Things to see in Chicago

Home to 65-million year-old 'Sue', the nearest to a complete Tyrannosaurus Rex that has ever been discovered, the Field Museum explores the world's diverse environments and cultures. The entrance leads into the Dinosaur Hall, which is filled with real and replica skeletons. The Africa exhibit experience takes visitors from the city streets into the harsh but magnificently beautiful Sahara and into the galley of a slave ship. Inside Ancient Egypt is just that, with 23 real mummies in a recreated burial chamber. Shrink to the size of a bug and burrow into the surface of the soil at the Underground Adventure . Weekends are most crowded. The Ancient Americas , the museum's newest permanent exhibit, scans 13,000 years of pre-European, western hemisphere culture.

Not quite as tall as the Willis Tower, the John Hancock Center is still very high, 344m (1,127ft). It is usually less crowded and gives a more scenic view of the city's shoreline. There is an excellent, newly renovated observation gallery on the 94th floor, which also has the outside Skywalk. One floor up is the Signature Room , a good spot to sip a cocktail while enjoying the sunset views to the west and the panorama of Lake Michigan to the east. Architecturally, the building is striking because of its massive X-shaped cross-braces. It is also possible for visitors to 'tour' Chicago without leaving the building, by following the 'Windows on Chicago' virtual reality tour of 80 city sights and viewing the Chicago history wall.

Millennium Park, one of the city's most popular attractions, is a collage of exceptional art and architecture. The 10-hectare (25-acre) recreational area features Frank Gehry's BP Bridge and the towering stainless steel ribbons of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion - an outdoor concert venue. A video of faces are displayed on the Crown Fountain , two 15m-tall (50ft) towering glass fountains by Jaume Plensa. The stainless steel, elliptical Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor (Chicagoans affectionately refer to it as 'the Bean') reflects fish-eye panoramas of the skyline. Grassy and lush, the Lurie Garden pays tribute to the city's transformation from marshy flat to a beautiful metropolis. An MP3 audio tour of the park can be downloaded from the park's website, or an MP3 Player with the audio tour can be rented at the Chicago Shop in the Northeast Exelon Pavilion, 201 East Randolph Street.

Millennium Park Greeter Service will escort groups of 10 or fewer on a free 45-minute tour to learn about the architecture, development and environment of Millennium Park. Tours are on the hour and the half hour, Wed-Sun 1000-1600 on a first-come, first-served basis from the end of May to the end of October.

Enter to the sound of tinkling bells, then look toward the ceiling and see Above and Beyond: 58,000 imprinted dog tags of the men and women who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. This museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving and displaying artwork done by Vietnam veterans, which includes the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese as well as the allies. Artefacts and artwork give one a more intimate look and a better understanding of a most unpopular war.

Everyone wants to see Oprah and her popular TV talk show. It is possible to do just that because programmes are recorded in Chicago with a live audience. Morning and afternoon dates vary and go from Jan-Jun and Sep-Nov. Tickets, available exclusively by phone at the ticket hotline: (312) 591 9222, are at a premium and must be obtained at least one month in advance. A valid photo ID is required to enter the studio.