What do in Chicago for one day?

I'm going to be in Chicago for one day in September as an extended layover.
I'll be staying at the Swissotel in the center of town supposedly near the Magnificent Mile.
Basically, I'll be there for 24 hours so wanted to know if anyone had any suggestions about what to do. Must sees, places to eat, things not to be missed.
So excited  to spend some time in famous Chi-town!!!!
Any suggestions?

There are loads of amazing things to do.  What do you like??  What kind of food do you like?

Swissotel is basically in the middle of the big shopping areas - Michigan Avenue is the Mag Mile, with the typical shops, and you could just walk up and down that to find anything you want.  You are also very close to Navy Pier and the lake, you could do a boat cruise on the lake/river which is beautiful.  There are loads of good restaurants in that area as well.  And you are within walking distance of the John Hancock tower, which is one of the tallest buildings.  If you've never done that or Sears Tower, you might want to go to one of those. Chicago style pizza is a good bet - Pizzeria Uno, Due, or Lou Malnati's are relatively close. 

If you like museums, you could go south to the Adler Planetarium, Shed Aquarium, or the Field Museum of Natural History.

Hmm...I will have to think of what I would consider to be a perfect 24 hours in Chicago !

I just got back from Chicago a few days ago. I'm originally from there but when everything 'Chicago' is right at your doorstep you tend not to see any of it.So while in Chicago last week I and a friend went to Navy Pier (not far from your hotel..get a taxi) and went shopping, ate lunch outside at Bubba Gumps and best of all we went on an Architectual Tour of the city via the "Seadog" speedboat.It was FANTASTIC!!! Worth every penny! If you can before you leave pick up a copy of "The Devil in the White City" and read it on the plane. It's a historical account of life in Chicago while the Worlds Fair was being built. Also about the serial killer H.H.Holmes. It's written in novel style and I promise you won't be able to put it down! When you read that book and go on the tour you will really feel CHICAGO!
Have a really nice time and please take the tour!!
Ricki

If you're a museum-y person, you can't go wrong with the Art Institute.  Although it could easily eat up most of your day!

If you're a museum-y person, you can't go wrong with the Art Institute.  Although it could easily eat up most of your day!

That's what I was going to say!!!

Also, if you're an architecture buff, a day out to Oak Park stopping off at Frank Lloyd Wright's studio and house is a must.

Lincoln Park Zoo is great, too.

Or, if you're in a slightly different frame of mind, why not go to a taping of Jerry Springer?! (Do they still tape in Chicago?)

(I've done all of the above and they all rocked!  )

Thanks everyone for suggestions!!

Geeta, I love all things that are food. lol.
Thanks for the suggestions. Am anticipating having some of that famous Chicago style pizza.

Pebbles, Will definitely pick up that book and take the tour. Sounds fab!

Art institute is a great suggestion too!

hmmm... sounds like I'm going to be quite busy. Must make a bit of time for shopping too.

Must make a bit of time for shopping too.

Check out the Macy's (formerly Marshall Field's *sob*) on State Street.  It's an old-fashioned multi-story department store with fabulous architecture.  It's even got a piano department!  Definitely a Chicago icon.

Check out the Macy's (formerly Marshall Field's *sob*) on State Street.  It's an old-fashioned multi-story department store with fabulous architecture.  It's even got a piano department!  Definitely a Chicago icon.

I refuse to call it Macy's   :\\\'(
I got a gorgeous long wool coat from MARSHALL FIELDS a few years ago. It was marked down to $80!

I refuse to call it Macy's   :\\\'(
I got a gorgeous long wool coat from MARSHALL FIELDS a few years ago. It was marked down to $80!

I still call it Marshall Field's, too.  I was just there a few months ago, and it was so depressing now that they've removed all vestiges of the original name.  All that's left is the little history section by the restaurant.

I still call it Marshall Field's, too.  I was just there a few months ago, and it was so depressing now that they've removed all vestiges of the original name.  All that's left is the little history section by the restaurant.

No more dark green bags? What about Frango's? I heard that M was still going to carry them.

No more dark green bags? What about Frango's? I heard that M was still going to carry them.

Nope, no green bags.  Frango is still around, though.  I think they'd have a riot if they got rid of them!

Don't get me started on Field's.  That was my favorite store.

Pebbles!!!!!  You were here and didn't get in touch with me!!!!!!!!

The sky is the limit as to where to go and what to do.  You can do everything from fine dining to museums to shopping to parks to zoos to sports....

For me, a day at Wrigley Field and eating at Las Manititas (a great Mexican restaurant around the cornery from Wrigley, on Halsted) is a perfect day downtown.

I also used to love hanging out on the lakefront people watching.  I used to spend weekends there with an old friend - it was great!

Don't get me started on Field's.  That was my favorite store.

Pebbles!!!!!  You were here and didn't get in touch with me!!!!!!!!

The sky is the limit as to where to go and what to do.  You can do everything from fine dining to museums to shopping to parks to zoos to sports....

For me, a day at Wrigley Field and eating at Las Manititas (a great Mexican restaurant around the cornery from Wrigley, on Halsted) is a perfect day downtown.

I also used to love hanging out on the lakefront people watching.  I used to spend weekends there with an old friend - it was great!

Aww..now I have guilt!    I arrived Tues afternoon and left Thurs afternoon. I'll call next time! xx

I agree about the Architectural boat tour-fabulous!

Chicago pizza is a must, but you HAVE to have some cheesecake at Cheesecake factory, too.**drool**

Great topic as we are going to be in Chicago this Thursday .  I can't wait!