What to see in Chicago. The main attractions of Chicago (with photo)
Everyone knows it as a city of gangsters and jazz, but what is Chicago (Illinois) really like? The sights of the city will tell everything for themselves.
"City of winds"
Chicago is located on the shores of Lake Michigan in northern Illinois and on the banks of the Chicago and Calumet rivers. The city is large industrial center and the largest transportation hub in the United States. It is the third largest city in the United States in terms of population. It is home to about three million people.
For the first time, the colonists visited these lands in 1674, establishing the first missionary post. At the beginning of the 19th century, a small settlement out of 350 people. In 1837, the settlement received the status of a city, with a population of more than 4 thousand people. Chicago got its name from the Indian name for garlic (shikaakwa), which grew on the banks of the local river.
It is often called the "city of winds", endowing this phrase with a poetic meaning. It is believed that for the first time this phrase was dubbed by the editor of the New-York Sun newspaper, and not out of romantic feelings, but because of the empty promises of manipulative politicians. Although there are indeed strong winds in Chicago, thanks to which this phrase is firmly entrenched outside the city.
Chicago: attractions, photo
The first thing to see in Chicago is the skyscrapers. is It has 110 floors and is 442 meters high, except for the antennas on the roof. The observation deck of the building is located at a height of 412 meters and is equipped with a transparent floor so that nothing interferes with viewing.
Beautiful panoramic views can also be seen from the 100-story John Hancock Center, Marina City Tower, and the Aeon Building, but that's not all Chicago can surprise you with. The sights of the city are just beginning. Descending from the observation deck and taking a ride on a tourist boat along the river, you can appreciate the huge skyscrapers from a completely different perspective.
The Magnificent Mile is what you need after your Chicago tours. The sights of the city are interesting, but no less fascinating are the boutiques and shops located on the "Magnificent Mile". There are more than 200 different restaurants here, where Deep Pizza is sure to be prepared for you.
Museums and architecture
Modern buildings and boutiques are not all sides of Chicago. The sights of this city are represented by interesting museums and architectural graces. For example, the Cathedral of Ion Cantius, built in 1893, which is an expressive example of the Polish style.
The Temple of Medina is by no means a place for prayer, but a furniture store building that repeats the architectural features of the Islamic style (decorative ornaments, domes and lattices). It was built in 1913 for the meetings of the Arab noble order, which is often associated with the Freemasons.
The Historical Museum is the oldest museum in the city. The expositions present the entire history of the state of Illinois and Chicago. The Chicago Cultural Center is worth a visit even for its appearance. The center is decorated with bronze, mahogany, carved cornices and mosaics. Various exhibitions, film screenings, dance evenings and scientific meetings take place here.
Entertainment
All kinds of water and air performances take place at Navi Pier. This is one of the most famous places in Chicago. The sights of Navi Pier are more likely to be for children, although there are places for adults to have fun too. In Navi Pier there are various attractions. The Children's Museum will please with an unusual collection, the Stained Glass Museum contains stained-glass windows of various periods.
On the shore is located in which the most recognizable landmark of the city is located - the Cloud Gate. However, locals often call this sculpture a bean because of its shape.
There are also other quirky statues and sculptures in the park, such as pillars with holographic images and fountains at the top. There are numerous alleys, pavilions and green areas.
Conclusion
The sights of Chicago satisfy all tastes, here are architectural beauties and the highest skyscrapers, and green parks, interesting museums, as well as boutiques and restaurants. This city will captivate you in a dizzying rhythm of modernity and style and will certainly remain in your memories for a long time.
Top 10 Chicago Attractions
1. Sears Tower (Willis Tower)
The tallest skyscraper in Chicago was built in 1970, its height is 450 meters, and if you take into account the antennas on the roof, then all 527 meters. The skyscraper contains 110 floors. The Sears Tower has until recently been the most high skyscraper in USA. Unfortunately, it can be noted that the observation deck is not the best in the city, it is glazed, and the windows are not washed every day. The Sears Tower is one of Chicago's top attractions with over 1.5 million visitors a year.
