One of the liveliest cities in the U.S., Chicago will please most every urban explorer. The following is just a small selection from Chicago's inexhaustible menu of fascinating places to visit and interesting things to do. The list includes events, attractions, some world-class shopping and dining locations, and more.

For the more enthusiastic visitor, the list is complemented by a collection of websites with more comprehensive collections of information. The publications featured in the column on the right may help you plan your Chicago visit, or remember your trip once it is over.

Most guests will likely start their exploration in downtown Chicago and along the lake shore.

Sears Tower (233 S. Wacker Dr.; 312.875.9696) may be the easiest attraction to find, as it is the tallest building in the world (1,450 feet). On a clear day, the 103rd-floor Skydeck offers a truly amazing view of Chicago and up to 50 miles beyond. In addition to the city and its architecture, your view will include parts of four states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Admission: $10.45. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

If you are planning to visit several Chicago's major attractions, you might decide to purchase a City Pass. The $49 pass includes admission to the following six attractions at a discount (individual admission shown next to each attraction):

CityPass is available at each of these attractions, or you can buy one online.

Art lovers may wish to visit some of the following:

Chicago is home to some of the world's finest architecture. View the Chicago Landmarks website of the City of Chicago for proof. Then call the Chicago Architecture Foundation (224 S. Michigan Ave.; 312.922.3432) for architectural tours of Chicago on foot, by bus, or by boat. Alternatively, Chicago Neighborhood Tours (78 E. Washington St.; 312.742.1190) offers half-day tours highlighting Chicago's diverse neighborhoods.

Walk along the shore of Lake Michigan, and you will find two parks. Grant Park is home to museums, outdoor concerts, and the majestic Buckingham Fountain. Lincoln Park offers popular sandy beaches, Lincoln Park Zoo (312.742.2000; open daily) -- one of America's last free zoological gardens, Lincoln Park Conservatory (2391 N. Stockton Dr.; 312.742.7737; free admission), and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum featuring interactive exhibitions.

If you were born to shop (and that includes window shoppers), the Magnificent Mile promises to be your paradise. Other shopping options include Navy Pier (312.595.PIER) with over 50 acres of parks, gardens, shops, museums, IMAX theater, amusements, and restaurants), Lakeview, small shops around the Lincoln Park, and ethnic neighborhoods.

If you prefer to take it easy, you may wish to take a sightseeing tour, a cruise along the scenic Chicago River (start by viewing the virtual Chicago River Tour), or a dinner cruise on Lake Michigan. Ask your hotel concierge for seasonal recommendations of tours and cruises, or try one of the following companies:

Sightseeing by bus:

Sightseeing by boat:

For additional information on Chicago's history, attractions, events, accommodation, and virtually anything else about this city, visit the comprehensive City of Chicago website.

A number of other online resources, both public and private, complement the City's efforts. The following are just a few:

The Chicago Tribune Online Edition maintains a comprehensive dining and entertainment guide with listings searchable by location or by cuisine.

One of quite a few handy things that are FREE in Chicago are the Free Trolleys which are a great way to get around downtown. For information on routes, maps and times, click here.

Beyond downtown, transit options are provided by:

Not sure which option to use? Try the online trip planner, compliments of Chicago's Regional Transportation Authority (RTA).

A number of taxi companies serve downtown Chicago, including Checker Taxi (312.243.2537), Wolley Cab (312.225.5411) and Yellow Cab (312.839.4222). The fare from the conference hotel to O'Hare International Airport is about $35, and the fare to Midway Airport is about $20.

The following may be of interest to visitors to Chicago:

  

Chicagoland Travel Kit is your FREE source of information on attractions, events, hotels, etc. Click here to order.

  

A number of FREE Illinois brochures can be ordered here:

  

  

AAA and CAA members may pick up their complimentary copies of the Chicago and Illinois maps and Illinois Tour Book from their local automobile association office prior to arrival, or at one of the AAA Chicago Motor Club locations.

  

  

To view an interactive map of Chicago, click here.

  

Visit six of Chicago's major attractions for $49. To purchase CityPass, click here.

  

Chicago books (click book cover for details):