Chicago is an incredibly interesting city with a vibrant food and culture scene. As you journey to downtown Chicago for ChoMUN, check out some of our personal recommendations for places to eat and things to do in your spare time!
RESTAURANTS
EATALY
20 minute walk from Palmer House | River North
Chef Mario Batali's sprawling, modern outpost featuring a range of Italian eateries & food markets. Great spot for a sit-down Italian meal or a grab-and-go center with a variety of options!
FLAT TOP GRILL
30 second walk from Monroe Entrance of the Palmer House
A modern American staple restaurant—make your own bowl!
MAGNOLIA BAKERY
5 minute walk from Palmer House
Cozy bakery, great for cupcakes, cheesecake, bread pudding, and banana pudding.
NANDO's
3 minute walk from Palmer House
An internationally-loved fast food spot for a healthy, quick meal. Try their famous Peri-Peri chicken or french fries!
Miller’s Pub
30 second walk from Wabash Entrance of the Palmer House A Chicago classic spot for traditional American cuisine in a cozy, pub atmosphere.
Corner Bakery
30 second walk from Wabash Entrance of the Palmer House A great, quick spot to grab breakfast, lunch, or a bakery good to take on the go.
SHAKE SHACK
5 minute walk from Palmer House
A great fast food option for burgers and milkshakes, includes vegetarian options.
YOLK
Various Locations: 15-20 minute walk from Palmer House
Classic American brunch, with homestyle cooking and breakfast options available all day.
VIVI bubble tea
5 minute walk from Palmer House
A cute spot nearby to grab bubble tea, tapioca drinks, and frozen yogurt. Great for a mid-conference pick-me-up!
Vapianos
30 second walk from Monroe Entrance of the Palmer House
Classic Italian food, including pastas, pizzas, and salads—great for seating larger groups.
THINGS TO SEE, PLACES TO GO
Arts & Culture
ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
1 minute walk from the Palmer House.
The historic Art Institute houses more than 300,000 works of art within its 10 curatorial departments. Its treasures include A Sunday Afternoon on La Grand Jatte, Nighthawk, and American Gothic. Founded in 1879 and located in Chicago's Grant Park, the Art Institute is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States.
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
20-30 minute walk from the Palmer House | River North
Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art is a great collection of contemporary art from around the world and can easily be explored in a few hours.
CONCERTS AT THE PRITZKER PAVILION / CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Various Locations: no more than a 30 minute walk from the Palmer House.
Chicago has a rich music scene, so if you have a free evening check out the world-renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra and experience a brilliant performance of classical music. For a more casual outing, check out the Pritzker Pavilion for a variety of unique musical performances!
Chicago Classics
Architectural tour
Various Locations along the Riverwalk: 15-20 minute walk from the Palmer House.
Several companies hold Architecture Boat tours along the river through Downtown Chicago, as well as some walking tours. Explore the rich architectural history of Chicago and learn more about our city’s distinctive skyline.
RIVER WALK
10-15 minute walk from the Palmer House.
Along the Chicago River is the River Walk, a lovely walking path with several restaurants and markets along the way.
MAGNIFICENT MILE
15-20 minute walk from the Palmer House | River North
Magnificent Mile is a great hub for shopping and has many unique shops to check out, including the Starbucks Reserve Roastery.
LINCOLN PARK ZOO
~30 minutes via public transportation from the Palmer House | Lincoln Park
The Lincoln Park Zoo is completely free and a great way to spend a few hours in the city! Make sure to check out their website as they frequently host events.
NAVY PIER
~20 minutes via public transportation (bus 121, 124, or 151) from the Palmer House.
Navy Pier is Chicago's lakefront treasure, visited by nearly 9.3 million annual guests. The best bites, entertainment, and memories can be found here. Great views, good food, and a famous Ferris wheel.
MUSEUM CAMPUS - FIELD MUSEUM, ADLER PLANETARIUM, SHEDD AQUARIUM
20-30 minute walk from the Palmer House.
The three museums that make up Chicago’s Museum Campus—the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium—are must-see Chicago classics. From dinosaur skeletons to planetary models and even a dolphin show, these museums truly have something for everyone.