Chicago travel guide

The unique, laid back city between the coasts

Visitors to the United States often focus on the two coasts and thereby miss the Midwest altogether. In doing so, they cheat themselves out of the pleasure of visiting Chicago. New York and Los Angeles of course have their draws, but Chicago has a unique style all its own. This is first apparent in the city's architecture. The world's first skyscraper was built in downtown Chicago in 1885, and in the century that followed, many other innovative skyscrapers have been added to the city's skyline, such as the Sears Tower, the Chicago Tribune building, and the Marina City buildings. The 140-foot-tall ferris wheel on Navy Pier is also a fixture of the city's skyline, which stretches along Lake Michigan. One building that is particularly cherished by Chicago residents is Wrigley Field, one of America's classic baseball stadiums. The unique Chicago style is also apparent in the city's music scene. Fans still flock to Kingston Mines and other blues bars for a taste of the sound that made Chicago famous. Younger crowds might be more inclined to check out the city's thriving hip-hop scene or rock out in one of the many bars in the trendy Wicker Park neighborhood. Another way that Chicago sets itself apart from the cities on the coasts is its complete lack of pretension. While other cities are more known for their high-class dining, none can match Chicago when it comes to kicking back and enjoying a Polish sausage, a slice of deep-dish pizza, and a cold beer while watching a ball game or a blues band.

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Latest Reviews for Chicago

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ellemh

I have visited Chicago for "girls' weekend" with my friends but decided to take my 6 yr old daughter and my 67yr old mom for my daughter's first girls trip. We visited the American Girl Store (Sofie is not--or at least WAS not a doll type girl) and bought a doll for my daughter. As her daddy said, Sofie puts the chic in Chicago! Chicago is an easy city to get around in and is lovely in the fall and spring. A bit too cold and way to windy in the winter. Love the art museum!

2009-10-10 / follow ellemh / report abuse

mrtraveller

Great city - but extreme climates: too hot in summer and absolutely freezing & windy in winter. However, the amazing architecture, people, bars and restaurants make it a great city to live in!

2009-07-18 / follow mrtraveller / report abuse

enzenhofer

cool city

2009-01-25 / follow enzenhofer / report abuse