If you are going on a Chicago travel, for sure you'd be dropping by the downtown area. There are lots of things to do around the Chicago downtown area that your Chicago travel won't really be complete without dropping by. For those who are new to Chicago's downtown area, here's a short list of 10 best things to do when you are in the Chicago Downtown Area so you won't be left behind.

The Loop is the term used for the downtown center in Chicago. Whenever you hear the term "the loop" that means it's in the center of downtown Chicago that is along Lake Street. Most of the places that are worth your visit can be found here or just nearby. One of the best places to go to is the Loop Retail Historic District which is just within the loop. Here you'll find lots of department stores where you can get the day to day convenience.

Also within the loop you'll find Chicago's Theatre District. There are several primary theatres here that cater to Broadway musicals such as the Cadillac Palace Theatre as well as Ford Center for the Performing Arts. Enjoy the taste of Broadway and you'd really have a great time.

Third, within the loop you will find the Grant Park. Here you will find the Buckingham fountain as well as the Millennium Park. The Grand Park is a 319 acre land and it's a really big park.

Fourth, the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum is another good stop. As the name goes, it's the place for the art from the Vietnam War veterans. It used to be a traveling museum but it found its home in Downtown Chicago.

Fifth, check out the Sears Tower which is the tallest building of the nation and it's found here in Chicago's downtown area. It's worth checking out since it got its reputation from being one of the tallest buildings in the world.

Sixth, the Art Institute of Chicago is a great place to go to if you knows how to appreciate art. There are lots of outdoor sculptures too and you'd be amazed to know that these sculptures are masterpieces by famous artists such as Pablo Picasso.

Seventh, Civic Opera House is also found in the Chicago Downtown area and if you're an opera fan who likes to travel Chicago for some opera music, it's one of the best things to do too.
Eighth, check out the Auditorium Building in the Roosevelt University. It's a famous design of Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler and was constructed from 1886 to 1890. It's design both on the outside and on its interior is really classy.

Ninth, make sure you drop by the Chicago Cultural Center. It's a landmark in Chicago already and it's one of the most popular establishments in all of Chicago. They have lots of programs and they showcase several exhibitions here each year. In fact, in 2007, they had over 800,000 visitors!

Lastly, if you want to go on a Chicago, IL travel then it's really best to check-in in one of the luxurious hotels in Chicago's downtown area. It's very convenient to be in the heart of Chicago and it should be on your list of things to do and it should be booked first. Before you even go on your trip, make sure you book for a hotel here so you could keep up with the pace of Chicago's lifestyle.

The Chicago travel and tourism would ensure you the ultimate vacation in this busy city in the United States. For sure there are lots of things to do around Chicago and the best place to start your destination hopping is right in the Downtown area of Chicago. If you're not used to seeing skyscrapers, let your eyes water with the tallest buildings here. You'd surely feel the intensity of Chicago just by checking out their buildings!

Of course this is just my top 10 best things to do in Chicago's downtown area that I would recommend. There are still a lot more and it's better that you check them out yourself. Keep this list with you but while you go from 1 destination to the other, you may find other destinations you may like. Chicago travel is really about having that sense of adventure. Your Chicago travel should be fun, exciting and enjoyable and you should not hold back on where you can go or where you should go. Simply enjoy your trip and have fun. Chicago's downtown area is a busy location and you should keep an eye on your time. Stay away from the streets during busy hours so you won't get stuck in heavy traffic. When everybody's already at their office, go and drive around the heart of Chicago and have a blast!