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WHAT TO SEE IN CHICAGO
The Chicago skyline, seen from the river
The Chicago skyline, seen from the river
Chicago is the largest city in Illinois, the largest metropolis in the US Midwest, and the third most populous city in the USA after New York and Los Angeles. The city extends mostly along Lake Michigan. Nicknamed "Windy City", the city center (the "Loop") is dominated by imposing skyscrapers, including the 108 floors of the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower). This architectural style was born right in Chicago, which still boasts the second tallest skyscraper in the US (after the new World Trade Center) and three skyscrapers in the top 15 worldwide. Transformed from a small town into an important metropolis, Chicago has been defined as one of the 10 most influential cities in the world. Today it is a multiethnic city, as well as an important financial and industrial center and one of the largest exhibition/fair centers in the world. It is the city with the highest number of movable bridges in the world (currently 45) and is a global reference point for the blues. Having, as per the itinerary, only 2 nights in Chicago, we will have to focus on seeing the most important attractions and having an authentic Chicago Style experience!
MILLENIUM PARK:
First stop at the city's largest and most famous park. The most famous attraction in the park is undoubtedly the Cloud Gate (or the Bean as Chicagoans call it): a 110-ton steel sculpture that resembles a huge bean reflecting the city and the surrounding people. It will be really nice to take your photos while, with thousands of other people, you see yourselves reflected in the enormous legume! At this point, it's time to introduce you to the legendary Chicago style hot dog. You will find it only here and trust me: it's worth trying!! I'll leave it to you to try this delicious experience, which you can enjoy at the first hot dog stand you find inside the park (later I'll suggest the address for one of the best hot dog-themed fast food places in the city!)
HISTORIC ROUTE 66 BEGIN SIGN:
On the way from Millenium Park to Grant Park (78-98 E Adams Street) you will find this sign indicating the starting point of the historic Route 66. Don't get your hopes up, it's just a small commemorative sign that you'll have to make an effort to find.
BUCKINGHAM FOUNTAIN:
Continue through Grant Park until you reach Buckingham Fountain. This huge fountain is located directly on the lakefront and symbolizes Lake Michigan with 4 sea lion sculptures representing the states bordering the lake: Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana. The fountain is active daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM, from mid-April to mid-October (then closed due to the city's typical harsh temperatures). Water shows occur every hour and last about 20 minutes. During the shows, the central jet shoots water up to 46 meters high. After sunset, the choreographies are accompanied by light and music shows. The evening show starts at 10:00 PM.
WILLIS TOWER:
It's impossible to be in Chicago and not go up the Willis Tower: the tallest skyscraper in the world from 1973 to 1998. If you are really brave, you have to step onto the Ledge: the "enclosed balcony" with a transparent floor located at the top of the skyscraper (you can buy your tickets online even from Italy). It will be a memorable and somewhat scary experience. I recommend sitting on the balcony and having your photo taken: it will look like you are suspended in mid-air. Then take a tour of the Skydeck and admire the city in all its immense splendor. Even the elevator ride will be very fast, pop your ears once you arrive.
NAVY PIER:
After the adrenaline rush of the Willis Tower, relax a bit at the city's amusement pier. Here you will find countless restaurants and fast-food outlets from the most famous American chains and an amusement park. To keep up the habit, you must ride the beautiful Ferris wheel. This somewhat vintage structure will give you a privileged view of the city while enjoying a romantic atmosphere.
RIVER WALK:
A magnificent pedestrian path that runs along the river until it reaches Lake Michigan. A beautiful walk both during the day and in the evening when Chicago's thousand lights come on. Lined with gardens and countless venues, restaurants, and bars, it is always frequented by both tourists and locals. It's wonderful to be able to walk and admire the beautiful buildings that surround it.
RIVER CRUISE:
The cruise is also a must! Being able to admire Chicago's buildings and their beautiful architecture with explanations from an expert guide is unmissable. From the boat, you will have a privileged point of view and can learn more about the history and fascinating events that have characterized this city's story. The tour begins with a close-up perspective of Chicago's international architecture seen from the river, then ventures through the Chicago Lock to the calm, cool waters of Lake Michigan, to admire wide views of Chicago's extraordinary skyline. As a provider for the cruise, I recommend Wendella.
MAGNIFICENT MILE:
The Magnificent Mile is Chicago's main shopping district. It is a lively and bustling area with elegant shops, high-fashion outlets, trendy restaurants, and chic hotels. Points of interest include the historic Chicago Water Tower, the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower, the terracotta Wrigley Building skyscraper, and the very tall John Hancock Center, with 100 floors, home to an observatory with fine dining and panoramic views of the city.
SUBWAY:
I also recommend taking a subway tour. Chicago's subway is the second largest rapid transit system in the USA, after New York's subway, and the third busiest in the United States after New York and Washington. It began operating in 1892, making it the second oldest rapid transit system in America. Most lines are above ground and run on elevated tracks. The most famous is the Loop, which I recommend visiting. The red line and the blue line are also the only ones operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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