First time in Chicago

[ggadget5]

What is the best part of the city to book a hotel.

What things should not be missed when visiting?

Any general information about the city would be helpful.  Thanks

[BillyNoMates]

Definitely try out the 'Loop' overground rail system.

There's also an excellent Science museum not too far out of town.

[corganiser]

Where to stay depends on whether or not you have a car. Staying downtown I'd recommend being close to the lake. Avoid the southside (particularly near the White Sox stadium) as it can be pretty scary. Central, north and west are usually ok. Agree with previous answer about the loop, good fun. Take a boat trip if you can which does a bit of the lake and the river, the views of the skyline are fantastic. Chicago has the USA's 2 tallest buildings. Sears Tower is the tallest followed by the Hancock Tower - both have observation floors open to the public - try to do both. If you have a bit of money to spend on a meal, try the restaurant on the 95th floor of the Hancock. On a cheaper budget try Bubba Gumps on the pier in the lake. If you wanna try baseball (April-Sept) I'd suggest the Cubs not White Sox. Cubs ground at Wrigley Field is a fantastic experience. Blues clubs (generally north of downtown) offer great evening fun. Shopping on North Michigan Avenue ("the golden mile") is good.

If you have specific interests, let me know and I'll do my best to answer.

[jno]

great place for architecture - the world's first skyscrapers, the newest, Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe - see www.architecture.org for all sorts of tours. Hotels around the Loop or close to the Magnificent Mile (for shopping) should be okay and aren't all hugely expensive. Can be very hot in summer and very cold in winter.