Looking for a great place for your next vacation? Why not head to Chicago? It has something to offer for everyone. Chicago is a real legend that evokes a variety of associations among travelers who want to go there. Someone remembers Frank Sinatra, while someone sees the gangster battles of the 20-30s of the last century. But all of them feel delighted visiting the famous Chicago.
The country’s first skyscraper was built there, and in terms of population, the city is second only to Los Angeles and New York. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is the largest city in the Midwest and the largest cultural, industrial, economic, and transportation center for the entire northern United States. Therefore, it’s a great travel destination with a lot to see and do.
If you’re still in doubt, here are at least 7 reasons to take your next vacation to Chicago!
Taste Deep-dish Pizza
The classic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is a great opportunity to pamper your stomach with something delicious. Why is this pizza so famous? It’s all about its special form. Invented in 1943, deep dish pizza has high sides: officially its height should be at least 3 cm. Other essential ingredients of this pizza are a lot of cheese and pepperoni.
Usually, this pizza is so big and thick that you can take one for 3-4 people. And of course, the main thing is to choose the right place to taste it. For example, head to Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Giordano’s, or Gino’s. You will spot a suitable establishment from afar, as the longest lines lead there every evening.
Relax in Millennium Park
Millennium Park is a great place to get a feel for the wilderness in the middle of an urban landscape. Once there was a giant parking lot and a railway, but in the 90s, a beautiful garden appeared in this place. It’s full of bike paths, walking alleys, picnic spots, and vast green areas where you can have a great time outdoors.
Another important local attraction is the climbing complex, which further expands the list of activities available at Millennium Park. You can spend the whole day there. The most popular things to do are walking, reading, looking at sculptures and art objects that are constantly changing according to the city’s cultural program.
Explore the Michigan Coast
Michigan is the largest lake among the Great Lakes in the United States. It’s also the most easily accessible lake, with hundreds of miles of scenic roads surrounding it.
So it would be a great idea to rent SUV Chicago with the help of rental24h.com and enjoy a pleasant drive. It is very cheap to rent a car as prices start at $20-25 per day. Whether it’s the beach, coastal park, or a gorgeous viewpoint, your rental car makes it possible to go wherever you want.
For example, southeast of the city, you will find the beautiful Indiana Dunes National Park. For incredible scenic photos, head along Lakeside Drive. And don’t forget to stop at Oak Street Beach along the way. You can also take a boat tour to complement your Lake Michigan experience.
Admire the Architectural Wealth
Chicago is one of the cities that gave America a lot in terms of architecture. Some of the very first skyscrapers in the United States were built in Chicago. Now, of course, they don’t look like skyscrapers, but just houses that are slightly taller than ordinary ones.
The very first skyscraper built in Chicago was the Home Insurance Building. From 1884 to 1889, it was even the tallest building in the world. The old quarter of the first skyscrapers is especially good to look at from the Terzo Piano restaurant. However, if you want to delve deeper into this subject, take a tour of the city’s architecture. The enthusiasts of the Chicago Architecture Foundation will tell you about the history of each skyscraper, and at the same time – about how the city developed and how it lives.
The best views of the city are available from the John Hancock Center, which offers a stunning 360-degree experience from the height of 1,030 feet.
Get Closer to Technology
The Museum of Science and Industry is a paradise for all ages. Younger visitors will be happy to take part in scientific experiments that explain, for example, how to stop a tornado, how to launch a balloon, or how to create a tsunami. Also, there are many other exhibits that you can touch with your hands and learn a lot of interesting things.
If you like bigger exhibits, these are real Spitfires hanging from the ceiling. In a separate part of the museum, you will find the U-505 submarine captured in 1944. Plus, an entire museum exhibit reveals the history of Google’s robotics. You may play table football with a robot and even create your own one.
Feel the Spirit of the City
The special pride of Chicago is that you will find what to see and where to go not only in the city center. So, you can feel the rhythm of the city in every area. Districts that used to be outskirts are now turning into whole gastronomic clusters.
For example, this happened with the former Puerto Rican ghetto Wicker Park, where the movie High Fidelity was filmed. The area is full of record stores and antique shops. But at the same time, there are still many carnicerias in the neighboring streets. This is a great place to eat empanadas and buy a piñata as a souvenir.
Understand the Meaning of Art
Chicago has a rich cultural heritage. The permanent exhibition of the Institute of Arts includes European art, but its main pride is, of course, American classics. For example, among the exhibits you shouldn’t miss are Grant Wood’s American Gothic, Hopper’s Midnights, and a small but tastefully handpicked collection of Andrew Wyeth’s works.
The museum has another unique exhibition – a sculpture of a huge dog, made entirely of silver, by Charles Ray. Plus, the museum balcony offers great views of Millennium Park, while the museum’s ivy garden is also a great place to spend time in the middle of nature.
Conclusion
Chicago has many places to visit and things to see, and each of them can be a decisive factor in visiting this amazing city. Of course, you will also find many other great sights and activities once you get there!
