Located in the state of Illinois, Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States, and one of the favourite destinations to visit if you travel to this country. Along Lake Michigan, Chicago stands out for its architecture and challenging structures that draw a skyline full of skyscrapers and imposing buildings. It is also home to some of Chicago’s must-see art stops and venues. In this post we have selected some of the most important points of this city, so that you can get to know it and love it as much as we do. Don’t miss it!
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Things to see in Chicago
360 Chicago Observatory
Formerly known as John Hancock, the Chicago Observatory is a 459-metre, 100-storey building that you can’t miss on your trip to Chicago. Its construction was completed in 1968 crowning it as the second tallest building in the world. Today it is the seventh tallest building in the United States. The John Hanckok Center offers breathtaking views of the city, not only of Chicago but also of Lake Michigan.
The views from this tower are unlike anything you’ve seen before, as you can see the city vertically, due to the shape of its windows. Without a doubt, it is an experience not to be missed in this city.
Millennium Park, the park to see in Chicago
Millennium Park is part of Grant Park, and is the lungs of Chicago. It is a 10-hectare park that is one of the most emblematic places to visit in Chicago. This park combines natural spaces with the most impressive architecture, making it a unique and special place. The location of this park is idyllic, right next to Lake Michigan, in the heart of the Loop. The park was transformed in 2004 and today there is a wealth of things to do here. Strolling through Millennium Park, you’ll find everything from works of art of American architecture to some of the events that take place throughout the year.
Cloud Gate
Cloud Gate is a must-see on any trip to Chicago. This sculpture is located in AT&T Plaza and was built by Anish Kapoor between 2004 and 2006. Cloud Gate weighs about 100 tons, and although it appears to be made of one piece, it is actually made up of 168 plates. These stainless steel plates are polished on the outside making it look like a single piece.
Willis Tower
The Willis Tower is the former Sears Tower and has an altitude of 527 metres. It is the main competitor of the 360 Observatory, and another one of the must-see viewpoints in Chicago. It offers privileged views of the city and one of the most beautiful postcards of Chicago. Inaugurated in 1973 as the tallest building in the world, this is a must-see stop on your Chicago travel route. Seeing the city from here is breathtaking.
Chicago Riverwalk
One of the things to see in Chicago is the leisurely Riverwalk. It is a promenade that runs along the banks of the Chicago River. A pedestrian area that will oxygenate you a bit from the city traffic. This promenade has been completed in phases, the last of which was completed in 2017. The walk is 2 kilometres long. Arriving at Wolf Point from Lake Michigan itself. As you walk along, you will find restaurants and bars between bridges.
The Chicago Teather, the most charming theatre to see in Chicago
The Chicago Theatre is one of the most iconic theatres in the United States and an essential stop to see in Chicago. It is also known as the Balaban and Katz Theatre after its promoters, and is one of the most iconic images of the city. The building was built in 1921 in a French Renaissance style that gave it a certain glamour. It quickly began showing films and became what they called the deluxe movie palace. The theatre has hosted everything from concerts to live shows and other cultural events.
Navy Pier
Navy Pear is a Santa Monica-style pier with the difference that instead of the sea, it is bathed by a lake. What was once one of the largest piers in the world is now a place of entertainment. Both tourists and locals can enjoy themselves here. Attractions, restaurants and the occasional museum are the key places here.
You can enjoy a 3D cinema as well as a famous Ferris wheel or a rather large ferris wheel. As for the shops, as well as souvenirs, you can take a break and relax with a beer in one of the bars that offer incredible views.
Buckingham Fountain
Located in Grant Park, the Buckingham Fountain is one of the most striking points of this park. Undoubtedly, it is a must-see in Chicago. Inaugurated in 1927, the fountain is rococo in style and was inspired by a fountain in the Palace of Versailles in France. Around the main fountain there are statues of horses that give a very special touch to the whole. These four horses symbolise the four states surrounding Lake Michigan. If you visit Chicago in summer, you will find different light shows that take place at night and make this a very special place.
