Top 10 Things to Do in Chicago

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You came for IMTS, but you came to Chicago — and the city rewards even an hour away from McCormick Place. Here are 10 things worth doing that are easily fit into a packed show schedule.

1. The Museum Campus. Minutes from the show, the Field Museum (home to Sue the T. rex), Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium make the easiest cultural escape in the city. Pick one for a half-day.
2. Architecture river cruise. The single best 90 minutes for understanding Chicago. Boats depart frequently from the downtown riverfront.
3. Millennium Park and Cloud Gate. See “The Bean” then walk to the adjacent Art Institute of Chicago, one of the country’s great art museums.
4. A Cubs game at Wrigley Field. The Cubs host the Braves September 14-16, the first days of the show. Historic ballpark, easy Red Line ride.
5. The Riverwalk. A pleasant waterfront stroll lined with restaurants and bars, ideal for an after-floor wind-down.
6. Skyline views. The Willis Tower Skydeck and 360 Chicago observation decks both deliver the big-picture view of the city.
7. Blues at Buddy Guy’s Legends. A short ride from the show and a genuine Chicago institution, with live music most nights.
8. Deep-dish pizza. A first-trip rite of passage. Lou Malnati’s and Giordano’s both have locations convenient to the show.
9. Explore a neighborhood. Wicker Park and Logan Square for independent shops and coffee; Pilsen for murals and Mexican food; Chinatown, close to the show, for a great meal.
10. The Magnificent Mile. Michigan Avenue’s shopping and landmarks anchor a classic downtown afternoon.