For the Art and Culture Lovers

The Art Institute of Chicago    
A can’t-miss destination for any art-lover, the Art Institute of Chicago houses one of the largest permanent collections in the United States. The Modern Wing, designed by the famed Renzo Piano, is home to the museum’s contemporary collections and is an architectural masterpiece in and of itself.    
111 S Michigan Avenue

Chicago History Museum   
You can’t come to Chicago without learning a little Chicago history to take home! The Chicago History Museum, located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, is home to archives, manuscripts, photographs and more designed to study and interpret Chicago’s history.    
1601 N Clark Street

Museum of Contemporary Art    
Just a short stroll down Michigan Avenue from us, the Museum of Contemporary Art is a spectacular building that holds one of the largest contemporary art collections in the world. It’s on-site restaurant, Marisol, from famed Chicago chef Jason Hammel isn’t too shabby either.    
220 E Chicago Avenue

DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center    
Now celebrating over 60 years of history, the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is the nation’s first independent museum dedicated to the preservation and study of the history and culture of Africans and Americans of African descent.    
740 E 56th Place 

For the Lil’ Ones

JoJo’s Shake Bar   
Indulge your sweet tooth (and then some) at this funky and fun cafe-bar complete with loaded shakes, cookie flights, frozen bars, cocktails and nostalgic details like an arcade and walk-up window.   
23 W Hubbard Street

Museum of Science and Industry   
Who says learning can’t be fun? The Museum of Science and Industry houses the Western Hemisphere’s largest science museum with tons of hands-on learning activities and interactive exhibits.   
5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive

Shedd Aquarium  
There’s over 32,000 animals located in Chicago’s famed Shedd Aquarium, but don’t leave without seeing Wellington the penguin (of COVID-era viral video fame) - who at 35+ years is one of the oldest living penguins.   
1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive

Chicago Children’s Museum  
The Chicago Children’s Museum offers two birds for one stone with a visit to the multi-level museum packed with tons of fun activities for the kiddos, located within one of Chicago’s other major traveler attractions - Navy Pier.   
700 E Grand Avenue 

For Some Retail Therapy 

The Magnificent Mile  
It’s Chicago’s most famous shopping stretch for good reason. In addition to upscale shops, luxe boutiques and department stores, you can also take in some of the city’s greatest architectural landmarks like the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower and the 100-story John Hancock Center.   
Michigan Avenue

900 Shops  
Keep strolling down the Magnificent Mile and you’ll find one of the anchors of the street at 900 Shops. It includes seven levels of retailers, boutiques and restaurants, including what is arguably the chicest mall “food court” around.   
900 N Michigan Avenue

Ikram  
Famous for its iconic red facade, Ikram’s price tags are as high as many of the nearby skyscrapers but it’s worth a look for the atmosphere alone. There’s also an art gallery and cafe on the second floor.  
15 E Huron Street

Andersonville  
A neighborhood in the northern part of the city, Andersonville is known as the “shop local” hub of Chicago. It’s full of unique, one-of-a-kind boutique shops, book stores, restaurants and more - fiercely protected by the neighborhood residents.   
Clark Street, Andersonville