Is Navy Pier a tourist trap or a worthwhile attraction. (Chicago: restaurants, shops)

[Grant900]

Im going to be visiting Chicago next week and I've been reading guide books to figure out what attractions I want to visit and I've read about Navy Pier and my guidebook (Frommers Chicago) said its a big tourist trap. It also went on to say some other famous things such as deep dish pizza were overrated. Is this true because Navy pier is on my list of places I want to see. So I'm asking everyone in Chicago is Navy Pier worth a visit and what famous attractions are overrated and not worth the time.

[Alacran]

Besides the Children's museum there isn't too much that makes it worth it.
Yeah it has a bunch of restaurants, but they're not unique.
The shops are not unique, just a lot of souvenirs.

The views are great though. I'd go for a picture.
Although... views are great everywhere in Chicago.

[Alacran]

By the why... While we do eat Chicago thin crust pizza on the regular, don't skip out on Deep dish. It's worth a try.

a lot of Chicago elitist like to say "Waah waah we don't eat deep dish, that's for tourists waah waah"
But it's good. I still eat it once in a while.

[flamadiddle]

Navy Pier is worth a visit! It's free and the views are amazing! I would skip eating there, but go walk the pier, take in the views and if you're into Ferris wheels, hit that too. Y

You will want to try deep dish pizza. There are differences so keep in mind there is thin crust, deep dish and then there is stuffed. Personal preference as to which you may prefer, but give them all a try if you can!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago-style_pizza

Also, you definitely should do a river/lake architectural cruise and/or if you like speed, check out Sea Dog!

[TBideon]

If you're bringing kids, absolutely. Otherwise, I'd skip unless there are fireworks or you're catching a boat tour.

[Vlajos]

Originally Posted by TBideon

If you're bringing kids, absolutely. Otherwise, I'd skip unless there are fireworks or you're catching a boat tour.

I think this is generally good advice. NP does have good views of the City though as others have suggested.

Also, Deep Dish is in no way overrated. It's delicious from the right maker. Lou Malnati's and Pizano's are fantastic.

[BigLake]

Originally Posted by Vlajos

I think this is generally good advice. NP does have good views of the City though as others have suggested.

Also, Deep Dish is in no way overrated. It's delicious from the right maker. Lou Malnati's and Pizano's are fantastic.

Deep Dish >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> NY thin crust. It's not even remotely close. People who say NY pizza is better are literally kidding themselves. NY pizza is a nice, greasy snack; Chicago deep disk is a hearty, satisfying, incredibly tasty meal. Sorry to take this thread off topic.


Like U.S. Cellular Field (GuaranteedRate whatever), Navy Pier is not great, but it's still underappreciated. It's unique, views are great, and there's tons of hustle and bustle. If you have time, it's worth a visit,

[ToriaT]

Navy Pier is worth a visit, but not if you are passing up other things like the Art Institute. Deep dish pizza is worth a try its good but honestly most Chicagoans eat thin crust which is also good. Chicago has some of the best pizza in the U.S. its hard to make a mistake here.

[Slats Grobnick]

It's definitely a tourists trap but it's worth a visit

No need to go to any of the restaurants or establishments inside, the best thing about it is the actual pier outside.

[Manigault]

Navy Pier is definitely worth a visit -- either to walk around or for the Ferris wheel. It has some of the nicest vistas in the city and there is usually something interesting going on there.

When I was there recently, there was a surprising number of East Indian tourists on the pier, for some reason.