Chicago, Illinois, without a doubt, one of the most popular and interesting holiday destinations in all of North America. Forbes Magazine states that Chicago is the tenth most visited tourist attraction in the United States of America, making it more popular than the famous Waikiki Beach and the Grand Canyon in Arizona. In all, more than 45 million people visit Windy City annually.
While attractions, entertainment, exhibits, and the overall family atmosphere at Navy Pier are an excellent attraction, there are many other options that will help you to do during your stay in Chicago.
Rising 1,454 feet above the city center, the Willis Tower can be the most unforgettable view of Chicago and a popular tourist destination in its own right. Formerly called the Sears Tower, it stands 110 floors, making it the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Tourists to the tower of Willis can take a short walk on the elevator to the deck of the 103rd floor. The famous skyscraper is located near the famous Chicago River in the heart of the “Loop” district and is in close proximity to many Chicago hotels in the city center. The views on the sunsets from the top of the Willis Tower are incredible, so be sure to take this quick elevator ride. (It closes at 8 pm in the winter and at 22 am).
For the more refined or those who simply appreciate the true beauty, the Art Institute of Chicago stands out as yet another of the most popular places in Chicago. Located in beautiful Grant Park, it is home to many world-famous paintings, including works by artists such as Andy Warhol. It is also world renamed as a number of impressionist works.
Of course, a trip to Windy City is not complete without immersion in one of the famous Chicago dishes in Chicago. From the elegant five-star gourmet restaurants that offer the trick of the day, to a piece of world-famous Chicago-style pizza, to a good old hut in Chicago, you must do so to experience the authentic taste of a second city.
Do not spend all your money on food. You will need an incredible number of shopping options available to you on the Magnificent Mile. Officially called Michigan Avenue, the Magnificent Mile, is a series of high-end stores, including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Stuart Weizmann and others. Great nightclubs and great restaurants are located along the Magnificent Mile, and they will support you during these shopping marathon tours. The boulevard also has many museums and architecturally stunning skyscrapers, including the John Hancock Center and the Wrigley Building.
For sports fans, the history of sports in Chicago is legendary, with classic stadiums that include Wrigley Field, United Center (home of the famous exploits of Michael Jordan) and Soldier Field. Soldiers' Field, the Bear House, is a combination of old-school style and modern architecture, and this unique stadium is located right on the shores of Lake Michigan. To the north of the Soldier’s Field, the Field Museum is established, probably the most prestigious museums on the planet.
Whether it’s right on Michigan Avenue or a few blocks away, it’s easy to score an affordable hotel room in the city center. With more than 100,000 hotel rooms in the city’s inventory, there are several places to choose from - all in close proximity to numerous attractions that make Chicago such an exciting place. This variety of hotels in downtown Chicago ranges from delightful boutique hotels, to gigantic, modern national chain facilities, to luxurious but beautiful five-star resorts. Most of them offer stunning, amazing views of the city skyline, Lake Michigan, and sometimes both!
So for sightseeing, shopping, and screwing in, give Chicago a try. And enjoy the trip to the Windy City!
