Half a day in Chicago - what to see? (Union: for sale, taxi)

[skiffrace]

Hello,
We'll have about 6 to 8 hours in Chicago sometime near the end of August. What are the main attractions to see during that time? I think we'll prefer to stay in or near the downtown, and are interested in the key Chicago attractions (nothing too much off the beaten path).
Also, what is a safe and reasonably priced place to park the car during that time?
Cheers

[susie creamcheese]

What's the rush? Are you taking a business trip and bringing the family? It won't do Chicago justice but if there is no other way, I would go to Milenneum Park and maybe walk around the downtown area. I wouldn't go anywhere near Navy Pier. It's so crowded.

[NARFALICIOUS]

Plan to spend at least 20-30 bucks to park downtown if that's where you want to explore.

[sfcambridge]

Go to the Art Institute and see the new wing, and have a quick lunch. Walk a block from there through Millenium Park, and see the outdoor sculptures and city landscape. Walk a couple blocks from there to the river, and jump on the Architectural society boat tour through the city.

If you have time when the tour gets completed, grab a quick bite at the crazy popular Purple Pig (tried to hit it off hours... afternoon) and then back to your car.

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by sfcambridge

Go to the Art Institute and see the new wing, and have a quick lunch. Walk a block from there through Millenium Park, and see the outdoor sculptures and city landscape. Walk a couple blocks from there to the river, and jump on the Architectural society boat tour through the city.

If you have time when the tour gets completed, grab a quick bite at the crazy popular Purple Pig (tried to hit it off hours... afternoon) and then back to your car.

I agree with the first paragraph. The architectural boat tours are great too. Obviously see the stuff like Millennium Park which is free. I do not agree with Purple Pig. It's an excellent restaurant but a lot of the time it's a long wait..

[chicagohunter]

My tastes are not as refined as some of the commenters.

Signature Lounge - 96th Floor, John Hancock Center
Billy Goat - Get the triple - Lower Wacker & Michigan (take the stairs on the NE corner)
Gold Coast Dogs - get a Chicago style dog charred, not broiled

If you aren't up for tours given your limited time in the city you can take a water taxi one-way for a couple of bucks from Michigan & Wacker to just N of Union Station. I will add, you can then visit the sky deck of one of the tallest buildings in North America if you are so inclined (Willis Tower) which will be a couple blocks from where the water taxi ends.

There are huge parking lots underneath Grant and Millennium Parks - most people just park there for convenience.

[jwaiter]

Millenium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago and between those 2 you'll blow 4 hours, then grab some food and a beer at The Gage. Done and done.

[flamadiddle]

Not enough time to do much of anything, but I'd definitely recommend a boat tour, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Michigan Ave. and grab some pizza. Parking will be challenging so take public trans if possible, but if you must park, have a look here www.spothero.com

[jwaiter]

Navy Pier is a massive waste of time, nothing but a bunch of cheap crap for sale and overpriced food and drinks, a tourist trap, not even a interesting one.

[CSD610]

The Museum of Science and Industry.