What to do in Chicago?? - DPChallenge Forums

04/10/2007 05:57:46 PM · #1

Hi everybody,

If all goes well I will be traveling to Chicago on friday for a long weekend.
I would like some suggestions on things to do and places to visit.
Maybe even a restaurant recomendation for that one restaurant you have to visit once in your life. Stuff like that.

Any help would be great.

Message edited by author 2007-04-11 17:10:47.

TooCool

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

04/10/2007 06:00:13 PM · #2

Shedd Aquarium is very cool!

Message edited by author 2007-04-10 18:01:10.

Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS

04/10/2007 06:07:39 PM · #3

Thanks.

Oh and how about public transport? Is that doable? Or do I use taxi's all over?
Forgive me if I sound stupid, that's because I am, and because I have never been in the US before, and the idea of this trip came just 3 hours ago... :)

ursula

Fujifilm X-T2

04/10/2007 06:16:03 PM · #4

You got to get pizza in Chicago, Father and Son or the stuffed pizza place in River Forest, Giordanos.

When we lived in Chicago, public transport was slow and at times just a little scary, but .... we used it. I guess it depends on what kind of a person you are. A lot of people wouldn't use the public transport.

Message edited by author 2007-04-10 18:17:39.

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/10/2007 06:24:05 PM · #5

Originally posted by ursula:

I think things have changed from 1934...

petrakka

04/10/2007 06:27:13 PM · #6

There is decent public transportation in buses and L (elevated) trains.

//www.transitchicago.com/

I would check out the Green Mill if you like good blues or jazz music.

If you go out for some drinks and want some real entertainment check out the Wiener Circle, where the clerks and cooks will make fun of everyone that comes in, and it's vulgar (pretty funny, especially after some whiskey).

A lot of tourists like Millenium Park, and downtown along lake michigan is just generally pretty nice.
You're about to visit a nice city.

Also there are Giordano's downtown, you don't have to go to the suburbs to get it.

ursula

Fujifilm X-T2

Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS

04/10/2007 06:27:24 PM · #7

Originally posted by DrAchoo:

Originally posted by ursula:
You got to get pizza in Chicago, Father and Son or the stuffed pizza place in River Forest, Giordanos.

When we lived in Chicago, public transport was slow and at times just a little scary, but .... we used it. I guess it depends on what kind of a person you are. A lot of people wouldn't use the public transport.

I think things have changed from 1934...

He, he, really? Is it safer now?

BTW - I love Chicago, my parents, brother/sister and families live there. It's one of the best big cities I've been to.

Message edited by author 2007-04-10 18:28:47.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

04/10/2007 06:31:22 PM · #8

OK, I just lost a whole post because I clicked back without posting.

I live in Chicago currently (in fact, this will be my last weekend here before moving back to Europe).

Shedd Acquarium - is OK, expensive (EUR25+)and doesn't really have anything that is uniquely Chicago. By all means head down there, because the best views of the City can be seen from there.

= Taken outside the Shedd Acquarium.

If the weather is behaving itself I thoroughly recommend taking a boat trip on the Chicago River. The Chicago Architecture Foundation run architecture tours down the river which is spectacular. I'm not sure if they are running the boat tours just yet, but they have a host of others which are great. Chicago is famous for it's fantastic architecture.

Chicago Architecture Foundation Tours

- Don't worry - the ice has melted!

For a nice way to start the evening, head to the 95th floor of the John Hancock. You will most probably have to queue, but it's well worth it. The Signature Room bar is a wonderful place to go at sunset. The views are spectacular.

Chicago does have a good public transport system. I'm not sure how long ago Ursula lived in Chicago, but it's not that scary these days. It's a pretty efficient way to get around the city and then there are plenty of buses.

If you want more suggestions don't hesitate to pm me! I've got lots of ideas, but a little bit depends on what you are interested in.

Elmakias

Canon EOS-5D

04/10/2007 06:42:51 PM · #9

they have some nice art museums

ursula

Fujifilm X-T2

Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS

04/10/2007 06:47:35 PM · #10

Go to a Cubs game :)

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120 f/4 S

04/10/2007 06:48:36 PM · #11

Wow what a load of tips.
Hmm, and so little time.
A boat trip over the river would be a nice idea.
And those pizza's look tasty as well.

I have to sleep now, it's getting late, will check tomorow morning again. Thanks all.

bassbone

Nikon Z8

04/10/2007 07:01:12 PM · #12

The northern section of downtown is really nice - especially around the Water Tower and John Hancock buildings. Many great shops and really nice places to eat. The main drag is called the Miracle Mile (Michigan Avenue).

Rush Street has some really nice restaurants - especially near the Hancock building (it is a few blocks in from the lake front).

Picking up a Chicago Cubs game is a treat - Wrigley Field is like no other park in baseball. They are playing on Saturday and Sunday afternoon - you might be able to get tickets.

The Art Institute of Chicago is fantastic - among the best art museums in the country - right near the lakefront.

There are some great restaurants in Chitown - but a really cool experience is to eat at the Signature Room on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building. If not, try Geja's Cafe for some awesome fondue.

If you are in the mood for Chicago style deep dish pizza, you can venture to one of the three main competitors, Ginos, Pizzeria-Uno, or Giordano's. All are really good, but my favorite is Gino's.

