A weekend in Chicago

Top 6 things you must absolutely do when you are in Chi Town!

The second city has a lot to offer for tourists, especially in summer when people throng the city for its skyline views, restaurants, bars, and to generally chill in an extremely neighborhood feels city. Here’s my top 6 things to do in the city, a condensed list for those who are here for a quick trip.

1. Ride up to clouds and check out views from the top

Chicago is famous for America’s tallest buildings. In fact, historically the Willis Tower or previously known as Sears Towers was the world’s tallest building for some time. Another building, famous for its skyline views is the John Hancock tower in Mag mile. One good way to get your hearts racing is to make your way up these buildings and to gaze below the windows at a city moving at breakneck speed about its life. Highly recommend you take your photos on “The Ledge” at Willis Tower and “360 Chicago” experience on the John Hancock. Both of these towers take advance reservation. Personally I am a big fan of the the Ledge and you can opt to go to the Signature room(bar) on John Hancock for similar views with drinks and food!

2. Plan a stay with gorgeous downtown skyline/river views

Recognized world wide for its architecture style, Chicago boasts of really historic buildings with great locations. It is imperative that you spend time admiring these storied skyscrapers and one of the best way to do it is to book a room with fantastic views. We had the utmost pleasure of being hosted at the Swissotel, a 5 star hotel with views of the river, skyline and Navy Pier.

Located right at the edge of Michigan Ave, Swissotel is walkable to and from most of the attractions like the Bean, Millennium Park, Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier. Swissotel hosted us in a suite on the 31st floor, which was truly breathtaking with sweeping views of the riverwalk and skyline. Once you settle in one of their spacious and bright rooms, check out the amenities provided by Swissotel. They have a fully equipped gym on the top floor and is great for a workout on your trip. One of the best perks of staying in Swissotel is their in-room breakfast service. With plenty of options, ranging from savory omelettes to almost perfect French toasts to freshly squeezed orange juice, there is no better way to start your day in Chicago than this.

3. Riverwalk

With great additions and renovations done in the past 3 years, the riverwalk has transformed itself into a truly great hangout spot for the locals and the tourists alike. I personally would recommend spending at least an evening here on a sunny day to walk the entire length of the riverwalk, because you will be tempted to stop at the many bars along the riverwalk for a drink. Its a great way to spend time while looking at the boats passing through the river and the life of the city moving at its pace above on the bridges. There are many spots on your walk to stop and take photos. On the north side of the riverwalk you will find some really great steakhouses if you feel like indulging. Another way to spend time in this area is to rent a kayak from nearby rental shops and to take a tour or do it by yourself. While we are talking about the riverwalk, we cannot not recommend a river cruise, and especially the architecture tour if you are interested in geeking out about architecture.

4. 7 am photos at the bean

5. North Avenue Beach/ Beach trail

Situated just across the Lincoln Park Zoo, another Gem in the city where you can easily spend an entire day, is the fabled North Avenue Beach. Very popular among locals, you will often find Volleyball is choice of sport here as well as trail running. An ideal location to set your beach towels and to take a dip in the waters of Lake Michigan.

6. Check out one of the many rooftop bars in the city

While NYC being famous for its rooftop bars, is an irrefutable fact, Chicago also boasts of some of the most amazing rooftop scenes. The Windy City has bars like the London House on N Wacker Drive, Cindy’s rooftop, Z bar and Cerise rooftop. You can’t go wrong with the unbeatable views of the city from any of these places, sit back, sip and relax as you set your sights on the skyline of this dynamic city.