Yes, you’ll take a lot of pictures. A couple hours in Millennium Park, alone, will make sure of that. But we also set aside time to actually experience Chicago’s beloved attractions, whether it’s taking in a Broadway show or feeding body and soul at an inspirational Gospel Brunch.

Start your day at the Museum of Science and Industry to explore hundreds of hands-on exhibits, including the underground Coal Mine, U-505 Submarine, a Boeing 727, plus an Omnimax theater. Then visit the free Lincoln Park Zoo followed by a stop next door at the Lincoln Park Conservatory, a turn-of-the-century greenhouse featuring exotic plants. For lunch, head to Dave & Buster’s, a sprawling complex featuring a restaurant, bars, and a midway of video games. Then make your way to the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum, showcasing legendary and up-and-coming Mexican artists. Cap off your day at the Briar State Theater for a one-of-a-kind performance by Blue Man Group.

Visit the recently renovated Chicago History Museum to see galleries that detail the city’s storied history. Afterwards, head to Navy Pier and board the Spirit of Chicago for a buffet lunch cruise, complete with a musical revue and postcard views of Chicago’s skyline. In the afternoon, tour the historic Auditorium Theater of Roosevelt University, which plays host to dance and theatrical performances year round. Enjoy dinner at the Italian Village, a downtown dining tradition since 1927. At night, enjoy Broadway in Chicago with popular favorites like Jersey Boys, Wicked, and Mary Poppins in the Downtown Theater District. Group tickets are on sale now.

Start your morning with a guided tour of downtown Chicago aboard a San Francisco-style Chicago Trolley. Customize your tour, or merely hop on and off at designated stops to explore the city. Then get ready for a truly uplifting experience during the Sunday Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues, featuring inspirational live performances and a buffet with everything from omelets to southern fried chicken and prime rib. Walk off brunch at beautiful Millennium Park, filled with manicured gardens, fascinating sculptures and the amazing outdoor Jay Pritzker Pavilion that hosts musical events throughout the summer. Across the street, visit the Chicago Cultural Center for free performances daily, along with rotating gallery exhibits. Then spend the rest of the afternoon shopping along historic State Street.

Get ready to see the many sides of Chicago, whether it’s from high atop the Sears Tower or from an Architecture River Cruise. Along the way, we take time to stroll through world-renowned museums, enjoy a luxury dinner cruise, and sample Chicago traditions like deep-dish pizza and live blues.

Start your day at the Museum Campus where you can walk to three of Chicago's most popular museums: The Field Museum, known for its blockbuster dinosaur and special exhibits; the Shedd Aquarium, home to beluga whales, dolphins and the Wild Reef shark exhibit; and the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum , featuring two full-size planetarium theaters for virtual star gazing. Take a water taxi to Navy Pier, where you’ll find the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the outdoor Skyline Stage, an IMAX Theater and a towering Ferris wheel. Enjoy lunch there at Riva, a beautiful seafood restaurant with sweeping skyline views. Afterwards, hop on a Shoreline Sightseeing cruise. For dinner, sample Chicago's famed deep-dish pizza at Giordano's. Then head to The Second City for the improv antics of up-and-coming comedy stars.

Get a panoramic view of Chicago from atop the Sears Tower. Then make your way to The Art Institute, home to a renowned collection of works ranging from Warhol to Monet. Nearby is beautiful Millennium Park , where you’ll discover creative sculptures that include Cloud Gate (known as “The Bean”) and the Crown Fountain, featuring video-displayed faces playfully squirting water. Have lunch at the beautifully appointed Walnut Room, located in Macy's on State Street. Next, head for The Notebaert Nature Museum to surround yourself with 1,000 free-flying butterflies at the year-round Butterfly Haven. In the evening, board the Odyssey II at Navy Pier for a luxury dinner cruise on Lake Michigan. Afterwards, head to Buddy Guy's Legends, owned by the famed blues guitarist, to hear live blues in the city where it all began.  

Start the day on a high note from the 94th-floor Hancock Observatory. Step out onto the Skywalk, an open-air viewing deck located 1,000 feet up in the air. Then see Chicago's skyline by boat on Chicago's First Lady, which boards at the Michigan Avenue bridge. A guide from the Chicago Architecture Foundation points out more than 50 buildings as you wind down the Chicago River. For lunch, head to the nostalgic Hard Rock Cafe followed by a trip to the Museum of Contemporary Art which showcases cutting-edge works by some of the most thought-provoking artists of our time. Afterwards, hit the Magnificent Mile to shop upscale boutiques on Michigan Avenue such as Chanel and Burberry, along with shopping centers that include Water Tower Place and the 900 North Michigan Shops (home of Bloomingdale’s).