In 2004, when Anish Kapoor's colossal, gleaming Cloud Gate sculpture, the lively fountains, the captivating Crown Fountain, and a Disney-esque music pavilion all came together in this park, they quickly won the affection of both Chicagoans and tourists. This public space, which cost $250 million more than planned and opened four years later than scheduled, stands out as Chicago's most dazzling, showcasing contemporary architecture and design. Paul Goldberger, the architecture critic for The New York Times, hailed it as "one of the great new models for a kind of urban park." It has been embraced by locals and visitors alike and is widely considered the most impressive public project in Chicago since the 1893 World's Fair.

The park's origins trace back to a moment when Mayor Richard M. Daley conceived of it while sitting in his dentist's chair across the street, gazing at the sea of parking lots and railyards that occupied the site until the late 1990s. The initial design, created by the globally renowned Skidmore, Owings and Merrill firm based in Chicago, adhered to the traditional style of Grant Park, featuring formal fountains and gardens. However, private donors who had pledged to supplement public funding for the park's construction rejected this design as too conservative. Cindy Pritzker, a prominent Chicago philanthropist and the spouse of the late Jay Pritzker, the founder of the Hyatt hotel chain and the esteemed Pritzker Prize in architecture, eventually persuaded Frank Gehry (a previous Pritzker Prize laureate) to design the park's central pavilion, along with a bridge leading to the lake across Columbus Avenue. Gehry's involvement attracted other exceptional talents to the project, resulting in an impressively diverse yet cohesive masterpiece.

The star attraction undoubtedly lies in Gehry's remarkable Jay Pritzker Pavilion, featuring striking ribbons of stainless steel soaring 40 feet into the sky, resembling petals enveloping the music stage. Other notable elements include the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, offering an indoor option for performing arts enthusiasts, the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, and the Lurie Garden, a year-round delight.

Climb the grand staircase, stride past the stone-faced lions who’ve seen it all, and step into the Midwest’s reigning heavyweight of art-The Art Institute of Chicago! Housed in a sprawling Beaux-Arts palace, this museum is practically an all-you-can-absorb buffet of global creativity. And just when you think you’ve got your bearings, bam-there’s the Modern Wing, sleek and gleaming like a spaceship, courtesy of the very same Renzo Piano.

Inside, the European Collection marches through history like a very well-dressed parade-from medieval saints to moody 1950s portraits, with Renaissance drama and Baroque flair in between. But the real crowd magnet is nearly 400 Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. Monet, Van Gogh, Cézanne-they’re all here, casually hanging out like it’s no big deal. Over in the American wing, about 5,500 works stretch across centuries, from colonial portraits to early 20th-century boldness. And if you’re into decor with a past, the Terra Foundation’s loans serve up silver, ceramics, and furniture that could easily outclass anybody's grandma’s best set.

Also, don’t skip the local favorites: the pint-sized perfection of the Thorne Miniature Rooms (imagine dollhouses with Ivy League degrees), or Chagall’s “American Windows,” where stained glass sings in color.

Coming here, you're in for more than just a gallery stroll but a full-on, globe-spanning, time-traveling art adventure. From Greek gods to Japanese screens, African masks to Warhol prints, there’s something for every curious eye. And yes, the photography collection alone could fill a day. So, do come in, wander wide, and let the lions keep watch while you get your culture fix.

At the shiny center of AT&T Plaza in Millennium Park, stands the Cloud Gate - or as Chicagoans lovingly call it, The Bean. Sculpted between 2004 and 2006 by Anish Kapoor, an Indian-born British artist known for making giant shiny things that you can’t help staring at, this was his first outdoor public piece in the United States-which quickly became the selfie magnet of the Midwest.

Made from over 160 stainless steel plates seamlessly fused together (so well, in fact, you'd swear it was magic), this mirror-like blob stretches 66 feet long, stands 33 feet tall, and weighs in at a casual 100 tons. It's shaped like a drop of liquid mercury but looks more like an alien lentil from a sleek future where everything is polished to perfection.

Now, here’s the kicker: when Kapoor first proposed it, the art world blinked. Some said, “Gorgeous idea,” others said, “Logistically impossible.” Welding it, polishing it, cleaning it would be a nightmare! And yet - they pulled it off, nonetheless, although not without a few delays. When Millennium Park opened in 2004, The Bean wasn’t quite ready for its big debut. It took until May 15, 2006, for the formal unveiling, and since then it’s been soaking up praise, Instagram filters, and about ten million fingerprints a year.

