| |
Guide to Chicago, USA - Illinois
|
Click to go to Flight Prices for Chicago
|
Chicago
Standing on the edge of Lake Michigan, the windy city is quite a town. Neighbourhoods of Irish, Italians, Germans, Polish, Mexicans and Asians make up this diverse and colourful place, along with some top-notch culture and history. Though the population is not as large as youd expect for a city of its size, Chicago is full of life and excitement. With tons of spectacles, historic sites, museums, and music venues (its the jazz capital of the world), youll be lucky if you find time to experience everything the city has to offer!
How To Get There
Chicago is served by two airports. Midway is designated for discount carriers, and OHare International is a huge international hub one of the busiest airports in the world. Around 75 million passengers pass through its four terminals per year. Direct flights from the UK take around eight hours.
The airport is quite a distance from the city but you can get downtown quickly and cheaply on the rapid transit system known as the L. Theres also the option of taking a shuttle bus, a taxi, or even renting a car.
Travelling Around
Getting around the city is simple on the subway system which is cheaper than buses and taxis. Comprehensive maps are available at any kiosk, and many of the tourist spots are close to stations.
When To Go
Chicago is great in the summer. Its bay location means that pleasant breezes hold off some of the heat. Another reason why summer is the best time to visit is the multitude of festivals and events. With the Chicago Blues Festival, the Gospel Festival and the Chicago Jazz Festival, the city really comes to life. Taste of Chicago is especially good fun a concoction of live music, food and activities taking place over ten days in late June and early July.
What To See
Chicago is as well known for its art as it is for jazz. The Art Institute of Chicago is said to be one of the best museums in the world, and has a collection spaning 5000 years. Free maps can be found at information booths around the site. Not far from the Institute stands the Chicago Cultural Center with its many galleries, exhibitions and beautiful architecture.
If youre travelling with children, head down to the Navy Pier. It is Chicago's most-visited tourist attraction, and consists of high-tech rides, hands-on exhibits, fountains, educational displays, fast-food restaurants and souvenir sellers. Theres also a giant ferris wheel which has great views.The Shedd Aquarium will appeal to younger travellers too. It has the worlds largest assortment of aquatic creatures in its 200 tanks. One, the famous Oceanarium, is a multilevel tank which blends perfectly into the land outside the building.
On a similar theme, a trip to the Field Museum of Natural History makes for an interesting few hours. It has over 20 million pieces ranging from Native American artefacts, mummies, and dinosaurs. The highlight has to be Sue, a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton said to be the best preserved of this species anywhere in the world.
If you enjoy shopping, take a walk on the Magnificent Mile - a stretch of Michigan Avenue which has everything from designer stores to pharmacies. Sears Tower hasnt been the world's tallest building for quite a few years now, but its still iconic. Head up to the Skydeck for brilliant views over the city and lake.
Hotspot
Sporting history comes to life at the Wrigley Field. The home of the Chicago Cubs attracts tourists all year round to pose under the iconic neon entry sign. It is one of the oldest baseball parks in America, and retains its old fashioned charm - the scoreboard is still changed by hand. Even if you dont have tickets to a game you can admire the ivy covered stadium from the outside, have a beer in a nearby sports bar, or explore the neighbourhood to see how local residents have adapted their rooves so they can watch the game. Several times during the season players take fans on tours of the stadium. True baseball fans should time their visit to coincide with one of these tours!
Night LifeChicago's buzz carries on after sunset. Fans of high culture are well served here, as are bar hoppers and clubbers. Chicago nightlife has an unfussy Midwestern feel. Even audiences of the world class Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera are welcoming. As would be expected from the city that invented jazz, Chicago has a flourishing music scene catering to all tastes. Nightclubs are everywhere, but the main districts are Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and Wicker Park. Every neighbourhood has its own bars, so head to one of these if you dont like large scale clubs. For up-to-date listings, try Metromix or the ChiReader.
fast facts
- the Sears Tower is the USAs tallest building with 110 floors
- Chicago is home to the worlds first steel frame skyscraper
- it is the third largest city in the USA
Quick History
Before the explorers came, the Illinois Indians called their lakeside settlement Chicaugou, which meant strong and powerful. In 1673 the French government sent Louis Joliet and Father Jacques Marquette to scout for suitable land on which to built a mission. Chicagos first permanent settler was Jean Baptiste Point DuSable who came to the area around 1780 and traded fur with the native people. Clashes between Native Americans and settlers, along with the 1812 war with Great Britain meant that Chicago got off to a rocky start, but it kept hold of its lakeside territory. As the railroad developed and the Illinois-Michigan Canal was built, Chicago emerged as the leader in the cattle, hog, lumber and wheat industries. The city earned a reputation for prosperity and opportunity, and 100,000 immigrants were arriving annually by the mid 1850s. After the Civil War, Chicago continued to rise and its economy prospered. However, disaster struck on October 8, 1871 when the Great Chicago Fire swept through the city's central area, destroying everything in its wake. More than 17,000 buildings were destroyed, and damage to property was estimated at $200 million. All was not lost. Architects from around the world clamoured to help with the reconstruction. Within a few years, Chicago had risen from the ashes, and was chosen to host the 1893 World Columbian Exposition. Today Chicago is a vibrant and culturally diverse city and is an international centre for business and leisure.
Money
There are around two dollars to the pound. Up-to-date exchange rates can be found on a currency converter.
|
|
|
