Chicago Tourism

History of Chicago

In 1833, Chicago was incorporated as a town on swamps and mud. Though, it was built in accordance to vigorous civil engineering projects, everything went in vain in the year of 1871, when the city turned to ashes due to the Great Chicago Fire. However, the city is now replete with high skylines and vibrant neighborhoods that add a charm to its surroundings.

Museums of Chicago

Chicago is a hub for museums and galleries. The city secures cozily in its embrace more than 60 museums. The best of the lot is the Art Museum of Chicago located near downtown next to Millennium Park, housing the most impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in the city. Museum of Science and Industry is the largest science museum in the western hemisphere, which has actual German U-boat which you can also ride. There are other museums as well that score high on the list of must-visit museums of Chicago Tourism - these are Shedd Aquarium with dolphins, the Field Museum of Natural History and Chicago History Museum.

Best Cuisines in Chicago

On an excursion to Chicago, it is recommended to munch on its culinary specialities, Chicago's deep dish pizza and the Chicago hot dog. Crammed with some amazing restaurants and street food joints, a local can be a good guide to know the best place to eat a pizza here. However, the list of some famous food places, includes: Lou Malnati's, Gino's East, Pizzeria UNO & DUE, and Giordana's. Stop by Vienna Beef Factory deli to try the Chicago style perfect hot dog.

Honeymoon in Chicago

Escape to the romantic environs of Chicago with your partner, and make the most of your honeymoon tour. Replete with plenty of beaches and sunshine, there is a lot more to savour on a romantic getaway. Stop by places, like: Lake Geneva, Madison, Downtown Chicago and more to spend some blissful moments with your partner.

Major Festivals in Chicago

Get to attend some major festivals of Chicago, like: Chicago Underground Film Festival, St.Patrick’s Parade, Air & Water Show and more to add wonderful memories to your journey.

Beaches of Chicago

Chicago is not a city people associate with beaches, but there are some really good ones along the shore of Michigan. Oak Street Beach, Rainbow Beach and Park, North Avenue Beach, Osterman Beach, 57th Street Beach are some of the best for sunbathing, swimming and beach sports in Chicago, USA.

Here are the best places to see on the Chicago tour.

1. Millennium Park:

Millennium Park is the prime attraction of Chicago, America. This cute outdoor location is actually a part of a giant while called the Grant Park, which is located right in the heart of Chicago downtown. At its center is a giant 110-ton sculpture named Cloud Gate that reflects everything around it almost like a mirror. Crown Fountain is another attraction of the Park, which is like a contemporary gargoyle where instead of the sculpted structures there are images of actual faces.

2. The Art Institute of Chicago:

A prime jewel in any Chicago trip is bound to be the Art Institute of Chicago. There are hundreds of thousands of antique artworks over a variety of media – canvas, photography, sculpture, textiles, sketches and more. Impressionist and Post-Impressionist era is the most visible style here, including a vast series of paintings by Claude Monet. The museum provides an essential insight into the city’s heritage and culture.

3. Navy Pier:

Originally opened in 1916 as an amusement area, Navy Pier is now a quintessential part of Chicago travel. Beautiful gardens, shops, restaurants, cafes, concert venues, a 150 ft Ferris wheel, and a historic carousel are housed in the Pier area, spreading for over 50 acres. The Chicago Festival is held here every August with much fervor.

4. Willis Tower:

Before Petronas Tower was built in 1996, Willis Tower of Chicago, then known as the Sears Tower, was the world's tallest office building, rising for 110 stories. The Skydeck observation unit on the 103rd floor and the glass-box platform jutting out known as the ‘Ledge’ is a must-visit if you visit Chicago for the first time. In fact, the bird’s eye view from above 1353 ft of Chicago, stretching out for at least four states around, is incredible every time you see it.

5. Magnificent Mile:

For a city known for its polished charm, there has to be a street which outdoes all the others. Michigan Avenue is the Chicago counterpart of Fifth Avenue in NYC or Oxford Street in London. A part of Michigan Avenue is taken up by the famous Magnificent Mile dotted with numerous shops, boutiques, studios, and luxury outlets. Popular structures like John Hancock Centre and Tribune Tower are also located here. A walk down the Magnificent Mile is must-do for a city tour of Chicago.

Shopping in Chicago

In addition to offering a bevy of opportunities to indulge in a sightseeing spree, romance, food, and adventure, there is no dearth of venues that let its visitors enjoy shopping in Chicago. With an array of department stores like: Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, and others that house some of the best stocks, a shopaholic never gets bored. Visit Oak Street for haute designs, Bucktown and Wicker Park- a hub of amazing boutiques, Magnificent Mile- housing hundreds of designer retail stores, and Lincoln Park offering plenty of things to buy in Chicago, and have a gala time while enjoying an excursion to this place.