Chicago Attractions

Chicago Attractions

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Expedia's Travel Guide to Chicago

Navy Pier

Swissotel’s Lakeside gazes out over the Navy Pier, which offers a diverse collection of dining, cultural attractions, events and entertainment. 

Attractions include Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Chicago Children’s Museum, as well as permanent and temporary displays of public art, including a whimsical bronze of the comedian, Bob Newhart as TV psychologist Bob Hartley.

The Centennial Wheel and the historic Carousel lead a collection of classic amusement rides. 

Various tours and cruises launch from the Pier. Architecture and sightseeing cruises along the River or Lake Shore are especially popular, including Lunch or Dinner cruises.

Things to do at Navy Pier

Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago’s famous bronze lions flank the entry to a building originally constructed for the Columbian Exposition of 1893. Nine major expansions have followed, with the latest, the Modern Wing, increasing the museum’s size by nearly 35 percent in 2009. The permanent collection has expanded from plaster casts to nearly 300,000 works in a wide range of fields.

Visit the Art Institute of Chicago

Food of Chicago

Few cities in the world are as famed for the invention of delightful foods as Chicago and no visit to the city should neglect the opportunity to seek out a few of the classics in their places of origin or greatest glory.

This is the city Deep Dish pizza and the Chicago-style hot dog call home.

Consider sampling the humble brownie where it began in 1893: behind the peacock doors of the Palmer House

Or a more recent innovation, Shrimp DeJonghe at Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House.
 

What to expect from the weather

March weather is notoriously unpredictable in the Windy City. Temperatures have started warming up after the cold winter, the river and lake are no longer frozen, but you might still encounter cold temperatures (and even snow). Pack a travel umbrella, dress in layers and make sure to check weather forecasts right before your travel dates to know what to expect.