City Guide Chicago
Not very fond of the end of year celebrations, I always choose to spend them elsewhere when I can.
So I was lucky enough to spend Christmas once in Chicago and discover what is nicknamed the "Windy City".
Chicago is the third largest city in the United States, after New York and Los Angeles, and a very important financial center.
The city became particularly famous during Prohibition with a certain Al Capone.
The city is the starting point of Route 66, which ends in Santa Monica.
Chicago also influenced Gotham City, Batman's imaginary city.
I present to you the essential activities to fully visit this city.
Take a cruise on the Chicago River
(Or take a stroll along the Chicago River Walk of your choice).
During this pretty walk along the Michigan River, you can discover the most beautiful buildings of River North: John Hancock Center (with its observatory), Willis Tower, Marina City and its round twin towers, Tribune Tower etc.
For the cruise, take part in the “ Architecture tower » , departing from Michigan Avenue Bridge or Navy Pier.
In which you will witness the coming and going of the overhead metro as it passes between the buildings.
Explore The Loop, the heart of the city
A must-see in Chicago's neighborhoods, The Loop (translate "the loop") is a place full of energy but also a historical and financial center. It takes its name from the elevated metro line that runs a " loop " around the sector.
This business district is the most important in the United States after Manhattan, and serves as a major financial center on a global scale.
In addition to its bustling atmosphere and dynamic architecture, mainly composed of Art Deco buildings and buildings, The Loop is home to cultural institutions (theaters and museums), green spaces, renowned restaurants and department stores.
To see among others: Art Institute of Chicago, Willis Tower, Cloud Gate , Chicago Theater
Take a picture in front of the Cloud Gate
A symbol of the city, you can't miss this shiny bean in the middle of Millennium Park.
Always surrounded by a crowd taking pictures of themselves in front of the reflection of their distorted image.
Just a stone's throw away, stop at Crown Fountain with its glass towers on which faces are projected.
A must: do it at night for an even more impressive result.
Then next to it stands the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, to attend open-air concerts with a view of the city center.
Right next to Millenium Park is the start sign for Route 66, the legendary 2,440-mile-long road that ends in Santa Monica, California.
Near the sign, stop for lunch at Lou Mitchell's, listed in the register of historic places. This is clearly the meeting place for roadtrippers.
Attend a show at "Broadway in Chicago"
There are over 200 theatre companies in the city.
Improvisation is also a specialty in Chicago.
A must try: The Second City which revealed Bill Murray, Tina Fey and Mike Myers.
Don't miss passing by the Chicago Theater with its facade worthy of those of New York's Broadway.
Discover the city and its architectural history with a local
I personally booked a free 2.5-3 hour tour with a local (tips at your discretion at the end of the tour).
My guide was a New Yorker but had been living in Chicago for ages. And truly passionate and in love with his adopted city, he did this in his free time.
It was very interesting, both to discover the history and the differences in architecture of the buildings in the city center. Whether it was the exterior facades or some impressive entrance halls.
Cultivate yourself at the Art Institute
The museum is located on the Loop, at Grant Park.
It is easily recognized because it is guarded by two bronze lions.
Multiple exhibitions are available throughout the year, focusing on Art from different continents and different cultures such as:
- Indian, Southeast Asian and Himalayan Art
- Chinese, Japanese and Korean Art
- Art of Americas
- Art of Africa
- Greek Roman and Byzantine Art
- Arms and Armor, Medieval and Renaissance Art
Start your day with a good brunch
The most famous among others: Blue Door Kitchen & Garden Or Flo.
Or like me, stop at the Cheesecake Factory, next to my hotel, on Magnificent Mile.
Their lemon meringue cheesecake is amazing!
The picture speaks for itself 😉
Walk the Magnificent Mile
This ultra-upscale area is full of chic boutiques, shopping malls, souvenir shops and international brands.
There are more than 400 luxury boutiques (Bloomingdale's, Chanel, Vuitton, Tiffany's etc.)
So it's a great place to window shop.
There are also many small cafes and gourmet restaurants, not to mention luxury hotels.
Among Chicago's neighborhoods, Magnificent Mile is one of the youngest and most dynamic. On this portion of Michigan Avenue, you walk between gigantic buildings, historic buildings and the riverside.
To see on the way: the Water Tower, the only building that survived the Great Fire, and the Chicago Water Works, which houses the Tourist Information Center.
Enjoy a Deep Dish Pizza, the local specialty
As the name suggests, it is a deep pizza prepared in a dish.
