Chicago: The Windy City
Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States and is a mecca for skyscraper fans. The city’s history is closely associated with that of skyscrapers, and Chicago (or Windy City, as it is popularly known owing to its strong wind conditions) is home to Willis Tower, the tallest skyscraper in the United States, and also one of the tallest structures in the world. Known all across the globe for its mercantile exchange, Chicago is a major industrial and trade centre. A vibrant and colourful city with a likable mixture of modern and pre-modern architecture, Chicago is also within the vicinity of sites of great historical significance. The city’s fine infrastructure and amazing architecture are perhaps the most inviting of the many Chicago tourist attractions.
Places to visit in Chicago
Chicago is one of the most important business tourism centres in the United States and plays host to numerous conferences, seminars, exhibitions, etc. The city’s infrastructure is well developed in the regard and Chicago is well equipped with conference halls, convention centres, hotels, etc. The highlight of the city’s business tourism infrastructure is but of course the massive McCormick Place, the largest convention centre in the United States.
Some of the more prominent Chicago tourist sights include practically the whole of the Loop and Michigan Avenue. More to Chicago tourist destinations are:
- Magnificent Mile
- Museum Campus
- Adler Planetarium
- Field Museum of Natural History
- Shedd Aquarium
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- National Museum of Mexican Art
- Polish Museum of America
- Museum of Photography
- University of Chicago
- Hyde Park/Kenwood
- Oak Park
- Rogers Park
- Manhattan Building
- Chicago Board of Trade Building
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Chicago Federal Center
- Willis Tower
- Aon Center
- John Hancock Tower
- Merchandise Mart
- Navy Pier
Chicago- Travel tips, languages spoken, cuisine
Chicago is very safe for tourists; nevertheless, it is advisable that certain rather necessary precautions be taken including avoiding certain areas after dark, keeping valuables out of sight, etc. Chicago is beautiful and the city’s eclectic mix of historical buildings and modern architecture is simply seen to be believed. Besides having some of the best avenues, walkways and buildings in the world, Chicago also boasts a very vibrant and very good nightlife. The city is home to a multitude of restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, bars, discos, etc.
Chicago is also home to some of the best malls and resorts in the country. English is well understood by one and all. The local currency is United States dollars (USD). The local cuisine draws influences from a variety of cuisines and has its own unique and distinct flavour. What’s more, it is freely available at very affordable prices. Chicago has a large number of eateries catering to all types of cuisines and suited to all types of budgets; it is also home to some of the country’s best and most prolific restaurants.
Best time to visit Chicago
The best time to visit Chicago is from January to June.
Best way to reach Chicago
- By Air: Chicago is one of the region’s most important travel hubs, and is connected to most major destinations in the world via regular flights.
- By Rail: Chicago is connected to the American rail network. Further, as Chicago is located in the Great Lakes region, passenger rail services, unlike most of America, are rather decent. For intra-city travel, there is an extensive rail based rapid transit system.
- By Road: Chicago is well connected to all national and regional destinations and popular attractions. Further, Chicago is also one of the major centres of United States’ road transport system and as such offers comfortable transport options for almost all of the nearby United States attractions. The city is one of the hubs of intra-country bus travel in United States. The road network within the city is rather good but prone to congestion. There is also a limited intra-city bus network. Chicago is also an excellent place for walking.
Accommodation
The Chicago accommodation scene is very active and wide enough to cater to all budgets and needs. Chicago is home of some of the finest hotels in the continent. Further, many local and international tour operators offer Chicago vacation package tours. These tours cover most of the Chicago tourist destinations, but do not carry the element of risk and adventure that going solo does. One might even miss out on the many hidden attractions and surprises Chicago may hold.