8 Things to Do in Chicago in Summer
Summer Vacations in Chicago
A summer vacation in Chicago sizzles with sunny days spent strolling art-filled street fairs, cruises on the lake and alfresco dining under the city lights. Book a summer hotel in Chicago and visit when music fills the air and the sun shines on the Windy City.
1. Music festivals
Good for: Couples, Photo, Single, Group
Chicago is awash with music during the summer and fans flock to the green grounds of Grant Park for the city’s top 3 festivals. Soak up hot local and national blues acts in late June at the Chicago Blues Festival, the world’s largest free blues festival.Or relish in the joyful sounds at the Chicago Gospel Fest, held in early June. The Chicago Jazz Festival closes the summer with 4 days of top jazz players from around the world.
2. Get out on the water
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
The majestic Chicago River winds its way past some of the city’s most stunning buildings, river walks and restaurants. A sightseeing cruise gives you a close-up view of it all. From Navy Pier, take a sunset cruise out onto the blue waters of Lake Michigan and watch the skyscraper-filled skyline silhouette against an orange-hued backdrop. Alternatively, rent a boat or canoe and enjoy the freedom of rowing out yourself.
3. The Magnificent Mile malls
Good for: Couples, Families, Shoppers, Luxury
When you need a break from the summer heat, shop in air-conditioned comfort at one of the lavish shopping centres on Michigan Avenue, or the Magnificent Mile, as it’s also known. The 900 North Michigan centre houses a dazzling list of couture shops like Gucci and Michael Kors, but also entertains shoppers with live piano performances, art installations and virtual golf.
At Water Tower Place, 7 floors of boutiques and international stores include Lacoste and Akira, as well as family-friendly workshops and events. A few blocks away, The Shops at North Bridge give space to stores like MAC, Hugo Boss and Lola + The Boys. Check the centre’s website before you visit for details about sample sales.
4. Dining alfresco
Good for: Couples, Families, Shoppers, Food
After a busy day of shopping and sightseeing, relax on a patio or in a garden to drink and dine under a sunset sky. Splurge on a romantic dinner on the swanky patio at Boka, or dig into steak frites in the garden at Le Creperie. You can stop for a late afternoon drink and a riverside view at Flatwater, or people-watch at one of the many sidewalk cafes on Rush Street.
5. Street fairs
Good for: Couples, Families, Shoppers, Photo, Food, Budget, Single, Group
Street fairs happen every week in summer. Local artists sell their work while restaurants serve up food and live music entertains the crowds. Lincoln and Belmont Avenues host many colourful fairs, but 2 really stand out. Halsted Market Days offers block after block of vendors as well as some wacky entertainment, and Taste of Randolph showcases dishes from many of the fine nearby restaurants.
6. A day in Lincoln Park
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget
Lincoln Park provides a serene yet playful haven of lush, expansive greenery, tranquil ponds and lakefront paths. Sunbathers soak up the rays at North Avenue Beach, while history buffs reflect on displays inside the Chicago History Museum. Rare lowland gorillas at the Lincoln Park Zoo draw kids of all ages. Go on Wednesday or Saturday morning for the Green City Market and fill a picnic basket with sandwiches, crepes and fresh fruits.
7. Explore Bucktown and Wicker Park
Good for: Couples, Families, Shoppers, Photo, Food, Budget
A quick trip on the blue line subway to the Damen Street stop puts you in the centre of one of city’s most creative hubs. An eclectic mix of artists, families and professionals cluster in the adjoining neighbourhoods of Bucktown and Wicker Park. Spend a sunny afternoon strolling the blocks that sprout out on Damen, Milwaukee and North Avenues from where the 3 intersect. Browse the cool art galleries, groovy boutiques and vintage record stores or chill out and people-watch from one of the hip outdoor cafes.
8. 875 North Michigan
The John Hancock Centre Skyscraper
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Group
875 North Michigan Avenue, located in the Magnificent Mile district of Chicago, is a skyscraper that towers 100 stories. On clear days, you can see as far as 80 miles, which allows you to see 4 different states. The building was originally named the John Hancock Centre, and out of habit and familiarity, many people still refer to the building using that name.
Between the tourist attractions, shopping, views, food, and cafés, 875 North Michigan Avenue is the type of destination that you can spend an entire day exploring. The lifts to the Observation Deck are quoted as being the fastest in the Western Hemisphere, travelling at 20.5 mph. In addition to having many amenities for tourists, the majority of the skyscraper is filled with office spaces and over 700 condominiums, and it contains a private supermarket and pool on the 44th floor.
Location: 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Open: Open 24 hours
875 North Michigan
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