Carmen’s guidebook

Carmen
Carmen’s guidebook

Architecture

Chicago is world-famous for its plethora of unique architectural styles and its wealth of sacred historical buildings and attractions. If you happen to be staying at our Emil Bach House, designed and built by acclaimed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, your architectural journey of the city has already begun! If you are staying at Lang House Chicago, you will experience the grand nature of a traditional Foursquare Prairie style home. Whether you are a Chicago local or visitor, we have included here some of the must-see historical and architectural attractions for you to enjoy and experience year-round. We only include those that we've personally visited and experienced. Check back often for additions, as we enjoy our home "town" of Chicago and will continually add our recommendations.
The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is THE CENTER of the Chicago architecture scene. I recommend that you start here and plan your trip, with the help of the excellent staff at the Center. They can help you to book a seat on the Architecture boat tour on the Chicago River - voted as one of the top attractions in the United States! There are also walking tours, both inside and outside; and guided and self-guided tours. See the virtual display of the world's tallest buildings!
114 locals recommend
Chicago Architecture Center
111 E Wacker Dr
114 locals recommend
The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is THE CENTER of the Chicago architecture scene. I recommend that you start here and plan your trip, with the help of the excellent staff at the Center. They can help you to book a seat on the Architecture boat tour on the Chicago River - voted as one of the top attractions in the United States! There are also walking tours, both inside and outside; and guided and self-guided tours. See the virtual display of the world's tallest buildings!

Architecture

The Monroe Building is a perfect example of the Chicago way of historic relevance and architectural revival. Step into the lobby to see the beautifully restored ceiling which is a brilliantly colored, rythmic vaulted ceiling comprised of one of the world's largest collections of Rookwood Pottery tile (the most important and influential art potteries of the early 20th century). Take the beautifully restored elevators to the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, a one of a kind museum and archive. There you will find assembled a major collection of books and related materials on military history, with a particular focus on the concept of the Citizen Soldier in American. This museum and library is a non-partisan institution with a mission to increase the public understanding of military history and the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served.
The Monroe Building
104 S Michigan Ave
The Monroe Building is a perfect example of the Chicago way of historic relevance and architectural revival. Step into the lobby to see the beautifully restored ceiling which is a brilliantly colored, rythmic vaulted ceiling comprised of one of the world's largest collections of Rookwood Pottery tile (the most important and influential art potteries of the early 20th century). Take the beautifully restored elevators to the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, a one of a kind museum and archive. There you will find assembled a major collection of books and related materials on military history, with a particular focus on the concept of the Citizen Soldier in American. This museum and library is a non-partisan institution with a mission to increase the public understanding of military history and the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served.
Take the fast elevator up to the top for sightseeing, or better yet - make reservations for lunch in the Signature Room - the view is spectacular. You will be next to Lake Michigan, and you can see 4 states on a clear day! If you want to see Chicago at night, the Signature Lounge is the perfect place for a sunset view and some signature cocktails and lite bites.
19 locals recommend
875 North Michigan Avenue
875 North Michigan Avenue
19 locals recommend
Take the fast elevator up to the top for sightseeing, or better yet - make reservations for lunch in the Signature Room - the view is spectacular. You will be next to Lake Michigan, and you can see 4 states on a clear day! If you want to see Chicago at night, the Signature Lounge is the perfect place for a sunset view and some signature cocktails and lite bites.
While on Michigan Avenue, visit the Monroe Building for an example of exquisite renovation of an historic and beautiful building. Just a block away on the west side of Michigan and across from Millenium Park is the Chicago Athletic Association. Take a walk inside - this is a gorgeous 1893 building. The main lobby is open to the public and worth seeing. MUST DO - take the elevator up to the 13th floor rooftop and visit Cindy's - voted one of THE BEST rooftop bars in Chicago by Conde Nast 2017. Comfort food, awesome wine list, and creative libations are all features of Cindy's - and the view is SPECTACULAR. For an extraordinary Chicago experience, visit the Milk Room. Once a speakeasy used by members during Prohibition, this s hidden eight-seat microbar perfects a spirit-forward cocktail menu crafted from only the rarest vintage spirits and elixirs—including a vast selection of - well-curated whiskies. A rare treat!
53 locals recommend
Chicago Athletic Association
12 S Michigan Ave
53 locals recommend
While on Michigan Avenue, visit the Monroe Building for an example of exquisite renovation of an historic and beautiful building. Just a block away on the west side of Michigan and across from Millenium Park is the Chicago Athletic Association. Take a walk inside - this is a gorgeous 1893 building. The main lobby is open to the public and worth seeing. MUST DO - take the elevator up to the 13th floor rooftop and visit Cindy's - voted one of THE BEST rooftop bars in Chicago by Conde Nast 2017. Comfort food, awesome wine list, and creative libations are all features of Cindy's - and the view is SPECTACULAR. For an extraordinary Chicago experience, visit the Milk Room. Once a speakeasy used by members during Prohibition, this s hidden eight-seat microbar perfects a spirit-forward cocktail menu crafted from only the rarest vintage spirits and elixirs—including a vast selection of - well-curated whiskies. A rare treat!

