Chicago Holidays

Spend the Day at Navy Pier

One of the city’s most well-liked spots, the Navy Pier has all the entertainment and food options a tourist could want. An old dock for boats on Lake Michigan, the pier has been completely renovated, including the 150-foot Ferris wheel.

The Pier Park nearby has a miniature golf course with 18 challenging holes. Kids love the pier because of its interactive Funhouse Maze and Children’s Museum. This is also the loading point for boat tours that take passengers on luxurious evening cruises along the lake coast.

Walk Around Grant Park

One of the most popular of Chicago’s green expanses, Grant Park is the summer spot for music.

The Petrillo Music shell brings popular artists for concerts and the site hosts one of the city’s biggest festivals: the yearly Taste of Chicago.

The Museum Campus, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Field Museum of Natural History can also be found here.

The park’s most iconic attraction is the Buckingham Fountain, which was constructed in 1927. From the lakefront strollers can get some of the city’s most scenic views.

Watch a Baseball Match at Wrigley Field

There is no more classic a Chicago afternoon than catching a baseball game at the legendary Cub’s stadium. Located on the north side of town, Wrigley Field is the second oldest ballpark in the country.

Year-round tours of the field give visitors an in-depth history of the venue and you can explore the Cub’s clubhouse, dugouts, and playing field. However, the best way to see the stadium is to enjoy a live game with a hot dog from the leftfield seats.

Admire the Animals at Lincoln Park Zoo

No holiday in Chicago is complete without a trip to one of the original US zoos. The zoo grounds are intimate and allow the visitor to get up close and personal with all the animal varieties. The zoo’s real charm lies in its combination of brand new animal facilities and antique architectural marvels. And the best part about it is that the zoo is one of the only attractions in the city without an admission fee.

Field Museum of Natural History

This natural history museum houses one of the world’s most impressive Tyrannosaur Rex skeletons ever discovered. The museum is one of the city’s first and the most important for archaeology, history, and science. Visitors can also see exhibits which include bird habitats, sea animals, fossils, Native American Cultures, African Cultures. Temporary exhibitions are frequently updated.

Millennium Park

If you are interested in something more contemporary then Millennium Park is the place to visit. This downtown city space was once a rundown lot but has since turned into a beautiful park containing some incredible artwork. One such gem is the fancy Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a Futuristic al-fresco concert venue.

Nearby, in the AT&T Plaza, is the photogenic Cloud Gate sculpture. One photo of this curved steel structure tells the Chicago tale, but visitors can’t leave the park until they’ve splashed in the high tech Crown Fountain.

Willis Sears Tower

For a panoramic view of the metropolis, the Sears Tower Skydeck is the place to go. From there you can gaze up to 50 miles away on a clear day. Once you’ve finishing gawping, learn a bit about the history of the building through an educational exhibit. At such altitude everything on the ground will be minute, so the Skydeck comes equipped with high-powered telescopes in order to see details below. The most modern addition to the deck is the Skyledge, which lets brave venture out into a glass box in order to look straight down 1,353 feet to the ground.

The Art Institute of Chicago

When it comes to art galleries, this institute is one of the finest in the world. Exhibits include European art works from the Middle Ages and famous French paintings from the 19th century. An African and Amerindian collection also combines some of the best ethnic ceramics, sculptures, and textiles from Africa and Mesoamerica.

Tip * Booking your Tours, Transfers & Airport Parking before you go will save your money & time and ensure a stress free start to your holiday

Buses and Trains

Getting around Chicago is relatively straight-forward due to an efficient bus system and the “L”, which is a complex network of over-ground trains that cover almost the entire city. They operate 24 hours a day and are run by the Chicago Transit Authority. Fares are usually purchased with a ‘Chicago Card’, which can be charged up money. The city also has numerous regional trains and charter buses for those who want to travel further afield.

Airport Services

O’Hare International Airport is only 17 miles outside of the city, and there is a variety of transportation options, including mass transit lines, regional trains, taxis, limos and shuttles. The CTA Blue transit line is the cheapest and one of the fastest methods of travel to the downtown area.

