Chicago

The John Hancock building is Chicago's third highest skyscraper. Located on the 94th floor, 1,000 feet (305m) above street level, the 360 Chicago Observatory is the city's only open-air skywalk, with 360-degree views, a talking telescope, audio Skytours that provide an overview of the city with 16 stops, and the History Wall, with hundreds of photos illustrating Chicago's history. An annual 'Hustle up the Hancock' stair climb race up the 94 floors is held every February. With a distinctive x-bracing exterior skin, its Observatory competes with the facilities of the Sear's Tower Skydeck across town in the Financial District.

Address : 875 N. Michigan Avenue

Website : www.hancock-observatory.com

Telephone : (888) 875 8439

Opening times : Daily 9am-11pm (last entry at 10.30pm).

Admission : General Admission $20 adults, $13 children 3-11. Concessions and packages available.

Located on Lake Michigan, the Adler is America's oldest planetarium, and boasts two full-size planetarium theatres. Visitors and locals alike have marvelled at the night sky in the historic Sky Theatre since 1930. It now feature the all-digital StarRider Theatre which is the first of its kind in the world and affords a virtual outer space experience in its 55-foot (17m) wide and three-storey high area. The Adler is also home to numerous exhibits including antique astronomical instruments dating back to 12th-century Persia as well as fun interactive displays. The Adler hosts many special lectures and events and a visit is an absolute must for star-gazers. It is a good family attraction in Chicago as the shows enchant all age groups and much of the programme is carefully designed for children.

Address : 1300 S Lake Shore Drive

Website : www.adlerplanetarium.org

Telephone : (312) 922 7827

Opening times : Open daily 9.30-4pm.

Admission : $12 adult, $8 children, other package deals available

An impressive pair of bronze lions guards the entrance to the Art Institute of Chicago, a museum which houses 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 art featuring numerous Monet paintings. The Institute has it all, from Japanese ukiyo-e prints and ancient Egyptian bronzes to masterpieces of 20th-century sculpture. Exhibits include paintings and drawings, photographs, textiles, sculptures, and architectural works. As if the permanent collection isn't enough to occupy visitors, an impressive programme of temporary and travelling exhibitions grace the museum. The Institute has two restaurants, one set in a garden, as well as a gift shop.

Address : 111 South Michigan Avenue

E-mail : [email protected]

Website : www.artic.edu

Telephone : (312) 443 3600

Opening times : Daily 10.30am to 5pm (until 8pm on Thursdays).

Admission : $25 (adults), $19 (discounted), free for children under 14.

Often referred to as the city's front yard, Buckingham Fountain is one of the Chicago's most popular attractions. Located alongside Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago in Grant Park, the fountain used to be the official starting point of the celebrated US Route 66. Donated to the city by Kate Buckingham, in memory of her brother Clarence Buckingham, on 26 August 1927, the fountain represents Lake Michigan and each sea horse symbolises a state bordering the lake. Water shows run every hour on the hour and last for 20 minutes. The last show of the night is at 10pm.

Address : 301 South Columbus Drive

Telephone : (312) 742 7529

While Chicago is not well-known as a beach holiday destination, its position on the shore of Lake Michigan gives the city access to an extensive network of waterfront recreational areas. There are over 26 miles (42km) of open and free lakefront to enjoy. These include popular spots like Oak Street Beach and North Avenue Beach, the most fashionable places to see and be seen while enjoying the sun of a Chicago summer. The Rogers Park Beaches are also excellent: Howard Beach has a playground for children, while Pratt Beach offers tennis courts and jogging paths. Kathy Osterman Beach (formerly Hollywood Beach) is a great place for beach volleyball and has child-friendly shallow waters at the north end.

With plenty of wide-open space for kids to run around, the Botanic Gardens is one of Chicago's most beautiful attractions. During the summertime, be sure to explore the Rose Garden, where over 7,750 plants are in full bloom. A number of greenhouses, including a gorgeous orchid collection, can be explored in the gardens. There are also children's programmes available during the summer, as well as numerous fun events and exhibitions. Check the official website listed below for more information.

Address : 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe

Website : www.chicago-botanic.org

Telephone : (847) 835 5440

Opening times : Open daily 8am-7pm.

Admission : Entrance is free, but there are parking fees.