History of Chicago

The Chicago History Museum is in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, close to Lake Michigan and Lake Shore Drive. Interested in learning about the Great Chicago Fire of 1871? The history of prohibition in Chicago? This is the place to start! Located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, close to Lake Michigan and Lake Shore Drive, the Chicago History Museum is the city's oldest cultural institution. Family friendly with an excellent restaurant on-site, the museum continues to share the stories of the city and its people through exhibitions, programs, publications, and digital media. Whether you live in Chicago or are visiting and curious about the city's past, present and future - this museum should be your FIRST stop.
241 locals recommend
Chicago History Museum
1601 N Clark St
241 locals recommend
The Chicago History Museum is in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, close to Lake Michigan and Lake Shore Drive. Interested in learning about the Great Chicago Fire of 1871? The history of prohibition in Chicago? This is the place to start! Located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, close to Lake Michigan and Lake Shore Drive, the Chicago History Museum is the city's oldest cultural institution. Family friendly with an excellent restaurant on-site, the museum continues to share the stories of the city and its people through exhibitions, programs, publications, and digital media. Whether you live in Chicago or are visiting and curious about the city's past, present and future - this museum should be your FIRST stop.
Opened in 1897, the Chicago Cultural Center is a Landmark building operated by Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. The country’s top architects and craftsmen used the most lavish materials, such as rare imported marbles, polished brass, fine hardwoods, and mosaics of Favrile glass, mother-of-pearl and colored stone, to create an architectural masterpiece. Here you will find the world’s largest stained-glass Tiffany dome (38 feet in diameter with some 30,000 pieces of glass) which was restored to its original splendor in 2008. On the north side of the building is a 40-foot-diameter dome with some 50,000 pieces of glass in an intricate Renaissance pattern. Take in this architectural beauty with family and friends while enjoying free music, dance and theater events, films, lectures, art exhibitions and more.
203 locals recommend
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E Washington St
203 locals recommend
Opened in 1897, the Chicago Cultural Center is a Landmark building operated by Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. The country’s top architects and craftsmen used the most lavish materials, such as rare imported marbles, polished brass, fine hardwoods, and mosaics of Favrile glass, mother-of-pearl and colored stone, to create an architectural masterpiece. Here you will find the world’s largest stained-glass Tiffany dome (38 feet in diameter with some 30,000 pieces of glass) which was restored to its original splendor in 2008. On the north side of the building is a 40-foot-diameter dome with some 50,000 pieces of glass in an intricate Renaissance pattern. Take in this architectural beauty with family and friends while enjoying free music, dance and theater events, films, lectures, art exhibitions and more.

