Don't Leave the Windy City Without Seeing These Sights

The Chicago penchant for invention and design led renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright to muse that one day it would be "the most beautiful great city left in the world." Given so many sights to see when visiting, here are a few standouts for your vacation itinerary.

Skyscrapers from the Alder Planetarium Skyline Walk

The semicircular Skyline Walk outside the Adler Planetarium offers one of the best views of the city skyline. Go on a clear day to see reflections of skyscrapers on the waters of Lake Michigan. Catch pink and lavender reflections in the towering buildings as the sun rises or sets, or the twinkle of millions of lights reflecting in the water on a clear night. On a summer day, combine the Skyline Walk with a trip to 12th St. Beach, immediately south of the planetarium.

The City from the (Second) Tallest Skyscraper in the Country

The title of the tallest skyscraper in the country depends on who you ask... Savor a 50-mile view of the Chicago at the Willis Tower Skydeck in downtown. Step out on The Ledge, a glass-floored observation deck revealing the street 1,353 below your feet. The best time to go is after 5:00 in the evening to see the sunset. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before the sun goes down to make sure you're in position to watch the Chicago sky fade to orange. Buy tickets online to eliminate the ticket line, or get a Fast Pass if you're really tight on time.

Your Reflection in the Bean

Put on your super-silly selfie face—you're headed for The Bean. Formally called Cloud Gate, the stainless steel sculpture in Millennium Park, gives practically unlimited options for creative vacation photography. Snap selfies from every angle. When you run out of ideas, use the free WiFi to get more by visiting the Seen At the Bean website. Before you leave, check out the faces of local citizens displayed on the 50-foot towers of the Crown Fountain and position yourself in front of one for another mind-blowing selfie.

Downtown View from the River

It's dyed green every St. Patrick's Day and wore bright blue when the Cubs won the 2016 World Series. But colored waters aren't what makes the Chicago River a must-visit. The waterway was the lifeblood of the city in the early days, allowing transport of goods to and from Lake Michigan. Some of the world's largest buildings—Merchandise Mart and Willis Tower—lie nearby, as well as 18 intricate movable bridges. Take an architectural river tour, walk the Riverwalk and visit the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum to immerse yourself in the river's history and culture.

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