THINGS TO DO IN
CHICAGO 2016
GETTING AROUND FROM THE AIRPORT
CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY
TAXIS
UBER
Chicago has two main airports, O’Hare and Midway, both offering thousands of flight options and cost competitive fares to get to the city. O’Hare is located 17 miles from downtown and takes about 35 minutes by car; Midway is located 10 miles from downtown and takes approximately 20 minutes by car. There are a variety of options to get to the city at both airports including the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), GO Airport Express, and private car hire.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is the nation’s second largest public transportation system connecting the City of Chicago and 40 neighboring communities by rail and bus. You can pay cash for single rides or get the Unlimited Ride Pass for added savings. The city is famous for their ‘L’ Trains, making the city very easy to get around at an affordable price. Two lines operate 24 hours a day: the Blue Line (linking the airport and downtown) and the Red Line (servicing the North and South Sides via downtown).
Taxis are plentiful and convenient to hail all around downtown and at the airports. The city has required that all cabs accept credit cards. Standard tipping is 15 to 20 percent of the fare plus $1 to $2 per bag if the driver assists you with luggage. All fares are subject to change.
Uber is available throughout the city providing a variety of options to choose from: uberX, uberXL, UberBlack, UberSUV, and uberSELECT. For groups of 4 or more individuals, UberSUV is likely the best option for getting to your destination. UberBLACK provides you with either a black town car or a large black SUV (Escalade, Tahoe, Navigator), providing a more luxurious car service to customers who do not mind having to pay the higher fair. These car services can be arranged through the UBER application available for free download for iPhone, iPad, and Android. Simply download the application ahead of time, request your ride once you land, and the application will use the GPS on your phone to locate you.
CONTACT YOUR LIFESTYLE MANAGER +1 212 206 6633 515 W20TH STREET, 6W, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10011
6
Millennium Park
WHAT TO SEE ADLER PLANETARIUM
ARLINGTON PARK
CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN
JOHN HANCOCK CENTER
MAGNIFICENT MILE
MILLENNIUM PARK
Built in 1930 as the nation’s first, the Adler Planetarium features three theatres that all display different shows about the universe. The architecture of the planetarium won Ernest A. Grunsfeld awards for his design.
Arlington Park is a horse-racing track just outside the city of Chicago, and has been referred to as “the most beautiful track in America.” Hugely popular when it first opened in the 1930s, it is still a busy venue, seating up to 50,000.
The Chicago Botanic Garden is a 385-acre living-plant museum located on the outskirts of the city. Taking root in the gardens are 2.4 million plants, one of the largest collections in the world.
Designed by famed architecture firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, the John Hancock Center rises 100 stories above downtown Chicago. The building is home to offices and many restaurants, but the main attraction is the open-air SkyWalk on the roof.
The Windy City’s Magnificent Mile packs an entire vacation into a mere eight blocks. Along this corridor visitors can marvel at Chicago’s architectural wonders, shop at nearly 500 boutiques and retailers, or eat at one of the 200 restaurants.
Millennium Park opened in 2004 and quickly became one of the most visited sites in the city. The park sits on top of a parking garage and commuter rail station, thus qualifying it as the world’s largest rooftop garden.
CONTACT YOUR LIFESTYLE MANAGER +1 212 206 6633 515 W20TH STREET, 6W, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10011
7
Navy Pier
WHAT TO SEE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
NAVY PIER
THE SECOND CITY
SKYDECK CHICAGO
WRIGLEY FIELD
Located near the Water Tower Place in downtown Chicago the museum was established in 1967 as one of the world’s largest contemporary art venues.
Navy Pier was built in 1916 by the city of Chicago and today it is still their top tourist attraction. It began primarily to serve the purpose of lake freighters and warehouses, but today it is primarily a public gathering place. Tours of the lake still depart from the end of the pier, and the shore side features a large lawn sprinkled with public art sculptures and an interactive fountain.
The Second City opened its doors on a snowy Chicago night in December of 1959. With its roots in the improvisational games of Viola Spolin, The Second City developed an entirely unique way of creating and performing comedy. Resident celebrity stage alumni include Chris Farley, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, Mike Meyers, and Stever Carrel--- to name a few.
Located in the Willis Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the US, The Skydeck is a glass box extending out 4.3 feet and sitting 1,353 feet high, and look down. You just may feel like you’re on top of the world or floating in the air like a bird. Wrigley Field is one of Major League Baseball’s oldest parks, second only to Fenway Park in Boston. To this day the original, hand-operated scoreboard is still on display and in use and the outfield wall is covered in timeless ivy.