Food scene

Excellent food, casual and upbeat atmosphere, plenty of parking, great brews!
66 locals recommend
Peckish Pig
623 W Howard St
66 locals recommend
Excellent food, casual and upbeat atmosphere, plenty of parking, great brews!
23 locals recommend
Campagnola
815 Chicago Ave
23 locals recommend
The Signature Room at the 95th®
875 N Michigan Ave
527 locals recommend
One of the BEST views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. Food is VERY good, well worth the visit.
8 locals recommend
The Lakefront Restaurant at Theater on the Lake
2401 North Lake Shore Drive
8 locals recommend
One of the BEST views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. Food is VERY good, well worth the visit.
Francesca's is some of the best Italian food in the city. The atmosphere in the restaurants is wonderful - lively but also comfortable and elegant. The food is AWESOME! Francesca's is also one of our favorite caterers, and they can deliver family style meals for your group.
39 locals recommend
Mia Francesca
3311 N Clark St
39 locals recommend
Francesca's is some of the best Italian food in the city. The atmosphere in the restaurants is wonderful - lively but also comfortable and elegant. The food is AWESOME! Francesca's is also one of our favorite caterers, and they can deliver family style meals for your group.

Nature and Design

The Chicago Botanic Garden is north of the City limits, and north of Lang House Chicago and Emil Bach House. If nature and/or design are your interests, this is a must see as it features multiple outdoor spaces and unique and lush gardens to explore. If you are looking for a quiet place for walking or contemplation, there are groomed pathways throughout. Also includes indoor gardens, bathroom facilities and an excellent cafe and gift shop. Nature lovers take note!!
167 locals recommend
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Rd
167 locals recommend
The Chicago Botanic Garden is north of the City limits, and north of Lang House Chicago and Emil Bach House. If nature and/or design are your interests, this is a must see as it features multiple outdoor spaces and unique and lush gardens to explore. If you are looking for a quiet place for walking or contemplation, there are groomed pathways throughout. Also includes indoor gardens, bathroom facilities and an excellent cafe and gift shop. Nature lovers take note!!

Indoor recreation

Visiting Chicago in the winter? It can be cold, sure, but there are plenty of indoor architectural wonders to explore, as well as art, music and historic venues. A great space on a cold or rainy day is Pinstripes, on Illinois Avenue in the loop and close to Navy Pier, featuring upscale bowling, bocce and a really great Italian American bistro. Most comfortable bowling space we've encountered! Reservations recommended - it gets busy after work and on the weekends.
27 locals recommend
Pinstripes
435 E Illinois St
27 locals recommend
Visiting Chicago in the winter? It can be cold, sure, but there are plenty of indoor architectural wonders to explore, as well as art, music and historic venues. A great space on a cold or rainy day is Pinstripes, on Illinois Avenue in the loop and close to Navy Pier, featuring upscale bowling, bocce and a really great Italian American bistro. Most comfortable bowling space we've encountered! Reservations recommended - it gets busy after work and on the weekends.
The Pritzker Military Museum and Library is a one of a kind museum and archive of military literature. It has an incredible collection and world class personal attention; tours are available with the experienced staff, and the displays change regularly. A very dynamic museum!
Pritzker Military Museum & Library
104 S Michigan Ave
The Pritzker Military Museum and Library is a one of a kind museum and archive of military literature. It has an incredible collection and world class personal attention; tours are available with the experienced staff, and the displays change regularly. A very dynamic museum!

Entertainment

We visited this cabaret/nightclub/cirque and LOVED IT. There is so much going on, and the show is extraordinary and not like anything we've ever experienced. We highly recommend this theatre! Caution: NOT for children, this is ADULTS only. And you may be seated with others, which we found to be part of the fun.
Teatro ZinZanni Chicago
32 W Randolph St
We visited this cabaret/nightclub/cirque and LOVED IT. There is so much going on, and the show is extraordinary and not like anything we've ever experienced. We highly recommend this theatre! Caution: NOT for children, this is ADULTS only. And you may be seated with others, which we found to be part of the fun.