We figured out long ago that one of the easiest ways to see a city is on two wheels. There's less traffic in bike lanes, no taxi or train fare, and it's great exercise. You also don't miss anything because it's going by too fast or because your feet are too tired. We've both scoured our home towns of NY and DC of course; but more recently Anne was in Montreal and Hope in Chicago and both spent a day in the saddle.
Hope started her ride at the Hotel Sax and headed towards Millennium Park. She rode her own bike; but you can rent them throughout the city with Bike Chicago. The newish park is home to the gorgeous Pritzger Music Pavilion (eat your heart out Jiffy Lube Live)
and the psychedelic bean (aka Cloud Gate); both of which pose brilliantly for your camera. She stopped by the Festa Italia to feel out the fancy cars.
From there she headed up the shore past Navy Pier, through the throngs at North Avenue Beach. Chicago's beach goers were looking good on this sunny Saturday, even if towel space was at a minimum.
No bike? No problem if you're staying at a Fairmont or the Tribeca Grand in New York, which are among the many hotels that offer their guests bikes.
