Chicago · Things to do

SIESTA SIDE

Skip the Bean for an hour. The city also keeps a Tiffany dome, a desert under glass, and a free museum out in Pilsen.

Architecture river cruise

The Chicago Architecture Center runs the river tour worth paying for. Book ahead; the centre itself is at 111 E Wacker Dr.

Chicago Cultural Center

Free every day 10am-5pm at 78 E Washington. Preston Bradley Hall's Tiffany stained-glass dome justifies the detour alone.

Garfield Park Conservatory

Glasshouses of palms, ferns and desert on the West Side. Closed Mon-Tue; Wednesdays run late to 8pm. Reserve a ticket first.

Museum of Mexican Art, Pilsen

Always free, Tue-Sun 10am-5pm at 1852 W 19th St. Xochicago runs to 4 October, alongside the permanent collection.

Art Institute on a Thursday

Illinois residents enter free Thursdays 5-8pm through 17 September. Closed Tuesdays; otherwise $32 adult. 111 S Michigan Ave.