World City Guide

Sightseeing

Sightseeing Overview
Chicago is a wonderful combination of arts, architecture and American life. A good orientation point is the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington Boulevard, which occupies an entire block and contains the Chicago Office of Tourism. Originally built as a library and completed in 1897, it provides a good introduction to the city’s architectural heritage. The building itself is grand, with the world’s largest Tiffany dome and three floors (joined by a great staircase) of beautiful rooms with displays and information.

If the weather is pleasant, visitors can take in the beach resort feel of the city. Monroe, Montrose and Burnham harbours are popular working and pleasure spots with yacht clubs and other services. While away a day at Lincoln Park, sunbathe and people-watch at Oak Street Beach, located on the north side of the town’s Gold Coast, or take your canine to romp at the ‘doggy beach,’ located between Montrose and Belmont.

To experience the ‘City of Big Shoulders’ (Carl Sandburg) skyline, take a ride on the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier, travel south down North Lake Shore Drive, or look toward the city at North Avenue Beach. One of the best ground level glimpses of the Wrigley Building and the Loop is at the Chicago River Michigan Avenue Bridge. And if you still want to see more, visit the old reliables – the Sears Tower Skydeck, and the John Hancock Observatory.

Tourist Information
Chicago Office of Tourism
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington Boulevard
Tel: (312) 744 2400 or (877) CHICAGO/244 2246 or (312) 201 8847 or (866) 710 0294, for the hard of hearing. Fax: (312) 744 2359.
Website: www.cityofchicago.org under ‘AboutTown’ or www.choosechicago.com or www.877chicago.com
Opening hours: Mon-Wed 1000-1900, Thurs 1000-2100, Fri 1000-1800, Sat 1000-1700 and Sun 1100-1700.

Another tourist information office is located at Chicago Waterworks, 163 East Pearson Street, open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas, 0730-1900, and at Navy Pier, opening hours: Sun-Thurs 1000-2100, Fri-Sun 1000-2400).

The Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau offers information (tel: (877) CHICAGO or (244 2246); website: www.choosechicago.com ) information. Additional information is available from Illinois Tourism (tel: 800 2 CONNECT (800 2266 6328); website: www.enjoyillinois.com ).

Visitor information is also available at airports and Union Station.

Passes

The CityPass (website: www.citypass.com ) offers free admission to six Chicago attractions – Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium and the Sears Tower Skydeck. It costs US$49, lasts for nine days and can be purchased from the attractions on the day or online in advance.