There are so many things to do in Chicago, the famous Windy City. One the largest and most amazing cities in the United States, it is also one of the most populous cities in the country following New York and Los Angeles. Originally founded during the very early 1800s, Chicago has truly grown in leaps and bounds over the past several hundred years.
This city has many truly amazing and fantastic sites to offer the visiting tourist. From Sears Tower - one of the tallest towers in the world - to breathtaking museums, zoos and historical and ethnic districts that are definitely one-of-a-kind. When you travel on vacation to a city that has the vast size as Chicago does, it is always wise to have a good idea of what places should not be missed. The following top ten Chicago tourist attractions should help you to better plan your trip to this amazing, destination city and cultural epicenter in the US. Chicago Hotels from $59!
Art Institute of Chicago: This art institute is not to be missed and should definitely be at the top of your list of things to see and do when here. From Rembrandt to Monet, Picasso and many others; there are some pieces of art in this museum that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. This museum features thousands of art pieces that span the entire gambit; from Impressionist and Post-Impressionist, American arts, Asian, African and many more. Make sure you don't miss this place when you travel to Chicago.
Museum of Science and Industry: Perhaps one of the largest museums of its kind in the US - with exception to the ones in Los Angeles and New York City - this place is just awesome; especially for kids! From a large heart that encompasses an entire room and is fully interactive, to the awesome Yesterday's Main Street' exhibit which will take you on a trip back in time to experience how the Windy City looked in the early 1900s. Make sure that you set aside enough time to catch a flick at the Omnimax Theatre, which features one of the largest viewing screens in the entire world.
Chinatown: One of the coolest and most ethnically and culturally rich portions of the city is very similar to those found in LA and NY. Travel down Wentworth Avenue and you will find yourself in a miniature China. From fish markets to wares peddlers to butchers and fine, exquisite restaurants, Chinatown is an absolute must-see when you are in Chicago!
Sears Tower: One of the tallest buildings in the world, and what used to be the tallest for quite some time, don't miss the most fantastic views of the city ever. Riding in the elevators is crazy, as they are able to elevate 110 stories (1,450 plus feet) in just a few minutes. Once you are on the observation deck, looking down at the city below is quite a site to see. It is highly recommend that you take a guided tour of this building to really get an idea of its rich history and significance in this city.
Lincoln Park Zoo: This huge Zoo is one of the best things to do in Chicago. Originally built in the late 1800s, it is one of the oldest zoos in the nation. It has been noted as also one of the most popular zoos in the nation because it annually will attract more than three millions visitors. You will experience amazing and well kept exhibits that offer thousands of different species and habitats. Make sure that you set aside at least half a day during the daytime to really see all that this zoo has to offer visitors.
John G. Shedd Aquarium: Situated on the Lake Michigan coast, the John G. Shedd Aquarium houses a 90,000 gallon tank that features one of the only domesticated and living coral reef barriers. There are more than six hundred different species of marine animals here including whales and dolphins. Don't forget to catch a nice lunch at the Soundings restaurant while you are here, and don't leave the camera behind in the hotel room because you will really want to take some photos of this awesome destination in Chicago.
Millennium Park: Amongst the many amazing stretches of green parks that can found in and around the Windy City, Millennium Park is one of the newer ones. If you find yourself here during the wintertime, make sure that you grab a pair of ice skates and draw some figure eights in the awesome ice skating rink found in the center of this park. The huge outdoor pavilion here hosts well-known bands from time to time and grass seat tickets are very cheap. Other sites here not to be missed include Crown Fountain and Cloud Gate in the middle of the park. Chicago Vacation Packages and Deals 
Field Museum: This museum is really cool, and if you can find the time when you travel to Chicago, you should definitely set aside a few hours to browse its corridors. This place offers an inside and very detailed look at how man has evolved throughout the years. From dinosaur skeletons to the awesome Underground Adventure exhibit that shows how the soil on earth can sustain and grow life. An amazing place you should try to catch when you are here.
Clarence Buckingham Fountain: Originally built in 1927 and funded by Kate Buckingham - this fountain was modeled after the Versailles Palace in France, which has many similar fountains just like this one. At night the fountain is brilliantly lit up and is really a great sight for all, especially for those who want to bring some amazing photos back home from their vacation in Chicago. You might have seen this fountain before on the hit TV sitcom called "Married with Children" where it appears in the opening credits.
Harpo Studios: If you like daytime TV and you love the talk show Oprah Winfrey then you will definitely want to take a guided tour of her studios in Chicago, where her show is filmed. They offer free guided tours, and if there are scheduled shows you can even get free tickets to attend as an audience member.
With the plethora of things to do in Chicago, you will never be bored in this exciting metropolis. Plan your trip today, and visit one of the liveliest cities in the world.
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