The Wirtz Center is conveniently located in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood, with an abundance of places to eat and things to do. See our recommendations below.
- Visit Cloud Gate (aka, the bean) and walk through Millenium Park (FREE).
- Visit Lincoln Park Zoo (FREE).
- Visit the Chicago Cultural Center (FREE).
- Explore the Pedway — Chicago’s hidden underground (FREE).
- Check out Buckingham Fountain (FREE).
- Stroll along the Lakefront Trail (FREE).
- Shop at the Water Tower Place.
- Shop at the original Marshall Fields (now Macy’s).
- Visit Navy Pier (and take a dinner cruise).
- Visit the art museum.
- Visit the Planetarium.
- Visit the Shedd Aquarium.
- Visit the Field Museum.
- Go to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field.
- Or a Sox game at Guaranteed Rate.
- While at the original Marshall Fields, take a break from shopping at the Walnut Room.
- Go to the original Billy Goat Tavern on South Lower Michigan Ave and learn about the legend of the restaurant and the curse of the billy goat (you may also remember it from Saturday Night Live).
- Have dinner at the James Beard Award-winning restaurant, The Purple Pig.
- Get an Italian beef the Chicago way at Portillo’s.
- Up for some smack talk? Bring your best insults or be prepared to watch battles of wit when you grab a bite at The Wiener’s Circle.
- Looking for night life and live jazz? Head to Green Mill for late-night cocktails.
- How about a quieter piano bar? Check out The Redhead Piano Bar.