Have fun and bring your walking shows!

Message edited by author 2007-04-10 19:32:30.

brownsm

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

04/10/2007 07:12:42 PM · #13

Probably my favorite city. I would second Green Mill for jazz. Its authentic. Cubs gamr, pizza, Hancock bldg. Architecture n pay your is also great. For blues I frequent B.L.U.E.S. Its a dive but bartenders are friendly and the music can't be beat.

taterbug

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

04/10/2007 07:37:32 PM · #14

Chicago is awesome. I was stationed in Great Lakes several times, and we went down to the city frequently. Also, Sheila and I went there for our honeymoon. We took the train to Chicago, then walked, taxi, or bus everywhere we went. The Art Institute is great. We also really enjoyed the Museum of Contemporary Art. Hanging out down around the Navy Pier is cool. The Sears Tower can be an interesting filler if there is time. Lots of cool restaurants. There is a place I think called Tommy Guns (or something like that) that is a 30's gangster, speak easy type motif, and there are Police raids! Also, I never remember the name, but there is a restaurant where the staff is extremely rude to all the customers (in good fun of course). And, if it is up your alley, they tape the Jerry Springer show in Chicago. :-P

bassbone

Nikon Z8

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120 f/4 S

04/10/2007 07:45:21 PM · #15

Originally posted by taterbug:

Also, I never remember the name, but there is a restaurant where the staff is extremely rude to all the customers (in good fun of course).

It's called Ed Debevics.. It's a 50's style burger joint with waitstaff in 'character'. A lot of fun. It is on W Jackson Street - not far from the Hancock building - a few blocks 'inland'.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120 f/4 S

04/10/2007 07:49:43 PM · #16

Actually Ed Debevics is on the corner of Wells and Ontario St (3 blocks from my apartment!), not Jackson (Jackson is in the Loop).

Originally posted by pccjrose:

Originally posted by taterbug:
Also, I never remember the name, but there is a restaurant where the staff is extremely rude to all the customers (in good fun of course).

It's called Ed Debevics.. It's a 50's style burger joint with waitstaff in 'character'. A lot of fun. It is on W Jackson Street - not far from the Hancock building - a few blocks 'inland'.

sabphoto

Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+

04/10/2007 07:56:11 PM · #17

There is a ton to do and see there, public transportation is all around, they even have FREE (read: zero money, no dollars) trolleys that take you to different places and you just get on and off as you please (well when they are at the stops that is). You can go from the sears tower over to Navy Pier down to the aquarium and I think Solider Field then around again.

-cloud gate (chicago bean) at Millenium Park

-just buildings

-skyline at night from Shed Aquarium/plantarium street

also at night you don't want to miss Buckingham Fountain. There are many photographers out there but I noticed most shoot towards the water, I prefer towards the city sorry I don't have any of those to post.

Trip to the top of the sears tower is awesome IF it's gonna be a clear day. Sometime you are even above the clouds.

Enjoy...and if you get time you could even head north towards Wisconsin and stop at the Chicago Botanical Gardens (go north on 41 and east on Lake Cook, not really that far). Sorry I don't have more of my images from there either but here is one taken at the entrance to the Oriental Gardens (which I think were just renovated).

bassbone

Nikon Z8

04/10/2007 07:58:45 PM · #18

Thanks for the correction - I am losing it!

Originally posted by salmiakki:

Actually Ed Debevics is on the corner of Wells and Ontario St (3 blocks from my apartment!), not Jackson (Jackson is in the Loop).

Originally posted by pccjrose:

Originally posted by taterbug:
Also, I never remember the name, but there is a restaurant where the staff is extremely rude to all the customers (in good fun of course).

It's called Ed Debevics.. It's a 50's style burger joint with waitstaff in 'character'. A lot of fun. It is on W Jackson Street - not far from the Hancock building - a few blocks 'inland'.

Charlene

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

04/10/2007 08:10:18 PM · #19

At the website listed, you can even say what time you want to leave, where you're starting at and where you'd like to end up, and the CTA will map your route, times, and buslines for you. You can totally plan your agenda there, and have no worries about missing the bus, or catching a bus. You can also get transit cards for 72 hours use (bus and trains) for only $9. They have kiosks set up at the airport to get them. Super easy and a great way to see the beautiful city.

Originally posted by petrakka:

04/10/2007 09:13:56 PM · #20

Make a note however, that right now Buckingham Fountain is under construction and is not yet in "Fountain" mode! If it is the 14/15th April that you are here, I doubt if it'll be ready for business. Sorry to tell you, it's also rather cold and miserable here right now. Around 4 C and there is snow forecast over the next couple of days. UGH.

Originally posted by sabphoto:

04/11/2007 02:32:13 PM · #21

**Live Weather Update for OP**

It's snowing in Chicago today. It's miserable. Bring a warm coat.

04/11/2007 05:14:45 PM · #22

Originally posted by salmiakki:

**Live Weather Update for OP**

It's snowing in Chicago today. It's miserable. Bring a warm coat.

Hmm why did I exchange The Netherlands for Chicago this week?
It's going to be nice warm and sunny this weekend in Holland!
It's reported to be 25C 77F here on saturday....

Why oh Why?