Coming to Chicago for the first time was quite overwhelming at first because it’s a city and it has a lot to see. However, until I researched a few days before my trip and received several suggestions from friends who’ve lived there, I felt I had a grip on things I wanted to see and do prior to visiting. Therefore, I wanted to share with you the information I had both suggestions from friends and what I found online that helped me on my trip.

Things to See or Do:

• Millennium Park: Cloud Gate| 201 E. Randolph St.
• Magnificent Mile
• Chicago Riverwalk
• The Art Institute of Chicago | 111 S Michigan Ave
• Architecture Tour: Wendella Tours | 400 N Michigan Ave Suite C100
• Skydeck – Willis Tower 233 S Wacker Dr.
• Lincoln Park Zoo | 2001 North Clark Street
• Navy Pier: Lake Michigan, Crystal Gardens | 600 E Grand Ave

Read my posts on Chicago's Tourist Sites here and on popular attractions.

Restaurants, Coffee Shops & Rooftop Bars

• Nutella | 189 Michigan Ave
• Wildberry Cafe | 130 E Randolph St
• Bienmesabe (Venezuelan) | 1637 W Montrose Ave
• Devil Dawgs (hotdog) | 767 S. State St. 60605
• Palmer House Hilton | 17 E. Monroe St.
• RL Bar and Grill | 111 E. Chicago Ave., 60611
• The Dearborn (American) | 145 N Dearborn St., 60602
• SideDoor Chicago (Gastropub) | 100 E Ontario St. 60611
• PetitMargeaux (coffee shop) | 11 E. Walton St. 60611
• Floriole Cafe and Bakery | 1220 W Webster Ave.
• Cafe des architectes | 20 E Chestnut. St. Chicago
• Ella Elli (make reservations) | 1349 W Cornelia Ave.
• Hayden Hall (new food hall) | 333 S Wabash Ave. (2nd floor)
• Gather Chicago | 4539 N Lincoln Ave.
• Maison Marcel Chicago | 3114 N Broadway
• Girl & The Goat | 809 Randolph St. 60607-2310
• The Publican (for meatlovers – make reservation) | 837 W Fulton Market 60606-1318
• Loumalnatis (deep dish pizza) | 805 S State St.
• Ginos East (deep dish pizza) | 500 N LaSalle St. 60654
• Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken West Loop | 50 W. Randolph St.
• Donut Vault | 111 N Canal St.
• The J. Parker (rooftop) | 1816 N Clark St.
• Raised Bar Chicago (rooftop) | 1 W Upper Wacker Dr. In Renaissance Hotel (3rd floor)
• Z Bar (rooftop) | 108 E Superior St.
• Skydeck Chicago (rooftop) | 233 S Wacker Dr. 60606
• London House Chicago (rooftop) | 85 E Wacker Dr. 60601

Other Links:

• Tips for Visiting Chicago for the First Time
• Free Chicago Museum Days
• River Cruise
• Architecture Tour Around the Riverfront
• Hayden Food Hall
• 10 Favorite Coffee Shops
• 21 Things to do in Chicago in the Winter
• Unlimited Ride Passes
• Central Loop Hotel
• The Whitehall Hotel
• River Hotel
• Hotel Julian