Anonymous wrote:Field Museum
Museum of Science & Industry

If traveling with kids: My tween-agers LOVED the field museum. Not my thing but they also loved the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier.

During warmish weather, there's a great putt-putt course downtown near the bean.

The Art Institute and Museum of Modern Art are both terrific and such a different feel than the Smithsonians.

Walking architecture tours are terrific also (in addition to or instead of the boat tours) My kids were bored to pieces on the boat tour, but I love it.

This isn’t a must see but my kids (tweens) like the Lincoln Zoo. It’s small and easy to see in a morning.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am NOT trying to be a D at all here but why would you do this?...Why would someone spend there time and money to fly to another city to walk around and eat and see neighborhoods if they weren't moving there? Like I can see doing this if I scoping the place out before I moved there but I just feel like I like my money too much to blow it on such inconsequential things. But I guess I spend my money on crap in other people's eyes too. To each their own I guess.

Er, this is the travel forum. That’s what travel is.

Chicago has amazing architecture, arts, sports, restaurants, people-watching opportunities and energy (also, the lake). For those of us who love city vacations, Chicago is just awesome. Maybe that's not your vibe -- just as mine is not "spa" or "all-inclusive" or "cruising" -- but in the words of the immortal Sly Stone, "different strokes for different folks".

OP -- One additional restaurant recommendation: Virtue, near the University of Chicago. It is especially fabulous for brunch.

Field Museum
Museum of Science & Industry

Anonymous wrote:I am NOT trying to be a D at all here but why would you do this?...Why would someone spend there time and money to fly to another city to walk around and eat and see neighborhoods if they weren't moving there? Like I can see doing this if I scoping the place out before I moved there but I just feel like I like my money too much to blow it on such inconsequential things. But I guess I spend my money on crap in other people's eyes too. To each their own I guess.

Some people like city tourism/to see the world's great cities. Some people get flight deals. Some people have free time while in business or going to a family event.

It's not rare for people to do weekend trips.

Anonymous wrote:I am NOT trying to be a D at all here but why would you do this?...Why would someone spend there time and money to fly to another city to walk around and eat and see neighborhoods if they weren't moving there? Like I can see doing this if I scoping the place out before I moved there but I just feel like I like my money too much to blow it on such inconsequential things. But I guess I spend my money on crap in other people's eyes too. To each their own I guess.

Er, this is the travel forum. That’s what travel is.

Anonymous wrote:Also 96th Fl Hancock for a cocktail at night Jillys on Rush for steak.

96th floor Hancock was a HUGE disappointment in December. Wall to wall throngs of people with kids running amock everywhere with "cocktails" slung at you in plastic cups. I understand it was different at some point but it's basically tourist cattle call hell now.

Anonymous wrote:I am NOT trying to be a D at all here but why would you do this?...Why would someone spend there time and money to fly to another city to walk around and eat and see neighborhoods if they weren't moving there? Like I can see doing this if I scoping the place out before I moved there but I just feel like I like my money too much to blow it on such inconsequential things. But I guess I spend my money on crap in other people's eyes too. To each their own I guess.

The kitten has claws…

I am NOT trying to be a D at all here but why would you do this?...Why would someone spend there time and money to fly to another city to walk around and eat and see neighborhoods if they weren't moving there? Like I can see doing this if I scoping the place out before I moved there but I just feel like I like my money too much to blow it on such inconsequential things. But I guess I spend my money on crap in other people's eyes too. To each their own I guess.

Also 96th Fl Hancock for a cocktail at night Jillys on Rush for steak.

^ sorry any Chicago museum bears Smithsonian I meant

Chicago architecture tour to me is better than any Smithsonian museum. Actually pretty much any museum in Chicago lol

Not sure how weather is?

If it's bad, be a local. I'll tell you go to the Lutz for lunch, Topo Grigio Old Town for dinner, shop around the neighborhoods. The neighborhoods in Chicago are gems. I wouldn't even go see Second City although it's fab - I'd go explore any neighborhood

Great list above. Would add a boat tour on the river if the weather isn’t horrible, a stop at Portillos, the Art institute, and buy some Garrett’s popcorn at the airport.

Chicago Architecture Foundation walking tour or cruise about sky$crapers. Wendella Boats an okay substitute.

See the face fountain and silver "bean" sculpture in Millennium Park.

Ride the El around the Loop.

Go to Second City.

Have Chicago deep dish pizza or go to Alinea.

Just there for a weekend. Must sees?