Chicago is the type of place you’d enjoy if you have a passion for the performing arts, fine dining, historic buildings, and visual culture. Architectural aficionados may take guided tours of Downtown Chicago to view every Art Deco structure the city has to offer, while art enthusiasts can spend days browsing the Art Institute of Chicago. Lincoln Square’s craft market, Michigan Avenue’s never-ending supply of shops, and downtown malls like Water Tower Place make Chicago a shopping mecca.
Further, there is a wide variety of cuisines available, from Mexican at Taco Joint to Polish at Red Apple Buffet to deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s. The metropolis of the Middle West has so much to offer that you won’t be bored.
Five Outstanding Chicago Attractions
Structures
The buildings in the Downtown area of Chicago are stunning examples of 20th-century design. There are skyscrapers like the Sears and the Hancock Tower, as well as landmarks designed by prominent architects like Louis Sullivan (the Wainwright Building or the Auditorium) and Frank Lloyd Wright (the Rookery).
Athletics
The city of Chicago further has a strong athletic culture. Visit Wrigley Field to witness the Cubs play baseball, the United Center to see the Bulls in NBA action, or Soldier Field to see the Bears play NFL.
Three of Chicago’s most beloved cuisines
Moreover, try some Polish hot dogs from Maxwell Street (601 S Sacramento Blvd), barbecue ribs from Blackwood BBQ, or deep-dish pizza from Lou Malnati’s (439 N Wells St) (305 W Lake St).
Places of Historical Display
There is a wide variety of museums and art galleries in Chicago. The Art Institute (111 S Michigan Ave) is home to masterpieces by artists including as Seurat and Hopper, while the Museum of Science and Industry (5700 S Lake Shore Dr) will keep the whole family delighted with displays like a rebuilt German U-boat and a reconstructed coal mine.
Culture
The arts and music thrive in Chicago as well. The early 20th century saw the emergence of a new musical genre there, the blues, and today you can catch the progeny of blues greats like Buddy Guy and BB King at clubs like the House of Blues (329 N Dearborn St). Furthermore, the Green Mill (4802 N Broadway St), which was formerly owned by a friend of the notorious American criminal Al Capone, is a great place for jazz enthusiasts to see a show.
Chicago Itinerary Planning
Chicago’s Millenium Park, built in the year 2000
Millenium Park, with its signature Cloud Gate (also known as “The Bean”), was conceived as a millennium-themed urban design triumph. Park’s emphasis on sustainability and accessibility puts it ahead of its time, thanks to its forward-thinking design and excitement around the turn of the century. Because of this, everyone will have a fantastic time.
Sundays with Art at the Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago further is among the oldest art museums in the United States. The vibrant pointillist paintings of Georges Seurat and Picasso are among the most popular draws. The Institute’s dual purpose as an art school and conservation center contributes to the impressive breadth of its collection. This furthermore involves state-of-the-art investigation, ongoing growth, and making the public your primary priority.
The Finer Items of the Magnificent Mile
Therefore, the Magnificent Mile is Chicago’s most crowded retail district, with high-end boutiques and soaring skyscrapers. Along Michigan Avenue, sometimes known as the “Mag Mile,” you’ll find some of Chicago’s finest restaurants, including the Four Seasons and the Alinea. Moreover, located on the 94th story of the John Hancock Center, the 360 CHICAGO observatory provides breathtaking views of the city below.
Science and Industry Museum, Exhibit
The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is the best place to get your hands dirty while learning about the world’s resources. They’ve really gone all out to educate people; there’s a recreation of a coal mine that tourists can explore, a model train that spans 3,500 square feet, and the actual Apollo 8 spacecraft that carried the first astronauts into lunar orbit.
Wrigley Field, Chicago Cubs, Go!
In 1914, a baseball stadium called Wrigley Field opened, honoring a popular 20th-century American chewing gum. The home of the Chicago Cubs and one of the two oldest baseball stadiums in the country, this venue has retained an aura of maturity. Wrigley Field is the epitome of classic baseball stadiums, with its worn exterior, hand-operated scoreboard, and outfield walls covered with ivy.
What Restaurants to Try in Chicago
Chicagoans have a strong appreciation for food. One of the city’s specialties is Italian cuisine, and you can get great deep-dish pizza at Vito & Nicks (8433 S Pulaski Road), or you can head to the Spaghetti Bowl (2434 N Clark St) for a wider selection. The Gage (24 S Michigan Ave) combines artisan beers, fantastic pub cuisine, and views across Millennium Park, while Alinea (1723 N Halsted St) is a wonderful, upscale American diner. Big Seas (3254 W Lawrence Ave) and Lao Sze Chuan (3252 W Lawrence Ave) both provide excellent Chinese cuisine (2172 S Archer Ave). Jim’s Original (1250 S Union Ave) has the greatest Polish hot dogs in the city, while Joe Boston’s (1100 S. Union Ave) serves up simple but tasty Italian beef sandwiches (2932 W Chicago Ave).
When you visit Chicago, the weather will play a major role in your plans. Late spring, early fall, or the sweltering heat of summer are the ideal times to visit the city, as late November through March may be quite chilly. It makes sense to plan a trip in September or October. The International Film Festival of Chicago (September 7-13) and the Chicago Jazz Festival (September 1-4) both take place while the weather is mild (October 13-27).
