Chicago: The Great American City Well-known for its cultural activities, architecture, fine dining, and first-class shopping, Chicago is a colourful, dynamic city. The Windy City is a city of neighborhoods each demonstrating a unique character. Whilst you'll find many great cultural institutions and tourist attractions downtown, to really get to know Chicago, you should venture away from the Loop and Michigan Avenue and out among the vibrant neighborhoods. In Armitage you'll find upscale boutiques and in the historic Lincoln Park Neighborhood see residential streets lined with million-dollar homes. In Lakeview, you'll find a neighborhood defined by an eclectic mix of alternative youth, gay & lesbian, sports and family cultures.
The Belmont strip is a favorite hangout for the youth of Chicago and the North Halsted strip is the center of Chicago's GLBT culture. On Chicago's north side Clark Street from Belmont to Wrigley Field is "main street" for baseball fans while Broadway south of Belmont is a combination of all the above. Go to Damen to visit the center of Chicago's 'in scene', Wicker Park home to many chic restaurants, bars and boutiques. Some of the neighborhoods such as Chinatown and nearby Greektown have a very distinct identity. These are just two examples of the many different neighborhoods that host well over 15000 restaurants offering culinary fare to suit every taste and pocket. In 2003, the Robb Report named Chicago the best city for dining. Downtown Chicago is the heart of the city where you'll find many of its best attractions. Among these is the Chicago Cultural Center.
The nation's first free municipal cultural center, it features two art-glass domes and mosaic walls and a visitor information center which provides maps and brochures to assist you in making the most of your time in the city. The cultural center itself also plays host to concerts, art exhibits and other artistic performances. On the east side of Michigan Avenue is Millennium Park, Chicago's newest cultural attraction. You can simply stroll through the park wherever your whim takes you or pick up an audio tour from the park's Welcome Center at Randolph Street. In the park you'll find the 110 ton polished steel sculpture, affectionately known in the city as "The Bean." Near Millennium Park you'll find the Art Institute of Chicago featuring a world-class collection of Impressionist paintings and the Thorne Miniature Rooms. The latter exhibit depicts European and American interiors from different historical periods. Perhaps one of the best ways to see the city is from the water particularly if you take an elegant dinner cruise with live music and dancing. You'll find a number of cruise ships at Navy Pier, a large lakefront dining and entertainment complex featuring a 150 foot Ferris Wheel. Another great way to see the city is from the air. On the "Magnificent Mile" you can visit the Sears Tower Skydeck or the John Hancock Observatory to take in the stunning cityscapes. Running along Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to the Chicago River, the "Magnificent Mile" provides a vast array of shopping opportunities. Stores include Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue and a variety of specialty stores. 
Compiled with the kind assistance of The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Images courtesy of The Illinois Bureau of Tourism Chicago - Places to visit Navy Pier Located right on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is home to the Chicago Children's Museum, the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, an IMAX theater, and unique shops and restaurants. Find outdoor fun with the 15-story Ferris wheel, an old-fashioned carousel, tour boats, the Skyline Stage and fireworks. Magnificent Mile Shopping Power shoppers grab their wallets and head for North Michigan Avenue, one of the ritziest retail stretches in the world. Millennium Park This wondrous 25-acre park is a showplace for the arts. Catch an outdoor concert at the dazzling Jay Pritzker Pavilion, designed by architect Frank Gehry. See live music and dance at the Harris Theater. Then stroll the grounds and discover the reflective sculpture "Cloud Gate" (called "the Bean" by locals); the "Crown Fountain," featuring projected images of Chicagoans who playfully spurt water; and the cutting-edge "Lurie Garden." Images courtesy of The Illinois Bureau of Tourism Lincoln Park Zoo One of the oldest zoos in the country (opened in 1868), and it's free! Experience country life right in the middle of the city at the Farm-in-the-Zoo, get up close and personal with a gorilla in the new Regenstein Center for African Apes, greet the newest arrivals at the Pritzker Family Children's Zoo and paddle along the lagoon in a swan boat. Sears Tower/Hancock Observatory Get a panoramic view of Chicago from the top of the nation's tallest building.
Check out the interactive exhibits, multi-language computer kiosks that highlight city landmarks and high-powered telescopes for a bird's-eye view. You'll get one of the best views of Chicago and Lake Michigan from the 94th-floor Hancock Observatory. Take a self-guided audio Sky Tour, then step onto the Skywalk, an open-air viewing deck located 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile. Museum Campus The Museum Campus is a scenic 57-acre lakefront park that connects three of Chicago's most popular destinations: the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum, The Field Museum and the John G. Shedd Aquarium. Spend the day whale-watching, exploring ancient Egypt and gazing at the stars. The Art Institute Of Chicago One of the world's leading art museums houses works by some of the greatest artists in history, ranging from Monet to Warhol. See an extensive collection of French Impressionist paintings, fine and decorative arts from around the world, photography, textiles and more. Don't miss the Museum Shop. Cubs / White Sox Parks Chicago is a big sports town, so it's no surprise that it's also home to two major league baseball teams. Cheer the Chicago Cubs on the North Side and the Chicago White Sox on the South Side. Museum Of Science And Industry Have fun learning about science and technology at this hands-on museum. Popular attractions include the underground Coal Mine, awesome Omnimax Theater and an actual Boeing 727 that recreates a cross-country flight in just seven minutes!
Compiled with the kind assistance of The Illinois Department of Commerce and Chicago - Getting around O'Hare International Airport Within the Airport Airport Transit System (Ats) (773) 462-0400 Light rail, intra-airport transit system with service between Terminals 1, 2, 3, 5 and long-term Parking Lot E. Stations found on the upper level center of Terminals 1, 2, 3, 5 and the north end of Lot E. Free service operates 24 hours a day. By Car When leaving O'Hare Airport, Interstate 190 will take you to all other major expressways. By Bus and Shuttle The Bus/Shuttle Center is the central pick-up facility for all Pace, regional and hotel courtesy buses, off-airport rental car agencies and parking shuttles. The facility is located on the ground level of O'Hare's elevated parking garage and is accessible via pedestrian tunnels from Terminals 1, 2 and 3. From Terminal 5, take the ATS to Terminal 3 and follow the signs. Midway Airport Connection The quickest way to travel from O'Hare to Midway Airport is via the Omega Airport Shuttle. The cost is $16.00 each way, and shuttles depart hourly from 6:45 a.m. until 11:45 p.m. Omega Airport Shuttle service operates from the Bus/Shuttle Center at O'Hare. Information: (773) 483-6634 By Train The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line train operates 24 hours a day from O'Hare to downtown Chicago. The station is accessible via pedestrian tunnels from Terminals 1, 2 and 3. From Terminal 5, take the ATS to Terminal 3 and follow the signs. Approximate travel time to downtown Chicago is 45 minutes. Information: (312) 836-7000 Metra Trains The Metra North Central Service consists of five weekday inbound and outbound trains between O'Hare and Chicago's Union Station. Shuttle service is provided between the Metra Train Station to the airport's Airport Transit System (ATS) platform located at the north end of Parking Lot E for a quick connection to all airport terminals. Information: (312) 836-7000. By Taxi Taxicabs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis from the lower level curb front of all terminals. Shared ride service is available. Distance to downtown Chicago is 17 miles. Expect to spend approximately $35 to $40 for a taxicab ride to downtown Chicago. Compiled with the kind assistance of The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Images courtesy of The Illinois Bureau of Tourism.
