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What To Do In Chicago?

Chicago started as a small trading post but it has boomed into a global center of culture and commerce. Chicago has always been driven by an unshakable optimism. The fire incident in 1871 destroyed half the city. The city seized this opportunity to reinvent itself. Recently, some friends of mine from CDM Waste Management visited Chicago and took in all that there is to see and do in the beautiful northwestern US city. What followed was the biggest building boom in the country’s history. This Windy City has a skyline that is beyond beautiful. Here are the top must see attractions in Chicago, Illinois.

The Loop
Start your tour of the city at the Loop. It is Chicago’s central business district. The streets within this place showcase different architecture from around the world. From the cloud piercing towers to the first high rises in the world. Willis Tower was the tallest building in the world for almost 25 years. There is a historic theater district and an amazing outdoor sculpture which makes this place feel like a cross between a film set and a museum.

Skydeck
You can take a ride to the Skydeck but you might feel the building sway a bit in a windy day. You don’t have to panic about this because the building was designed that way. Here you can get a wonderful view of this beautiful city.

The Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile runs north from the Loop. Here you can even gaze up at more wonderful attractions from the School of Architecture. There are upscale boutiques around the Magnificent Mile where you can shop. When it is time to refuel, grab a taste of one of Chicago’s favorite – a deep dish pizza.

The Riverwalk
Winding between the canyons of steel and glass and following the South Bank of Chicago River, the Riverwalk offers you a relaxing change of pace from the bustle of downtown.

Millennium Park
The Millennium Park used to be the site of car parks and railway yards, it had now been transformed into what is now known as the ‘future of parks’. At the centerpiece of the Millennium Park are the BP Footbridge and Jay Pritzker Pavilion designed by Frank Gehry. There are also some public sculptures here including the Cloud Gate, a stainless steel archway also known as ‘the Bean’.

The Art Institute of Chicago
The unique thing about this place is that its exterior is a work of art in itself. Set a day aside to explore this treasure house of Asian, American, and European masterpieces.

The Garfield Park Conservatory
This is most couple’s first date favorite and an inner city haven for nature lovers. Nearby is the Oak Park where you can step inside the home and studio of Frank Lloyd Wright. He pioneered a new architectural vision for the US for up to 20 years here.

Unity Temple
The Unity Temple was completed in 1908 and it is widely known as the first modern building in the world.

Chicago truly lights up as the sun sets but don’t go to bed early because this city offers the best theater, blues, and jazz in America. Regardless of how windy the city maybe you will take away memories that will last you a lifetime.

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New York’s Worst Tourist Traps

There are tons of fun things to do in New York City; however, there are also many tourist traps. This article will show you the tourist traps to avoid in New York City.

Times Square

Times Square is a massive tourist trap and the only good thing about this place is the Broadway shows. Everything here is overpriced and try as much as you can to avoid Ripley’s Believe it or Not and Madame Tussauds when you are in Times Square. That is one of the biggest tourist traps you should avoid in New York.

Avoid Expensive Souvenir Shops

If you want to buy any New York souvenir, don’t go to any of the souvenir shops you will find all over the Midtown area of New York. Instead, go to Chinatown, Walgreens, or Duane Reade to get them at a much cheaper price.

Avoid Empire State View

Avoid going to places like the Empire State Building or the Freedom Tower. Those places have really long lines and are very expensive. Instead, go to one of the amazing rooftop bars in New York. There are so many of such bars and they offer better views than what you get at the Empire State buildings. A few of my favorite spots are St. Cloud at the Knickerbocker Hotel in Times Square, Monarch Lounge, and Jimmy at The James. There is also an amazing rooftop bar overlooking Central Park.  These places have amazing views and there is usually no one there. It is just so much better than going to the Freedom Tower or the Empire State Building.

Don’t Shop on 5th Ave

Avoid shopping on 5th Ave because it is very expensive, and it is where you will find most tourists. Instead, go to where real New Yorkers shop such as Union Square or the West Village, Nolita. Any of these spots have tons of cute boutique stores that are better priced than all the items you will find on 5th Ave.

Do Local Tours not Bus Tours You will be offered a lot of pamphlets when you are walking on the streets of New York for big bus tours. This is a huge scam, so avoid it because they don’t offer a good tour of the city. They will just crowd you into a big bus full of other tourists, and dish out blanket information about New York City as the bus goes past all the city’s attractions and landmarks. You can instead go on a small group tour or a private tour. There are many of these companies all over New York and offer fun tours that are really personalized.