Wabash Arts Corridor
As in any big city, it is quite common to find graffiti decorating the streets. It was in 2013 when Columbia College Chicago encouraged a programme for its students to decorate the commercial part of the city. It is for this reason that we can see authentic works of art on numerous shops and facades in the city. The artists call it living art, as it is possible that, from one day to the next, some part of the city will change.
Lakefront Trail
One of the must-do things to do in Chicago is to walk the Lakefront Trail. It’s a 28-kilometre paved walk along the shores of Lake Michigan. While you don’t have to do the whole thing, you can start at the museum area and work your way down to North Avenue Beach. The views are beautiful and it’s a great way to relax. Be prepared to feel the cold wind from the lake, though. You can also do it by bike. In fact, during the sunset, many people get out for a bike ride after work.
Magnificent Mile
When it comes to the world’s great thoroughfares, Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is on a par with New York’s Fifth Avenue or Paris’ Champs Elysées. A wide, flower-filled boulevard, bounded by the Chicago River to the south and Oak Street to the north, the Mag Mile bustles constantly with crowds of locals and visitors alike.
The heart and soul of the Mag Mile is the historic Water Tower, a striking limestone structure located at Michigan and Chicago Avenues. As one of the few buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the Historic Water Tower symbolises the city’s resilience.
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What to do in and around Chicago
Buffalo Rock Park
Buffalo Rock Park is located in La Salle County about two hours from the Windy City. You can hike the Effigy Tumuli hike, which takes about an hour. It will give you a good look at the park as well as the famous sculptures in the earth. They are huge and were made by Michael Heizer in 1985. If you want to visit Buffalo Rock Park, you have the opportunity to explore the park via two trails. One is River Bluff, which runs along the riverside area of the park and has stunning views of the Illinois River. The other trail, Woodland, goes deep into the big-tree forests and allows travellers to learn more about the flora and fauna of this region.
Starved rock park
If you’re visiting this area, you’ll find yourself among breathtaking canyons, rock formations, waterfalls and rivers. This spectacular natural area on the outskirts of Chicago is an ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. The visitor centre will give you all the information you need about the park, both in terms of itineraries and regulations. In this section, we will tell you about the main itineraries you can do in the park. With 1,064 hectares, you will be able to do a lot of routes.
What to see in Chicago in 2 days?
With two days in this imposing city, you will be able to discover its most representative stops and get to know its best kept secrets. Here is a two-day itinerary with the most important things to see in Chicago.
Day 1:
- 360 Chicago Observatory
- Millennium Park and Cloud Gate
- Chicago Riverwalk
- The Chicago Teather
- Magnificent Mile
Day 2:
- Willis Tower
- Navy Pier
- Buckingham Fountain and Grant Park
- Wabash Arts Corridor
- Lakefront Trail
What to see in Chicago in 3 days?
In three days you can get to know more about the city and its surroundings. On the third day you can take a trip to one of the green spots surrounding the city such as Buffalo Rock Park or Starved Rock Park.
Day 3:
- Buffalo Rock Park
- Starved Rock Park
How to plan your route of what to see in Italy?
Passporter wants to help you plan a trip to Chicago. You can use this post as a reference and combine it with the options that the Passporter App suggests. You will find a wide variety of ideas and inspiration on what to see and what to do in Chicago. Thanks to the App you can sort your selection by preferences, creating the ideal trip to Chicago for you quickly and easily.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Chicago is generally safe, although there are some neighbourhoods that are best avoided. Avoid poor neighbourhoods, which are known for gang activity and similar crimes, and take normal precautionary measures.
It is the third most populous city in the country, after New York and Los Angeles. It is located along the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, and is the county seat of Cook County.
The most dangerous neighbourhoods in Chicago that you should avoid are: the entire Englewood area, Riverdale, Fuller Park, West Garfield Park, Auburn Gresham, Gage Park, Chicago Lawn, Grand Crossing and Chatham.
The most recommended area to stay in Chicago is the Magnificent Mile.
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