We have a trip to Chicago from Toronto for 2 days. Any advice for attractions and economic hotel?|162115

We have a trip to Chicago from Toronto for 2 days. Any advice for attractions and economic hotel?

Well, I usually make the trip the opposite directions (been to Toronto about four times in the past year and ALWAYS visit The Rex... love that place). So it_s good to return the favor.

If this is your first trip to Chicago, I suppose you should see the usual tourist sights first... Millenium Park, Navy Pier, State Street, Michigan Ave., etc. You might also want to throw in the Lincoln Park Zoo (its a free zoo), the Art Institute (great collection and a new modern wing), the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Musem Campus (Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium).

But I highly recommend getting away from the tourist area and seeing _regular_ Chicago. Places like the Wrigleyville area (around Wrigley field, although that can be kinda touristy too), Andersonville (a neigborhood with a Swedish heritage; it sort of reminds me of the Beaches area in TO), Wicker Park (the hipster area, kind of like west on Queen Street), etc. And since it_s getting warmer out, it_s street fair season, so you definitely should check one of those out. They_re all over the city and usually feature live music, food and vendors. Most times they charge you about five bucks to get in, but it_s mostly a fun time.

I recommend picking up a copy of Time Out Chicago magazine to see what_s going on the week you_re here. Or check out the Chicagoist website (It_s run by the same people who run the Torontoist website). They also list things to do that are off the radar.

As for hotels, not sure of what you mean by _economic_ (less than $200? less than $100? Cheaper than that?). Let us know what your price range is (in US dollars).

Also if you haven_t booked your flight yet, check out Porter. It_s the one I use all the time now. Non-stop from Chicago to Toronto for about $200 plus tax. Great.

The museum of science and industry has opened the premiere exhibit of the harry potter props - well worth a see if you are a fan - otherwise the museum is actually quite interesting - depends on your interests and what age you and your fellow travellers are. I recently went and stayed in a youth hostel _parthenon_ but _arlington hostel_ is apparently very very nice and in a great area (it was fully booked for when I went).

When you are in Chicago your best bet is to stay in Downtown Chicago were all the shopping, entertainments, and restaurants are.

I would recomond to stay at the www.avenuehotelchicago.com as a good upscale but economic hotel in Downtown Chicago.

you will love the city of big shoulders. grant park right next to the lake always has something going on. oak st. beach is dynamite. navy pier, science and industry, the magnificient mile, shedd aquarium, the art museum. the nite life on rush. i have been to your wonderful city. i have been to european capitals. there is nothing like chicago. the mid west is the best. it feeds the world.

I usually suggest Essex Inn for it_s location right on Michigan Ave. Or Red Roof Inn on Ontario; both relatively low in price.

Most popular are:

Navy Pier
Sear Tower Skydeck
Millenium Park
Wrigley Field
Museum Campus -Shedd Aquarium/Adler Planetarium/Field Museum
Lincoln Park Zoo
North Ave. Beach
North Michigan Avenue
Chicago Architecture Foundation River Tour

oooooooooo!! Toronta is AMAZING!!! there_s these cute little islands in the lakes that you HAVE to go to and rent a little car/bike _-- sooo fun!! and go to the CNtower and get to stand on the glass, ARGH!! go to the harbour too, really nice and there_s this really nice shopping place and ice-creamn shop!! XD

shedd aquarium, sear_s tower now has a glass bottom, navy pier, museum of science and industry. HYATT REGENCY MCCORMICK PLACE CHICAGO is close to all of these. we went to their website and was able to book a room with a view for $124.00. room looks great, is in a safe area and close to the L

obama is from chicago, dont go there