What to Do in Chicago

Chicago, Chicago – It's my kind of town!

From world-renowned museums to world-premiere plays, Chicago is a treasure chest with countless attractions to fulfill everyone's interests.  During your stay at AMM, make it a memorable one and be sure to see what this great city has to offer.

Things you don't want to miss:

Amazing architecture and a breathtaking skyline – Chicago looks great from every angle.  Visit the Skydeck Chicago  located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower).  Do you dare stand in an all-glass bay on a ledge reaching out 4.3 feet from the building?  Enjoy unobstructed views, including 1,353 feet straight down!  

The Hancock Observatory, located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center, will give you a bird's eye view of the city's 29 miles of lakefront paths.  While you're there, enjoy more spectacular views while quenching your thirst with a delicious cocktail at the famous Signature Room at the Ninety-Fifth bar located on the 95th floor.

Ready to peak your curiosity and spark your imagination?  Visit Chicago's lakefront Museum Campus, home to three of many world-class museums:

• Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum: With two full-size planetarium theaters and 35,000 square feet of exhibits, you will truly enjoy one of the greatest planetariums in the world.
• The Field Museum of Natural History: This museum houses over 20 million species, as well as Sue, the Field's beloved gigantic T. Rex.
• Shedd Aquarium: The world's largest indoor aquarium offers thousands of different species of fish, dolphins and whales.  Don't miss the Wild Reef exhibit where stingrays will slide under your feet.

More amazing museums!

• The Museum of Science and Industry:  The largest science museum in the western hemisphere, offering more than 800 interactive exhibits and home to the U-505 submarine, a working coal mine and a Boeing 727 airplane.
• Art Institute of Chicago:  With its famous lions adorning the entrance, this cultural gem has the country's best collection of Impressionist and Post-impressionist art.  It's a great place to see those famous postcard paintings, like American Gothic and Nighthawks.
• The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum:  Curious about the environment?  Through research and education, learn more about relationships between people and nature.

Are you done stimulating your mind?  Now it's time to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Visit one of the midwest's top tourist destinations – Navy Pier.  Home to a 150 foot-high ferris wheel, Navy Pier continues to be one of Chicago's most popular attractions. There are a great variety of activities on the pier, including dining and entertainment options. It's also a hub for a number of tour boats, on which you can see Chicago from the lake.  

Take a stroll through Millennium Park.  Make sure to get your picture taken in front of the mirrored center of "The Bean" (formally known as the Cloud Gate).  Visit other attractions such as the Crown Fountain and Lurie Garden.  A wide variety of restaurants and cafés also are located in the park.

The Buckingham Fountain, located in Grant Park, is one of Chicago's most beautiful attractions and one of the largest fountains in the world. The fountain operates from approximately April 1 to November 1 each year and runs from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day. Every hour on the hour for 20 minutes, the fountain produces a major water display and the center jet shoots 150 feet into the air. At dusk, the fountain's hourly major water display is accompanied by lights and music. 

Did someone say shopping? You can't leave Chicago without shopping The Magnificent Mile!

This primary shopping strip runs along the northern half of swanky Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Oak Street. Here you'll find department stores such as Bloomingdale's, Lord & Taylor and Nordstrom; home furnishing retailers such as Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn; jewelers such as Tiffany and Van Cleef & Arpels; big name apparel retailers such as Gap, Banana Republic and Ralph Lauren; plus a host of boutiques and specialty shops. The Magnificent Mile also features indoor shopping malls, such as Water Tower Place and 900 North Michigan Shops.

Dining & Nightlife: If you're a foodie and love to have fun, Chicago is a food lover's paradise.  Treat yourself to some incredible dining experiences.  How do you choose from so many options?

Narrow down your choices by the type of food. You can find outstanding Italian, Latin, Asian, French, Greek, Indian, Mediterranean, Polish, German or Ethiopian menus. Want seafood or soul food or barbecue?  How about a legendary deep dish pizza or a famous Chicago-style hot dog?

"Sweet Home Chicago," birthplace to Muddy Waters' urban blues, groundbreaking jazz, pop, country, rock, as well as the energetic dance beat of the 1980s  -- you'll find everything in the city that loves music.  Please contact The Westin Chicago River North's concierge for assistance in choosing the perfect location for you.