Local Experience

Welcome to Chicago, the host city of World Conference 2024. While you're here, take some time to explore the city and all the wonderful things it has to offer, from world-class dining to unique attractions. 

Scroll down for lists of recommendations to take advantage of. The lists are broken down into the following categories:

Things to Do
Dining
Grab a Drink
Sites & Attractions
Outdoors
Exclusive Deals

We hope this helps you take advantage of all Chicago has to offer!

Explore Chicago

The IABC Chicago Chapter is hosting a series of Dine Arounds on 25 June at 7:00 p.m. CT. Dine arounds are perfect opportunities to experience local Chicago cuisine while connecting offsite with your colleagues. Explore below!

View Dine Arounds

Things to Do

Have extra time to explore the Second City? Let us help you out!

EXPLORE

• Architecture Boat Tour
  • View the amazing architecture of Chicago from a unique vantage point along the Chicago River! This tour is beloved by tourists and locals alike.
• Food Tours
  • Home to iconic comfort food such as the Chicago Dog and Deep Dish pizza, along with notable fine dining including Michelin star restaurants, taste your way along the city with a food tour. 
• Ghost Tours
  • From Chicago's mobster history to haunted local bars and theaters, be entertained while learning about Chicago's notable past.
• See a show!
  • Chicago is home to several iconic theaters, and hosts a variety of shows. From the Chicago Theater to Nederlander, Broadway shows to comedy nights, there's something for everyone.

SHOP

• Explore the Magnificent Mile! Walk your way through Chicago's well-known stretch of stores on Michigan Avenue.
• Head to the iconic Water Tower Place, home to a variety of retail stores and the Harry Caray 7th Inning Stretch Restaurant & Sports Bar.
• Make your way to Gold Coast for high-end shopping at big-name retailers, some of Chicago's most famous restaurants, and more. 

HAVE FUN

• Visit a Second City Show to see where several of comedy's top stars got their start!
• Try your hand at mini golf or rock climbing at Maggie Daley Park.
• Stop by the historic Chicago Athletic Association for old-fashioned games such as shuffleboard, billiards and more.

STAFF PICK: Enjoy some live music! There are so many different venues but here are a few to checkout…Empty Bottle, Green Mill (Jazz), Rosa’s Lounge (Blues), The Salt Shed (a converted Morton’s Salt factory), Hideout, and Schubas. 

Dining

Grab a bite at some of Chicago's fine eateries! The restaurants in this list are just a short distance from the Hyatt. Visit the Choose Chicago website to explore further!

STAFF PICK:

If you’re looking to grab a quick breakfast or lunch, Léa is the place to go! They have the best pastries and authentic Parisian sandwiches. It’s only a 6 minute walk from the hotel and it’s right off of Michigan Avenue so a great area to take a stroll!

GRAB A DRINK

Take in the city sights with these scenic and notable bars!

STAFF PICK: Stop by City Winey for a relaxing glass of wine right on the river.

Sites and Attractions

While you are in Chicago, make sure to explore! From museums to city tours to family friendly fun, this list will get you started.

• City Tours
• Lincoln Park Zoo
• Shedd Aquarium
• Field Museum
• Art Institute of Chicago
• Willis (Sears) Tower
• Wrigley Field

STAFF PICK: Grab a hot dog (and a beer) and catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field! Then, play some arcade games and hit the batting cages at Sluggers down the street.

Get Outdoors

Looking to take a morning run or walk? Chicago's infamous lake shore path has spectacular views of Lake Michigan and ample space for running, walking, biking and more. Plus, take advantage of some of the city's historic parks.

• Lakefront Trail - stretching for 18 miles along Lake Michigan
• Millennium Park - home of "The Bean"
• Maggie Daley Park - unique, family-friendly space

STAFF PICK: 

If you’re needing a little fresh air, I highly recommend taking a stroll through Lakeshore East Park! This park is a short 5 minute walk from the Hyatt Regency Chicago and with its water features, walking paths, and dog park, it’s a hidden oasis in the busy River North area.

Exclusive Deals

Explore Chicago at exclusive rates provided by these local organizations!

Chicago Loop Alliance

The Chicago Loop Alliance is a member-based business organization connecting and representing businesses in the Chicago Loop, the city's central business district. Explore free things to do and other discounts from the CLA here!

Go City

Go City offers passes so you can easily stop by several of the top tourist attractions within Chicago. Save up to 50% and discover 30 plus attractions, sightseeing tours and activities including: 360 Chicago, Field Museum, Shoreline Architectural Boat Tours, Skydeck Chicago and many more. To receive an additional 10% savings, use promo code IABC24 and start exploring Chicago. Learn more here.