Among the nation's best art museums, the Art Institute of Chicago houses one of the world's largest and finest collections of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. Works by El Greco, Rembrandt, Picasso, Dali, Renoir, Van Gogh, Seurat and Monet are displayed.
Visit this web site

Back to index

The Museum of Contemporary Art, next to Water Tower Place and the Hotel, is a showcase for international avant garde art, both visual and performing.
Visit this web site

Back to index

Lincoln Park Zoo, a 35-acre (14-hectare) zoo in the heart of the city, is the nation's oldest and most visited zoo. It houses 2,500 animals, birds and reptiles, representing 450 species. Zoo grounds open at 9:00 am; zoo buildings open at 10:00 am. Call for closing times.
Visit this web site

Back to index

A world-class public space covering 24.5 acres in the heart of downtown Chicago. The park features an outdoor pavilion designed by master architect, Frank Gehry, the "Jellybean" sculpture by the London-based artist, Anish Kapoor, Crown Fountain by Spanish sculptor, Jaume Plensa, an ice rink, theater, gardens and more.

Back to index

Navy Pier makes Chicago's top lakefront destination a one-stop entertainment venue. The Family Pavilion includes a large-screen IMAX theater, Chicago Children's Museum, restaurants and retail shops, as well as access to boat rides and cruises.
Visit this web site

Back to index

The Sears Tower is the country's tallest building at 1,454 feet (443 metres). An important stop on any Chicago tour, it offers an enclosed skydeck observatory on the 103rd floor.
Visit this web site

Back to index

The 100-story John Hancock Centre, one of the world's tallest buildings, dominates the Gold Coast skyline along Chicago's Magnificent Mile and is located next to The Ritz-Carlton Chicago. The observatory deck, on the 94th floor, is accessed by the world's fastest elevator which moves at 1,800 feet (549 metres) per minute - making the trip in a mere 39 seconds. Once there, you will have an excellent view of Lake Michigan, the city skyline and, on a clear day, four different states.
Visit this web site

Back to index

The John Shedd Aquarium is the world's largest indoor aquarium. There are 4,500 underwater creatures, representing 500 species, housed in six fresh and saltwater tanks. Open 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekends, holidays and during the summer (last Monday in May to the first Monday in September), and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm the rest of the year.
Visit this web site

Back to index

Cruise up and down the Chicago River with a guided tour of Chicago's world renowned architecture. Approximately 90 minutes in duration.

Back to index

These architectural and historical boat cruises leave from the exclusive dock at River East Plaza (435 East Illinois Street — lower level), which is a 15-minute walk from the Water Tower and a short walk from Navy Pier. Each 90-minute cruise is fully narrated by a professional docent, and offers complimentary refreshments. The Architectural Cruise has a capacity of 180 and includes the main, north and south branches of the Chicago River, and is available from May 1st to October 31st. The Historical Cruise has a capacity of 55 and includes Lake Michigan and portions of the Chicago River. This cruise is offered from Memorial Day through Labor Day. All tours run on the hour from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, seven days a week during availability periods. Office hours are 8:00 am to 5:30 pm (May to October) and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (November to April).
Visit this web site

Back to index

Mercury sightseeing boats offer various river and lake tours highlighting such landmarks as the Wrigley Building, Chicago Lock, Navy Pier, Buckingham Fountain, Shedd Aquarium, Marina City and the Merchandise Mart. Call the marina for sailing schedules, which vary depending on time of year and weather.
Visit this web site

Back to index

The Adler Planetarium offers three floors of exhibits on space exploration, navigation and astronomy.

Back to index

The Field Museum of Natural History is one of the four great such museums in the world. Evolved from exhibits brought to the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, it's a magical place with animal exhibits, dinosaurs, gems and the world's largest collection of anthropological art from the Pacific Islands.
Visit this web site

Back to index

The Museum of Science and Industry offers 2,000 displays in 75 exhibit halls. Designed to illustrate the impact of science, attractions include a full-scale coal mine, a walk-through model of a human heart, a captured World War II German U-505 submarine and the Apollo 8 command module.
Visit this web site

Back to index

American Girl Place, located in Water Tower Place, is the ultimate sanctuary for young girls to realise their inner star quality by discovering self-esteem and developing the qualities that help make a difference in an ever-changing environment.
Visit this web site

Back to index

The Magnificent Mile is a glittering stretch of shopping on Michigan Avenue with such stores as Bloomingdale's, Cartier, Chanel, Gucci, Neiman Marcus, Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Tiffany & Co. Newer stores include American Girl Place, Prada, Max Mara and Nordstrom.

Back to index

Water Tower Place is just an elevator ride away via The Ritz-Carlton Chicago Hotel's own elevators. Glass elevators carry shoppers up to all of the mall's seven floors and a waterfall tumbles alongside the main entrance escalator. Boutiques are open 10:00 am to 7:00 pm; department stores are open 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Visit this web site

Back to index

Opened in 1927, and recently renovated, Arlington is an institution in horseracing. The grounds are well-kept and provide an environment of elegance for viewing major horseracing events. Open Wednesday to Sunday at 11:00 am; post time is at 1:00 pm except on Friday when post time is at 3:00 pm.
Visit this web site

Back to index

Originally built in 1924 and recently renovated, Soldier Field is home to the Chicago Bears (football) and the Chicago Fire (soccer). See concierge about game and concert tickets and box seats.
Visit this web site

Back to index

United Center is a state-of-the-art sports arena that is home to the Chicago Bulls (basketball) and the Chicago Blackhawks (hockey). This indoor venue also hosts major concerts.
Visit this web site

Back to index

Built in the 1990s as a replacement for the original Comiskey Park, this baseball stadium is the home of the Chicago White Sox. See concierge about tickets and box seats.
Visit this web site

Back to index

A Chicago landmark since 1914, this classic ballpark is a monument to the United States' national pastime: baseball. Home of the Chicago Cubs. See concierge about tickets and box seats.
Visit this web site

Back to index

The Opera House, constructed at the height of the depression, underwent extensive renovations when it was purchased by the Lyric Opera Company in 1993. Excellent acoustics and sightlines are trademarks of this 3,563 seat auditorium.
Visit this web site

Back to index

Founded in 1926, the Goodman Theatre presents some of the best live performances in the country. The theatre was the recipient of the 1992 Special Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre.
Visit this web site

Back to index

This is a very popular concert venue that has a mainstage and a second stage. The House of Blues also has an excellent Gospel Brunch with great food and a live Gospel Choir.
Visit this web site

Back to index

Shakespeare Theater is home to the Shakespeare Repertory Company. This intimate space, only 525 seats, provides a comfortable venue for productions of Shakespeare and other great playwrites.
Visit this web site

Back to index

Designed by Daniel Burnham and built in 1904 in the beaux-arts style, the Symphony Center was renovated and reopened in the fall of 1997. This theatre houses the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which has been active since 1890 and is internationally recognised.
Visit this web site

Back to index