So I've had it in my mind for a while that next year, when it gets warmer, I'd like to visit America's third largest city - Chicago.

As things stand at the moment, here's a short list of some of the things/places I'd like to do/see/visit.

-- Eat at Gino's East, Giordano's, and Lou Malnati's pizzerias.
-- Maybe see a baseball game at Wrigley Field. (often sold out? :confused:)
-- Probably see a White Sox baseball game as well.
-- Shedd Aquarium.
-- Visit the Museum of Science and Industry.
-- Buckingham Fountain.
-- The Oriental Institute.
-- Museum of Contemporary Art.
-- Field Museum of Natural History.
-- Six Flags Great America.
-- Millennium Park.
-- The Navy Pier.

Other places you'd recommend, things to do, places to avoid, etc. would be much appreciated.

-Sears Tower. Go on the skydeck or whatever the hell they call it now. It's pretty cool, awesome views on a clear day. I can send you some pictures if you wanna see what it's like/ruin the surprise.

-Sidewalk food stands. Grab some lunch from one when you're out wandering about. People, especially those that never venture into a big city, don't realize how great some of the food is.

-Castaways. A bar more or less right on the North Avenue Beach. I'm sure there's more that are fine too, but that one sticks out in my mind.

-Casino. I don't know if you have casinos by you, but if not stop in one. I've only been to Harrah's in Joliet, so if you're not leaving the city you'll have to wait for someone else :mad:.

-Brookfield Zoo. Animals.

-Taste Of Chicago. If you come during it, you must go or you will be removed from the city and beaten by corrupt cops.

-Millennium Park. Cool to ice skate in the winter. Otherwise, I really don't know what they do there.

-Pizza. It pretty much doesn't really matter where you get it from. I have to travel a lot, and the best pizza in other cities is worse than the worst pizza in Chicago.

-Buckingham Fountain. Go at night, it puts on a pretty cool looking show. During the day it's really nothing special.

-Air show. They have one at the end of the summer, so if you're coming then check it out.

I'm sure there's more, but I live in the suburbs and don't go to the city much anymore. If you leave the city, there's good restaurants and bars still, but not too many attractions. If you have questions ask, I might tell you what I know.

If you have access to a car, make sure you drive down Lake Shore Drive. It's seriously one of my favorite places in the entire goddamn world. Everytime I go home to Chicago I always at some point go on a night drive on Lake Shore Drive to relax. Usually late at night it's relatively empty so...it's fucking amazing. If you don't have a car, then you can even bike or jog along it during summer (or fall; winter sucks though, of course). In fact, definitely bike along it. You can go from Hyde Park (a nice university neighborhood on the south side; another place worth visiting) up to the downtown area, Navy Pier, or further north to the various North Side neighborhoods.

Michigan Avenue is pretty cool. A portion of it looks quite a bit like Paris' Champs-Elysees, in my opinion, and if you like shopping then there's all sorts of stores to choose from. (Expensive though; if you want to shop then you DON'T want to do it downtown).

Umm...Navy Pier is good for a stroll. There's a mall and such, but everything's pricey and kind of pointless. Sear's Tower, I suppose. I don't know many Chicagoans who actually go up there, but it's probably a great view. We have awesome museums...the Field Museum (archeology, anthropology, etc.; suprisingly interesting), the Museum of Science and Industry (amazing), the aquarium, Art Institute...

Yeah, it's a pretty good city...

Oh, and definitely go to Portillos. It's an old-fashioned-themed burger/hot-dog place. There's one in the downtown area (somewhere around Wells and Chicago or something) and one on the far south-side (95th and Pulaski, I think). Burgers, fries, and shakes...can't go wrong. If you happen to be far south-west, look for a burger place called Wojo's. Last time I went there was about 7 years ago, but unless they've changed...that was as good as, or possibly better than Portillos.

EDIT: Two more food suggestions: If you're in Hyde Park (you should check it out, it's a nice area) try Dixie Kitchen or Calypso Cafe, Cajun and Jamaican food respectively. Cheap and really good.

everything has been said basically. good luck on tickets to the white sox or cubs, shit has gotten very over priced.

the only thing i want to add is go to wolfys located on 2734 W Peterson Ave. they have the best dogs in town i think. order a chicago dog with hot peppers an a polish with extra onions.then sit down an bask in the glory that is a perfect dog. if you dont want to look like a noob, eat the tomato separately from the chicago dog an dont you dare think of asking about ketchup.

an as far as pizza goes, if it aint unos on 29 east ohio then you are getting a bum deal.

the museums should all be seen as should the aquarium an the zoo.

Thanks for all the advice guys! My trips definitely going to be chock-full of destinations. I'll be going there come summertime, and yes, I've got access to a car. Any Chicagoans want to meet up and have a beer on me make note. :cool:

Why does everyone love Chicago so much?

Why does everyone love Chicago so much?
Because the pizza rules.