Published on November 23rd, 2012

Your Exciting Weekend in Chicago

Easily accessible by plane, train or automobile, the world-class city of Chicago is home to a wide variety of attractions, theatrics, eccentrics and everything else imaginable; all of which makes it the perfect destination for an exciting and fun-filled weekend away. This “City of Neighborhoods” serves up incredible cultural and ethnic diversity, educational opportunities, historical venues, delicious food and beautiful outdoor parks and recreational areas. Add in seven professional sports teams, historic sporting venues such as Wrigley Field and first-rate public transportation, including the famous elevated railway, or EL, and Chicago makes for an ideal mini-holiday destination.

Places to go and things to do in Chi-Town

After arriving, check in to one of the wonderful and cheap hotel rooms available and collect all the literature and discounts that are to be had from the front desk. Now it’s time to head out and enjoy this city on the lake.

The wide variety of city tours available make an excellent starting point for getting to know Chicago. Visitors can choose from group tours or self-guided tours complete with audio-based guidance.

Tours can range all over the city and cover various neighborhoods, shopping districts, beautiful gardens, historical cemeteries and even the effects of the Great Chicago Fire.

Chicago has plenty of open spaces and parks perfect for lovers of nature and outdoor activities. The 18-mile path that runs along the lake is an ideal spot for cycling or rollerblading. The city has over 30 beaches along the lake, which are perfect spots for sunbathing and swimming in the summer months. Ice skating is an attractive activity during the winter months, but dress warmly – Chicago winters are cold and blustery.

Destination: Navy Pier

One of the largest and most popular attractions in Chicago is Navy Pier. Covering over 50 acres of lakeshore, the area includes parks, boardwalks and a wide variety of sights and sounds that appeal to visitors young and old and everything in between. Navy Pier is definitely the place to be if visitors want to sample a taste of everything Chicago has to offer in one convenient location.

Catch a movie on the largest movie screen in town at the IMAX Theatre or enjoy Tony-award winning plays and productions at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The Chicago Children’s Museum is also located at Navy Pier and offers three floors’ worth of exhibits, interactive displays and educational activities to delight and entertain children of all ages.

Out on the pier itself, visitors can indulge the child within once again while enjoying the carnival atmosphere, rides and attractions; most notably the 150-foot tall Ferris wheel. A ride on the Ferris wheel cannot be missed – it offers breath-taking views of the city, particularly at night. Other rides and activities include the carousel, mini-golf and nautical adventures courtesy of remote-controlled boats on the pond.

Navy Pier is also the launching point for many of the city’s fine sightseeing boats and river cruises. Tours of the most noteworthy and historical landmarks of the city, architectural tours and special seasonal and private tours all operate from this area. Other offerings include lunch and dinner cruises, exciting speedboat tours and even the chance to sail on a real tall ship.