Chicago is the United States' third-largest city and the state of Illinois' largest. Nicknamed the Windy City, Chicago is known for its skyscrapers, music festivals and unique architecture. Nestled on the banks of Lake Michigan, this sprawling metropolis is home to 10 million people. And thanks to several decades of investment and growth, the city has become a global centre for business, science and education.
Chicago is a city of buildings. Several iconic structures combine to create one of the world’s most recognizable skylines. The glass-floored Willis Tower is a tourist attraction in its own right. And the likes of the Pritzker Pavilion and the Robie House add an eclectic feel to the city’s architectural character.
Chicago is also a city with strong sporting heritage. There are two baseball teams, one of which is the globally renowned Chicago Bears. People from around the planet visit the city just to take a look around Wrigley Field — one of the most distinctive stadiums in the world. Most of the bars show sports around the clock and if people aren’t watching their favourite team in action, they’re playing sports in one of the 580 parks dotted around this huge urban centre.
The city is also widely regarded as the home of the blues. But many different types of music receive a huge platform in the city. Every year, more than 200 festivals take place. Blues Fest is one of the most popular events — attracting around half a million music fans to Chicago every year. And the four-day Lollapalooza festival hosts many of the world’s most successful rock bands.
Chicago is one of the most visited cities in the United States. The area’s cultural, historical and sporting institutions attract millions of visitors every year — and here are three of the best.
Millennium Park is the city's centre for the arts. Home to the Pritzker Pavilion and the Cloud Gate sculpture, this major attraction is always a hive activity. The McCormick Ice Rink welcomes skaters all year round. And the Lurie Garden dazzles visitors with thousands of plant species and beautifully landscaped gardens.
One of the most famous sights in sport is the Wrigley Field Stadium sign. The home of the Chicago Cubs is an architectural gem, characterizing a bygone era of sports. The scoreboard was handmade several decades ago, and the walls of the stadium are covered in ivy. There are regular tours of the stadium, which include many fascinating stories about the Cubs and their iconic stadium.
A great family day out in Chicago awaits everyone at Navy Pier. This half-mile long pier features a class Ferris wheel and a host of classic carnival attractions. There’s also a large IMAX theatre and a collection of bars and eateries. Depending on when you visit, there might be an opportunity to take in one of the many free cultural events that are held on the pier. It’s not unusual to see buskers, poets and actors performing for anyone who wants to watch.
Chicago is the home of the blues, but it’s also a global centre for music in general. There are several festivals and music events held in the city every year, and here are a few of the best.
The Chicago Blues Festival is a very popular celebration of the genre. Held in Grant Park every June, the event is a three-day concert that takes place on four huge stages. Many of the most famous artists in the world appear at the festival — both from Chicago and the rest of the United States.
The Chicago Air & Water Show is an extravaganza of stunts and pyrotechnics. With Lake Michigan as a spectacular backdrop, the show features a myriad of water and air-based stunts. There are also acrobatics and death-defying plant manoeuvres to enjoy. This two-day event takes place every August, but tickets are usually in high demand — so book early.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Chicago is a celebration of all things Irish. One of the largest and most prestigious parades of its type in the world, this event is always awash with bagpipes, giant floats and gallons of beer. Every year, the city’s management turns the river green, which is a sight to behold for anyone who hasn’t seen it.
Chicago is a typical inland city in America — it experiences hot summers and cold winters. In July, the average temperature sits somewhere in the mid-80s. In the winter, however, snowstorms and big freezes are common. Fortunately, the wind and the proximity of Lake Michigan keeps humidity levels low throughout the year. Chicago uses Central Daylight Time in the summer, which is an hour behind New York and two hours ahead of Los Angeles. Most people in Chicago speak English, but around a third of the population speaks a second language (mostly Spanish).
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From Canada you have the options to fly from Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver to Chicago.
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