Chicago
This Midwestern city is an iconic metropolis, renowned for its lush parks, spectacular skyline, fascinating architecture and interesting history.
Chicago in a nutshell
This Midwestern city is an iconic metropolis, renowned for its lush parks, spectacular skyline, architecture and history. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is an exciting city, a haven for those who enjoy watching and participating in various sports, lovers of modern jazz and blues, cultural entertainment, shopping and superb dining options.
Home to many iconic sports teams including the American League White Sox, the National League Cubs, the NFL’s Chicago Bears and NBA’s Chicago Bulls, Chicago is a lively, vibrant, energetic city with more than its fair share of fun and excitement, thanks to numerous street festivals, special events and celebrations that take place year-round.
History buffs will find over 40 museums to explore, many of them in the dedicated Museum Campus, including Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium and the Field Museum. There’s also the fabulous Art Institute of Chicago, home to more than 300,000 works of art as well as the largest Museum of Science and Industry in the Western Hemisphere.
The skyscrapers on Chicago’s iconic skyline include some of the tallest structures in the world as well as historic landmarks created by famous architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright. Walk along the city’s Riverwalk to enjoy the skyline, enjoy a meal or a drink on the water’s edge.
You’ll find a wide selection of entertainment, dining and shopping options in this exciting, cosmopolitan city. So pack your bags and embark on an adventure.
Best time to visit: Chicago is beautiful year-round, but spring and fall are spectacular and a little less expensive than summer, which is peak season.
Best Area for Sightseeing: For inspiration on what to see and do in Chicago, see Things to do in Chicago, below.
The contemporary Cloud Gate sculpture has become a famous landmark in Chicago.
Shopping in Chicago: The Magnificent Mile along Michigan Avenue offers over 300 stunning shops and department stores as well as Water Tower Place Mall and Northbridge, 4 levels of upmarket shops. There are some gorgeous quirky shops along Broadway and on Clark Street and you’ll find fabulous vintage finds at the Randolph Street Market Festival.
Food & Restaurants in Chicago: Chicago is a foodie haven, with stunning eateries offering a wide variety of cuisines, including casual spots and fine dining restaurants.
Nightlife: Chicago has it all when it comes to nightlife, including comedy clubs, sports clubs, bars, jazz and blues clubs, live music venues and more.
Things to do in Chicago:
- Visit Navy Pier with its museums, parks and the famous Centennial Wheel, located overlooking Lake Michigan.
- Walk along the lake shore or take a night cruise to see Chicago lit up at night.
- Explore the fabulous Museum of Contemporary Art, one of the largest in the country, home to a café overseen by celebrity Wolfgang Puck.
- See more than 300,000 artworks at the iconic Art Institute of Chicago, home to the largest collection of Impressionist art outside of Paris.
- Watch the Chicago Cubs in action at Wrigley Field and other famous sports teams live at Soldier Field, United Center and Toyota Park.
- See Frank Lloyd Wright’s incredible creation, Robie House, built in 1909 and Unity Temple, designed by the architect during his prairie period.
- Visit the tallest building in North America, the Willis Tower (Sears Tower), also the third tallest building on earth.
- Relax in famous Grant Park, the city’s most popular park, home to the Art Institute of Chicago, Buckingham Fountain and Millennium Park.
Best way to get around: The city’s public transport, comprising trains, buses and commuter rail, is excellent.
Best Area for Families: Lake Park A young neighborhood, Lake Park is a lively, trendy spot, home to plenty of family-friendly attractions including Lincoln Park Zoo and St Michael’s Church.