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Weekend Getaways to Chicago

Chicago
With attractions and activities galore, Chicago is everyone's kind of town. See all the famous sights, then catch a show in the theater district or a Cubs game at historic Wrigley Field, followed by a late night visit to a blues club or jazz bar. Culture hounds will delight in the multitude of museums, including the prestigious Art Institute and the Chicago Historical Society. Families will find plenty to do at Navy Pier and to explore at the Field Museum and the Lincoln Park Zoo. You could spend all day strolling through Hyde Park or shopping along the Magnificent Mile. Discover vibrant ethnic neighborhoods, architectural landmarks, delicious restaurants and world-class hotels. From the top of the Sears Tower to the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago offers so much to do, visitors keep coming back for more.
 
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Don't-Miss Attractions
TripAdvisor's editorial team reviewed our attractions database and selected the best local attractions to highlight in this itinerary. Some are popular, some are off the beaten path, but all are worth a visit.
MuseumsMuseums
Art Institute of Chicago: This Classical Renaissance structure, guarded by two bronze lions at its entrance, boasts one of the world's great art collections, including the trademark "American Gothic."
Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois
Phone: 312 443 3600
Admission fee
Chicago History Museum: This museum brings the Second City's long and colorful history to life, with exhibits on everything from the Great Fire of 1871 to the city's rich background in sports.
Address: 1601 N Clark St , Chicago, Illinois
Phone: 312-642-4600
Admission fee
Field Museum: One of America's premier natural history museums, the Field's "Live over Time" exhibit now houses "Sue," the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered.
Address: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, Illinois
Phone: 312 922 9410
Admission fee
Architectural landmarkArchitectural landmark
Sears Tower: A ride to the top of the city's tallest building gives you a panoramic view of the architecture, neighborhoods and lake that make Chicago unique.
Address: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, Illinois
Phone: 312 875 0066
Admission fee
Water Tower: A true Chicago landmark, this 1869 structure was one of a very few buildings to survive the 1871 fire. Today, it is home to the City Gallery, an exhibition space for Chicago photos and photographers.
Address: 835 North Michigan Avenue , Chicago, Illinois
Phone: 312 440 3165
Free
Family funFamily fun
Lincoln Park Zoo: Established in 1868, this 35-acre, beautifully landscaped zoo is one of America's last free-admission zoos. The Great Ape House has one of the best assemblages of gorillas and chimpanzees in the world.
Address: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, Illinois
Phone: 312-742-2000
Navy Pier: Chicago's top tourist attraction offers 50 acres of parks, gardens (beer and botanical), shops, restaurants, cultural attractions and a 150-foot Ferris wheel.
Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, Illinois
Phone: 312-595-7437
Night lifeNight life
Buddy Guy's Legends: Buddy Guy's Legends include his own reputation, plus the amazing array of local and national blues performers drawn to this music hotspot.
Address: 754 South Wabash, Chicago, Illinois
Phone: 312 559 1212
Green Mill: Once a haunt of Al Capone's, this oldest jazz club in the U.S. opened in 1907, and retains the aura of the Prohibition-era speakeasies.
Address: 4802 N. Broadway Ave, Chicago, Illinois
Phone: 773-878-5552
RestaurantsRestaurants
Fogo de Chao: Meat lovers can indulge in a never-ending parade of 15 types of grilled meats brought directly to the table. A salad bar and a variety of side dishes, from fried bananas to mashed potatoes, round out the meal at this Brazilian restaurant.
Address: 661 N Lasalle St, Chicago, Illinois
Phone: (312) 932-9330
BIN 36: You'll find contemporary American cuisine on the menu at this restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The artisan cheese menu contains over 50 selections and there's a huge menu of wines served by the glass. An express lunch menu promises to have you in, fed and out in 36 minutes!
Address: 339 N Dearborn St, Chicago, Illinois
Phone: (312) 755-9463
Things to doMore attractions
View all attractions in Chicago

Chicago goLists

goLists — Created by real travelers to give you ideas
on where to go and what to do on your next trip.
The Almond Board of California The Almond Board of California
 
Where to Stay
Our editorial team selected local hotels and resorts that have good reputations and good deals. Because we know travelers' budgets differ vastly, we chose hotels at different price points rather than listing the city's top five hotels, which might all be in the same price range.
Luxury hotelsLuxury hotels
Sofitel Chicago Water Tower
Popularity index: #1 in Chicago
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Conrad Chicago
Popularity index: #18 in Chicago
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Moderate hotelsModerate hotels
Affinia Chicago
Popularity index: #6 in Chicago
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Amalfi Hotel Chicago
Popularity index: #17 in Chicago
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Budget hotelsBudget hotels
Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown
Popularity index: #32 in Chicago
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Inn of Chicago Magnificent Mile
Popularity index: #94 in Chicago
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Recommended Reading
"Vacationers are finding Chicago chilly but cheaper during the winter"  canoe.ca / Associated Press, Jan 25, 2008
Save some money and avoid the crowds on a winter vacation to the Windy City.
"Ten tips for Chicago tourists"  USA Today, Jan 30, 2008
Consider this information if you're heading to Chicago.
"Amid Architectural Glories, Piles of Cheap Fun"  New York Times (free registration required), Nov 4, 2007
You don't have to go broke enjoying the many offerings of Chicago.
"Going to Chicago? Check the web"  canoe.ca, Sep 7, 2007
These informative sites will help you plan a trip to the Windy City.
 View all articles, guidebooks and user reviews about Chicago