Convention: Things to Do
Attractions
Choose Chicago: Explore everything that Chicago has to offer! Find fun attractions, delicious food, fun events and more.
The ultimate Chicago bucket list.
Do premiere shopping and see landmarks such as Water Tower Place and the Tribune Tower on the Shop on Magnificent Mile.
Explore the rides, games, shopping, live entertainment and restaurants at Navy Pier.
Catch a Chicago White Sox game (Cubs are not in town).
Visit Chicago’s #1 art museum, The Art Institute of Chicago, which houses one of the largest collections of impressionist art outside the Louvre.
Visit the Richard H. Driehaus Museum, a restored 19th-century mansion with architecture and antiques that take you back to the Gilded Age.
Head to the Museum of Contemporary Art to see highlights of post-WWII art.
Plan a trip to Shedd Aquarium, where you can explore the world’s oceans, lakes, rivers and reefs, all in the heart of Chicago.
Discover America’s first planetarium at the Adler Planetarium.
Visit the over 1,200 animal residents of the Lincoln Park Zoo, the only privately managed free zoo in the country. Afterward, head to the iconic RJ Grunts for one of their fabulous burgers and hand-spun shakes or malts.
Say hi to Sue, the most complete and well-preserved T. Rex at the Field Museum.
TILT over the city at 360-Chicago observation deck at the former John Hancock Center.
Take a selfie at Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”) in Millenium Park.
Book an architecture boat tour of Lake Michigan and/or The Chicago River.
Eat your way through the city. From famous hotdogs, popcorn and pizza to avant-garde tasting menus, Chicago has something to satisfy your every craving.
Catch some laughs at the famous Second City Comedy Club where greats like Tina Fey, John Candy, Stephen Colbert and more got their start.
Go out on the Ledge at Skydeck Chicago to enjoy views of the city spanning up to four states and 50 miles. After, enjoy an interactive museum that celebrates what makes Chicago unique.
Paddle a kayak down the Chicago River before grabbing a bite at a restaurant/bar on the award-winning Chicago River Walk.
View an evening light and water show at Buckingham Fountain in scenic Grant Park.
Sign up for the Chicago Secret Food Tour: Taste the food and drinks that define Chicago’s cuisine, including deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, Garrett’s popcorn, Italian beef and brownies, which were invented here.
Hang out in this 1893 icon. The Chicago Athletic Association is an urban playground including a game room (billiards, shuffleboard, chess and checkers), a drawing room and a rooftop restaurant with an incredible view.
Check out the rooftop cinema crowning The Emily Hotel in the wildly popular West Loop Fulton Market District.
Restaurant suggestions in or near the hotel
Showroom Food Hall in the Marriott Marquis Chicago features Revolution Coffee, Argosy Street Tacos and Hot Licks hot dogs. The food hall is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Armand’s Pizzeria, 4159 N. Western Avenue, 773.463.5200
Pizano’s Pizza and Pasta, 2106 S. Indiana, 312.842.0777
The Spoke & Bird, 205 E. 18th St., 929.236.2473
Il Culaccino, 2134 S. Indiana, 312.794.5300
Fatpour Tap Works, 2206 S. Indiana, 312.878.9292
La Cantina, 1911 S. Michigan Avenue, 312.842.1911
Chicago Oyster House, 1933 S. Indiana, 312.225.8833
The Burger Point, 1900 S. State Street, 312.842.1900
Victory Tap – South Loop, 1416 S. Michigan Avenue, 312.566.60605
Opart Thai House, 1906 S. State Street, 312.567.9898
Chicago Firehouse, 1401 S. Michigan Avenue, 312.786.1401
Apolina, 2201 S. Michigan Avenue, 312.363.2431
Vurooftop, 133 E. Cermack, 312.256.2990