The Peninsula Spa by ESPA on the 20th floor has an indoor pool, sundeck, eucalyptus steam room, and fireplace-equipped lounge—not to mention fabulous views of the Windy City. Read more.
Head to Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Pump Room for reasonably priced farm-to table fare. For dessert, get the salted-caramel ice cream sundae—it’s unbelievably delicious. Read more.
The portions are huge, so plan to share every course, including sides (the two-pound double baked potato is a signature) and desserts. Read more.
Lines for Music Hall performances can be very long; avoid the wait by dining at the restaurant, where you can enjoy Southern favorites like buttermilk fried chicken and bourbon bread pudding. Read more.
Dine at the Chicago flagship, where you can enjoy the signature Steak Diane or the classic RL Burger.
The spectacular Modern Wing, designed by Renzo Piano in limestone, glass, and steel was voted by T+L readers as one of the world’s top new landmarks in 2011. Read more.
Don’t miss The Gage, a popular gastropub just steps away from the park, for hearty menu items such as caramelized lobster and dry-aged Manhattan steak. Read more.
Head to the lakefront park during the summer, when it hosts two major events: Taste of Chicago, the world’s largest outdoor food festival, and Lollapalooza, the annual music festival. Read more.
A series of magnificently scary glass boxes, collectively known as the Ledge, is attached to the venerable Skydeck, where you’ll feel like you’re standing unsupported 103 stories above the ground. Read more.
At the North Broadway flagship, enjoy free Wi-Fi and glam-rock tunes with your signature syrupy and sweet Black Cat Classic espresso. Read more.
Shows are general admission, so arrive early and grab a seat at one of the tables in front of the stage or by the railing on the second level. Read more.
Hop astride a Siberian tiger or giant panda on the Endangered Species Carousel, or paddle around the lagoon on a swan-shaped boat. Read more.
Most Thursday afternoons, visitors can take a free tour led by the museum curator, Rolf Achilles. Read more.
For the first 10 minutes of each hour during the day, Centennial Fountain at the east end shoots water in a great arc across the river. Read more.
Tortas Frontera, in Terminals 1 and 3, is an outpost of Chicago’s best Mexican restaurant, Frontera Grill. Order a fresh-shaken margarita and one of chef Rick Bayless’s griddle-baked tortas. Read more.
