2023-04-24 11:40:07
Get ready for a whirlwind introduction to Chicago. Our 72-hour itinerary, with a different theme for each day, is a bucket-list tour of some of the city’s must-see sights and activities. DAY 1 CULTURE & PERFORMING ARTS MORNING Start your day at the internationally acclaimed Art Institute of Chicago. The museum’s impressive collection includes the world’s largest number of Impressionist and Post- Impressionist works outside of the Louvre. Explore the Modern Wing, and take time to view centuries-old paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects from around the globe. A few blocks north on Michigan Avenue, step inside the ornate Chicago Cultural Center. Take a free private group tour (advance booking is required) and learn the story behind the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass dome. Also view Chicago-themed exhibits in the galleries and attend free concerts. Across the street is Millennium Park. Take a picture of your group reflected in the shiny Cloud Gate sculpture (affectionately called “The Bean”) and walk along paths that wind through the all-seasons Lurie Garden. Splash around in the multimedia Crown Fountain. And catch a concert at the architecturally stunning Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Stop and soak in the panoramic views at one of Chicago’s two observatories. At Skydeck Chicago in the Loop’s Willis Tower, discover the interactive museum on the lower level that features exhibits on all things Chicago, from history to food and architecture. Then, take the high-speed elevator up to the 103rd floor and step out onto The Ledge for a dizzying view of the city from a glass-floored balcony. Or head to 360 CHICAGO and try the thrilling TILT on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Center, which literally tilts visitors over the edge of the observation deck 1,000 feet above The Magnificent Mile. AFTERNOON Take The Chicago Theatre Marquee Tour to learn about the landmark theatre’s history, and peek into typically off-limits areas like the performers’ dressing rooms. Or join the Lyric Opera of Chicago Backstage Tour and explore the orchestra pit and backstage areas of this art deco gem. Lovers of great writing will learn about their favorite authors at the American Writers Museum. See how their words have influenced culture and get tips on what to add to your reading list. Check the museum’s calendar to find out which authors will be featured during your Chicago visit. Also visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, which celebrates artists from the 1920s to the present. Artist guides lead private tours through your choice of galleries and exhibitions. Talks and dialogue sessions are part of the regular museum programming. EVENING Catch a Broadway In Chicago performance at one of Chicago’s historic downtown theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents some of the hottest touring musicals and plays in the country. Classical music fans will relish the opportunity to see a Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance at Symphony Center. Famous guest artists frequently grace the stage with the orchestra, known as one of the greatest in the world. See classical and contemporary ballets performed by the Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera House. The Joffrey is recognized as one of the world’s premier dance companies. For a night of laughs, attend an improv comedy performance at The Second City. Catch tomorrow’s comedy superstars at this Old Town institution. Head to the Uptown neighborhood to see an intimate show presented by the Black Ensemble Theater. The theatre company is renowned for its excellent musicals that pay tribute to African American luminaries. Based at Northeastern Illinois University in Albany Park, Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater company performs flamenco, folkloric, and classical dance. Scan here to explore more group itineraries. DAY 2 OUTDOOR ADVENTURES MORNING Get active with an array of outdoor activities. At Maggie Daley Park, tackle the 40-foot Climbing Wall, rollerblade or ice skate (in the winter) along the winding Skating Ribbon, or play a round on the 18-hole City Mini Golf course that features miniature Chicago landmarks. The Chicago Riverwalk, home to popular riverside attractions and cafes, offers lots of ways to get on the water. Paddle through a canyon of skyscrapers on a guided Urban Kayaks tour. Or see the city’s acclaimed architecture on a docent-led trip offered by the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard Chicago’s First Lady. Other great architecture cruise choices include Wendella Tours & Cruises, Mercury Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline, and Shoreline Sightseeing. Or stay on land and bike along Chicago’s Lakefront Trail, passing scenic harbors and waterfront parks on the shore of Lake Michigan. Or take a walk along The 606, an elevated trail that passes through four hip Chicago neighborhoods. AFTERNOON The iconic Navy Pier offers a range of lakeside activities. Ride the sky-high Centennial