Chicago
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7°
Time
6:39 AM
Chicago
More than 42 kilometers of lakefront frame Chicago's stunning urban skyline. Here in the heart of the Midwest, the nation’s third-largest city boasts soaring skyscrapers and colorful neighborhoods against a backdrop of sandy beaches and beautiful parks. This cosmopolitan playground bursts with things to do. Sightseeing options range from Chicago icons – such as Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate, Grant Park’s Buckingham Fountain and Navy Pier’s Ferris wheel – to fascinating history and architecture tours.Find your trip
It’s one thing to gaze at Chicago’s famed skyline, and another altogether to view it on Chicago, Illinois’ popular architecture tour, the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. See the city’s iconic structures from the perspective of the Chicago River, where the skyline unfolds before you as you learn about each building’s architectural features and place in local history.
Visit the Galapagos, walk through a hall of glittering gems, step inside an earth lodge, or encounter the elaborate masks of the Pacific Islands: There’s so much to see and do at The Field Museum, a world-class natural history museum in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois. From temporary exhibits for traveling shows to an extensive collection of artifacts, The Field Museum showcases a variety of habitats, cultures, plants and animals throughout its hallowed halls.
It is at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, where you can stroll among the winding waters of the Amazon River, the legendary coral reefs of the Caribbean, the coastal beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the icy majesty of the Arctic – all in one visit. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the heart of downtown Chicago, Shedd Aquarium will transport you to aquatic wonders from all corners of the globe.
With museums, theaters, parks, gardens and the iconic Centennial Wheel, it’s a perfect complement to the rich history and vibrant energy of Chicago. Navy Pier welcomes new events and features to its beloved location on the Lake Michigan waterfront, reflecting a dynamic city that continues to reinvent itself. There’s something for everyone here, whether you like to shop, ride, sightsee, cruise or stroll.
This 1909 creation is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous houses in the prairie style. It was designated by Wright himself as “the cornerstone of modern architecture”.
Although still commonly referred to as Sears Tower, North America's tallest building was renamed Willis Tower in 2009 after Willis Group Holdings, a global insurance broker whose Midwest offices are housed there. In addition to being North America's tallest building, it is the third-tallest building in the entire world. It was constructed in 1974, designed by architect Bruce Graham. The building's Skydeck is a great place to admire a stunning view.
Cloud Gate n Millennium Park is also commonly referred to as "The Bean" because of its bean-like shape. It is one of the largest sculptures of its kind in the world, made from stainless steel plates. The sculpture's surface reflects the city's skyline and people around like a giant mirror.
Lincoln Park Zoo is free, open every day of the year and offers something for everyone. Here you can take a stroll through Chicago’s most visited gardens and meet animals from around the world. There is also an on-site cafe with pleasant refreshments.
It’s one thing to gaze at Chicago’s famed skyline, and another altogether to view it on Chicago, Illinois’ popular architecture tour, the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. See the city’s iconic structures from the perspective of the Chicago River, where the skyline unfolds before you as you learn about each building’s architectural features and place in local history.
Visit the Galapagos, walk through a hall of glittering gems, step inside an earth lodge, or encounter the elaborate masks of the Pacific Islands: There’s so much to see and do at The Field Museum, a world-class natural history museum in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois. From temporary exhibits for traveling shows to an extensive collection of artifacts, The Field Museum showcases a variety of habitats, cultures, plants and animals throughout its hallowed halls.
Gino's East is one of the best places in Chicago to try the world famous deep-dish style pizza. Foodies in-the-know consider a trip here a Chicago essential. There are multiple locations across town.
Le Colonial offers French-influenced Vietnamese cuisine in an elegant setting. High ceilings, louvred shutters and rotating fans transport you to a time forgone, all the while treating you to an exquisite French-Vietnamese fusion menu.
Spiaggia is one of Chicago’s finest Italian restaurants, based in a glamorous setting on the Magnificent Mile. They have an award-winning wine list, and chef Tony Mantuano creates superb dishes to match.
Portillo is a Chicago favorite, famous for its hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and other delicious casual dining options. There is an outdoor patio where you can enjoy your food when the weather permits.
Tempo is an all-day and all-night restaurant on the trendy Gold Coast, with fabulous breakfast and brunch fare. The place is extremely popular, so it tends to get crowded at weekends. Cash only.
Enjoy a good steak at this classic American steakhouse, and come with an empty stomach – the staff serve huge portions. On the menu you will also find fresh seafood, a variety of side orders and tasty desserts. The atmosphere is vibrant and friendly, and great for people-watching.
Uno first started in Chicago in 1943, when Ike Sewell developed deep dish pizza and opened a new type of family-friendly restaurant at the corner of Ohio & Wabash. It was here that Ike served a pizza unlike any other that had been served before.
Frontera Grill uses beautiful ingredients, often organic and custom-grown, to bring diners the bold flavors and immediate freshness that jump off the tongue–just as they do in Mexico. In 1994, Frontera Grill was ranked the world's third-best casual dining restaurant by the International Herald Tribune. In 2007, Frontera Grill won the James Beard Foundation's "Outstanding Restaurant" award, designating it the best restaurant in the U.S. In 2011, the Chicago Sun-Times called it "a study in the art of Mexican cookery".
