Chicago: Best Places To Visit

 

Chicago, Illinois, also known as the "Windy City", is a vibrant and exciting city located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Known for its world-class museums, iconic architecture, and delicious food, Chicago is a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world. 

The city is also home to the famous baseball team Chicago Cubs and their home, Wrigley Field, as well as one of Chicago's most famous beaches, North Avenue Beach. This blog article will explore the top Chicago attractions and activities to give you a taste of the city's offerings.

1: Willis Tower:

The Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, is a skyscraper located in Chicago, Illinois. Standing at 1,450 feet tall, it was the tallest building in the world from its completion in 1973 until 1998. The Willis Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Chicago and is visited by millions of people each year.

The Willis Tower has 108 stories and was designed by the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill. The tower's design features nine square tubes that are stacked on top of each other, making it one of the most recognizable skyscrapers in the world.

One of the main attractions at the Willis Tower is the Sky deck, located on the 103rd floor. The Sky deck offers visitors breathtaking views of the city of Chicago and Lake Michigan. Visitors can also step out onto a glass ledge, called The Ledge, and feel like they are standing on air. This is a unique and thrilling experience that is not to be missed.

The Willis Tower also has a variety of shopping and dining options, including a food court and several high-end restaurants. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the Willis Tower, which includes a visit to the Sky deck and the history of the building.

Its iconic design and incredible views make it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

2: Millennium Park:

Millennium Park is a 25-acre public park located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. Opened in 2004, this world-renowned park is one of the city's top tourist attractions and offers a variety of activities and amenities for visitors of all ages.

One of the most iconic features of Millennium Park is the "Cloud Gate" sculpture, commonly referred to as "The Bean." This stainless steel sculpture is shaped like a giant bean and reflects the city's skyline and visitors. The Crown Fountain is another popular attraction, which features a pair of 50-foot-tall glass block towers that display digital videos of local faces.

The park also has several gardens, including the Lurie Garden and the Wrigley Square, which offer a peaceful and serene environment for visitors to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the park. The Jay Pritzker Pavilion is an outdoor concert venue that hosts several music events throughout the year.

Millennium Park also offers a variety of recreational activities, including bike rentals, ice skating in the winter, and yoga classes. Visitors can also rent a paddleboat and explore the park's lake.

The park is also home to the Art Institute of Chicago's Modern Wing, which features an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Jackson Pollock.

3: Navy Pier:

Navy Pier is another popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

It is a 3,300-foot-long pier located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois. Originally built in 1916 as a cargo and passenger ship facility, it has since been transformed into a popular tourist destination that offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.

One of the main attractions at Navy Pier is the Centennial Wheel, a 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel that provides breathtaking views of the city and lake. Visitors can also take a ride on the pier's historic carousel, or enjoy a walk along the pier's boardwalk, which offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and food vendors.

The pier also features a children's museum, an IMAX theater, and several interactive exhibits that explore the history and culture of Chicago. The Navy Pier also has several performance spaces, including the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, which hosts a variety of plays and musicals throughout the year.

The Navy Pier also offers a variety of recreational activities, including boat tours, Jet Ski rentals, and fireworks shows during the summer. Visitors can also rent a bike and explore the lakefront trail, which runs along the shore of Lake Michigan.

4: Wrigley Field:

If you are a sports fan, you can't miss a visit to Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs baseball team.

Wrigley Field is a baseball stadium located in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. It is the home of the Chicago Cubs, one of the oldest and most storied franchises in Major League Baseball. The stadium has been in use since 1914 and is known for its unique features, such as its ivy-covered walls and hand-turned scoreboard.

One of the main attractions at Wrigley Field is the game-day experience. The stadium has a capacity of 41,649, which makes it one of the oldest and most iconic ballparks in baseball. During the game, fans can enjoy the traditional elements of baseball, such as the seventh-inning stretch, where everyone stands up and sings "Take Me Out to the Ballgame."

Wrigley Field also offers several tours, including a behind-the-scenes tour that takes visitors through the stadium's press box, dugout, and locker room. Visitors can also take a guided tour of Wrigley Field's rooftop seating, which offers a unique perspective on the game and the surrounding neighborhood.

The Wrigley Ville neighborhood surrounding the stadium is also a popular destination for visitors, as it offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. Before or after the game, fans can explore the neighborhood and take in the lively atmosphere.

5: The Chicago Riverwalk:

The Chicago Riverwalk is a pedestrian and recreational pathway that runs along the south bank of the Chicago River in the heart of the city. The Riverwalk is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a unique and scenic way to explore the city's downtown area.