CONTACT YOUR LIFESTYLE MANAGER +1 212 206 6633 515 W20TH STREET, 6W, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10011
8
Drumbar
NIGHTLIFE THE AVIARY 955 West Fulton Market
BAR DEVILLE 701 North Damen Avenue
THE BARRELHOUSE FLAT 2624 North Lincoln Avenue
BIG STAR 1531 North Damen Avenue
DRUMBAR 201 East Delaware Place
JOIE DE VINE 1744 West Balmoral Avenue
Like tattooed, mustachioed mad scientists quarantined in their lab, mixologists gather behind an illuminated wall, where they are obscured by billows of dry ice and steam. The Aviary’s owner is Grant Achatz, chef of boundary-pushing restaurant
Haunt this moody den for its cozy front room, DJ-fueled dance parties, and the delish classic cocktails.
An old upright piano sets the speakeasy tone, while a noteworthy beverage list and friendly patrons carry the lively melody.
There’s nothing better than a Saturday night spent gorging on pork belly tacos, guac, and margaritas—especially when the team behind standout restaurants Avec and Publican makes them. In good weather, this Wicker Park hot spot’s backyard party vibe seals the deal: If you land a stool, park there for the night. You won’t regret it.
This moody lounge in the Raffaello Hotel, with its couch-filled nooks and intimate terrace, scores high in ambiance. And it pours a stellar cocktail, thanks to the addition of Craig Schoettler (formerly of the Aviary, No. 3) behind the bar.
What started as a local wine bar has evolved into a destination for craft beer hounds who prefer their suds without the scene. The beer tally now tops 90, and a custom cocktail program will wow your friends who appreciate small-batch distilleries and regional producers.
CONTACT YOUR LIFESTYLE MANAGER +1 212 206 6633 515 W20TH STREET, 6W, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10011
16
Studio Paris
NIGHTLIFE THE LIBRARY AT THE PUBLIC CHICAGO 1301 North State Parkway
ROOF AT THE WIT 201 North State Street
STUDIO PARIS NIGHTCLUB 59 West Hubbard Street Second Floor
This Gold Coast spot plays Nick Carraway to the Pump Room’s Gatsby: elegant, happening, and just far enough removed from the scene to let you enjoy the panorama. With vaulted ceilings, a fireplace, faux-fur chairs, and wood walls, everything feels like the old sport’s reading room.
This 7,000-square-foot rooftop may shift from swanky postwork destination to glitzy nightclub in a matter of minutes, but the simple yet strong drinks—and unobstructed views of nearly the entire Loop—remain. Word to the wise: Get there before 10 p.m. on weekends, before the lines start forming.
Studio Paris has redefined nightlife in Chicago. This nightclub fuses an exclusive cocktail lounge with an energy of a high-class nightclub. Studio Paris has hosted some of the biggest names in electronic music: Kaskade, Avicii, Tiesto, DeadMau5, and Calvin Harris. Wednesday nights is an EDM music. Studio Paris unlike any other venue in Chicago.
CONTACT YOUR LIFESTYLE MANAGER +1 212 206 6633 515 W20TH STREET, 6W, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10011
17
Magnificent Mile
WHERE TO SHOP ESQUIRE THEATER
LAKEVIEW
LINCOLN PARK
MAGNIFICENT MILE
THE MERCHANDISE MART
A former movie theater turned retail heaven, Esquire Theater, has all your go to designers showcasing the latest trends and collections. Inside, you can discover the latest French fashions at Maje and Sandro; or admire the elegant pieces from Dolce & Gabbana. You can head next door to the high-end world of Carolina Herrera, or become the envy of your friends with some world-class jewelry from Buccellati. This diverse area is home to several neighborhoods: East Lakeview, Central Lakeview, Boystown and Wrigleyville, each offering its own distinct vibe. Head to the bustling commercial districts along Belmont Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, Clark Street, Halsted Street and Broadway Street to shop — be it for retro jumpsuits, designer jeans, gourmet specialties or leather biker gear. Head to charming, tree-lined Lincoln Park where many shops are in Victorian row houses. Located on streets with names like Armitage, Halsted, and Webster, you can browse for everything from clothing for men, women, and children to shoes and adornments, home décor, stationery, gifts, and treats for your favorite pet. Considered to the granddaddy of Chicago retail, the Magnificent Mile stretches for 13 blocks on North Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to the banks of the Chicago River filled with tons of shops, boutiques, department stores, and restaurants. This is a must see for any visitor touring Chicago and stop by iconic shops such as Barney’s New York, Tom Ford, and Hermes Paris. The Merchandise Mart, constructed in 1930, is the world’s largest commercial building, largest wholesale design center and one of Chicago’s premier international business locations. Encompassing 4.2 million square feet, The Mart spans two entire city blocks and rises 25 stories. Sixty percent of the building’s area is devoted to wholesale showrooms. As a design center, Merchandise Mart Chicago hosts 16 major trade shows, coproduces 15 more and also houses more than 300 conferences, seminars and special events a year.
CONTACT YOUR LIFESTYLE MANAGER +1 212 206 6633 515 W20TH STREET, 6W, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10011
19
LET YOUR IMAGINATION BE OUR BUSINESS
CONTACT YOUR LIFESTYLE MANAGER +1 212 206 6633 515 W20TH STREET, 6W, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10011
W W W . Q U I N T E S S E N T I A L L Y. C O M