2. Magnificent Mile
Magnificent Mile is the part of Michigan Avenue that runs from Oak Street to the Chicago River. The Magnificent Mile is considered one of the best shopping streets in the world.The street was given its name by the area developer, Arthur Rubleff, in the 1940s. The Magnificent Mile is home to Chicago's most popular shopping malls, boutiques and restaurants. Most guided tours of Chicago depart from this street.
3. Harold Washington Library
Harold Washington Library- This book collection is one of the largest libraries in the world. The library was built relatively recently, in 1991, according to a unique architectural design, the library building resembles an ancient castle.
4. Flamingo (Flamingo)
The Flamingo Sculpture is another place not to be missed by a Chicago tour guide. The Flamingo is a unique example of Chicago street art, the sculpture depicts a pink flamingo intricately curved near the ground. Citizens call this monument "Taxpayer April 14" - the last day of paying taxes in the United States. The sculpture was created in 1974 by one of the most popular avant-garde sculptors of the 20th century, Calder Alexander. Flamingo is located at Federal Plaza.
5. Auditorium (Auditorium Theatre)
The Auditorium, as the building was called, is a very complex structure, which is crowned by a 17-story tower. The concert hall has 4,232 seats, 1,200 more seats than the Metropolitan Opera. The names of Bach, Beethoven and Vivaldi are inscribed on the columns near the theater stage, Maria Callas and Montserrat Caballe sang here, pop stars from Celina Dion to Madonna performed.
6. John Hancock Observatory
Skyscraper John Hancock Center is the tallest building in Chicago, the main attraction of this skyscraper, of course, Hancock Observatory with an observation deck that reveals all the beauty of Chicago to your eyes from a height of the 96th floor! The skyscraper was built for five years, copying the Eiffel Tower in Paris and opened in 1970.
7 Buckingham Fountain
Buckingham Fountain in Grand Park - copies one of the fountains of Versailles and is one of the largest in the world. The fountain consists of three levels of pools, with a total height of 7 meters, along the perimeter there are four pairs of bronze seahorses, each of which symbolizes the states standing on the shores of Lake Michigan. Please note that in winter the fountain does not work, and in summer the opening hours are from 8 am to 23.00 pm.
8Chicago Water Tower
Chicago Water Tower - built in 1869, it is a symbol of Chicago and one of the few buildings that survived the great fire that engulfed Chicago in the late 18th century. The 47-meter tower is located in the very center of the city.
9. Museum of Natural History (Museum of Natural History)
The Natural History Museum owes its existence to the World's Fair held in Chicago in 1893. Originally built to showcase exhibits from the fair, the museum has quickly evolved into a collection of natural history artifacts and exhibitions.The collection was moved to its current location in Grant Park in 1921 and is part of the Campus Museum.Exhibits from the taxidermy collection of large animals such as African elephants and an extensive collection of Native American artifacts,The 12-meter-high Tyrannosaurus skeleton is the most popular of the museum's millions of specimens.
USA / ILLINOIS - CHICAGO / GUIDES
01. Adler Planetarium/ Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium was the very first American planetarium and is today part of the famous Chicago Museum Campus (which also includes the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum). Explore the entire infinite universe in this multifunctional space center! Educational programs, exhibitions, theaters, interactive halls and performances - everywhere the audience is offered unique space shows. At the observatory, you can see with your own eyes the planets, stars and galaxies.
1300 S Lake Shore Dr, South Loop, Chicago
Mon-Fri - 9.30-16.00, Sat-Sun - 9.30-16.30, daily in summer - 9.30-18.00
$12 - general admission, $10 - pensioners, $8 - children 3-11 years old.
www.adlerplanetarium.org
02. Brookfield Zoo/ Brookfield Zoo
The zoo covers a gigantic area of 216 acres. Here you can see more than 6,000 animals, including 3,000 invertebrates, which are representatives of a total of 436 species. The main pride of the zoo is a huge exhibition of 7.5 acres called Great Bear Wilderness (Great Bear Wilderness - nature reserve in northern Montana, over 1,000 square kilometers of pristine wilderness). Here, the natural habitat of polar bears, grizzlies, Mexican wolves, bison, eagles and ravens is reproduced as accurately as possible.
