Chicago Overview

The old Chicago of belching smokestacks and brawling politicians has given way to world-class museums, architecture, restaurants, hotels and theaters, but it still has the character that earned it the title as the most American of American cities.

Districts

Chicago is "The City that Works." "The City of Big Shoulders." It boasts North America’s tallest building and one of the world’s largest office buildings. With the ubiquitous elevated trains creating a continuous clatter, the city looks big. Feels big. Is big.

At first glance, Chicago can be overwhelming. But, like any city, it is the sum of its parts, and its parts are diverse. Also known as "The City of Neighborhoods," Chicago comprises more than 75 official neighborhoods, more if you count the names real estate salespeople have devised. Each neighborhood features its own distinct quality and character, so when trying to digest Chicago, do not try to take it all in with one big bite. Break it up into manageable portions. All in all, do not be overwhelmed by Chicago’s size or grit. Just find a corner of this city that suits you and celebrate its diversity.

Districts in and around Downtown include: The Loop, Near North Side, and South Loop. Beyond Downtown can be found Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Uptown, Wicker Park / Bucktown, and The South Side.

Dining and Drinking

Chicago is a marvelous mix of awe-inspiring architecture and stunning lake views, blues houses and jazz clubs, celebrity (Michael Jordan) and infamy (Al Capone). It is home to the Sears Tower, architectural gems by the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright, and "da Bears." With this kind of diversity going for it, it’s not surprising the city's culinary offerings are world class.

There is something to suit everyone's appetite, from the classic Chicago-style pizza at Pizzeria Uno to mouthwatering hot dogs to pound-heavy T-bones. Fine dining establishments are top-of-the-line and plentiful. Many excellent ethnic eateries also flourish here, whether you're in the mood for generous Italian, hands-only Ethiopian, Indian curries or spicy Thai.

Get to know the many charming (and tasty) areas of Chicago: The Loop, Magnificent Mile, River North / Gold Coast, Lincoln Park with Lakeview / Wrigleyville, Hyde Park, Chinatown, and Wicker Park / Bucktown.

Where To Stay

Chicago may have more neighborhoods than any other city in North America. While many of them have begun to look similar, each maintains distinctive features and color. Whether looking for the exotic or a bit of the city made famous by novelist Nelson Algren, you can find it in Chicago.

Four of Chicago’s neighborhoods offer most of its best hotels: the Loop, North Michigan Avenue, the Gold Coast and Lincoln Park. Each neighborhood has its pros and cons, but you can be assured that you won’t have to worry about stray bullets coming through your window or the elevated train clattering by, as in the film .The Blues Brothers.

Transportation

The city of "big shoulders" is also a city of big public transportation options. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA ) services downtown and 38 suburbs, transporting an amazing 1.3 million riders a day. The El (elevated train) ranks as its crown jewel and, in many ways, joins Wrigley Field and the Sears Tower as the true symbols of the city. It offers 289 miles of track with five separate lines. Depending on the time of day all stops are serviced every 5-20 minutes. One-way fares cost USD1.75 and exact change is required.

Chicago's wide streets and well-placed expressways make it relatively easy to drive when compared to most other major cities. However, attempting to find available parking will seem more like a myth rather than a reality. Cabs are extremely easy to hail along Chicago's Magnificent Mile, the Loop, and in Lincoln Park. Otherwise it is best to call.


Downtown attractions such as the Shedd Aquarium, the Sears Tower, and the Magnificent Mile are all relatively close making walking a fantastic travel option. Chicago's famed Lakefront Bike Path should serve as a universal blueprint for every city bike path. It hugs the Lake Michigan shore in a north/south direction passing beaches and marinas, and accessing every major Chicago attraction including the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Navy Pier, the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium, the Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park.

Did You Know?

Chicago's Windy City nickname has nothing to do with weather. It was coined in 1893 by Charles Dana, the editor of the now defunct New York Sun newspaper, in commenting on Chicago's politicians.

Orientation/Geography

Chicago dominates the southwest shore of Lake Michigan in northeastern Illinois. Saint Louis lies 297 miles to the southwest, Indianapolis 185 miles to the southeast, Milwaukee 92 miles north, and the Iowa state line 173 miles to the west.


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