Things To Do

- The Great Hall at Chicago Union Station: This is an easy one to check out! Take a quick walk to this Amtrak hub with stunning marble and tall ceilings, and see the famous staircase from the mob shootout scene in "The Untouchables" film.

- Shop on the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Ave)

- Millennium Park

~ The Crown Fountain

~ The Bean (Cloud Gate)

~ Free concerts on the Great Lawn

~ Lurie Garden

- Architecture Tour on the Chicago River (Wendella Boat Rides)

- Kayaking/Paddle Board on the Chicago River or Montrose Beach

- Maggie Daley Park

~ Rock Climbing

~ Play Garden (Playgrounds)

~ Mini Golf

- Taste of Chicago (July 6-July 10): An amazing and expansive food festival in Grant Park!

- Museums

~ Field Museum (Museum Campus)

~ Shedd Aquarium (Museum Campus)

~ Adler Planetarium (Museum Campus)

~ The Art Institute (Michigan Ave)

~ Science and Industry (Hyde Park --by University of Chicago, not downtown)

- The Lakefront Trail: Runs all along Chicago so you can walk/bike to so many neighborhoods! The trail is 18.5 miles long. We love walking from the Museum Campus to Navy Pier. However, you can reach so much more of Chicago from this path.

- Fishing at Burnham Harbor (Museum Campus): Great little spot if you enjoy fishing or looking at boats. Be sure you have a fishing license.

- Northerly Island: A hidden oasis! Beautiful walking paths and unique perspective of the Chicago Skyline if you're into photography.

- Starbucks Reserve and Roastery: 4 floors of creative drinks and food that are not available at a typical Starbucks. Regular Starbucks menu items are not served at this location. The 4th floor is a cocktail lounge. There may be a line to get in, but it moves quickly.

- Harold Washington Library (South Loop): Check out the Winter Garden on the 9th floor!

- Navy Pier

~ Centennial Wheel and other rides

~ Shows

~ Fireworks on Wednesdays and Saturdays

~ Greenhouses

- Buckingham Fountain: Beautiful place for pictures with the skyline or lake in the background!

- The Sears Tower (Willis Tower): Go onto the Sky Deck (hopefully it's a clear day!) or simply admire from below.

- The John Hancock Tower (875 North Michigan Ave): If you want great views and drinks, check out the bar on the 94th floor! (Bonus: The lady's restroom has its own great views). If fine dining is more your speed, grab dinner on the 96th floor in the Signature Lounge!

- Bike Rentals: Individual and multi-rider bike rental stands can be found throughout the city and by the lake

-Theater: Chicago has a wonderful theater district. See what's playing on Broadway in Chicago!

- Second City: If comedy is more your speed, catch a show at Second City! Many famous comedians and SNL stars got their start here.

- Chicago Riverwalk: Beautiful way to travel through the city. Restaurants, cafes, bars, and restrooms can be found along the way.

- Beaches (all are public and free, these are just a few)

~ North Avenue Beach (Lincoln Park)

~ Oak Street Beach (Navy Pier)

~ Ohio Street Beach (Gold Coast)

~12th Street Beach (Museum Campus)

- The Chicago Water Tower: The only surviving structure of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The nearby Water Tower Place is a popular shopping center with an American Girl Doll store.

- Skate Parks: There is one in Grant Park that is a cool place to people watch if you happen to walk by/be in the area

Food

- Lou Malnati's (multiple locations): Our personal favorite for Chicago deep dish. The crust is buttery and their sauce is fresh! Our favorite pizza is pepperoni with spinach mix, and fresh roma tomatoes on top.

- Giordano's (multiple locations): Another big name in Chicago deep dish. They use a lot of cheese! Be aware that there will be an hour wait for the pizza to cook.

- Bombo Bar (West Loop): The crazy and creative gelato and shakes at Bombo bar will satisfy any sweet tooth!

- Potbellys (multiple locations): A chain sandwich shop that we love for a quick bite. Our favorite is the Wreck on toasted multi-grain with everything on it.

- Ramen San (River North): Great ramen and Yuzu bombs!

- Tanta Chicago (River North): High end restaurant specializing in Peruvian cuisine

- Heaven on Seven (Loop): Hidden gem on the seventh floor of a business building on Wabash. They serve Cajun food, and their gumbo is phenomenal! It has been approved by our Southern friends and family who have visited. Be sure to check their hours as Covid may have affected them. CASH ONLY (they do have an ATM inside).

- Halal Guys (multiple locations): Chain restaurant with delicious food. Middle Eastern cuisine served similarly to Chipotle.

- Beatnik on the River: Eclectic, global restaurant on the river (get their patio seating)

- Urbanspace Chicago: This is basically a food court with delicious restaurant options. They have everything from fried chicken to donuts to lobster rolls to alcohol. They even have Filipino food and gyros!

- Wow Bao (multiple locations): Yummy steamed buns

- Nutella Cafe (Loop): This one is self explanatory!

-Garrett's Popcorn (multiple locations): Get the Chicago Mix (cheese and caramel). It sounds strange, but the sweet and salty go perfectly together, and it's so warm and delicious.

- La Josie (West Loop): High end Jalisco restaurant. We came during brunch and it was delicious! David loved his ceviche sampler.

- The Game Room (Loop): Cool place for drinks and snacks on the second floor of the Chicago Athletic Association building. It has dark academia vibes and true to the name, does have games (pool, bocce, foosball)

-La Scarola (River West): Great authentic, italian restaurant. It's cozy and very popular.

Registry

Hello! We can't wait to celebrate with all of you in July! Every little bit to help us start our new lives together is very much appreciated. Target and Bed, Bath, and Beyond offer group gifting options if you want to contribute a set amount to a specific gift. Thank you!