In july we will be in town for 3 days on holiday - what to see - where to go - best area to stay/ eat ??? Itineries anyone?? Thanks Gwen

Obviously, if you have the cash, downtown is the best area to stay in. Close to all that's happening. Second best in my opinion is the O'hare area (very safe - have no fear of walking around at night). Stay at one of the hotels with access to the "L". The "L" is part of our extensive public transportation system. All routes meet in downtown with various legs heading out to different areas of the city. The blue line originates at Ohare. The first few stops have a lot of hotels, Hyatt, Radisson, Hilton, Marriot, etc etc. You'll need to shop for the best prices. The "L" will take you to the heart of downtown. Spend a day shopping on State Street, Marshall Field's is there. And then walk down to Michigan Ave and spend time in Millineum Park, see the Bean, Cool off in the fountain. You can even rent bicycles and ride up and down the lake front on the bicycle paths. Beautiful ride!!!

My favorite thing to do in the city is to take the Wendella Boat Rides up and down the River and into the Lake. You will get a bird's eye view of some of the best architecture in the city. Learn some history and go through the locks and hear how the course of the river was reversed! About 2 hours and it leaves from Michigan Ave and the River. Afterwards, walk around the corner and take the water taxi to Navy Pier. Shopping, theatre, restaurants, children's museum, Stain glass displays, 3-D rides. Enough for the whole day and evening. Check out the website for info on the fireworks.

There's always our Aquarium (dolphin shows, beluga whales, penquins), Art Museum (Chagalls, Grant Wood, minature rooms) Field museum of natural history (See Sue the most complete T-Rex ever).

Of course there are the Cubs, Soxs and Bears if you are of that mind. In the evening, want a laugh? Try Second City on Lincoln and North Avenue. Or House of Blues in Marina City (downtown).

Restaurants - what can I say. We love to eat here! For Indian, you can't beat going to "Little India" on the northside on Devon Ave. Restaurant after restaurant. Shop the Sari shops and cheap electronics. We do have a China Town of the south side - 22nd Street. Restaurants and shopping.
The Lincoln Park Area (north side) is probably best known for all kinds of restaurants from American to French to Sushi to Ethiopian. Quinsential Chicago food? Hot dogs and Deep Pan Pizza. There is actually an entire thread devoted to Chicago Pizza.

These are just general ideas. Give us more info for specifics.

Will you have access to a car?

What cuisines are your favorite?

Are you a couple? family with kids?

Lot of knowledgeable people here, but some more info would make it easier to give recommendations.

ditto ^

2006??

I was in Chicago this past July. I had enough free time to take two walking tours, Millenium Park (highly recommended) and historical skyscrapers, with the CAF: http://www.architecture.org/tours.aspx

I also visited the Art Institute of Chicago - definitely one of the best art museums I have been to.

I stayed at the Palmer House Hilton, which is conveniently located near both of these activities.

For me, it boils down to:

1. If you are mostly interested in shopping and restaurants, stay in the North Michigan/Wacker/Magnificent Mile area.

2. If you are mostly interested in the Art Institute, Field Museum, Planetarium, Aquarium, Museum of Science and Industry, Millenium Park, stay in the area of the Palmer House (Loop).

The theater district (info at www.broadwayinchicago.com) is sort of in between, but closer to the Loop/Wacker.

But I wouldn't worry about location if you can get a good downtown deal on Hotwire/Priceline.

The stuff you want to see is mostly within comfortable walking distance, or a few dollars by cab. This ain't LA.

yes its July 06 - had to get my seats on the award saver flights!!! - there is me and my hubby - my 21 yr old son and 16 yr old daughter and very fit and active mam - - the daughter wants the shops and my mam the sights - husband and I want to see as much as poss - and dont think we will get the 21yr old out of bed ( so may need a good hotel with pool/gym!!) - after the best value for money hotel 3*+ or 4* would be lovely - dont know if us brits can do priceline but will give it a try - sounds like its easy to get around so thats good Thanks for the info so far - looking forward to it!!! wetaher in July - what to expect??? Thanks Gwen

weather in july = hot!

the taste of chicago (not that great, in my opinion, but a typical thing for a summer chicago visitor to do) is in july, through july 4th if you'll be here at the beginning of the month

also check the city of chicago web site for updates on events, festivals, etc.

