Science & sightseeing: The best of Chicago

While engaging with the cutting-edge science at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology’s Annual Meeting, take time to explore all that Chicago has to offer, including the city’s diverse culture, iconic landmarks, delicious food and more.

Chicago’s history is filled with resilience and innovation. Following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that destroyed approximately 17,500 buildings, the city rebuilt and became an architectural and economic world leader. The Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 debuted the Ferris wheel, zipper, widespread electric lighting, elevators and the first brownie.

The city’s spirit of discovery and creativity persists today through its renowned museums, diverse neighborhoods and flourishing food scene.

Places to explore

Iconic landmarks

Hop on the bus, ride the “L” transit system or rent a Divvy bike to visit Chicago’s must-see landmarks. Stroll along Navy Pier, once used as a shipping hub and Naval Base during World War II. Take in the skyline views, and ride the 196-foot-tall Centennial Wheel. The pier now attracts nearly 9 million visitors annually with its theaters, art exhibits, fireworks, shops and lakefront dining.

Be sure to visit Cloud Gate, locally known as The Bean, in Millennium Park — just steps from the Art Institute of Chicago. In this massive art museum, you can see works including Georges Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, Vincent van Gogh’s Self-Portrait, Grant Wood’s American Gothic and more.

Madeline Ganshert and Jack Ratz

Left: The view of the Chicago skyline from the top of the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier. Right: Jack Ratz, an undergraduate at Loyola University Chicago, stands in front of The Bean at Millenium Park in 2024.

The Museum Campus

Chicago’s Museum Campus houses three world-class institutions. At the Field Museum, you can come face-to-face with SUE the Tyrannosaurus rex — the largest and most complete T. rex specimen discovered — and explore other natural history exhibits featuring cats, fashion and ancient cultural artifacts. The Adler Planetarium offers immersive space science exhibits and two planetarium dome theaters; while the Shedd Aquarium showcases sharks, sting rays, dolphins, beluga whales, penguins and more.

Chinatown

A short bus ride or walk from McCormick Place brings you to Chicago’s Chinatown. The first Chinese immigrants arrived in Chicago around 1870 following the completion of the transcontinental railroad. Stop for a bite at authentic restaurants such as at the Triple Crown, a favorite among the Loyola University Chicago ASBMB Student Chapter members, or walk through Ping Tom Memorial Park.

Katherine Summers and Alex Reina

Left: Katherine Summers, an undergraduate at Loyola University Chicago, and her father, John Summers, pose outside of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2024. Right: Alex Reina, an undergraduate at Loyola University Chicago, poses at Ping Tom Memorial Park in 2023.

Riverwalk and Lakefront Trail

On a day with nice weather, we recommend the 1.25-mile Chicago Riverwalk. Along this paved stretch, choose from the architecture boat tour, urban kayaking or any of the restaurants along the way. If you are in the mood for some walking, running or biking, check out the 18-mile Lakefront Trail along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Gabriella Rant

A view of Chicago skyline from along the Lakeshore Trail.

Things to do

Magnificent Mile

If you are on the hunt for souvenirs, the Magnificent, or Mag, Mile along Michigan Avenue is a great place to start. From pop-up shops to luxury brands, the Mag Mile meets all your shopping needs. Don’t miss the Water Tower Place mall, where we recommend visiting the Lego Store to make customizable figures of yourself, friends or labmates.

Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

Do you like jazz? If so, head to the Green Mill, a historic venue once frequented by gangster Al Capone. This 21-and-over spot offers live music from 8 p.m. to midnight — just remember it’s a cash-only establishment.

360 CHICAGO

If you can’t get enough of the Chicago views, check out the 360 CHICAGO observation deck on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Tower. For an extra thrill, try the TILT experience, where floor-to-ceiling windows slowly angle you over the edge of the skyscraper, or unwind at the CloudBar.

Madeline Ganshert

Left: Madeline Ganshert and Issac Lara, undergraduates at Loyola University Chicago, pose for a photo with their custom Lego figures at Water Tower Place in 2024. Right: A view of the stage at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge.

Places to eat and more

No visit to Chicago is complete without trying deep-dish pizza. Stop by Giordano’s or Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria at any of the locations throughout the city. Since opening in 1971, Lou Malnati’s has been considered a staple. If pizza isn’t on your radar, Trivoli Tavern is a local favorite — be sure to save room for their famous sticky date cake.

If you want to get a glimpse of Chicago before you arrive, check out John Hughes’ film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off or Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, both of which showcase iconic Chicago locations.

For book lovers, Erik Larson’s The Devil in the White City combines history and a true crime story centered around the 1893 World’s Fair. Blake Crouch’s Dark Matter offers a mind-bending science fiction thriller set in Chicago.

See you at #ASBMB25.

Madeline Ganshert

Loyola University Chicago ASBMB Student Chapter 2024-2025 executive board members pose for a photo on Loyola University Chicago’s Lakeshore Campus in 2025. From left to right: Katherine Summers, Gabriella Rant, Madeline Ganshert, Jack Ratz, Logan Wobschall and Alex Reina.