Experience the Vibrant Culture and Iconic Landmarks of Chicago: Food, Music, and Architecture Adventures Awaits!
Chicago, often called the “Windy City”, is one of the largest cities in the United States, renowned for its bold architecture, cultural institutions, professional sports teams, and diverse culinary scene. From stunning skyline views to world-class museums, this guide will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in Chicago.
Getting There
By Plane: O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW) serve the Chicago metropolitan area. O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, with flights connecting to cities across the globe.
By Train: Amtrak operates a number of routes that stop at Chicago Union Station.
By Car: Chicago is easily accessible via several major interstate highways including I-90, I-94, and I-55.
Getting Around
Public Transportation: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates an extensive network of buses and a comprehensive train system known as the ‘L’. The ‘L’ has eight lines (Red, Blue, Green, Orange, Brown, Purple, Pink, and Yellow) that cover Chicago and some suburbs.
Taxi/Rideshares: Taxis are plentiful and Uber and Lyft are widely available.
Biking: Chicago is a bike-friendly city with a large number of bike lanes and paths, including the 18.5-mile Lakefront Trail. The city’s bike sharing program, Divvy, is a convenient option for short trips.
Things to See and Do
The Art Institute of Chicago: One of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, the Art Institute is a must-visit for art lovers.
Navy Pier: This 3,300-foot-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan offers dining, shopping, entertainment, and stunning views of the city.
Millennium Park and Grant Park: Home to the iconic “Cloud Gate” (The Bean) sculpture, these parks are great places to relax, picnic, or catch a concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
Skydeck Chicago: Located in Willis Tower, formerly Sears Tower, the Skydeck offers breathtaking views of the city from the 103rd floor.
Museum Campus: This 57-acre park in the South Loop neighborhood is home to some of the city’s most notable museums, including the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium.
Chicago Riverwalk: A 1.25-mile-long path along the Chicago River with restaurants, bars, and beautiful urban views.
Sports Games: Catch a game from one of Chicago’s many professional sports teams, including the Cubs (MLB), White Sox (MLB), Bears (NFL), Bulls (NBA), and Blackhawks (NHL).
Where to Eat and Drink
Chicago is known for its food scene, with an array of dining options from world-class fine dining to iconic street food.
Deep-Dish Pizza: Try this Chicago-style pizza at famous places like Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, and Pequod’s.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog: Grab a hot dog at local favorites such as Portillo’s or Superdawg Drive-In.
Fine Dining: For an upscale experience, make a reservation at top-rated restaurants like Alinea, Oriole, or Girl & The Goat.
Craft Breweries: Chicago has a thriving craft beer scene. Check out breweries like Revolution Brewing, Half Acre, and Goose Island.
Shopping
The Magnificent Mile: This upscale section of Michigan Avenue offers a variety of high-end shops, boutiques, and department stores.
State Street: Known for the historic Marshall Field’s department store (now Macy’s), State Street also features a range of other shopping options.
Wicker Park/Bucktown: These neighborhoods are filled with independent boutiques and vintage stores.
Safety
Like any large city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Some neighborhoods can be more dangerous than others. Generally, the areas frequented by tourists are quite safe, but always use common sense when exploring.
Best Time to Visit
Chicago can be visited year-round, but spring through fall presents the most pleasant weather. Summer is the peak tourist season, with various festivals and baseball games. Winters can be quite cold and windy, but they also offer unique experiences like ice skating in Millennium Park.
Enjoy your trip to Chicago!
Disclaimer: The information in this guide is accurate as of 2021. Please check the latest travel advisories and safety guidelines before planning your trip.
