If you're visiting Chicago or live in Chicago, you...

If you're visiting Chicago or live in Chicago, you have to go to the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Tickets for the architecture walking tours can be purchased here and this is also the meeting point where all tours start. If you don't mind some walking, the tours are fantastic. You will begin to notice so many other things that you would otherwise have just walked past and been oblivious to.

The shop offers a nice selection of books, posters and gifts such as mugs with gorgeous pictures of the Chicago skyline and various buildings. This is a great place to go if you're looking for an introduction to the city.