CHICAGO
Inspiring architecture, world renowned museums, foodie culture and major league baseball are just some of the things The Windy City has to offer. From it’s 17th century beginnings as a fort to the roaring 20’s when it became home of notorious gangsters, speakeasys and all that jazz, the Second City is rich in history and culture.
WHAT TO SEE & DO
The Magnificent Mile
Stretching for 13 blocks, from North Michigan Avenue to Oak Street, the Magnificent Mile is lined with hotels, restaurants, iconic high-rises and historic buildings. From big name departments stores like Macey’s and Saks 5th Avenue, to nationwide retailers like Apple and Disney, it is a shopping mecca. I began by crossing Chicago’s DuSable draw bridge and was instantly captured by the city’s buildings. A mix of Gothic Revival, French renaissance and modernism it was easy to see why Chicago is considered one of the architectural centres of the world. The Mag Mile is home to The Wrigley building, Tribune Tower, The Water Tower and The John Hancock Centre to name a few.
Head to the 94th floor of The John Hancock Centre, once the second tallest building in the world, to visit the 360 Chicago observatory. It offers panoramic views over Chicago and Lake Michigan from 300m above street level.
Chicago Riverwalk
The pedestrian friendly Chicago Riverwalk spans over 2 kilometers along the south bank of the Chicago River. Filled with cafes, bars, monuments and art, it is a another good place to join a river cruise tour. Fun fact, The Chicago River actually flows backwards. In 1892 a canal was built in order to reverse the flow of the river due to sanitation issues of waste flowing into Lake Michigan. Today it is still considered a great engineering feat.
The Site of Fort Dearborn
In 1803 the US Government built Fort Dearborn on the mouth of the Chicago River. Destroyed by Native Americans in 1812, it was rebuilt in 1816 and eventually a settlement grew nearby. This was the very beginning of the Chicago we know today. Today all that is left is a small bronze plaque on the South side of Michigan Avenue by the DuSable Bridge. Stop here to appreciate how far the city has come from its humble beginnings.
The Art Institute of Chicago
One of the oldest and largest art museum in the US, a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago is an absolute must. Among it’s 300,000 piece collection are Grant Wood’s American Gothic and Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grand Jatte.
Willis Tower
Formerly known as the Sears Tower, the now known Willis Tower was the world’s tallest building until 1998. It is now the second tallest building in the western hemisphere but remains one of Chicago’s most iconic sights. The highest observation deck in the US, The Skydeck, is located on the 103rd floor. If you’re feeling brave you can step out onto the 412 meter high glass Ledge. I recommend coming in the evening for sunset and watching as the streets light up below.
Navy Pier
East of the Magnificent Mile on Chicago’s waterfront is Navy Pier. It is home to public events, food stalls, rides and entertainment, with the Centennial Wheel at its center. It is best to visit during the Summer months when they hold biweekly firework shows. Multiple cruise companies offer sightseeing tours of both Chicago River and Lake Michigan departing from Navy Pier. Come for the atmosphere or the views of Chicago’s skyline.
Cloud Gate
Located at the entrance to Millennium Park is Chicago’s iconic Cloud Gate, also nicknamed The Bean. Anish Kapoor’s 110 tonne public sculpture reflects the city’s skyline and the sky above.
Grant Park
Sitting between Chicago’s CDB and the waterfront is the expansive green space is named for the Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant. It is comprised of several museums, a planetarium, aquarium, The Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, ice skating track and outdoor theatres. At the parks centre is Buckingham Fountain, which if you visit during the summer months, offers a light and water show.
Chicago Theatre
Home to more than 250 theatres, Chicago is well known for its theatre scene. The best of these theatres can be found within The Loop at the city’s centre. From Broadway in Chicago and Tony Award winning theatre companies to some of the country’s best comedy. Among the most celebrated theatres in the city is The Chicago Theatre. Dating back to 1921, you can take part on a behind the scenes Marquee Tour which showcases the history and architecture of the theatre. Highlights include the dressing room signatures belonging to star performers including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Dolly Parton.
Wrigley Field
World famous stadium and home of the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field is the second oldest major league baseball park after Fenway Park. The baseball season generally runs from about April to September and tickets can usually be purchased from $50USD. During the season tours of Wrigley Field are also available from $25USD.
Calder’s Flamingo
Among the city’s many famous artworks is Alexander Calder’s Flamingo. Located in the CBD’s Federal Plaza, the red, abstract sculpture is surrounded by contrasting government buildings.
Palmer House Hilton Hotel
The nations longest continually operating hotel, The Palmer House Hilton Hotel dates back to 1873. Among Chicago’s most luxurious hotels it is also known for being the first hotel to use electric lighting and the first to offer telephones in guests’ rooms. I entered the grand lobby with hand painted ceiling and crystal chandeliers and was not surprised that this place attracted the likes of US presidents and renowned writers such as Charles Dickens and Oscar Wilde.
WHAT NOT TO SEE & DO
Harpo Studios
I would have recommended taking the train to Chicago’s West Side to visit the famous Harpo Studios, home of the Oprah Winfrey Show, however in 2016 the building was demolished as the studios relocated to California.
WHERE TO STAY
HI Chicago
The HI Chicago is conveniently situated in Chicago’s CBD Loop, within walking distance of all major attractions and just 4 minutes from the nearest metro station. It was comfortable hostel accommodation and included free wifi, lockers and individual reading lights/plugs. Although they are no longer offering the free breakfast they do have self catering facilities available. They also have 24 hour reception which it important when arriving late on the Amtrak.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Fly
Chicago is home to two international airports. O’Hare International Airport (ORD) offers daily national and international flights and is located about 23km north of the CBD. The L Train’s blue line operates 24/7 and runs between the airport and downtown. Chicago’s Midway International Airport (MDW) can easily be reached by the L Train’s orange line which operates between 4am and 1am daily. Alternatively the N62 bus operates late night services between the airport and downtown.
Train
Chicago’s Union Station is a major hub for Amtrak’s nationwide train service. For travel between the outer city suburbs and downtown Chicago Metra Rail offers high speed commuter trains.
Bus
Both Greyhound and Megabus offer bus services connecting Chicago with other US cities.
L Train
If you’re staying in The Loop, most of Chicago’s main attractions can be reached within a 30 minute walk. For anything further the city has one of the largest public transport systems making it easy to move around. The L train, operated by the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority), has 8 lines. You can purchase disposable tickets as well as reloadable Ventra Cards. You can also purchase 1, 3, 7 or 30 day passes and download the Ventra app to manage your account. It’s very easy to navigate.
Local Busses
The CTA offer 129 bus routes throughout Chicago. Cash can be used on busses or alternatively you can purchase a reloadable Ventra card.
