subject: Best Things To Do In Chicago [print this page] There are thousands of things to do in Chicago on a daily basis, even when the Windy City is in the midst of a cold winter or in the middle of a scorching summer. Come to the city hungry, because many of Chicagos restaurants are devoted steak houses, and there are some of the most avant garde eateries around, surrounded by tons of high end shopping opportunities, night life, clubs, eateries, theater and music venues and much more as well.
The wealthiest neighborhood in the city is known as the Gold Coast, which extends from the lake front. The homes here are fabulous 19th Century Brownstones and luxury high rise apartments that are surrounded by the high end shops of Deleware, Rush, State, Oak and Walton Streets. Chicago is famous for its shopping, especially the Michigan Avenue shopping! Some of the boutiques that you will find on the streets of the city include Adriano Goldschmied, Furla, Graff, Hermes, Kate Spade, Prada, Pratesi, Tods and YSL as well as Bulgari, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and St. John. Celebrity sightings can also be common in this area, which is in walking distance of the Newberry Library, Chicago History Museum and other institutions of higher learning.
The city offers a huge array of cultural choices from the many area museums that celebrate the city to the Lincoln Park and Brookfield Zoos, Millennium Park and Navy Pier, too. The Lincoln Park Zoo offers an array of animals, from lions to apes as well as special features for the kids like bears and wolves and turtles. The zoo has special exhibits year round and helps support conservation efforts right in the heart of the big city.
Millennium Park is the newest addition to historic Grant Park. Featuring stunning architecture from Frank Gehry and other famous artists from around the world, Millennium Park is a merging of art and outdoors. Tours and events take place in the park daily and visitors are encouraged to enjoy every part.
Navy Pier is the most popular tourist destination in the Midwest. Despite its hundred year old history, Navy Pier continues to be a Chicagoland favorite, with its perpetual carnival like atmosphere that extends into Lake Michigan, there is always something going on. Navy Pier includes movie theater with IMAX, shops, restaurants, ever changing events as well as rides, making it a favorite for generations. If you are looking for things to do in Chicago, make sure that you do not miss the Shedd Aquarium, too!