Flanked by rising edges, the Deep Dish Pizza is made of a thin, crispy and slightly flaky dough, generously garnished with cheese and tomato sauce in thick layers.
The references for tasting the best are without a doubt at Gino's Eat, Giordano's or even Lou Malnati's.
Stroll along Navy Pier
This pier built along Lake Michigan during World War II is the most visited tourist attraction in the state.
A real entertainment venue with a Ferris wheel, a cinema and a children's museum.
Also, I didn't have the chance to discover it because it was the middle of winter when I came, but the many Beer Gardens that take place there as soon as the nice weather arrives must clearly be worth the detour.
Cycling along Lake Michigan
The lake shore offers 40 kilometers of bike or walking trails for the most motivated.
You can rent bikes from Navy Pier and continue south.
So you will have a guaranteed reward on the way back by driving towards the incredible skyline.
Sunbathing on one of Lake Michigan's beaches
There are about fifteen of them.
The Chicago Park District has 25 miles of beaches including the popular Oak Street Beach where beach volleyball tournaments are held. This beach is regularly awarded among the best beaches on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Jarvis Beach And Leone Beach are two beautiful beaches of Rogers Park.
The latter is one of 16 Chicago beaches that have a kayaking trail. North Avenue Beach is a must-see beach on Chicago's shoreline and the one that most closely resembles a resort beach.
Glencoe Beach, closer to downtown, is one of Chicago's busiest beaches and lined with green space.
Finally, North Avenue Beach, located at 1600 North Avenue, is considered by many Chicagoans to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Chicago. It has the largest lifeguard staff and is home to the most developed beach huts.
Strolling around Lincoln Park Zoo
The district of Lincoln Park is named after the city's largest park.
Ranked second in the United States after Central Park.
Mainly residential, it is a green and airy area where it is good to stroll.
By the way, for a little historical information, 2 swans from Central Park were offered by New York in 1868 to the park.
There are more than 1100 animals and more than 200 species of all kinds.
To see next door: Lincoln Park Conservatory, a 1.2 hectare botanical garden.
Getting laid with a view of the city
2 possible observatories:
- THE 360 CHICAGO of John Hancock Center, 343 meters high, with its observatory at 94e floor
- THE Skydeck in the Willis Tower, at 103th floor, 412 meters high.
Personally, I have experienced the 94 observatorye floor of 360 with a detour via the bar, The Signature Lounge, at 96e floor, New Year's Eve, December 24
With a Windy City Martini in hand of course.
A must experience if you are there.
Enjoy the scenery on the skytrain
Public holiday on 12/25, everything is closed so I took the opportunity to visit the city differently via the overhead metro baptized "The L"
The journey not to be missed:
Jump on a Brown Line subway at Fullerton or Armitage and stay until Clark. You pass through the middle of Downtown, so close to the buildings you think you can touch them.
Clearly the cheapest tourist circuit you will find to visit the city.
Watch a baseball game at Wrigley Field
Located in the heart of Wrigleyville, this young neighborhood is part of the Lake View sector.
It includes typical small streets, but also and above all the famous baseball stadium Wrigley Field, Chicago Cubs headquarters.
By necessity, Wrigleyville is full of lively and noisy bars, where sports fans, budding musicians and young professionals rub shoulders. Atmosphere guaranteed!
During the day, the streets are quieter. You can then enjoy the cafes, the relaxed restaurants, buying a few souvenirs here and there.
Good to know:
The North side supports the White Soxs
The South Side supports the Cubs
But every match is a celebration, whether you win or lose.
It's all very good-natured in the end.
Before you set off again, don't forget to stop and take a photo of yourself in front of the classic “Greetings from Chicago” (2226 N Milwaukee Ave)
And get lost in the adjacent streets at the sight of the numerous graffiti present on the surrounding walls.
Living to the rhythm of music
Chicago is the birthplace of blues and house music.
Blues lovers, a must-see place to spend your evening: the Buddy's Guy Legends, which as its name suggests belongs to the blues musician of the same name.
Open 5pm-1am Wednesday-Saturday, 700 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
You will also find many clubs and festivals in the summer. There is something for everyone.
TO GO FURTHER IN YOUR VISIT
Get away from the center to discover Bucktown, Ukrainian Village or even Wicker Park
These three neighborhoods have seen the emergence of trendy record stores, thrift stores and lounge bars.
But the traditional little cafes have not disappeared. Wicker Park is the commercial heart of this area.
Supervised by Bucktown, a little more luxurious, and Ukrainian Village, a little more popular.
The restaurants and rock clubs in these neighborhoods are the best in Chicago.