Wheel, take a whirl on the old-fashioned carousel and new FlyOver at Pier Park, or set off on a thrilling Seadog Speedboat Tour. Hike the nature trails at Northerly Island, a picturesque peninsula that juts out into Lake Michigan. Or try snowshoeing if you’re visiting during the winter. Go swimming in summer at Oak Street Beach (known for its picturesque views) or North Avenue Beach, where there’s sand volleyball courts for a friendly competition. Arrange for a private group excursion with Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours, which skirts along the lakefront and through the Museum Campus. EVENING After sundown from April through December, Art on theMART features dazzling light projections on the side of the former Merchandise Mart, now known as theMART, that are free to view. The facade of the enormous building, which occupies two city blocks along the Chicago River, dances with innovative images. Attend an indoor, or summer outdoor, concert at The Salt Shed. The new performance venue is located on the site of the historic Morton Salt complex, on the North Branch of the Chicago River near Goose Island. Watch the night sky light up over Lake Michigan on Wednesday and Saturday nights, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, during the free Navy Pier Summer Fireworks. Scan here for great dining ideas. DAY 3 NEIGHBORHOODS MORNING Explore some of Chicago’s fascinating neighborhoods to learn more about the city’s diverse heritage. In Pullman, which dates back to the 1880s, tour the Pullman National Historical Park, which explores the history of one of the country’s first planned industrial communities. View exhibits at the Visitor Center and spend time at the A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum, the only African American labor history museum in the country. Be sure to stop and admire the exterior of the elegant Hotel Florence, named after Pullman’s daughter. Next, explore Pilsen, a vibrant Latino neighborhood. View the vivid murals along lively 16th Street and peruse the galleries on Halsted Street in the Chicago Arts District. See the outstanding exhibits at the free National Museum of Mexican Art, which celebrates Mexican culture and history. AFTERNOON In bustling Chinatown, delve into the neighborhood’s history at the Chinese American Museum of Chicago, where exhibits range from art to storytelling. Shop for souvenirs in the colorful boutiques along Wentworth Avenue. In Chinatown Square look for the 12 bronze sculptures that represent the animal signs of the Chinese zodiac. Ping Tom Memorial Park is a great place to stroll riverfront paths and snap views of the city skyline. Next, arrange for Paseo Boricua Tour Company to lead your group on a tour of Humboldt Park, home of Chicago’s thriving Puerto Rican community. A highlight is The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture, housed in the landmark Humboldt Park stables. At the namesake Humboldt Park, paddle the tranquil lagoon in a swan boat, admire the gardens, and go swimming in the summertime at Humboldt Beach, the city’s only inland beach. EVENING Make it a musical night. At Buddy Guy’s Legends in the South Loop, hear live blues music by some of the genre’s biggest stars — Buddy Guy himself plays a slate of shows every January. Lincoln Park is home to the legendary Kingston Mines, which features two rollicking stages showcasing blues masters. For jazz and swing, head to the historic Green Mill in Uptown, which has been a favorite of music lovers for more than a century. In River North, the 1920s-themed Untitled Supper Club presents live music and cabaret shows featuring burlesque performers. HIDDEN GEMS Chicago Greeter Tours Enthusiastic local volunteers customize free tours based on the interests of groups of six or fewer people. Didn’t make a reservation? Choose the InstaGreeter option for a one-hour tour of downtown. Lincoln Park Conservatory & Garfield Park Conservatory Exotic plants thrive in four different display houses at the Lincoln Park Conservatory, adjacent to the free Lincoln Park Zoo. At Garfield Park Conservatory, see thousands of plant species in a lush greenhouse designed by legendary landscape architect Jens Jensen. Garden of the Phoenix Find your zen in this traditional Japanese garden hidden within Jackson Park, near the Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park. Be sure to seek out Yoko Ono’s SKYLANDING sculpture. Hyde Park Art Center Galleries, studios, and event spaces make this a welcoming haven for talented artists and art lovers in Hyde Park. Stop in for Catwalk Concerts and other performances. Millennium Park Summer Music & Film Series Summer is a sweet time to visit Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Hear established and emerging musicians on Monday and Thursday evenings, and see movies on Tuesdays. Big Marsh Bike Park Hike nature trails, visit the Ford Calumet Environmental Center, and ride six challenging bike trails in the 297-acre Big Marsh on Chicago’s southeast side. Bike rentals are available.
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