Myself and my wife recently visited Chicago to take part in the Marathon. We had a few days to explore and had been recommended to get down to Millenium Park and have a look at "The Bean". The centre of the city is really clear and easy to walk around and definately recommend a trip over to see this unusual piece of art. There are great photo opportunities and just watching the effects of the light against the metal is really interesting. Worth putting on your list of "things to do".

Like I mentioned, this piece of art attracts a lot of tourist, but no doubt is it amazing to look at. It is incredibly hard not to take the obligatory selfie in front of it or under it! I would suggest visiting during the week in the morning, when crowds are low.

Go early in the morning, it's is the best time to see it and take pics. If you like crowds go in the afternoon. It's neat to see and way bigger than I imagined. The Bean has great reflections of the city. Awesome to see. Make sure you check it out!

Cool sculpture in Millennium Park. If you have never gotten out of your car to view the bean, I recommend a visit. It was very busy on a gorgeous weekday around noon. There were security stations set up at the various entrances. We felt completely safe. It was midday. We walked to the lake all the way up to Navy Pier and back to Michigan Avenue to board an architectural tour boat. It is a lovely area.

It was ok. Wasn't to busy when we went. Was good to see once. Underneath was neat to look up at the middle. At least a couple different entrances to the park area. Both had security checking bags and metal detectors. Took about 10 minutes to get through the line. If near by is worth a stop but wouldn't go out of the way to see it.

I saw the Cloud Gate or "The Bean", when I walked through Millennium Park. This is a Chicago icon, great place for photos and gatherings. When I went I was able to see it with ease, there were not big crowds, I was able to explore the whole landmark. The whole visit lasted around 10 minutes, enough time to walk through landmark. The Cloud Gate is worth at least one visit.

Had to stop by and see the "bean". You can touch it and walk under it. Conveniently located near other attractions so a easy item to do. Visited during a warm and sunny day in May. Will say it is hard to get good pictures if you are a solo traveler.

We came first thing in the morning to avoid crowds. We had a great experience. Lots of great photo opportunities. Well worth the stop. As afternoon approaches crowds come in waves and vendors around trying to sell snacks and trinkets.

While a part of Millenium Park, it is great to see it has its own listing as this is such a great attraction for the city, in fact as much as a symbol for Chicago as any skyscraper. We visited multiple time because it is such a cool thing to see and it changes with weather and the people. I think that it is what is most impressive is the way it reflects what is already there in a different way, really cool idea for whoever thought of it. Again it is made for pictures so get plenty of them.

I remember how divisive this sculpture was when it was revealed and made much fodder on the interwebs. In person, it's a pretty impressive design especially with the fun house reflective properties, not to mention the size. This is now a must-see Chicago experience.