So called because this stretch of Dearborn once housed a variety of publishing houses, Printer's Row is now a collection of shops, restaurants and finely restored buildings. This is a pleasant place for a stroll, as the turn-of-the-century buildings recall a bygone era. Stop inside the Printer's Row Hilton if you can. The building was recently restored to its former glory.

The Soldier Field Stadium was built in the 1920's as a memorial to American soldiers who had died in war. A world-class stadium, it is the home to the Chicago Bears football team. The stadium also hosts a varied number of events from concerts to bizarre events like tractor and truck pulls to ski-jumping off a 13-story platform. If you're in the area, check out the 250-foot granite wall sculpture in honor of the men and women who served in the American armed forces. The stadium conducts tours from 9a-5p, but only if prior reservations have been made.

Once again, Daniel Burnham struck it big, designing one of the most original and whimsical buildings in the city. In this case he truly lived up to his motto, "Make no little plans, they have no magic to stir man's blood." The building's neo-Gothic ornamentation reflects its name. Fish, shells and other ocean-themed designs can be found on the lower stories. For unknown reasons, this treasure seems to be much overlooked by tourists and locals. Perhaps it is because it is off the main part of the Loop, but it is worth a visit. Call the Chicago Architecture Foundation at +1 312 922 3432 for tour information.

Established in 1976 by Columbia College and located on its campus, this museum showcases fine print collections and other items relating to the artistic expression of image-making. Special exhibits and lectures highlight many facets of photography. The focus is on commercial and art photography, as well social impacts. Prints by regional artists and many other photographs on exhibit are available for purchase. Exhibits change about every two months.

Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies is Chicago's Jewish education and cultural center. It offers an innovative array of public programming, including exhibits, performances, films, and lectures some presented by the esteemed faculty who teach for its graduate programs. The institute collects, preserves, and displays materials from the Jewish experience in a stunning, contemporary building with fabulous views of Grant Park and Lake Michigan. Art from the institute's collection is showcased throughout the building and temporary exhibits examine aspects of Jewish culture. The building also includes a 400-seat theater and a gift shop that carries art, books, music, videos, and contemporary and traditional Jewish ceremonial gifts. Exhibits are free. Program and performance prices vary. Check website for schedule.

Visitors can journey to the stars or experiment with telescopes at the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum. Also, there is plenty to learn about space travel, solar systems and galaxies through stunning displays. The informative, virtual reality StarRider Theater takes visitors on a tour of the Milky Way in chairs with interactive armrests. Shop at the Out of This World museum store which sells space-related souvenirs and gifts. For details on regular and summer hours, admission prices, driving directions, parking, audio tours and events check the website.

Travel from ancient civilizations through modern times, viewing remnants of bygone cultures and traditions at The Field Museum. Get the inside story on Sue, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex dinosaur skeleton, or view preserved man-eating lions and other animals. For a truly subterranean experience, check out the Underground Adventure, an exhibit dedicated to soil and how it sustains life, or just relax at one of several places to eat. Free for members, teachers and military personnel. Chicago residents receive a discount. See website for online ticketing, visitor guide, and extended hours.

Nestled on the coast of Lake Michigan, the John G. Shedd Aquarium is home to more than 650 species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds and mammals from across the globe. Explore Caribbean waters at the 90,000-gallon (340,690-liter) coral reef exhibit, or watch whales and dolphins play during marine mammal shows. Eat at Soundings restaurant, where you will find a panoramic view of Lake Michigan, or in the Bubble Net food court. Aquatic souvenirs are available in the gift shop.

Explore 216 acres where more than 400 species live and play in naturalistic habitats. View exceptional exhibits featuring well-known and exotic mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. You can watch monkeys play around, lions roar, and birds fly about at the various up-close habitats. Visit Stingray Bay where you can interact with cownose rays as they swim around a 16,000 gallon tank.

Calling itself an 'international art gallery', the Th!nkArt Salon presents exhibitions that display the works of established as well as budding artists from Europe, South America, and the United States. The gallery boasts quite an impressive participation in national as well as international art events, emphasizing its presence in shows like Art Chicago, SLICK Paris, and the Bridge Art Fairs. Besides art exhibitions, the Th!nkArt Salon also hosts concerts, dance performances, plays and more, all of which are intended to give a fresh outlook on art. See the website for more information.