Filled with iconic buildings, incredible corporate spaces, and boasting a booming business climate, there are many reasons to visit Chicago - whether travelling for business or leisure. When it comes to the list of things to do in Chicago the choice is endless, but we’ve done the leg-work for you and selected six activities perfect for filling your free time when visiting Chicago on business.
1. Explore Navy Pier
Stretching 3,300 feet across Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is a monumental structure providing over 50 acres of attractions and amenities. Famed for its 196 foot Ferris wheel, the pier has many rides for all ages to enjoy, but is also home to numerous bars and restaurants with spectacular views across the water. The pier can also be explored by Segway for the more adventurous visitor, and is a superb setting for New Year’s Eve as spectacular firework shows dominate the skyline. For those looking to explore Lake Michigan, the pier is also a good point from which to embark on a sightseeing cruise, such as the impressive Tall Ship Cruise which runs day and night across the majestic waterfront.
2. Wander around Grant Park
With over 300 acres of green space to explore, Grant Park is well worth a visit (or several) during your stay in the windy city. Being located in the central business district, the park is ideal for lunch breaks and after-work strolls when visiting Chicago on business. Affectionately known as ‘Chicago’s front yard’, Grant Park was named after President Ulysses S. Grant whose success as Commanding General in the Civil War won him much popularity both in Chicago and across the United States. The park’s most famous feature is perhaps Buckingham Fountain, pictured, which was inspired by a similar fountain at the Palace of Versailles. A perfect spot for a photo to commemorate your trip.
3. Walk the Bloomingdale Trail
In our blog detailing the best outdoor spaces in New York, we mentioned the High Line walk – converted from an old freight line. Not to be outdone, Chicago has its own converted walkway in the form of the Bloomingdale Trail. Originally a rail line constructed in 1873, the three mile route provides a stunning walkway frequented by cyclists, runners and dogwalkers. Offering a different perspective on the city, the trail is a great way to stretch your legs and take in the surrounding scenery – certainly one of the most relaxing things to do in Chicago during your stay.
4. Take in the views at the 360 Chicago Observation Deck
Another way to experience the majesty of Chicago’s cityscapes is, of course, from above. The 360 Chicago Observation Deck can be found on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center, 1,000 feet above the city streets - providing sublime, uninterrupted views of the city scape and beyond. For those seeking adventurous things to do in Chicago, the deck also features ‘Tilt’, a ride that allows visitors to ‘lean’ out over the city streets and peer through reinforced glass! Not for the faint-of-heart, the deck also features a well-stocked bar - Bar 94 - so you can calm your nerves after your heart-stopping ride.
5. Enjoy a show at The Chicago Theatre
Built in 1921 as a flagship Balaban and Katz movie theatre, The Chicago Theatre is today one of Chicago’s most recognisable buildings. These days, the building is used exclusively as a performing arts venue for plays, comedy shows, music concerts and sporting events. Having closed down in 1985, the theatre reopened in 1986 with a performance by none other than Frank Sinatra. Other famous figures to have performed in the venue include Liza Minnelli, Bob Hope and Steve Lawrence. Whether you intend to see a show when visiting Chicago or not, a trip to the theatre to see the incredible architecture alone is a must.
6. Hit the Jazz Joints
Chicago is famed for its jazz heritage, with the music genre still playing a major part of the city’s culture and nightlife. A trip to the city wouldn’t be complete without visiting some of its most famous jazz clubs and soaking up the atmosphere. The Green Mill was once frequented by the likes of Al Capone, but since the 1980s it’s been home to some of the best jazz players in the circuit. A more low-key venue which favours progressive, avant-garde jazz performances is Constellation - perfect if you take your jazz seriously. If an impressive cocktail menu is your idea of a good time, head to California Clipper – a wildly popular cocktail specialist bar with supporting performances by some of the city’s leading jazz troupes.
There are many more things to do in Chicago beyond our top six suggestions – so don’t put off your business trip to the city any longer. Browse our selection of serviced apartments in Chicago or read about some of our favourite corporate housing options from our portfolio.
