Chicago Travel Guide
Chicago, contains so much to keep the traveller occupied, as you would expect from the nations third largest city. Here you will find the basics you' ll need to help get around the city, plan your Chicago travel and clue you in to some facts about this great city. Most tourists in Chicago can be spotted from a mile away which works in Chicago, as the locals are more than happy to help out the lost visitor.
Chicago
The City of Chicago covers an area of 60,000 hectares and sits 176 meters (578 feet) above sea level on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. At 190 km wide and 495 km long, its the 5th largest body of fresh water in the world. The city is traversed by the Chicago and Calumet rivers. Chicago's extensive parklands, including 3,000 hectares of city parks attract an estimated 86 million visitors annually.
Marshall Field’s
This Chicago landmark and department store offers self-paced audio tours and seasonal Guided tours highlighting architectural and historical details of the store.
Chicago Theatre
This tour showcases the architectural detail and opulent decoration of this restored theatre,
Grant Park, Columbus Dr. and Congress Pkwy, 773-256-0949Grant Park Rose Gardens
Columbus Dr. and Congress Pkwy, north and south of Buckingham Fountain, 312 –742-4838.
Sears Tower Skydeck
Standing at 1,450 feet and 110 stories high, the Sears Tower is still the tallest Building in the United States and the second tallest building in the world.
John Hancock Observatory
Located at 879 N. Michigan Avenue, your view can reach 80 miles across 4 states. The Skywalk is Chicago’s highest open-air viewing deck.
Marina City
Built by Bertrand Goldberg (a student of Mies van der Rohe) houses apartments, banks, Dry-cleaners, 18 floors of parking, theatre, a 10-pin bowling alley and numerous restaurants including the House of Blues.
Water Tower
City Gallery at the Historic Water Tower, built in 1869, this is one of the few buildings that survived the Great Chicago fire and now houses a visitor information center.
Soldier Field
Though many Chicagoans considered its new design a bit of an eyesore once they entered They had no complaints. The renovated stadium comfortably hosts concerts and sporting events with all the modern conveniences.
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field is a baseball stadium in Chicago, Illinois, United States that has served as the home ballpark of the Chicago Cubs since 1916. It was built in 1914 as Weeghman Park for the Chicago Federal League baseball team, the Chicago Whales. It was called Cubs Park between 1920 and 1926 before being renamed for then Cubs team owner and chewing gum magnate, William Wrigley, Jr.. Between 1921 and 1970, it was also the home of the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. In addition, it hosted the second annual National Hockey League Winter Classic on January 1, 2009.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park is the largest public park in the city. Make sure that you visit the Lincoln park zoo which is one of the oldest zoos in USA housing over 1200 animals representing hundreds of species.
Navy Pier
It's spread over a very large area and comprises of gardens, shopping malls, rides, parks, restaurants, etc. It's situated next to Lake Michigan. Don't miss riding on the very tall Ferris wheel. There is also an Imax theater in Navy pier where you can watch a 3D movie. Kids will love it. You will love the place at night, when all the lights are on.
The Bean
Cloud Gate -- referred to by locals as "The Bean", for obvious reasons -- is a public sculpture by talented British artist Anish Kapoor. Cloud Gate weighs in at over 110-tons, and is 66 feet long and 33 feet high. "The Bean" was created using a huge number of individual stainless steel plates -- Cloud Gate's seamless surface is the result of thousands of hours of polishing.
Millennium Park:
This is a modern wonder completed in 2004. It is a totally futuristic design. Here you will see the famous Bean of Chicago. It's a gigantic metallic bean shaped structure which reflects the Chicago skyline. Behind it is an ice-skating rink open in the winter time. It's very popular among tourists. Millennium park has large gardens covered with metallic structures.
Shedd Aquarium
It is a sure-hit with kids. Featuring sea-life of all types. The dolphin show is a must visit for everyone. It happens at fixed times during the day. Make sure that you visit the underwater tunnels to see whales and sharks.