The hardest part about planning a business trip to the Windy City is the fact that you will have to do business. The city of Chicago has so much to offer whether you love music, museums, sports or shopping. You will want to build in some downtime from your business schedule to take advantage of your trip to this great city.
Find the Right Hotel
Location is critical when you are searching for the right hotel in Chicago. If you are attending a convention at McCormick Place, there are several hotels nearby including the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago and the Marriott Marquis. The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place is attached to the convention center giving you easy access as a traveler. Visit their website to find out more about them. If you would rather be located closer to the downtown area, there are even more options. For classic Chicago architecture you might pick the Hilton Chicago or the Congress Plaza Hotel.
Explore the City
There are many ways for a visitor to Chicago to take in the city. The Willis Tower, formally known as the Sears Tower, was once the tallest building in the world. It is still impressive to travel up to the observation deck and see the extent of the city and the beauty of Lake Michigan.
Another popular way to explore Chicago is by boat. Boat tours leave regularly from Navy Pier. You will explore close-up views of the architecture of the central city following the Chicago River. Most of these tours will also take you onto Lake Michigan for a dramatic view of the Chicago skyline.
If you are trying to get your steps in, the Lakefront Trail extends 18 miles along the coast. Chicago has done a great job of maintaining this green space in a busy city. Using this path, you can walk from McCormick Place to the Magnificent Mile.
It’s All About the Pizza
There are many fine restaurants throughout the city of Chicago. You can find just about any international cuisine you might desire. However, Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza. Downtown you can find the original Pizzeria Uno. Less well-known but just as popular with the locals, Gino’s East near Water tower Place serves an excellent deep-dish pie.
Explore the Museums
Chicago has long been the cultural center of the Midwest. If have time to take a deep dive into art, history, science or culture, Chicago has a museum for you.
- The Adler Planetarium – Learn about the universe and space exploration.
- The Field Museum of Natural History – A museum dedicated to ancient cultures and the diversity of life from dinosaurs to the present.
- The Museum of Science and Industry – Located in Hyde Park, this museum is housed in the last remaining building from the 1939 World’s Fair. You can walk through a German U-Boat and take and elevator ride to a simulated coal mine.
- The Art Institute of Chicago – From ancient art to French impressionists to modern artists, this museum has it all.
- The John G. Shedd Aquarium – Learn about the world under the lake and under the sea.
Shop on the Magnificent Mile
The downtown area near the old water tower is packed with opportunities for shopping. You can find a range of shops from classic departments stores to upscale fashion design storefronts. It is a great area for both for window shopping and serious consumerism.
The city of Chicago will not disappoint you. You may be coming for business, but this city will give you an experience to remember.
