The Aquarium is hands down the best attraction in Chicago.

For nightlife, you have to get away from the heart of downtown to really find an area where you can barhop. Go to bucktown, river north, wrigleyville, old town, or one of the other neighborhoods rather than trying to hang out in the loop at night.

If you love beer, Chicago is a great town for sampling. Goose island is fine, but you can also have a great experience at the breweries/brew pubs of Begyle, Dove Tail, Half Acre, Hopewell, Peace Pizza, Revolution, Lagunitas, and others, and a few are within walking distance of each other and many serve excellent food. Don’t just show up though. Go on their website or call ahead for tour information and hours of operation.