Chicago

Chicago, often referred to as the Windy City, ranks as the third-largest city in the United States, showcasing a myriad of attractions for every visitor. The metropolitan area offers diverse experiences, including culinary delights, craft beverages, architectural marvels, and rich historical insights.

Situated along the shores of the frigid Lake Michigan, the city of Chicago stands as one of the most remarkable cities in the United States. Renowned for its cultural contributions, including the acclaimed musical ‘Chicago’ and the esteemed TV drama ‘The Good Wife’, Chicago is a dynamic and lively urban center rich in exploration opportunities. Once you have experienced highlights such as Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and the Willis Tower, it is prudent to consider further afield.

I’ve lived in Chicago for 35 years and I’m still wonderstruck by the big-city buzz, sky-high architecture, and the expansive, blue-green lake spilling over the horizon. There’s always tons to do here, with new things to explore: an Afrobeat band at Millennium Park, a play about a renegade platypus at a storefront theater, or a meaty sandwich made famous byThe Bear.

With steely skyscrapers, lakefront beaches and world-class museums, Chicago will blow you away with its low-key yet highly cultured spirit.

Chicago is an incredible destination that offers an abundance of attractions, making it a popular choice for travelers every year. However, with such an array of options, deciding where to start can be a overwhelming task.

Chicago’s charm goes beyond skyscrapers, museums, and restaurants. What truly elevates the Windy City into a land of magic is the lake it’s built on. Along its shores, you’ll find 26 miles of scenic waterfront featuring more than 20 free-to-access beaches.

Chicago is increasingly positioning itself as a leader in sustainable urban design. Notably, 99.9% of Chicagoans can walk to a park within 10 minutes, and over 20,000 commute by bike each year. With 575 green spaces to explore, along with a growing selection of vegetable-forward menus, it might be more fitting to refer to this windy city as the “City in a Garden.”

Chicago is packed with activities and attractions all year round. Spring is a wonderful time to enjoy the 606, a rail line-turned walking and biking trail, while summer is ideal for exploring the outdoor parks or cooling off in the spectacular art museums. Additionally, fall is the perfect season to visit the city’s top tourist attractions, like the Willis Tower and the Bean. During the winter, the cold provides a great excuse to seek comfort in the city’s diverse restaurant scene, with exciting places such as Duck Duck Goat, a Chinese-inspired spot from Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, and secret bars like Three Dots and A Dash. Consequently, it’s little wonder that Chicago has seen an influx of tourists in recent years, leading to an expansion in its hotel scene. Notably, several new hotels have made a significant impact, with The Langham, Thompson, ACME, and Godfrey all opening within the last five years, earning accolades as some of GoTravelDaily’s Best Hotels in Chicago.

Maybe it’s because the Cubs finally won the World Series, or the fact that it’s Obama’s hometown: Chicago is red hot right now. Last year, more than 54 million people visited the city, an all-time record. To keep up with the demand, several new luxury hotels have opened — and many of the established properties underwent multimillion-dollar renovations to stay competitive.