Chicago's wildly popular 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 for more than $8 million. Sue is just one of the draws to the museum. It offers other marvels like getting a bug's eye view in an underground adventure; descending into an Egyptian tomb; watching a glowing lava flow; and getting up close and personal with the man-eating lions of Tsavo. The museum specialises in interactive and diorama-type exhibits across its nine acres of exhibition space, and is a must-visit for families on holiday in Chicago.

Address : 1400 S. Lakeshore Drive

Website : fieldmuseum.org

Telephone : (312) 922 9410

Opening times : 9am-5pm daily, last admission 4pm.

Admission : $24 adults, $17 children 3-11. Various ticket packages and concessions are available.

Chicago has a colourful and fascinating history, ranging from devastating fires to gangster assassinations. The Chicago History Museum represents this history through an intriguing collections of artefacts from the city's past. This includes the first passenger car to operate on the Chicago L system, Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls jersey, and seemingly every postcard ever made of Chicago. The admission cost includes an audio guide to help visitors make sense of all the exhibitions. The permanent collection is more than sufficient to capture the imagination, but the museum does also host regular temporary exhibitions and special events.

Address : 1601 North Clark Street

Website : www.chicagohistory.org

Telephone : (312) 642 4600

Opening times : Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 4.30pm; Sunday 12pm to 5pm. Open to 9pm on Tuesday.

Admission : $19 (adults); free for children under 18. Concessions available.

Stunning public art adorns downtown Chicago, created by world-renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Alexander Calder, Marc Chagall, Henry Moore, and David Smith. Numerous walking tours of the Loop are available, with the Chicago Loop Alliance offering some free tours. Exploring the Loop includes some of the city's best-known works of art, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, the Aon Center Plaza, Thompson Center, Daley Center, Chase Plaza, Federal Plaza, the Chicago Board of Trade Building, and Sears Tower. Joining a tour is a great way to see the most scenic parts of the downtown Chicago Loop, although it is also fun to find your own way to the main artistic landmarks.

Website : loopchicago.com

America's most renowned architect lived and worked in this complex, which served as private studio and architectural laboratory for the first twenty years of his career. Wright's haven started out as a simple cottage and was continually added on to by the architect, resulting in unusual features such as a balcony suspended on chains. The complex is administered by the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust, which offers guided tours. The neighbourhood of Oak Park contains the world's largest concentration of Wright-designed buildings. Self-guided exterior audio tours of the 26 structures in the area are available.

Address : 951 Chicago Avenue, Oak Park

Website : www.wrightplus.org

Telephone : (312) 994 4000

Opening times : Tour hours: 10am to 4pm daily. Museum shop: 9am to 5pm.

Admission : Guided tours: $17 (adults), $14 (youth 11-18).

Lincoln Park, beginning at North Avenue and following the shore of Lake Michigan northwards, is Chicago's largest park. It contains many things to see and do, such as bathing beaches, a botanical conservatory, a golf course, grassy meadows, formal gardens, and sports fields. Pride of place is held by the standing statue of Abraham Lincoln, sculpted by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. His sitting Lincoln is in Chicago's other famous green lung, Grant Park. The most popular attraction within the park is the Lincoln Park Zoo, which not only houses hundreds of exotic animals, but offers experiences like paddle boat rides, a virtual safari trip, and the Endangered Species Carousel with 48 artisan-crafted wooden animals that accommodates 50 riders at a time.

Website : www.lpzoo.com

Opening times : Opening times vary according to season, but the zoo is open every day of the year.

Admission : Free.

The stretch of Michigan Avenue in Chicago that runs from Chicago River to Oak Street is known as the Magnificent Mile. Famed for its nightlife, it also serves as the main thoroughfare between Chicago's Loop business district and the Gold Coast. Visitors will love discovering what the Magnificent Mile has to offer, from more than 460 exclusive stores and boutiques, to more than 200 restaurants. There is also historic architecture to be admired on a boat or trolley tour, including the Wrigley Building and the John Hancock Center. Indulge in a deep dish pizza, stroll past media houses like the Chicago Tribunenewspaper, enjoy the local street performers, or watch the Magnificent Mile change with the seasons. There are even weekly fireworks displays!

Address : Michigan Avenue

Website : www.themagnificentmile.com

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 park's most outstanding feature is the state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, which seats more than 4,000 people and hosts regular concerts. Another fascinating piece of architecture is the polished stainless steel Cloud Gate, shaped like a 66-foot (20m) long bean with a 12-foot (4m) high archway. Other interesting features include the Crown Fountain, the Lurie Garden, BP Bridge, and the Millennium Monument. Visitors can also enjoy changing exhibitions, local art works, and ice skating in winter.

