Tourist traps Two words: Navy Pier. This glittering amusement centre on the shores of Lake Michigan boasts fun for the whole family, and it definitely draws them in by the thousands for theme restaurants, a Ferris wheel, an IMAX movie theatre and booths filled with T-shirts, souvenirs and naff tat.

Tipping etiquette In restaurants, 18-20% on the total is standard, and gratuity is rarely included in the bill. In bars, add a dollar or two per drink, and in cabs add a dollar or two to the final fare. Bellboys and porters expect tips, too – standard is $1 per bag. If you're staying longer than one or two nights, it's polite to leave a few dollars for the maids, too.

Internet cafés Finding a café that has computers as opposed to wireless networking capabilities is a bit tricky. Downtown, try Broadband Café (58 E Randolph), which has 30 terminals. If food and drink aren't important, most Kinko's Copy Centres, which are located throughout the city, have internet access on both PCs and Macs (www.kinkos.com). Gifts to buy Sports memorabilia tops the list of popular souvenirs, especially anything related to the Cubs and Wrigley Field. Frango mints from Marshall Field's department store are also a delicious choice – visit the State Street location to put together a food hamper featuring these famous candies and other gourmet treats. Chocolate connoisseurs will be more impressed by an exquisite purple box of exotic truffles from the city's own Vosges Haut-Chocolat (520 N Michigan Ave and in the Peninsula Hotel, 108 E Superior). Chicago boasts its share of celebrity chefs – try a cookbook from elite gourmand Charlie Trotter or from Rick Bayless, renowned for his inspired take on Mexican cuisine.