Visiting Chicago

(Chicago, Illinois - IL, USA)

Without doubt one of America's most important cities, Chicago's image has changed greatly over the years.

Where Chicago was once known as a gangland capital during the 1920s, Chicago is now the ultimate city of culture, combining historic sites with modern entertainment venues and tall skyscrapers, many of which line Chicago's enviable waterfront.

Visiting Chicago: Places to Visit

• Chicago Neighborhood Walking Tours, taking place around various areas of the city and always led by experienced tour guides
• Chicago Loop Tour Train, lasting around 40 minutes and offering an easy way to sightsee, free of charge
• Magnificent Mile, one of the most notable shopping districts in Chicago, lined with an enormous selection of shops and eateries, including a number of large malls and department stores
• North Avenue Beach, a scenic beach area offering a range of water sports and coastal amenities, standing nearby Lincoln Park, close to Chicago's North Avenue Bridge
• Hancock Observatory, with a number of talking telescopes and superb city views, situated on the northern side of Chicago
• Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, recently revamped costing literally millions, comprising many interesting exhibitions and a state-of-the-art theater area
• Auditorium Theater, a historic theater dating back to the end of the 19th century, standing along East Congress Parkway and hosting many traveling Broadway productions
• McCormick Place, a magnificent convention center where many of the biggest events, festivals and shows in Chicago take place each year
• Michigan Avenue Bridge, a listed historic landmark completed in the mid-1920s, now one of the most used routes in the whole of Chicago
• Navy Pier, originally used by the shipping industry and now home to a large theme park, which has expanded and features around 50 acres / 20 hectares of fast rides, entertainment and side shows
• Willis Tower (previously named the Sears Tower), one of the most acclaimed skyscrapers in the whole of Chicago and once the tallest structure in the world, with a Skydeck area offering breathtaking city views
• Elks National Memorial Building, known for its imposing dome and interesting museum, completed in the mid-1920s and standing in Chicago's Lakeview district
• Buckingham Fountain, an enormous water feature which dates back to 1927s and features spectacular statues and fountains of water
• Fisher Building, listed as an important Chicago landmark and one of the country's most historical skyscrapers, completed in 1895 and featuring guided tours
• Museum of Science and Industry, one of the biggest museums of its kind in the world, home to many fun interactive exhibits