Address : 201 E Randolph Street

Website : www.millenniumpark.org

Opening times : Daily 6am-11pm.

Admission : Free

Situated on Chicago's 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, and restaurants, as well as serving as an embarkation point for tour and excursion boats. Its 150ft (46m) Ferris wheel attracts more than eight million people a year. Other main attractions include an IMAX theatre, Chicago's Children's Museum, and the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows. Special temporary attractions and events are offered throughout the year. To see what's on during your stay check out the official website listed below.

Address : 600 East Grand Avenue

Website : www.navypier.com

Telephone : (312) 595 7437

Opening times : Open daily, but hours vary according to the season.

Admission : Admission to the Pier is free, but many of the attractions require separate fees.

Illinois' second city, Rockford, set in rolling hills, is just northwest of Chicago. It is worth a visit for culture vultures and golfers in particular. The city is known for its 'cultural corridor' of which the highlight is the Rockford Art Museum's stunning permanent collection focusing on 19th and 20th century works. There is also a wealth of private galleries and historical museums in the city centre. Rockford is known for its antique shops and markets, and the many golf courses in the city and vicinity that have earned it the title of Illinois' 'holey' city.

Website : www.gorockford.com

The world-famous Route 66 is colloquially known as the 'Main Street of America' or the 'Mother Road'. This is because it originally ran from Chicago, Illinois, through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, before ending in Los Angeles. The stretch of highway has been immortalised by famous singers such as Nat King Cole and even the Rolling Stones. The starting point in Chicago has moved a few times over the years and in 1933, the start (and end) was moved to Jackson and Lake Shore Drive. The starting point remained here, so even while Adams Street at Michigan Avenue is marked as the starting point, Route 66 has never departed from there. The recognised end of Route 66 is located at the intersection of Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue (which is marked as the terminus). This landmark is a sort of pilgrimage site for those interested in the pop culture of America.

Address : The sign is located at Adams St between Michigan & Wabash Avenues

Website : www.historic66.com

'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. The iconic Sears Tower was renamed on 16 July 2009 to the 'Willis Tower', but the old name is still commonly used. Located on its 103rd floor, the Skydeck is 1,353 feet (412m) above street level and one of Chicago's most famous tourist attractions. Elevators whisk visitors up to the observation deck where the views stretch out across the city and Lake Michigan, and as far as neighbouring states on a clear day. The Skydeck is completely transparent, so that visitors look straight down through the floor. Inside, there are some interactive exhibits and computer information terminals for a tour of the city's landmarks. The Willis Tower, standing at 110 storeys high, is the tallest building in North America and one of the tallest in the world.

Address : 233 South Wacker Drive; entrance on Jackson Boulevard

Website : www.theskydeck.com

Opening times : Open daily 9am-10pm (April to September), 10am-8pm (October to March).

Admission : $24 adults, $16 children 3-11. Combo tickets and special deals are available.

One of Chicago's best known attractions, the Shedd, opened in 1930, remains one of the world's largest indoor aquariums. 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 exhibits like a recreation of the Amazon basin and a 'Seahorse Symphony'. Animals in the Shedd include otters, penguins, whales, sharks, sea turtles and much more. The aquarium also features an indoor saltwater Oceanarium housing marine mammals, where dolphin shows are scheduled daily.

Address : 1200 South Lake Shore Drive

Website : www.sheddaquarium.org

Telephone : (312) 939 2438

Opening times : Hours vary by season; generally 9am-6pm. Check website for detailed calendar.

Admission : General admission: $40 (adults), $20 (children aged 3-11). Special deals are available on the official website.

Top of the list of attractions for families on holiday in Chicago is the Six Flags Great America. Featuring some of the country's most exciting theme park rides, such as the Dark Knight Coaster, Bedrock Boulder Roller, and the Condor, the Six Flags Great America Park is a great way to spend the day. The kids will love meeting their favourite comic book superheroes and cartoon characters. You can also cool off on a hot day with the rides at Hurricane Harbour, the attached water park. The amusement park can easily occupy the whole family for a day, with numerous restaurants and snack bars for refreshments and some live entertainment on offer.

Address : 542 N. Route 21, Gurnee

Website : www.sixflags.com

Telephone : (847) 249 1776

Opening times : The park is seasonal, and the water park has its own schedule: check the calendar on the website for details.

Admission : $75 general admission; $45 child under 48 inches. Discounted tickets available via the website.