3300 Golf Rd, West Suburbs, Brookfield
Mon-Sat - 9.30-18.00, Sun - 9.30-19.30
$15 general admission, $10.50 seniors and children, children 2 and under are free.
www.brookfieldzoo.org
03. Chicago History Museum/Chicago History Museum
The museum's flagship exhibition, Crossroads of America, explores the development of Chicago and its interactions with America in general, as well as its impact on American history. In 2006, a unique exhibit appeared in the museum - the first Railway carriage, which carried passengers on the 'L' line of the Chicago subway back in 1893. In October 2013, the museum announced a new interesting project - for the first time in the history of museums, ideas for new exhibitions will now be proposed by the residents of the city themselves.
1601 N Clark St, Chicago
Mon-Sat - 9.30-16.30, Sun - 12.00-17.00
$14 - general access, $12 - pensioners and students, children under 12 - free.
www.chicagohistory.org
04. DuSable Museum of African American History/ DuSable Museum of African American History
A small collection of artifacts that began in the home of Dr. Margaret Taylor-Burroughs, writer and historian back in 1961, has since grown into the largest and oldest museum of African American art, history, and culture in the United States. Today, the museum is located in Washington Park and is one of the few independent institutions of its kind in America. The diverse collections of the museum include more than 15,000 different artifacts - paintings, prints, sculptures and other historical monuments.
740 E 56th Pl, Hyde Park, Chicago
Tue-Sat - 10.00-17.00, Sun - 12.00-17.00
$10 general admission, $7 seniors and students, $3 children 6-11, children 5 and under free.
www.dusablemuseum.org
05. Grant Park / Grant Park
This park stretches along the Chicago waterfront and covers a vast area of 319 acres. It contains a huge number of significant sights of the city, such as Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, here you can also visit the Museum of Art and the famous Museum Campus, which brings together several interesting art institutions. During the summer, Grant Park hosts various festivals such as Lollapalooza, Blues Fest and Taste of Chicago.
337 E Randolph St, Downtown, Chicago
daily 6.00-23.00
for free.
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com
06. John Hancock Observatory/ John Hancock Observatory
The Hancock Observatory boasts that it is the only skyscraper in Chicago with an open-air observation deck, which appeared after the restoration of the building in 1997 and cost 2.5 million dollars. From a height of 305 meters from the 94th floor, an incredible view of the four neighboring states opens up. In clear weather, you can see everything 80 miles away.
875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago
daily 9.00-23.00
$18 general admission, $12 children 3-11 years old, children 2 years old and under are free.
www.360chicago.com
07. Zoo in Lincoln Park/ Lincoln Park Zoo
This oldest and one of the few free zoos in the country was founded in 1868. Today you can see more than 200 different species of animals and about 1200 representatives of these species, ranging from monkeys to zebras. The zoo itself is small - only 35 acres, but here a large number of entertainment. Don't forget to visit the lions in the Kovler pavilion or the African monkeys in the center of Regenstein. In 1997, the museum opened an exhibition of reptiles, the size of 3000 square meters.
2001 N Clark St, North Side, Chicago
for free.
08. Modern Art Museum/ Museum of Contemporary Art
One of the largest collections of national contemporary art is located in the premises of this museum. Keep up to date with the latest news, because large exhibitions are often held here, coming from other cities. In addition to the galleries, the Museum of Modern Art has a souvenir shop, a bookstore, a restaurant, a 300-seat theater and a picturesque sculpture garden.
1220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago
Tue - 10.00–20.00, Wed–Sun - 10.00–17.00
$12 - general access, $7 - pensioners and students, children under 12 - free.
www.mcachicago.org
09. Cinema Music Box / Music Box
For real movie buffs who don't follow all the trendy Hollywood blockbusters, there is no better cinema than Music Box. This is a modern cinema with two screens, which constantly show the latest art-house and documentaries. The cinema's cool main auditorium often triples midnight screenings of cult classics.
