Must See Sights and Landmarks in Brookfield Area

"This iconic Chicago attraction is bursting with attractions. However, many of them charge a fee. Believe it or not, though, there are several free things to do in Chicago at Navy Pier."

"The first Sunday of every month there’s free admission for kids under 15. There are a few other ways to get discounts, too."

"Officially known as a “pedestrian pathway system,” the Pedway is actually more of a sprawling underground network of halls, tunnels and corridors that connect different streets in Chicago. You can enter and exit at various points to get back to the world above, but since lots of businesses have set up shop in the Pedway, it’s become a destination in its own right. Stores are available for shopping."

"Under the city streets and spanning more than 40 blocks north to south, Chicago has a vast network of pedestrian tunnels, as an answer the vicious winter weather and to provide easy links between “L” stations. The oldest sections, between State and Dearborn streets date back to before the Second World War. The rest of the network was begun in the 1950s and expanded in the 60s and 70s."

"Grab lunch at a nearby café and browse the shops in The Loop. Make your way over to Millennium Park to see the famous Cloud Gate (a.ka. the bean). It’s usually busy during the day, but you might get lucky by going early in the morning before other tourists arrive."

"Known for its limestone gatehouse and highly decorated columbarium niches, which are composed of photographs, artwork, flags, and other mementos of individuals whose ashes are stored there, this cemetery, established by Chicago's Czech community in 1877, also features storied mausoleums, stained glass images and a special dedication to Chicago Cubs fans. It's a quieter, welcome alternative to public parks that often draw rambunctious young children."

"LoopThis exotic escape from Bonhomme Hospitality is an instant mood enhancer with enough lush greenery and cheery colors to perk up any tired old Instagram account. Besides likes, the joint can be counted on for globetrotting cuisine from baba ganoush and ceviche to steak kebabs and a highly underrated Angus beef double cheeseburger. There will, of course, be drinks involved, so don’t skimp on the Oaxacan Old Fashioned or Two Minutes Turkish.How to book: Reserve viaResy."

"Restaurants Mediterranean East Village. As far as we're concerned, there are three very different spaces within Beatnik: The light and airy front room, the funky side bar and the dark and sexy dining room. For date night or a special occasion, book a table in the latter, which is filled with massive chandeliers, pillow-lined couches and ornate rugs."

"Beatnik is one of a few restaurants that made both our list of the best restaurants in Chicago as well as our list of the most Instagrammable restaurants in Chicago. With an eclectic mix of jungle decor and antique, luxury furniture, you won’t be able to resist taking a few photos of this unique space."

"A funhouse of modern potables, Aviary’s cocktail craft is unparalleled. Whether they're serving a margarita with ice cubes made with Fresno chile juice, or a Manhattan encapsulated in a frozen sphere cracked tableside with a custom-designed "slingshot," mixologists don’t create drinks as much as liquid performance art. The kitchen chefs work some magic, too, and can be serving tiny complementary bites like a sea-salt-flecked dark chocolate candy bar filled with whipped foie gras nougat."

"From the owners of Alinea, the Aviary takes chef Grant Achatz’s approach to molecular gastronomy and applies it to beverages. That might be off putting to dive bar lovers, but the result is a bar with vintage spirits, unique cocktails, and prices that make the well-to-do feel like they’re spending their money on something worthy. For pure cocktail fans, the presentation, glassware, and whimsical approach to beverages is worth scoring a reservation."

"Bars Beer bars Loop. Craft beer aficionados will appreciate the serviceable array of brews on tap—featuring local favorites like Half Acre's Daisy Cutter and Revolution Brewing's Anti-Hero—plus the even longer list of cans and bottles available for sipping as you watch water traffic float by on the Chicago River."

"Of the numerous buildings that Frank Lloyd Wright designed around Chicago, none is more famous or influential than Robie House. Because its horizontal lines resembled the flat landscape of the Midwestern prairie, the style became known as the Prairie style. Inside are 174 stained-glass windows and doors, which you'll see on the hour-long tours (frequency varies by season, but there's usually at least one tour per hour). Advance tickets are highly recommended."

"Named one of the 10 most significant buildings of the 20th century by the American Institute of Architects, the 9,000-square-foot Robie…"

"Known for its limestone gatehouse and highly decorated columbarium niches, which are composed of photographs, artwork, flags, and other mementos of individuals whose ashes are stored there, this cemetery, established by Chicago's Czech community in 1877, also features storied mausoleums, stained glass images and a special dedication to Chicago Cubs fans. It's a quieter, welcome alternative to public parks that often draw rambunctious young children."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ken Lund used under CC BY-SA 2.0. One of two Macy’s outlets in Chicago - the other is located on the Magnificent Mile - this world famous department store brand features a range of men’s and women’s clothing alongside kids, juniors, and home selections. A host of big-name designers are represented, including Ralph Lauren, Estee Lauder, and Calvin Klein."

"Further down Randolph is Macy's on State Street, another stunning landmark building boasting seven floor of retail space and great dining options. Across the way, Block 37 is a five-story modern urban mall boasting its own gourmet food hall Latinicity and new Dine-in AMC Movie Theatre."

"One of the biggest department stores in the world and recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Flex your plastic around eight floors of amazing fashion, from DKNY to Ralph Lauren to Michael Kors."

"Don't expect to find pumpkin-spice anything at this tiny but specialized coffee shop in Logan Square. Branching off from its roastery in Back of the Yards (and another in Istanbul), Four Letter Word Coffee offers drip, pour-over, espresso, Turkish-style, cold coffee and tea. Pair your cup o' Joe with a pastry from Cellar Door Provisions and have a seat in the exquisitely decorated space."

"A stand-out coffee store in Chicago, Fairgrounds serves a fifty-fifty ratio of both coffee and tea, but it’s the coffee that will have you coming back to either of their five Chicago locations. The stores are beautifully designed, and super Instagrammable. They even have eight rotating cold brews on draft, as well as their own matcha tea bar, if that’s more up your street."

"Fairgrounds has found the perfect intersection of quality coffee fans and busy urbanites by expanding its menu to teas, quick cafe-style food and an all-day breakfast menu. Combine this with locations in high foot-traffic areas like Bucktown and you've got a recipe for success. It's a good thing too because Chicago's breakfast taco game needs all the help it can get!"

"It is probably the only spot that is famous not only for its coffee but also for tea. The coffee spot is near Wicker Park. Also, the interior is cozy and chic."