Really need more info to truly be of help. Hotel budget? Interests? Food likes/dislikes?

As a starter, look into the Architectural bus tour downtown. Will take you round to all the major sights, get off/on at will. Can efficiently see all the major landmarks that way.

Take in a Cubs game for a wonderful slice of Americana.

Tour Frank Lloyd Wright's home/studio in Oak Park

If you have a car, take daughter to Gurnee Mills Outlet stores. Mag Mile is really nice, but expensive. She/you won't belive outlet pricing compared to home.

Make sure and try Chicago-style pizza & hot dogs.

Consider emancipating 21-yo. He could easily and cheaply stay at the Chicago Youth Hostel and meet other young folks. Depends on your tolerance for anxiety and his maturity.

[QUOTE=zxcvbs]weather in july = hot![QUOTE]

Having lived here 11 years, through the heat wave that killed at least 700 people in 1995, I would amend this to read "hot, possibly ungodly hot, especially to someone from the UK."

Could be 100 degrees, 99% humidity, the kind of oppressive heat that hits you like a punch in the face when you step outside.

Depending on your interests, you can make a nice day of it in Hyde Park. Hyde Park is home to the University of Chicago. In addition to touring the university grounds, my suggestions would include:

The Robie House--generally acknowledged as one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most important works and a perfect example of his prarie houses

The Oriental Institute--a great collection of antiquities from the middle east

57th Street Books & The Seminary co-op--these are two sister bookstores. The former is a very good general interest bookstore, with a particularly strong section on Chicago history, architecture etc. The Seminary co-op is more focused on academic titles and is considered to be one of the best bookstores in the world for university press titles.

there is life on the silver coast?!?

My wife and I have booked a 3 night stay at Palmer House from 27th Dec until 30th Dec. Having only ever seen Chicago in winter on ER I am assuming it will be very cold!

We had not planned on car rental but if Gurnee Mills Outlet stores are really worth going to then we may reconsider. One option would be to collect a car on our last day and drive there and then head out to ORD for our 21:25 flight to LHR. Is this feasible?

Any other suggestions for what to do on a winter break is appreciated.

First of all it doesn't rain nearly as often as it does on ER. Late December usually begins our really cold and snowy days. That being said, last year I believe the last week of Dec was in the 40's. But, downtown is always very cold due to the wind whipping in off the lake. You;ll need a good winter coat, hat and good gloves at the least. A scarf to wrap around your face is a good idea as well. Snow? It's hit or miss that time of year. Either way play it safe and bring a comfortable pair of warm and slush proof shoes/boots. Coming between Xmas and New Years gives you alot of options. Go see the animals and the lights at Lincoln Park Zoo. Take a hansom ride down Michigan Ave in the evening and enjoy the lights and sights (very romantic). Millinium Park will have ice skating - rent your skates there. Lots of great theatre in the city - See if you can get tickets to Wicked.
Quite honestly, Gurnee Mills never impressed the heck out of me. Personally I think it's a run of the mill (no pun intended) discount mall that is spread WAAAAY to far apart. Deals? Nothing that has ever impressed me. From downtown it's about 1 hour. Unless your really into hunting for "bargains" I'd just stay on Michigan and on State Street and window shop. Why rent a car? Take the "L" and explore our Indian neighborhood on Devon, Chinatown on Cermack (also known as 22nd). Are you here on Sunday? Make reservations for a Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues in Marina Towers. Or have lunch in the Walnut Room at Marshall Fields under the big Xmas Tree (a Chicago tradition). I believe the Drake Hotel still does an afternoon tea. I won't even go into the museums, Navy Pier, etc etc.