Gino's East is one of the best places in Chicago to try the world famous deep-dish style pizza. Foodies in-the-know consider a trip here a Chicago essential. There are multiple locations across town.
Le Colonial offers French-influenced Vietnamese cuisine in an elegant setting. High ceilings, louvred shutters and rotating fans transport you to a time forgone, all the while treating you to an exquisite French-Vietnamese fusion menu.
A mile of exclusive luxury shops along North Michigan Avenue: Gucci, Escada, Prada, Cartier and all the other internationally famous high-end shops are represented here.
This is an eight-story shopping structure with upscale, luxury shops, including the Chicago flagship Bloomingdale’s location. It also houses restaurants and cinemas.
This is sophisticated shopping in a spectacular eight-level atrium building. Situated across from the Chicago Water tower, which is one of the only surviving structures of the 1871 great Chicago fire. There are restaurants and a cinema on-site.
An assortment of chic, funky shops extend for several blocks west on Broadway, and north and south on Clark Street. Vintage clothing shops, stylish one-of-a-kind boutiques, and edgy shops with motorcycle gear inspired clothes and accessories all converge in these few blocks.
Having undergone several renovations over the years, this four-story mall located in historical Old Town Chicago was originally built in the 1970s. In addition to containing restaurants and shops, it is also the home to Second City, the renowned improvisational comedy group that has launched the careers of several famous comedians, such as SNL stars Chris Farley, John Belushi, Dan Akroyd and Tina Fey as well as "The Office" star Steve Carell. Catch a show today to glimpse tomorrow's comedy stars.
Part gallery, part boutique mall, find virtually everything at one of the nearly 100 locally-owned shops located at Andersonville Galleria. Located in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood, it features deli, clothing, accessories, and home furnishings at some of its unique stores.
Five stories and an entire city block of shopping, dining and entertainment, Block Thirty Seven (also known as 108 North State Street) is located in the heart of the Loop in downtown Chicago. Browse contemporary goods at shops like Akira, Eileen Fisher, and Sabon.
This seven-level vertical shopping center was originally built as a 3,000-seat theater in the 1920s. It now houses a seven-screen theater complex housed on the center's upper floors as well as the Aveda Institute of Chicago, a CVS pharmacy and shops offering personal services. Parking is available in the garage adjacent to the mall.
A mile of exclusive luxury shops along North Michigan Avenue: Gucci, Escada, Prada, Cartier and all the other internationally famous high-end shops are represented here.
This is an eight-story shopping structure with upscale, luxury shops, including the Chicago flagship Bloomingdale’s location. It also houses restaurants and cinemas.
Citizens of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Kingdom of Brunei can visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa (as well as citizens of Andorra, Lichtenstein, Monaco and San Marino). Citizens of these countries must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. All other travelers must obtain a visa before visiting the United States. International travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the country.
Chicago has two airports: O’Hare International Airport and Midway Airport. O’Hare is approximately 18 miles (30 km) northwest of the city center. Midway Airport is 6.5 miles (10 km) southwest of the city center. The Blue Line train takes passengers to and from O’Hare and downtown Chicago and runs 24 hours a day. The Orange Line train takes passengers to and from Midway airport and downtown Chicago and also runs 24 hours. Taxis take about 20-30 minutes to get to the city center.
Contrary to what its nickname – "Windy City" – implies, winds aren't too much of a concern of a concern, and the nickname itself ties in with Chicago's political history more than its climate. The best times to visit are around Christmas season (for the festive lights and holiday atmosphere), or, if higher temperatures are what you prefer, any time from late spring (April) to early fall.
Chicago has an excellent system of trains, buses and a commuter rail. Pay in cash on the bus and in exact change. Transit cards may be purchased at selected outlets, which eliminates the hassle of needing exact change. You may also call and get exact directions on public transport to and from any destination in the city. RTA Travel Information service is available seven days a week, including holidays, 04.45-1.00 for travel information on CTA, PACE, and Metra.
It is very easy to find a taxi downtown or near the Miracle Mile. There is no extra charge for baggage or credit card use, and tipping is optional. Yellow Cab Company: +1 312 829 4222 Checker Taxi Company: +1 312 243 2537
Walgreens is open 24 hours, seven days a week and there are a number of Walgreens in downtown Chicago.
The Main Post Office is located on 433 West Harrison Street. Visit the website for more information.
Country Code: +1 Area Code Chicago: 312 or 773
Citizens of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Kingdom of Brunei can visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa (as well as citizens of Andorra, Lichtenstein, Monaco and San Marino). Citizens of these countries must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. All other travelers must obtain a visa before visiting the United States. International travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the country.
Chicago has two airports: O’Hare International Airport and Midway Airport. O’Hare is approximately 18 miles (30 km) northwest of the city center. Midway Airport is 6.5 miles (10 km) southwest of the city center. The Blue Line train takes passengers to and from O’Hare and downtown Chicago and runs 24 hours a day. The Orange Line train takes passengers to and from Midway airport and downtown Chicago and also runs 24 hours. Taxis take about 20-30 minutes to get to the city center.
