How to See the Best of Chicago?

If you have ever wanted to take a trip to Chicago, you probably have been dreaming of seeing the best that the Windy City has to offer. While Chicago is known for its deep dish pizza, beautiful skyline, and vibrant nightlife, this city also offers so much more for both locals and visitors to explore. With its many attractions, events and unique restaurants, there is something for everyone in this midwestern metropolis. This article will provide you with tips on how to make the most of a trip to Chicago, so you can make sure that you’ll get the full experience.

Choose Your Chicago Accommodations Wisely

One of the most important decisions you’ll make on your trip to Chicago is where you’ll stay. The city is home to so many different neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions. Downtown Chicago is the busiest and most well-known part of the city and it is the best place for visitors who want to take advantage of all that this vibrant city has to offer. However, if you want to really experience the “Classic Chicago” vibe – or save some money on your lodging – you might want to consider other areas such as Lincoln Park, Hyde Park, Lakeview, or even Riverside.

Must-See Chicago Attractions

No trip to Chicago would be complete without visiting some of the top attractions in the city. These include the Willis Tower – the highest building west of the Atlantic – Millennium Park and its popular bean sculpture, Navy Pier, and Magnificent Mile – a stretch of Chicago’s Michigan Avenue lined with shops and restaurants.

Other popular destinations include The Art Institute of Chicago where you can see iconic works by Monet and Picasso, The Field Museum – home to Sue, the world’s largest T-Rex fossil – and the Shedd Aquarium which houses more than 32,000 species of aquatic life.

Unique Fine Dining Restaurants

Chicago is not only home to some of the best pizza places in the entire country, but also many award-winning fine-dining restaurants. These include Chef Grant Achatz’ contemporary American spot Alinea which serves a 21-course tasting menu and Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse famous for its USDA prime beef steaks. For an Asian-inspired dining experience, visit Yusho Hyde Park for its unique blend of Japanese and American flavors or Roka Akor for inventive Japanese dishes inspired by Japanese robatayaki grilling.

Experience Chicago Nightlife and Music

No trip to Chicago is complete without experiencing some of its amazing nightclubs and music scene. Stop by top venues such as The Metro and Aragon Music Hall to experience live bands and DJs playing all kinds of genres while you dance and mingle with the locals.

Chicago also offers plentiful jazz music venues such as Andy’s Jazz Club or Green Mill Cocktail Lounge – a favorite hangout spot for Al Capone in the 1930s.

Shop for Unique Arts and Discover Local Flea Markets

After the museums and events are done, it’s time to let your inner shopper tackle the many local stores and artsy flea markets in Chicago. Explore Randolph Street Market – one of the best places in town to find vintage items at great prices – or The Andersonville Galleria – an eclectic collection of designer clothing, jewelry, and home goods.

No matter where you go when visiting Chicago, there is no doubt that you will have an unforgettable experience exploring all that this amazing city has to offer.

For more tourist information about Chicago, please visit ChooseChicago.com for details on everything from attractions, accommodations, transportation and more.

An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Chicago

Chicago is more than just deep-dish pizzas and skyscrapers. It is a city that is rich with history, culture, and hidden treasures, waiting to be discovered. Are you planning a trip to Chicago and wondering how to see the best of what the city has to offer? This insider’s guide will take you off the beaten path and showcase unique experiences that only locals know about.

Local Attractions

While Chicago has a plethora of popular tourist attractions, there are plenty of hidden gems known only to locals. One such spot is the Osaka Garden tucked away in Jackson Park. It is a peaceful retreat featuring winding paths and cascading waterfalls, perfect for a quiet picnic. Another is the historic The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge in Uptown. Its art deco architecture and vibrant history make it a must-visit spot, especially for jazz enthusiasts. You can also visit the Chicago French Market, a year-round indoor market featuring local vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products.

Dining Spots

Chicago is a food lover’s paradise, with delicious dishes that celebrate the city’s diverse cultural history. It’s no surprise that the city is famous for its deep-dish pizzas, but it’s also renowned for its hot dogs. The Chicago-style hot dog, a beef frankfurter topped with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, a pickle spear, and celery salt, is a unique take on the American classic. For a taste of Polish cuisine, visit Podhalanka, a no-frills restaurant known for its hearty portions and pierogies. Do not forget to try the Italian Beef Sandwich, a Chicago original made with thinly sliced beef and spicy giardiniera.

Cultural Experiences

The city of Chicago is brimming with cultural experiences and traditions that have become synonymous with the city. The Chicago Blues Festival, held annually in June, is the largest free blues festival in the world. Another cultural experience is the annual Chicago Jazz Festival, a Labor Day weekend tradition that attracts jazz fans from around the world. The city is home to world-class museums like the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Field Museum of Natural History.

Local History

Chicago’s history is fascinating, peppered with captivating stories of triumph and tragedy. The Chicago River that flows through the city was once known as the Bubbly Creek, a slow-moving swamp of animal waste and decomposing garbage. In the 1990s, Chicago embarked on a massive project to reverse the pollution of the river, leading to a complete transformation of the area. An infamous event from the city’s past is the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, a shootout that took place between two rival gangs in 1929, orchestrated by Al Capone.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For a unique Chicago experience, head to the Humboldt Park neighborhood to admire the colorful, Latin-American street art murals that line the avenues. Take a sunset stroll along the 606 Trail that runs for 2.7 miles, offering a unique perspective of the city from an elevated pathway. For a sports fanatic, a visit to the Wrigley Field, the second-oldest baseball park in the United States, is a must. Its ivy-covered walls, iconic scoreboard, and rich history make it a pilgrimage site for baseball fans worldwide.

Chicago is a city that rewards exploration and curiosity. A city of neighborhoods, each with its unique character, cultural offerings, and unexpected adventures. This insider’s guide only scratches the surface of what the Windy City has to offer. When visiting Chicago, let your sense of adventure lead you to new discoveries and experiences.