The windy city was invaded by the Graphic staff during the first weekend of November, as well as many other collegiate newspaper staff members who participated in the Associated Collegiate Press’ annual conference. Besides coming home with a Pacemaker award, the staff enjoyed the many tourist locales that Chicago had to offer, including historic buildings, noteworthy attractions, and delicious eats.
Here is a list of 10 places that must be on every Chicago tourist’s list if they truly wish to experience everything the city has to offer.
1. Navy Pier
If only one place is on the list of places to visit while in Chicago, it should be the Navy Pier. This is a one-stop shop for food, entertainment, people watching and attractions. Founded in 1995, the Navy Pier sits on the shores of Lake Michigan and remains a tourist attraction all year round. Each season brings with it a new and exciting time at the Pier. From Nov. 30 to Jan. 6, the Navy Pier will be hosting their 12th annual Winter Wonderland.
With 50 acres of parks, a Ferris wheel, dozens of shops and restaurants, as well as the historic children’s museum, Navy Pier can be an all-day affair.
2. The Berghoff
The Berghoff is a 114-year-old institution and spans four generations of the Berghoff family. This Chicago classic has been serving up German-American food to locals and tourists since 1898 and is known as one of the oldest family-run businesses in the nation. The restaurant was initiated by Herman Berghoff, who started serving free corned beef sandwiches at his saloon. Throughout the years, the place has evolved to a full-service restaurant and catering service. Don’t forget to try a stein of their world famous root beer with your schnitzel.
3. PizzeriaUno/Due
When visiting Chicago, trying deep-dish pizza is an absolute must. In 1943, Ike Sewell created the deep-dish sensation, and shortly after, he opened up Pizzeria Uno to share his creation with the world. The restaurant became so popular that Sewell decided to open Pizzeria Due just down the street. These restaurants have been mentioned in gourmet cookbooks and major publications around the world. While both restaurants serve the same food, many are unaware of Pizzeria Due. So, if you are worried about the hour-long wait at Pizzeria Uno, walk down the block to its sister spot to enjoy one of Chicago’s most beloved inventions.
4. Ed Debevic’s
Ready for some old fashion dinner food and down-to-earth personalities? Ed Debevic’s caters to the 1950s nostalgic beings who just want a good burger, shake and a dinner atmosphere. The restaurant is based on Lill’s Homesick Diner, which resided on Highway 50 during the 1950s and 1960s. Ed took his inspiration from her home-cooked meals and her motto, “Treat people right, eat and get out.”
5. West Egg
Nestled snugly on Fairbanks Court, a street full of other delicious eateries, the West Egg Cafe is truly a find for a casual diner looking for a quick and delicious meal. West Egg is a solid choice for breakfast — which is served all day — with its huge portions of fluffy pancakes, house-made biscuits and gravy and freshly brewed coffee. If you’re staying at one of the many hotels nearby, this cafe also offers a delivery service, so you can enjoy your breakfast in bed. The only downside is that West Egg is strictly a brunch spot — it closes at 3 p.m., so grab a seat at the breakfast bar while you can.
6. Giordano’s
Chicago is so famous for their pizza that you can’t settle for just one pizzeria on your visit. With true Chicago pizza, the sauce is on top, which the founders and celebrated chefs Joseph and Efren Boglio report they learned to make from their mother in Italy. Voted the best pizza in America by NBC, Giordano’s stuffed-crust pizza is sure to hit the spot. And if you can’t make it all the way to the windy city to partake in their perfectly crafted deep-dish creation, Giordano’s will FedEx a pizza anywhere nationwide for a small fee.
7. The Chicago Theatre
The iconic Chicago Theatre has been providing live entertainment to the city of Chicago for almost one hundred years, and while it had to be saved from destruction in the 1980s, this vessel of Chicago history isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. If the monumental architecture and rich history isn’t enough to bring you to the theatre for a tour, upcoming performers Straight No Chaser, Martina McBride and a trifecta performance with Train, Karmin and Ed Sheeran should persuade you to visit this Christmas season.
8. Millennium Park
Second only to the Navy Pier in terms of free public attractions, Millennium Park is home to many forms of public art, including its most famous sculpture, “Cloud Gate” — or, as most refer to it, “The Bean.” This 66-foot-long metal sculpture has passersby constantly stopping to snap photos of the reflections of themselves and the city skyline. The park is also home to other postmodern sculptures and features the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a 4,000-seat outdoor-seating arena where the Grant Park Music Festival is held each year.
9. The Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile, located on a stretch of Michigan Avenue between Chicago River and Oak Street, is a one-of-a-kind adventure that can easily become an all-day event. This 13-block stretch features Chicago’s largest shopping district as well as museums, hotels and restaurants. The Mile also hosts seasonal events to accompany the natural changes that occur in the multitude of plant life that exists along the stretch of Michigan Avenue. During the Christmas season, the annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival takes over this sector of town and features a free concert and a parade. No matter what time of year it is when you visit, lace up your walking shoes and prepare for an experience like none other.
10. Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field was built in 1914 on the grounds of a once occupied seminary and has been the home of the Chicago Cubs ever since. The ballpark is the second oldest in the Major Leagues, behind Boston’s Fenway Park, which was constructed in 1912. Since the Tribune Company purchased the Cubs in 1981, the field also serves as a home to a variety of construction projects. There are a variety of tours ranging from daily, kids and specialty tours.
