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Attractions

Of all America's large cities, Chicago just might rank as the friendliest. And what it lacks in New York bravado, and LA style, Chicago makes up for in the astonishing variety of its architecture, vibrant culture and thriving art scene highlighted by the Art Institute of Chicago. It is also a true family-friendly destination with world-class attractions such as the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium.

With so much to see its worth getting sense of perspective from the start. Visit the John Hancock Observatory for a view of the city from 1000 ft (600m) in the air. Then check out Navy Pier for a 3-D motion simulation of Chicago's fascinating history and exciting future. Afterwards, hop on a boat tour departing from the adjoining pier.

A good option for visitors is the Go Chicago Card which gives you admission to all the city's key attractions, shopping and dining discounts, various free tours and a guide book. The card is available from the Segway Experience (224 South Michigan Ave. Tel: +1 (1)312-663-0600 or Tel: +1 (1)800-887-9103) and costs from US$49.

Art Institute of Chicago

An impressive pair of bronze lions guards the entrance to the Art Institute of Chicago in South Michigan Avenue, housing one of the greatest art collections in the world. Works date from 3,000 BC through to the present, including a renowned collection of Impressionist...  see full details

Field Museum

Chicago's awesome Field Museum of Natural History in Lake Shore Drive is home to 'Sue', the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil ever found. The dinosaur came to rest here after being unearthed in South Dakota when the Museum bought her remains...  see full details

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home

America's most renowned architect lived and worked in the complex, which served as private residence, studio and architectural laboratory for the first twenty years of his career, between 1889 (when he was 22) and 1909. Wright's haven started out as a simple cottage and...  see full details

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park, beginning at North Avenue and following the shore of Lake Michigan northwards for several miles, is Chicago's largest park. It contains several attractions, bathing beaches, a botanical conservatory, golf course, grassy meadows, formal gardens and sports fields. Pride of place is held...  see full details

Museum of Science and Industry

Explore everything from monster trucks to genetic codes at Chicago's most popular tourist attraction, the massive Museum of Science and Industry. Described as 'the granddaddy of interactive museums', the museum is located a few minutes from downtown Chicago. It takes at least a day...  see full details

Shedd Aquarium

One of Chicago's best known attractions the Shedd, which opened in 1930, remains the world's largest indoor aquarium. The octagonal marble building houses more than 8,000 river, lake and sea creatures. The main attraction is the Caribbean Coral Reef exhibit and other marine habitat...  see full details

Navy Pier

Situated on the lakefront, Navy Pier has developed into one of the city's main tourist destinations, offering year-round attractions, events and entertainment for the whole family. Navy Pier encompasses acres of parks and gardens, shops, restaurants, and numerous attractions and rides, as well as...  see full details

Sears Tower

'You haven't seen Chicago until you've seen it from the Skydeck' is what many visitors will hear from locals and other tourists in the city. Located on the 103rd floor, the Sears Tower Skydeck is 1,353 feet (412m) above street level and one...  see full details

Millennium Park

Millennium Park is one of Chicago's most popular destinations and is seen by Chicagoans as the crowning glory of their city. The award-winning park is famous for its innovative architecture and landscape design, featuring the work of several prominent artists, architects and designers. The...  see full details

Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum

Located on Lake Michigan, the Adler is America's first planetarium and is the only museum in the world with two full-size planetarium theaters. The night sky has been visible from the historic Sky Theatre since 1930, while the all-digital StarRider Theatre is the first...  see full details

Hancock Observatory

The John Hancock building is Chicago's third highest skyscraper with a distinctive x-bracing exterior skin, and its Observatory competes with the facilities of the Sear's Tower Skydeck across town in the Financial District. Located on the 94th floor 1,000 feet (305m) above street level,...  see full details