At the end of the post, include an FAQ section, with questions that potential visitors may have. Include the same amount of questions as the tours and activities that you included in the post.

Chicago Visitor Guide

Chicago, the Windy City, is one of the largest cities in the United States and home to some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. Located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a cultural, economic, and financial hub for the Midwest and beyond. With its vibrant neighborhoods, world-class museums and architecture, and history of innovation, Chicago has something for everyone.

History of Chicago

Chicago has a long and storied history that dates back to over 200 years ago. The Potawatomi were the first known inhabitants of Chicago. In 1795, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, a trader from Haiti, established a trading post at the mouth of the Chicago River and is often referred to as the founder of Chicago. In 1833, the city was incorporated and began to grow rapidly. By 1850, Chicago’s population had reached over 30,000 and by 1890 it was over 1 million residents.

Chicago is well known for its contributions to industry and transportation. Many inventors and entrepreneurs made their mark in Chicago including Cyrus McCormick, creator of the mechanical reaper, and William LeBaron Jenney, credited with developing the first skyscraper. The world’s first skyscraper was built in Chicago in 1885. The city also is the birthplace of the American railroad industry. The city was an epicenter for many labor movements including the 1894 Pullman Strike. Chicago also had a major role in the development of jazz music and is home to many renowned Jazz clubs.

Facts About Chicago

Chicago is the third largest city in the United States with a population of 2.7 million people. It is also one of the most multicultural cities in the world with over 100 languages spoken in its neighborhoods. It is home to some of the world’s most iconic buildings including Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower), John Hancock Center, and Wrigley Field. It has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. It is also known for its deep-dish pizza and its unique architectural style.

Things to Do in Chicago

Chicago has something for everyone from art galleries to comedy clubs to music festivals. The city offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of our favorites:

Explore Museums

No visit to Chicago would be complete without visiting one of its world-class museums. From modern art at the Museum of Contemporary Art to natural history at the Field Museum to science at the Adler Planetarium, there is something for everyone. The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the most iconic museums in the world and features works from masters such as Monet, van Gogh, Picasso, and more. Take a stroll through Millennium Park to see artwork by Anish Kapoor and Jaume Plensa or enjoy a performance at its outdoor amphitheater.

Shop Along Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile is one of the most popular shopping destinations in the country. Located on Michigan Avenue, this stretch of stores and restaurants offers something for everyone from high-end designer brands to budget-friendly boutiques. Take a stroll down Oak Street where you can find luxury shops like Gucci and Prada or head over to Water Tower Place for more affordable items from stores like Gap and H&M.

Eat Your Way Through Chicago

Chicago is known for its delicious food scene from classic Italian beef sandwiches to deep-dish pizza to hot dogs topped with everything from mustard to relish to pickles. Head over to Portillo’s for an original Chicago-style hot dog or Giordano’s for deep-dish pizza. For something a little more upscale, head over to Girl & The Goat or Alinea for some Michelin-starred cuisine.

Experience Jazz Music

Chicago is one of the birthplaces of jazz music and it is still alive and thriving today. Catch a live performance at clubs like Green Mill or Andy’s Jazz Club or head over to Jazz Showcase for some classic tunes. The city also hosts an annual jazz festival called Jazz Fest where you can hear some of the best jazz musicians from around the world.

Popular Tours in Chicago

Architecture River Cruise

The Architecture River Cruise is one of the most popular tours in Chicago and offers visitors a chance to see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks from a unique perspective on the river. This 90 minute tour takes you past some of Chicago’s most iconic buildings such as Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower), John Hancock Center, Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building and more. The tour includes an audio guide that provides information about each building as you pass by it. After your cruise, you can explore Navy Pier which is located along the riverfront or spend some time taking in views from Lake Shore Drive. Book an Architecture River Cruise here.

Chicago Food Tour

Experience all that Chicago’s food scene has to offer with a guided food tour around some of the city’s best restaurants. The tour starts off with a few stops at iconic restaurants such as The Purple Pig where you’ll sample some classic Mediterranean dishes like charred octopus and fennel-crusted pork belly. You will then stop at two other popular spots such as Xoco for some Mexican-style sandwiches and Lou Malnati’s for some deep-dish pizza before ending your tour with a classic Italian beef sandwich at Al’s Italian Beef. The tour also includes an audio guide that provides information about each restaurant as you visit it. Book a Chicago Food Tour here.

Brewery Tour

Chicago has become known as a craft beer destination with its many popular microbreweries popping up all over town. On this tour you will visit four different breweries around town where you will get to sample some delicious craft beers made on-site. The tour starts off at Goose Island where you’ll learn about their brewing process before sampling some of their best beers such as 312 Urban Wheat Ale or Bourbon County Stout. You’ll then head over to Revolution Brewing where you can sample beers such as IPA or Anti-Hero before heading to two other stops such as Half Acre Beer Company or Three Floyds Brewing Co. The tour also includes an audio guide that provides information about each brewery as you visit it. Book a Brewery Tour here.

FAQs About Visiting Chicago

What are some must-see attractions in Chicago?

Some must-see attractions in Chicago include Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower), Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo, Buckingham Fountain, and Magnificent Mile shopping district.

What kind of food should I try while visiting Chicago?

While visiting Chicago be sure to try deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, hot dogs topped with mustard and relish, char-grilled burgers, and Garrett Popcorn Shops caramel corn mix.

What months are best for visiting Chicago?

The best months for visiting Chicago are May through September when temperatures are mild and days are long and sunny. July and August are usually when Chicago gets the most visitors due to warm weather conditions making it ideal for outdoor activities such as taking river cruises or exploring Millennium Park.

What is public transportation like in Chicago?

Chicago has an extensive public transportation system run by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). It consists of elevated trains (L), buses, and water taxis that provide convenient access throughout the city. Visitors can purchase 1-day, 3-day, 7-day, or 30-day passes depending on their length on stay in Chicago.

At the end of your stay in Chicago you will have experienced all that this dynamic city has to offer from architecture tours to craft beer tastings to exploring some of its world class museums and attractions. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or just a fun weekend trip with friends or family, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city on Lake Michigan’s shoreline.