Chicago, the "Windy City" as it is often called, lies along the shores of Lake Michigan. It is known for its vibrant arts scene, numerous cultural attractions, excellent shopping, interesting architecture and their beautiful beaches.
PLACES TO SEE
1.MILLENNIUM PARK
This park features Frank Gehry's Pritzker Pavilion and serpentine bridge; sculptor Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate and Jaume Plensa's Crown Fountain. The garden wows with year-round flower displays and monthly garden walks.
2.ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
The encyclopedic institution owns more than 300,000 artworks and artifacts from all over the world from every era from antiquity to the present. Pieces include Japanese prints, fragments of local buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright and the Thorne Miniature Rooms. Enjoy the Art Institute’s architecture and design collection, modern and contemporary art in the Renzo Piano (Modern Wing).
3.360 CHICAGO
The 360 Chicago offers dining, sights and an interactive tour far above the city streets. From the 94th floor can see four states - you'll feel as if you're along for the ride as you watch airplanes whiz by. Step onto the enclosed platform that extends from the building at a 30 degree angle.
4.THE FIELD MUSEUM
The biological and anthropological collections assembled for the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, this massive natural history museum have more than 30 permanent exhibitions. Inside you can see glowering dinos, marvel at ancient artifacts from a royal Egyptian tomb, undergo a lesson in cannibalism in the Pacific Spirits gallery or take a stroll through the Halls of Gems and Jade.
5.MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY
The museum’s permanent displays include the popular mirror maze in the "Numbers in Nature" exhibit, the whiz-bang "Science Storms," plus the old faves: a restored U-505 German submarine, a simulated coal mine and a vintage diesel-electric train.
6.NAVY PIER
The Navy Pier is one of Chicago's most popular tourist attractions with its gardens, attractions, shops, restaurants, concert venues, and parks. Visit the Ferris wheel or historic carousel or watch a film at the 3D Imax Theater. You can also visit the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Crystal Gardens or the Chicago Children's Museum. Cruise ships leave from here on various sightseeing excursions.
7.WILLIS TOWER SKYDECK
The observation area called the SkyDeck is on the 103rd floor of the1,453 feet building. In the ledge – a glass box with a glass floor, juts out from the SkyDeck, where visitors can stand and look directly down at the city below.
8.ORIENTAL INSTITUTE MUSEUM
The museum is dedicated to the archeology and art of the Near East. Antiquities on display include finds from excavations in Egypt, Sudan, Iraq, Turkey, and Israel.
OTHER PLACES TO SEE
- The Second City
- Garfield Park Conservatory
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- The 606
- Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile
- Wrigley Field
- Shakespeare Theater
- Lycria Opera of Chicago
- The Rookery Building
- John Hancock Centre
- Cloud Gate
- Richard H. Driehaus Museum
- Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank
- Adler Planterium
- The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
- National Museum of Mexican Art
- The McCromick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
- Shedd Aquarium
- Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain
The best way to get around is by bus, taxi, car hire, bike or walk.
The best times to visit Chicago are April through May and between September and October, when the temperatures are warm, a variety of festivals take place.