3733 N Southport Ave, Southport Corridor, Chicago
$9.25 - standard ticket, $8.25 - first session, $5 - on Mondays.
www.musicboxtheatre.com
10. naval pier/Navy Pier
This is the main tourist spot in Chicago. There are a huge number of shops, cafes and restaurants, an IMAX cinema. From the pier you can go on an exciting sightseeing sea trip by boat. A 45-meter Ferris wheel, an old carousel and an 18-hole mini-golf course are installed on the pier in the park - a great place not only for tourists, but for all residents of the city.
600E Grand Ave, Chicago
Mon-Thu - 10.00-20.00, Fri-Sat - 10.00-22.00, Sun - 10.00-19.00
for free.
www.navypier.com
11. Peggy Notebert Nature Museum/ The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
The Chicago Academy of Sciences built its collection of flora and fauna specimens as early as 1857, making this museum Chicago's first museum dedicated to nature and science. Unfortunately, the museum burned down in a fire in 1871, but was restored, and today it is located in Lincoln Park and is dedicated to the wildlife of the state of Illinois, as well as the flora and fauna of the Great Lakes region. On 6 acres of the museum there are more than 15,000 plants, 13,000 birds, 22,000 amphibians and reptiles. You can stand in a whirlpool of 1000 butterflies at one of the most beautiful exhibitions of the museum in the Butterfly House.
2430 N Cannon Dr, Lincoln Park, Chicago
Mon-Fri - 9.00-17.00, Sat-Sun - 10.00-17.00
$9 - general admission, $7 - pensioners and students, $6 - children 3-12 years old, children under 3 years old - free.
www.naturemuseum.org
12. Water Tower Place Shopping Center/Water Tower Place
If you're wandering downtown looking for a great shopping destination, this mall on Michigan Avenue is just the place for you. Hundreds of people constantly flock to this seven-story shopping and entertainment complex to take their children to American Girl or Lego, and then grab a bite to eat in fashionable restaurants.
835 N Michigan Ave, Chicago
www.shopwatertower.com
13. Wrigley Field Baseball Stadium/ Wrigley Field
This baseball stadium has been the home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916. It can accommodate 41,000 people, and this fact puts it in 21st place among baseball stadiums across the country. The area around the baseball park is called Wrigleyville, and its streets are full of bars, restaurants, and other entertainment venues.
1060 W Addison St, Wrigleyville, Chicago
www.chicagocubs.com
14. Art Institute of Chicago/ The Art Institute of Chicago
One could spend years exploring this entire incredible collection of artwork and artifacts from around the world. Impressionists and post-impressionists, many American painters and great artists of the 13th-17th centuries - representatives of all genres and trends, from antiquity to the present, are housed in the halls of this museum. Masterpieces of the European, American and Asian world, architectural elements, legendary paintings by famous artists - the whole history of art will appear before you in one place.
111S Michigan Ave, Loop, Chicago
Mon-Wed - 10.30-17.00, Thu - 10.30-20.00, Fri-Sat - 10.30-17.00
$23 general admission, $17 seniors and students, children 13 and under free.
www.artic.edu/aic/
15. Chicago Cultural Center/ Chicago Cultural Center
Formerly a public library and now a high arts institution, the Chicago Cultural Center offers free concerts of classical music. Most of the events take place at Preston Bradley Hall, while the Claudia Cassidy Theater on Randolph Street often hosts experimental concerts.
78 E Washington St, Downtown, Loop, Chicago
for free.
http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en.html
16. Chicago Riverfront/ Chicago Riverwalk
For amazing views of the city and mesmerizing architectural landscapes of the city, go for a walk along the Chicago waterfront. A conveniently equipped pedestrian zone offers a large number of entertainment - cafes, restaurants, river walks and water taxis.
runs along Wacker Dr and the south bank of the Chicago River, Chicago
Mon-Thu - 8.00–19.00, Fri - 8.00–18.00, Sat - 9.00–18.00, Sun - 10.00–18.00
for free.