The Riverwalk is divided into six distinct areas, each with its personality and theme. The first section, known as The Marina, is a popular spot for boating and fishing. The second section, known as The Boardwalk, offers great views of the river and the city's iconic skyline and has several seating areas and gardens. The third section, known as The Water Plaza, is a great spot for kids to play and splash in the water. The fourth section, known as The Jetty, is a popular spot for sunbathing and relaxing. The fifth section, known as The River Theater, is a popular spot for outdoor performances and concerts. The final section, known as The Confluence, is a great spot to take in the beauty of the Chicago River and its surrounding architecture.

The Riverwalk also offers a variety of dining and shopping options, from quick bites to sit-down restaurants, and from souvenir shops to luxury retail. Visitors can also take boat rides to explore the Chicago River and its architectural history.

6: The Art Institute of Chicago:

The Art Institute of Chicago is a world-renowned art museum located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1879, the museum is home to an extensive collection of art from around the world, spanning more than 5,000 years of human history.

One of the main attractions at the Art Institute of Chicago is its collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, which includes works by famous artists such as Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Vincent van Gogh. The museum also has an extensive collection of American art, including works by Grant Wood, Edward Hopper, and Georgia O'Keeffe.

In addition to its permanent collection, the Art Institute of Chicago also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, featuring work by contemporary artists and showcasing art from different cultures and periods. Visitors can also attend lectures, workshops, and other educational programs that are offered by the museum.

The museum also has a restaurant, the Modern Wing, which serves American cuisine and offers a beautiful view of Millennium Park. The museum's gift shop offers a wide selection of art books, souvenirs, and other items.

Art lovers should make a stop at the Art Institute of Chicago.

7: Lincoln Park Zoo:

Lincoln Park Zoo is a free 35-acre zoo located in Lincoln Park, Chicago. The zoo was established in 1868, making it one of the oldest zoos in the United States. Today, it is home to more than 1,200 animals from over 200 species, many of which are rare and endangered.

The zoo is divided into several areas, each with a different theme. Visitors can explore the African Journey area, which features animals from the African savannah such as zebras, giraffes, and lions. The zoo's Regenstein Center for African Apes is home to gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobos, and visitors can watch the apes through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The Kovler Lion House is the oldest building in the zoo, it has a collection of big cats such as lions, tigers, and leopards. The Farm-in-the-Zoo is an interactive area where visitors can meet domestic animals like pigs, cows, and chickens, and learn about farming and conservation. The Zoo also has a Children's Zoo, which is designed for children aged 2-12, it has interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences for kids to learn about animals.

One of the most popular attractions at Lincoln Park Zoo is the Zoo Lights, which is a free event held annually between November and January. The zoo is decorated with colorful lights, and visitors can enjoy live music, hot cocoa and snacks, and the chance to see the animals at night.

Lincoln Park Zoo is an excellent place for children and families to enjoy. Whether you're looking for a fun day out, a chance to see rare and endangered animals or a unique holiday experience, Lincoln Park Zoo is a great place to visit.

8: North Avenue Beach:

North Avenue Beach is a popular beach located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. It is one of the most popular beaches in the city and is known for its beautiful views of the skyline, as well as its many amenities.

The beach is situated on Lake Michigan and stretches for nearly a mile. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach volleyball. A large playground is also available for kids. The beach also features several food and drink vendors, as well as a beachside restaurant.

North Avenue Beach is also a great spot for outdoor activities. Visitors can rent bicycles, rollerblades, and boats, and take in the lake views. Visitors can also participate in the beach's active programs such as beach volleyball, beach soccer, yoga, and fitness classes. In the summer, the beach is home to several events, including live music performances, film screenings, and fireworks displays.

North Avenue Beach is also a great spot for visitors looking to get a taste of Chicago's nightlife. The beach is located near several bars and nightclubs, making it a popular destination for young adults. Whether you're looking to swim, sunbathe, play beach volleyball, or take in the nightlife, North Avenue Beach is a great place to visit.

Chicago is also known for its delicious food. From deep-dish pizza to Chicago-style hot dogs, the city has a wide variety of culinary delights to offer. Visitors can also enjoy a diverse range of cuisines from around the world, including Italian, Mexican, Chinese, and more.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Chicago is a city that has something for everyone. From its iconic architecture and world-class museums to its delicious food and sports teams, Chicago offers a unique and exciting experience for visitors of all ages. Make sure to add this city to your travel bucket list and experience all it has to offer!