Chicago Destination Guide

Ethnically diverse, with distinctive neighborhoods, Chicago is the Midwest's cultural capital, famous for its striking architecture, glamorous shopping, fabulous cuisine and buzzy nightlife.

The spirit of enterprise fostered in the city saw a bold realization in the dramatic skyline of skyscrapers and landmarks that took shape after the Great Fire of 1871. At one time Chicago stuck its flag atop the world's tallest building and the world's largest shopping center.

When it's not been a pioneer - in building, business, music, the arts and, more recently, as a 'green' city - then the Windy City has always had a knack for adaptation. The self-proclaimed "Blues Capital of the world" also has a thriving jazz and House music scene. Chicago's chefs built their own hearty brand of pizza and hot dog, and the Magnificent Mile took its style lead from Paris' Champs-Elysées.

19th-century poet and dramatist, William Vaughn Moody called Chicago "gigantic, willful and young". That's why it's the perfect introduction to Big City America.

Attraction Guide for Chicago, IL

There's plenty for the whole family to enjoy in Chicago, a city boasting some unforgettable attractions. You've the impressive landmarks, world-class zoos and museums, charming parks and waterfronts, eclectic arts and music venues, and much more.

Ever wondered how Chicago looks from a quarter of a mile up? Head up the Sears Tower to find out. You get an immediate sense of the city's big business credentials on a tour of the Chicago Loop - the historical center of downtown Chicago. It's the second largest financial district in the USA after New York.

Chicago's blessed with a lengthy list of architectural highlights - from gothic revival to art deco and postmodern styles. Don't miss the Prairie homes dotting the suburb of Oak Park, home to perhaps America's most celebrated architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.

But you can find a slower pace away from the urban bustle - there's more parkland in Chicago than in any other US city, and Lake Michigan's waterfront provides nearly 30 miles of shoreline and 15 miles of relaxing beach, a landscape perfect for walking, cycling or rollerblading.

No Chicago vacation can be complete without ticking the following attractions off your list:

Sears Tower: It's a 70-second ride to the Skydeck Observatory on the 103rd floor. For equally impressive views, experience the view from the Hancock Observatory at the John Hancock Center in North Michigan Avenue.

Lincoln Park: Explore the landscaped oasis of Lincoln Park hugging the banks of Lake Michigan, with picnic groves, zoo, golf, beaches, and botanical gardens. Free entry.

Art Institute of Chicago: 5000 years of paintings, sculpture and drawings from the cultures of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Superb French Impressionist collection.

Museum of Science and Industry: Part amusement park, part trade show and part museum, this hall of science and technology wonders and widgets has over 2000 interactive exhibits.

Navy Pier: A bustling pier featuring a 150-foot Ferris wheel, IMAX cinema, two museums, gardens, boutiques, restaurants and a theater.

Magnificent Mile: Chicago's flower-filled promenade is lined with exclusive shops, luxury hotels, and top restaurants and the gothic Tribune Tower.

Blues Bars: Listen to live blues bands in bars within the Loop. Don't miss the renowned 'Buddy Guy's Legends' Chicago blues club.

Wrigley Field: One of the States' oldest baseball stadiums and home to the Chicago Cubs - catch the action in the historic bleachers from April through September.

Shedd Aquarium: The world's largest indoor aquarium, housing 8000 creatures from tiny jewel-like spiny lobsters to 1500-pound beluga whales.