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/chicago-riverwalk/
17. Museum of Natural History. field/ The Field Museum of Natural History
One of the largest natural history museums in the world attracts up to 2 million visitors a year with its permanent exhibitions and exciting educational programs. There are more than 24 million different exhibits! The collections have absorbed an incredible number of artifacts from all over the world - from meteorites and precious stones to dinosaur skeletons. 10 permanent exhibitions will help you immerse yourself in the history of the origin and evolution of our planet - representatives of ancient animals, underworld, Ancient Egypt and even a DNA research center.
1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Downtown, Chicago
daily 9.00–17.00. No entry after 16.00.
$15 general admission, $12 seniors and students, $10 children ages 3-11.
www.fieldmuseum.org
18. Cafe Green Mill/Green Mill
This place is for all lovers of jazz: traditional, bebop, modern and improvisation! Al Capone and all the most famous gangsters of the 20s rested here, and today there is an excellent music bar. In the 1980s, Owner Dave Jemilo restored the club to its original luster and the place retains its authenticity to this day. We advise you to reserve your seats in advance.
4802 N Broadway, North Side, Chicago
Mon-Fri - 12.00–4.00, Sat - 12.00–5.00, Sun - 11.00–4.00
$7 - average price of a cocktail
www.greenmilljazz.com
19. Lincoln Park / Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park was named after the 16th President of the United States of America, Abraham Lincoln, shortly after his assassination in 1865. The park stretches along Lake Michigan and includes a zoo, a conservatory, and a cultural center.
at Stockton and LaSalle Drs, Lincoln Park, Chicago
daily 6.00–23.00
The status of the "Gangster City" confirms that the sights in the United States are traditionally the exact match of the specifics of a particular city in America. Scale and uniqueness cultural heritage Chicago will leave no questions in terms of what to see in the USA.
What is the first thing to see in Chicago?
The city, whose fame and popularity fly ahead of itself, will provide the seasoned tourist with a portion of fresh and unforgettable experiences. So, a trip to the States is definitely not possible without a visit to Chicago.
1. Millennium Park
View of the park from the north side of the Aon Center building in Chicago J. Crocker 7. Willis Tower
View of the Chicago skyscraper Willis Tower at dusk Interesting places The United States has undergone many changes over the past century. For example, in the 20th century, the Willis Tower proudly held the status of the most high building in the world. Under the leadership of Bruce Graham, the chief architect of the construction process of the Willis Tower, the construction of the tower was inaugurated in 1973. In terms of structural features, the tower features a square base made up of nine square tubes, while a system of heavy internal supports supports the entire structure. Today, the tower houses many trading companies and offices of television and radio broadcasting.
8. John Hancock Center
John Hancock Center - 100-story skyscraper in Chicago The main attractions of Chicago, briefly characterized as "high-rise buildings", make an incredible impression not only from the visual perfection of the design, but also from their structural feature. Downtown Hancock is filled with trendy boutiques, restaurants and shops. What makes this high-rise building special is its design: the inside of the skyscraper is literally empty. The structure received the American Institute of Architecture's Quarter-Century Award for Outstanding Durability and Reliability in Architectural Design.
9. Art Institute of Chicago
Art Institute of Chicago main building in Grant Park vagueonthehow 
Main staircase at the Art Institute of Chicago Leon petrosyan Sights of Chicago – it is, first of all, a complex of unique high-rise buildings and cultural and educational centers. The Art Institute of Chicago is not just a place where the anvil of contemporary world art is forged, but also a full-fledged art museum with unique exhibits. A collection of vast impressionistic heritage of American culture is showcased in the spectrum of the city's contemporary cultural environment. In addition, this is one of the oldest educational institutions in the United States, which is famous for its cohort of famous teachers and alumni.
10. Museum of Modern Art
Central façade of the Museum of Modern Art in Chicago Céline 
Fragment of the exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in Chicago Phil Roeder One of the largest museums in the world, which has a huge and amazing collection of exhibits of post-war fine art. The museum is located in the heart of Chicago. The landmark was founded in 1967. The museum was designed by Joseph Kleihues, who created a unique and amazing building in the central area of the city.