Taxis

Taxis in Chicago have very reasonable fares compared with many other cities in the United States. Taxis charge $1.50 from the time of pick up, and most can be hailed anytime in the city centre and in the surrounding neighbourhoods. Good companies to use are Yellow and Checker taxis.

Other Modes of Transport

The River Bus is a nice form of transportation during the summer months: it goes from Michigan Avenue Bridge to Union Station at peak times in only 8 minutes.

The city also has shoreline water taxis, which go from Michigan Avenue Bridge to the Navy Pier and range in price from $5-15.

For a trendy and green way of getting around, try using Pedicabs —rickshaw-style taxis driven by bicycle— or carriages drawn by horses.

The Seneca Hotel and Suites is a small, cosy, European-designed hotel for those visitors who desire comfortable lodging in a quiet environment. The hotel is well positioned near the John Hancock Center, giving easy access to entertainment sites like The Art Institute and Oak Street Beach. Party animals will be pleased to find the rocking nightlife of Rush Street is walking distance away.

The pet-friendly Ambassador East Hotel provides all a visitor and their travel companion could want. The intimate rooms are elegantly furnished and you are just a brief walk from Chicago’s lakefront. The hotel has oodles of historic charm and also delivers with modern amenities like a health club and state-of-the-art fitness room.

For a more classic destination try the Whitehall Hotel. This hotel has an elegant design, with an almost European feel. Guests can rely on a rapid internet connection and 24-hour room service, yet the best part is its location near the best restaurants and shopping in the city.

Another top of the line hotel is the modernised Amalfi Hotel Chicago. Daily breakfast is included, and there is an evening cocktail reception in the Ravello Lounge. The newly-designed guest rooms are decked out with iPod docking stations and flat screen HD televisions. Guests are also within walking distance of Millennium Park, the theatre district, and Navy Pier.

For more information, visit a selection of hotels in Chicago online.

A clear local’s favourite is the homely Ann Sather Cafe, which offers great value for money. The menu is full of homemade dishes made from scratch in the locale and served with a friendly smile. Ann herself worked in the café, which is located in the Lakeview neighbourhood (909 West Belmont Avenue), for over three decades. She has since passed away but the artisanal recipes continue to be a local hit.

Cafe Ba Ba Reeba (2024 Halsted Street) is just one strong example of the culinary diversity on offer in Chicago’s eateries. Locals claim this Spanish café has the best tapas in the city and you can’t visit without trying the paella rice and seafood dish, washed down with some fruity Sangria wine. After a couple of jugs, guests will understand why this place is renowned in the area for its late night fiestas.

Chicago was once known as a cow town and the Chicago Chop House (60 West Ontario Street) provides all the proof you need. This steakhouse is located in a renovated, old- Victorian-style building full of grainy photos of politicians and gangsters. Large Porterhouse and New York Strip steaks testify to the city’s true carnivore roots. A piano bar also contributes to the classical atmosphere.

You simply cannot leave the city without first trying a Chicago-style pizza. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria has the classic city flavours of chunky crusts, smeared with loads of tomato sauce and a wide choice of extra ingredients. This family-owned business contains the essence of Chicago pizza and has turned into a city favourite with over 30 restaurants in the area.

Vaccinations and Hygiene

As with any US cities, there are no required vaccinations to enter Chicago. Tap water is potable.

Accidents or Health Problems

The medical infrastructure is outstanding but very expensive. Only an ambulance has the first come first served upon arrival at hospital emergency ward.

Good public health clinics are Ravenswood Hospital Medical Center (773) 725 2633 and the Vencor Hospital Chicago North (773) 267 2622. In all emergencies dial 911 for police, fire department, and medical services.

Security

Assaults in Chicago are infrequent and guests can move about the city at any time. However there are some certain safety precautions: don’t walk alone at night or in badly-lit places, don’t stroll around the city with expensive jewellery or other fancy objects, and don’t accept drinks or food in bars offered by strangers.

As in any travel situation it is extremely recommended to make photocopies of all travel documents in the case the original are robbed or misplaced.

Also, a mobile phone with international roaming can come in handy in emergency situations.

Remember if assaulted try to keep calm and not to resist.

Public transport has no specific causes for danger and roads are generally in good condition. Check out our Chicago car hire offers.