Now, if you leave Chicago without a photo warped in The Bean’s belly, some may wonder if you've ever been to Chicago at all... Indeed, it's reflective, massive, and playful - and frankly, it’s probably already seen your face in someone else's selfie...

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria is another iconic name in Chicago's deep-dish pizza scene. The story begins with Lou Malnati, whose family played a significant role in popularizing Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria was founded by Lou Malnati in 1971, but the roots of the pizzeria trace back even further. Lou's father, Rudy Malnati, was a key figure in the development of Chicago deep-dish pizza. Rudy worked at Pizzeria Uno, where he was involved in perfecting the deep-dish recipe alongside the founders, Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo. Rudy Malnati’s influence on the deep-dish pizza recipe was significant, and he passed on his knowledge and techniques to his son Lou.

When Lou Malnati opened his own pizzeria, he brought with him the deep-dish pizza style that his family had helped to create. Lou’s version of the deep-dish pizza was known for its buttery crust, high-quality ingredients, and a rich, flavorful sauce. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria quickly became renowned for its delicious and authentic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.

Under Lou Malnati's leadership, the pizzeria grew and expanded, becoming a beloved institution in Chicago.

Strolling down the expansive stretch of Michigan Avenue north of the Chicago River is a must-do for nearly every visitor to the city. Known as one of the world's most renowned shopping districts, the Magnificent Mile boasts a rich assortment of mainstream retailers, major department stores, and shopping centers. Even if you aren't inclined to shop, there's much to captivate your interest here. The southern end of this bustling strip is anchored by the iconic Wrigley Building skyscraper, featuring two elaborately designed towers constructed between 1920 and 1924, as well as the Tribune Tower, a 36-floor neo-Gothic skyscraper. At the northern terminus stands the impressive 100-storey John Hancock Center, with the famous Water Tower situated in between.

Apart from being one of Chicago's premier spots for people-watching, the Magnificent Mile is also a haven for food enthusiasts, offering a wide array of dining choices, including renowned and critically acclaimed restaurants. However, if you come to Chicago with a specific craving for the city's famous local pizza, be sure to explore Gino's East and Lou Malnati's, among other locations, as they provide some of the finest Chicago-Style deep dish pizza experiences available in the city.

Navy Pier in Chicago, originally known as the "Municipal Pier," was designed by well-known architect Charles Sumner Frost. Located along the shore of Lake Michigan, the Navy Pier is 3,300 feet long. It was first opened to the public in 1916 and renamed Navy Pier in 1927 in tribute to World War I Navy veterans.

There is plenty to see and do during a visit to the pier. At Pier Park, you'll find a variety of fun rides, games, and other amusements. Ride a hand-painted horse on the delightful musical carousel. You can't miss the iconic Centennial Wheel that debuted in 2016, honoring the 100th anniversary of the pier. This Ferris wheel is close to 200 feet tall and offers panoramic city views from the top.

Attractions at Navy Pier include the Chicago Children's Museum boasting three floors of exploration for kids. See live plays, musicals, and events at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Get lost in the 4,000-square-foot Funhouse Maze. During the summer, Navy Pier puts on a spectacular fireworks show that is a favorite with visitors and locals.

Hungry visitors will find a wide array of foods available, including hot dogs, burgers, pizza, popcorn, and ice cream. The waterfront Beer Garden, open seasonally, offers craft beer and live music performances. The pier also features shopping and special events.

One of the Navy Pier's biggest draws, the new and improved Centennial Wheel has become an iconic part of Chicago’s skyline and a treasured piece of the city’s cultural heritage. A Ferris wheel experience like no other, this remarkable wheel elevates you to approximately 200 feet above the pier, offering amazing views of the skyline and Lake Michigan in utmost comfort.

Debuting in 2016 to celebrate Navy Pier's 100th birthday, the Centennial Wheel features enclosed gondolas – two-sided cars in blue and white, with robust structures and safety glass designed to withstand winds of up to 115 mph. Inside, guests are pampered with amenities such as TV screens, speakers, plush seating, air-conditioning, and uninterrupted 360-degree vistas. Each ride lasts for a delightful 12 minutes, completing three rotations, allowing ample time to admire the scenery and capture fantastic citywide photos. For those seeking expedited access, a fast pass ($25) will whisk you to the front of the line.

Tip:
Nearby attractions – the Wave Swinger, the Light Tower, and the Carousel – operate late spring through early fall, weather permitting.