way to see it is on a cruise on the Chicago River! You’ll learn all about Chicago’s history and landmarks before the tour’s grand finale, a thrilling speedboat ride on Lake Michigan. From the boat, you’ll see and hear about the dozens of skyscrapers lining the Chicago River, including the Sears Tower and the Tribune Tower.
City Lights at Night Bicycle Tour: Bike through Chicago’s most attractive locations at night and discover her charming neighborhoods. Enjoy a leisurely and informative biking experience as you see some of the most beautiful sites of the Windy City such as Buckingham Fountain, Millennium Park and Museum Campus. As you cruise downtown, you’ll see Chicago illuminated with the sparkling city lights on this night bicycle tour.
Chicago CityPass:
Chicago CityPASS is the best deal in the Windy City, giving you discounted admission to five of the city’s premier attractions. The Chicago CityPASS ensures you’ll get the most out of your vacation – yet it is so compact it will fit into your back pocket. It’s all you need to see the best of Chicago!
Chicago CityPASS includes entry to:
- Shedd Aquarium (includes VIP entry to galleries, Amazon Rising, Wild Reef, Abbott Oceanarium, Polar Play Zone, an aquatic show, Jellies special exhibit and your choice of a 4-D experience)
- The Field Museum (includes Underground Adventure)
- Skydeck Chicago (includes Fast Pass Admission and The Ledge)
- Option Ticket 1: Adler Planetarium (includes VIP entry and one 3-D theater show) OR Art Institute of Chicago (includes audio tour)
- Option Ticket 2: John Hancock Observatory (includes Fast Pass Admission, multimedia tour and free coffee) OR Museum of Science and Industry (includes VIP entry to exhibits, an Omnimax show and a flight simulator ride)
This is the best way for you to save time and money. Each ticket booklet is packed with useful information, including hours of operation, contact and transportation information and insider tips.
Most venues included in the pass have different minimum ages for free entry. It is your choice whether you purchase a pass for infants and children to avoid standing in ticket lines to verify ages and pay admission upon entry. You may purchase a Child Pass for infants and children, however this may not be cost saving.
[C]uwait 
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