Right, let’s get one thing straight from the beginning: Chicago ain’t that windy. It’s not the windiest city in the USA, it isn’t even particularity windy on any known scale of windiness. Sorry.
What it IS however, is a vastly underrated metropolis chock full of attractions, sights and, most importantly, pizza. So much pizza.
Read on for 7 tips and essential places to visit to make the most of your trip.
1. Millennium Park
No list of Chicago highlights would be complete without the inclusion of this popular park and, crucially, it’s “Cloud Gate” sculpture, more commonly known as “The Bean”. You’ll recognise it from almost any film set in Chicago, any picture of Chicago and even the odd video game.
2. Hit The Beach
When you think of the best beaches in the United States you probably don’t think of Chicago, right? Does Chicago even have beaches? Yep! Situated as it is on the shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago has over 26 miles of public beaches.
Illinois Beach State Park is great for camping and hiking, Kathy Osterman Beach is famous for its clear water and North Ave Beach is the place to be seen as the most popular stretch of sand in the city. If you are looking for something unique you could also book a sailing tour of Lake Michigan.
3. Get Festive
Lollapalooza, Blues Fest, Taste of Chicago, Chicago Jazz Festival, Windy City LakeShake…the list goes on!
Chicago has over 200 festivals, events and celebrations this year alone so you’re bound to catch at least one.Lollapalooza in particular is a brilliant event with line-ups to rival the big North American and European festivals, and a massive variety of music to suit almost any taste.
4. Go Up the Willis Tower
The Willis Tower is the iconic huge building that makes the Chicago skyline that extra bit special. This is the tallest building in Chicago and the third-tallest building in the Western Hemisphere! You can go up day or night to see amazing views of the city and surrounding areas.
If you aren’t scared of heights, check out the latest attraction – the Skydeck! Take a step on the scary glass floor – 103 floors up! Only for the brave…
5. Watch a Cubs Game
Chicago is a sports mad city, everyone has heard of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, right? Well, in summer you really need to go see a Chicago Cubs baseball game. The Cubs play at Wrigley Field, which was built in 1914, and the atmosphere in and around the stadium on match days is incredible.
6. GO DEEP
Love it or loathe it (and if you loathe it, who are you? Seriously? It’s like cake covered in cheese and sauce!), deep dish pizza is where it’s at in Chicago.
There’s much debate over where the best pizza in the city can be found, though it’s generally agreed that the original was invented at Pizzeria Uno (now Uno Chicago Grill).
With dozens of lists of “best” pizza restaurants, fiercely fought online battles amongst various loyalists, and more choice that you can shake a gorgeous piece of golden crust at, there’s no real option here. You’ll have to try them all.
7. Beer Tasting Tour
Need a drink to go with your pizza? Chicago takes beer almost as seriously as the deep dish and many of the local breweries run tours where you can sample the product as you see how it’s made. If you’d like to take in more than one type of tipple, a walking tour of the city’s bars and pubs might be more your style. Chicago has hundreds of amazing bars and clubs, just try to remember them.
Hungry? You should probably head to Chicago! So many airlines have affordable fares to the (not so) Windy City, so loosen your belt and get ready to fulfil your deep dish dreams. Need more recommendations, view our article with everything you need to know before visiting Chicago.
