Chicago

[princesspadam]

I'm going on a work trip, but have some time in the evenings and on my last day

Is there anything I absolutely can't miss when visiting downtown Chicago?

It's a brilliant city. Go on a boat or bus tour to see the city - sounds so basic but is great.

Would an evening boat tour be just as good?

Depending on dates go and see a baseball game !

Go up Sears Tower for a view of the city

Visit Navy Pier

Baseball is great and only about $10. The zoo is free to wonder through.

It’s my favourite American city - I wanted to live there.

Baseball is fab! The architecture boat tours are not to be missed, day or evening they're great. An evening stroll down navy pier is also on the don't miss list, then a walk round the lake to the top of magnificent mile and back down the magnificent mile.

Obviously pizza too 🍕

Chicago is a wonderful city to visit! We did a river tour late afternoon / early evening and enjoyed it.

Other after-work options - the Art Institute of Chicago museum is decent and open later on some evenings. It's next to Millennium Park, where the Cloud Gate sculpture is. I would also recommend The Gage opposite Millennium Park for food (it's a really nice Gastropub).

There are also various observation decks which are wonderful at night - there's the Willis Tower and also one with a nice bar called 360 Chicago at the John Hancock Center (this one was in a more central location near to the Magnificent Mile shopping area from what I remember).

I’ve never been but visiting the Art Institute is on my bucket list, primarily to see this https://g.co/arts/dk5z56GnZmDNsRWdA

Baseball and Chicago style pizza. Fabulous city.

Oh and if you are around in the day and the weather is nice, Lincoln Park is lovely. You can walk along the shore and visit the gardens, Conservatory and zoo in Lincoln Park (I think you can even hire bikes on the shore front for a gentle ride). Hotel Lincoln has the J Parker rooftop bar which is nice in the day or evening.

Baseball is also a brilliant experience (might not be everyone's cup of tea though!)

I've seen baseball at the Yankee Stadium so wondering if there is any difference?

I'm definitely booking a boat tour as there are some that start at 6pm which works for me

No daytime spare unfortunately!

Is there anywhere recommended for pizza?

Tell a Cubs fan you've seen the Yankees play.....see how that goes down.

Bring back popcorn - there is a famous Chicago brand they sell at the airport.

Most pizza places will be good. Chicago pizza is thin, chewy, large and cut into squares. The sauce so sweet and tangy and the cheese and toppings thick. Most places will be representative as long as not sold by the slice. Beggars is good but that a suburb thing.

Deep dish is the heaviest thing you will ever eat and what we feed the tourists. Giordanos.

www.timeout.com/chicago/restaurants/best-pizza-in-chicago

Popcorn like PP said, is tri color. Butter, cheese, caramel. The smell takes me back!

We are considering Chicago Lab high school for 14 year old son. He's been accepted. Is it usual to live in Streeterville/ Lincoln park and commute to the school? Any private van/ bus services or reliable transportation options?