Planning to travel to Chicago, and curious about things to do during your stay? Well, how much time do you have? After all, Chicago is filled with an exciting variety of experiences sure to rank high in the memory bank!

The attractions in Downtown Chicago are often what come to mind for those who will travel to this vibrant city, but other areas also offer pizazz. Things to do in Chicago could include a visit to the world-class museums available in the downtown area, but other things to do in Chicago might include a visit to Navy Pier, home to some fun recreational options.

Take a spin along Chicago's Lakefront Trail for a great recreational time, with a bike, roller blades, or your own two feet. Those looking for nightlife won't be disappointed, either, with dance, hip-hop, and jazz clubs all available. Check out the local comedy clubs, too, for a fun way to experience nightlife.

The West Loop offers a variety of compelling restaurants; browsing numerous art galleries also are a key part of a West Loop experience.

Shoppers have probably heard of the browsing mecca and shopping paradise of theĀ famous Magnificent Mile, rich with a dizzying array of retailers. The historic landmark of the Water Tower, a symbol of Chicago's fiery past, also helps to anchor the Magnificent Mile.

The neighborhood of Lincoln Park, located to the north of Downtown Chicago, is home to such treasures as the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, and the Chicago History Museum.

The enclave of Little Italy, which now shares space with the University of Illinois at Chicago, still proffers up a healthy dose of Italian-American culture. Little Italy highlights include a happy range of restaurants and other cultural institutions. The Hull House Museum, located on the UIC campus grounds, was where Jane Addams worked to help the poor.

A visit to Chinatown allows a visitor to enter another world without ever leaving city limits. Not only are dim sum and Chinese bakery goods readily available in Chinatown, but shopping opportunities abound to buy traditional Chinese goods.

The South Side offers such highlights as the Museum of Science and Industry and the Dusable Museum of African American History, but White Sox fans will also recognise the South Side as the home of Comiskey Park and U.S. Cellular Field.