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Home - City Guide - Chicago - Sightseeing | ||
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Sightseeing Chicago is a wonderful combination of arts, architecture and American life. A good orientation point is the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington Boulevard, which occupies an entire block and which contains the Chicago Office of Tourism. Originally built as a library and completed in 1897, the building itself is grand and provides a good introduction to the city's architectural heritage, with three floors (joined by great staircases) of beautiful rooms with displays and information. If the weather is pleasant, visitors can take in the beach resort feel of the city. Monroe and Burnham Harbors are popular working and pleasure spots with yacht clubs and other services. The most popular sunbathing beach is the Oak Street Beach, on the north side of the town's Gold Coast. To witness the combination of art and business exemplified by the city, the fourth floor viewing gallery of the modern Chicago Mercantile Exchange, 10-30 South Wacker Drive (tel: (312) 930 8249), or the classic 45-storey, Art Deco Chicago Board of Trade, 141 West Jackson Boulevard (tel: (312) 435 3590), are good places. While at the Board of Trade, visitors should also check out the trading floor and the cavernous brass, platinum and marble entrance lobby. To experience the calm of the 'City of Big Shoulders' (Carl Sandburg), the view of the city skyline from the traffic-free Olive Park should not be missed. Tourist Information Chicago Office of Tourism Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington Boulevard Tel: (312) 744 2400 or (800) 487 2446, toll free in the USA and Canada. Fax: (312) 744 2359. E-mail: tourism@ciytofchicago.org Website: www.ci.chi.il.us/culturalaffairs/tourism Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1800, Sat 1000-1700 and Sun 1100-1700. Other tourist information offices are located at Chicago Waterworks, 163 East Pearson Street, and at at O'Hare International Airport. Other places with signs advertising 'Visitor Information' are run by local tour companies. Passes The City Pass (website: www.citypass.com) offers free admission to six Chicago attractions: Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium and the Sears Tower Skydeck. It costs US$33.75 (concessions available), lasts for nine days and can be purchased from the attractions on the day or online in advance. |