Chicago is sometimes overlooked by visitors, who have heard more about NYC, Miami and San Francisco, but its a delightful discovery that many miss out on. As a New Yorker, I loved strolling along the riverfront, with its aquamarine water (a beautiful color, thanks to water from Lake Michigan), the clean air, lack of crowds, friendly vibe, and, similar to NYC, great food.
1. Sail on an evening boat cruise to watch the fireworks
Whether youre on a couples getaway or family vacation, an evening boat cruise on the river and Lake Michigan is a great way to enjoy the illuminated city skyline, culminating in the perfect vantage point to take in the fireworks. During the summer, fireworks are at 9:30pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. If youre visiting as an extended family, or for an extra special romantic touch, consider a private yacht charter.
2. Savor delicious dining for foodies
Chicago offers amazing dining for foodies everything from 3 Michelin Star Alinea by Chef Grant Achatz to gracious French cuisine at Les Nomades to innovative farm-to-table modern American at Allium to bustling no-reservations wine bar Avec to a plethora of ethnic food, from Indian to Greek to Thai.
3. Delight in lake views from Four Seasons Chicago
The Four Seasons Chicago, unlike many city hotels that also include private residences and condos in the same building, occupies the top floors (30th to 46th) of its tower in Chicagos Gold Coast neighborhood, steps from the shops of the Magnificent Mile. This means that it offers the highest hotel rooms in the city, and lake-view rooms and suites offer spectacular views of Lake Michigan. Theres also an indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and of course superb Four Seasons service. Ive never had a more personalized welcome amenity (my favorite brand and flavor of yogurt was waiting for me on arrival)the staff here really does go the extra mile.
4. View Impressionist masterpieces and more at the Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the great art museums of the world, and should not be missed, whether you want to take in Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Degas and Renoir, Post-Impressionist works by Seurat, Gauguin and Van Gogh, or investigate the museums collections of ancient and Byzantine art, Asian art, American Indian art, photography, modern art, and more. If you have kids, dont rule out a visitthey may well be fascinated by the stained glass and armor in the Medieval section, the Egyptian mummy, or the depictions of Greek and Roman gods and goddesses.
5. Explore Chicago by foot with Inside Chicago walking tours
One of my favorite things to do when visiting a city is to take a walking tour led by a local guide, and Inside Chicago Walking Tours, led by Hillary Marzec, was a highlight of my recent stay. I took the At the Heart of the City tour of the Riverfront and Magnificent Mile, and Hillary brought the citys history to life through its architecture, sharing with us both tragic and humorous anecdotes, while also sharing tips on where to take the best photographs.
If youve been to Chicago, what were your favorite experiences?
