Hi! Visiting from Pittsburgh.

Re: Hi! Visiting from Pittsburgh.

• ennaerb80

  

  August 2009 edited December 2011

  I've never noticed any bigger crowds at the touristy places during that time.  Just the shopping and any restaurants in the immediate vicinity are typically more crowded....and the ice skating.  I think you'll be fine with the museums, etc.  Most people are too concerned with spending money on gift-giving around that time vs. sightseeing activities.

  Report0 Reply
• Capital_T

  

  August 2009 edited December 2011

  Hi Bianca, As said, there might be alot of people shopping around, but there's so much to do in the city, that you can always go somewhere else if one place is crowded. Alot of people love to see the Nutcracker or other holiday plays, if that interests you, I recommend reserving seats asap. There are alot of free places I love going to that are great. The Garfield Conservatory, the Chicago Cultural Center, Hull House Museum, are alot of fun to explore. Speaking of, check out explorechicago.org for some ideas. Congrats.

  My Planning Website Tied The Knot on 12-4-10!

  Report0 Reply
• Bubbala

  

  August 2009 edited December 2011

  Bianca,If you are looking for higher end restaurants, by FI manages a restaurant called Boka in Lincoln Park, on Halsted, just north of North Ave.  Steppenwolf is just down the street, as well as another theatre called the Royal George theatre.  The Royal George has less well known plays, but we went to see Don't Dress for Dinner with the guy from Burn Notice, and it was hilarious.  For brunch, I recommend another restaurant their group owns called Perennial.  It is on Lincoln and Wells, I believe.  There is also a great restaurant we went to caled NaHa...very yummy, also higher end.  I asked the FI (Matthew is his name), and he also recommended Graham Elliot, Sepia, Province, Bristol, Blackbird, Avec, Publican, Sixteen at Trump Towers.  If you really want to spend crazy money (over $1,000/couple), there is Alinea, Charlie Trotters, Avenue's, Moto, L2O.  If you want the hardest place to get a reservation, there is Schwa.

  Report0 Reply
• mandybear7

  

  August 2009 edited December 2011

  Everywhere will be crowded. Everywhere.Just make sure you make reservations at restaurants (where you can), as most of the swanky restaurants accept them.Cristkindelmart in the Daly Plaza is a fun thing to do in the afternoon. They have warm wine and beer and small carts with cute things to buy.Definitely go to the bar in the Hancock building. The views from the 96th floor are breathtaking. I wouldn't even waste time going to the top of the Willis, as the Hancock has better views and you can sit an get a martini, instead of paying for the view!If you have specific questions about places, let us know!

  7/10/10 Dandy

  Report0 Reply
• ladygaudet

  

  August 2009 edited December 2011

  I agree with the PP, hancock has the BEST views!

  Report0 Reply
• nikkituli

  

  August 2009 edited December 2011

  Hello Bianca- I just moved here from Pittsburgh about 3 years ago. I would recommend hitting the art gallery (there's a new modern wing) and substittuing going to the top of the Hancock Building instead. Its got a bar that I still love visitign even though I've been several times. I also here that visiting the new Trump Hotel is well worth it. Chicago also has some good theater, so I would check out what's playing downtown. Also, I'm not sure if they'll still be running in November, but there is a dinner and dancing cruise out of Navy Pier that's very popular and also a cool tour about old Chicago gangsters that everyone recommends. Hope that helps - good luck with the planning!

  Report0 Reply