Instructions for Boarding a Plane in Chicago
O’Hare International Airport, located about 20 miles north of Chicago, is where the vast majority of the city’s tourists arrive. The CTA Blue Line is the most convenient way to go downtown from there; it operates around the clock, takes only 30 minutes to reach the Loop, and only costs $5. The best method to get into the city from southern Midway Airport is by the CTA Orange Line, which will take around 25 minutes. You can take a taxi from either airport; from O’Hare it will cost you around $40 (not including tips) and from Midway it will cost you around $30. Budget and Enterprise, two of the most popular car rental agencies, are also present at both airports.
Train
Chicago was originally established as a rail hub, and today, visitors may easily reach the city through Amtrak. Union Station is the hub of the city (which is a sight to behold in itself, with its vaulted glass ceiling). Homewood (to New Orleans), Joliet (to Los Angeles), Summit (to St. Louis), and Cardinal (to Chicago) are just a few of the routes offered (to New York City).
Car
If you’re coming from the east, you may easily reach Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia via the Interstate 90/94 corridor. Southbound travelers on I-65 can reach Kentucky and Tennessee, and westbound travelers on I-55 and I-57 can reach St. Louis and Kansas City. It should be simple to drive Downtown and get lodging, as all major highways converge there.
Transportation to Chicago is provided by the following bus companies: The Megabus system links the Windy City to dozens of other cities, including New York, Indianapolis, and Dallas. The 630 W Harrison St. station is served by Greyhound buses. New York City, Los Angeles, Sin City, and Philadelphia are just some of the places you may visit. Burlington Trailways — Provides bus service to cities like Des Moines and Omaha in the Midwest. Indian Trails operates a bus service across the state of Michigan.
Locations of Chicago’s Hotels
Urban Core – The heart of Chicago’s retail, restaurant, and nightlife scene is located downtown. Those who choose to stay in the central business district for their whole trip may never leave the area. Beautiful buildings sit beside world-class museums like the Art Institute of Chicago. The Rookery and Federal Center are two modernist structures with stunning internal staircases, while the Carbide and Carbon Building is an Art Deco masterpiece. Whether you’re a fan of opera, theater, or classical music, you won’t want to miss downtown Chicago’s cultural landmarks like the Auditorium Theater and Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Areas of High Demand
In the North End – The North Side of Chicago offers several draws since it is a rich area that is a good fit for vacationing families. Lincoln Square is home to a retail market where you can buy records, books, and antiques as well as attend Cubs games and see rock concerts at Wrigley Field and the Metro. To unwind, check out Timber Lanes for a game of bowling or the iO Theater for some of the most innovative comedies around.
Hyde Park is a historically significant African-American neighborhood in Chicago’s South Side. Hyde Park is a neighborhood in Chicago that has been home to many notable people, including Muhammad Ali, Saul Bellow, and Barack Obama. It is also the location of the University of Chicago. The Drexel Fountain and the Isidore Heller House, both built by Frank Lloyd Wright, are notable sights, but the area’s rich cultural history is what really draws visitors. Get some of the best-fried chicken in the city at Harold’s Chicken Shack (1208 E 53rd St), and then catch some blues at the New Checkerboard Club (5201 S Harper Ct).
Chicago’s Public Transit: A User’s Guide
The greatest method to move about Chicago is via the city’s excellent and reasonably priced public transportation system. Chicago’s public transportation system mostly consists of CTA trains and buses (CTA). A Ventra card may be purchased from stations or kiosks for $5, allowing riders to access CTA services. It costs $2.25 for a rail ride (with an additional $0.25 for line transfers) and $2 for a bus ride with a valid card. A monthly CTA pass may be purchased for $100, while a weekly pass can be purchased for $28. It’s important to note that Ventra cards are not accepted on Metra commuter trains, so passengers will need to buy tickets in advance.
Taxis The standard taxi rate begins at $2.25 and increases by $0.20 for every additional tenth of a mile, with an additional $1 fuel surcharge and $1 per additional passenger. Costs for an Uber ride start at $1.70, with additional fees of $1 for a “safe ride” fee and $0.30 for a “transit tax,” for a total of $2.30.
Although the city has an excellent public transit system, locals typically recommend that visitors not drive in downtown Chicago if at all possible. Using the metro is preferable to driving since parking costs $35 per day and traffic within “the Loop” is usually congested. Chicago’s drivers are notoriously hostile, and the city’s inner streets’ several levels may make navigation a challenge. Although learning to drive is achievable for those with sufficient courage and a short learning curve, most individuals will find it more convenient to rely on public transportation or taxis.
Retail District Chicago’s High Cost of Living
Michigan Avenue (also known as the “magnificent mile”) is Chicago’s premier shopping district, and it is home to high-end retailers like Chanel, J. Crew, and Ermenegildo Zegna, among many others. Lincoln Square is where you want to go if you’re looking for records, arts & crafts, and books. The Book Cellar is a haven for bookworms, Eclecticity is a treasure trove for decorators, and Merz Pharmacy sells remedies for all your health and cosmetic needs.
Food, Beverages, and Various Other
Groceries are not hard to come by in Chicago, since the city is home to a wide variety of stores like Aldi, K-Mart, Walmart, Trader Joe’s Whole Foods, and Jewel-Osco. Being Walgreen Company’s birthplace, it also features an abundance of pharmacy stores.