11. Field Museum of Natural History
North facade of the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago Ancheta Wis 
Stanley Field Hall, view from above If newly arrived tourists are interested in what to visit in Chicago in the first place, then the first and correct decision would be the Museum of Natural History. Built in 1893, the museum managed to create a unique exposition of stunning historical artifacts. Among the exhibits of the museum: "Sue" - a full-fledged skeleton of a tyrannosaurus rex, a huge, priceless collection of dinosaurs and exhibits dedicated to the native inhabitants of the United States - the Indians.
12. Museum of Science and Industry
Museum of Science and Industry near Lake Michigan in Chicago 
Aviation Hall at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago Wilhelm Joys Andersen 
German submarine U-505 in the hall of the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago Learjet The sights of Chicago, for the most part, are cultural institutions of various types. Among them, there is a unique museum, which presents exhibits of a very interesting purpose. The structure is an elongated domed top, a kind of pantheon. The exhibits of the exhibition premises represent different historical periods of the United States. One of the most amazing exhibitions is the exposition dedicated to the Second World War. Thus, the museum presents a German submarine, which was captured during the successful operation of the American forces. In addition, in the museum you can enjoy the majestic and the first of its kind, a diesel train, as well as a spaceship.
13. Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center is one of the most visited places in the city of Chicago Victorgrigas 
Main staircase and Preston Bradley Hall with Tiffany Dome at the Chicago Daderot Cultural Center. 
Tiffany's stained glass dome featuring the signs of the zodiac at the Rob Saker center 14. DuSable Museum of African American History
The wide staircase in front of the DuSable Museum in Chicago TonyTheTiger Connoisseurs of historical documents, as well as the history of the struggle African Americans for rights in the US will no doubt be shocked by the huge thematic display. The exhibition contains documentation that reveals the history of Africans in North America. The museum covers the life African Americans, as well as the peculiarities of the culture of this people, the history of slavery, struggle and suffering.
15. Adler Planetarium and Museum of Astronomy
Sculpture "Man goes into space" at the Adler Planetarium and Astronomical Museum in Chicago What to see in Chicago after the many museum complexes and countless high-rise buildings? In this case, it is undoubtedly worth visiting another cult place - the planetarium. The Chicago Planetarium is the first planetarium in the United States and is located on Chicago's North Island.
16. Shedd Aquarium
Part of the Wild Reef exhibit at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago Sage Ross 17. Botanical Garden
One of the landscapes of the Botanical Garden in Chicago 
Beautiful green corner of the Chicago Botanical Garden 
Japanese Garden at the Botanical Garden 
Rhododendrons of the Chicago Botanical Garden Aspiring botanists should definitely visit this perfect Botanical Garden. The bearer of the status of the largest garden in the whole country, is located in the suburbs of Chicago and is characterized by the presence of a huge collection of rare plant species.
18. Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo on Lake Michigan in Chicago IIP Photo Archive 
Polar bear at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago Cosmo1976 Large territory the zoo, the many species of wildlife represented, as well as the location in the city center are the parameters that determine the degree of prestige of this place. Entrance to the zoo is free.
19. Buckingham Fountain
Clarence Buckinge Memorial Fountain in Grant Park at night The stunning Buckingham Fountain is located in Grant Park in Chicago. The "entrance gate" of the city must be seen with one's own eyes, since the rococo sculptural group is infinitely huge and perfect.
20. Wrigley Field Baseball Stadium
Wrigley Field is home to the Chicago Cubs. redlegsfan21 American traditions are embodied in a large, prestigious and modern stadium. The Chicago Cubs team regularly performs at this place and continues to delight fans with a beautiful and impressive game.
Chicago Attractions: What else to see in Chicago?
Based on the above Chicago attractions photos with names and descriptions, you can plan a trip to the USA with confidence. However, you should not stop there, because the number of outstanding places was not limited to this.
21. Water tower
Historic Chicago Adsitm Water Tower The Chicago Water Tower is the only surviving piece of old 19th century Chicago. It now houses a gallery displaying the work of local photographers.
22. Water Tower Place Mall
Escalators in Water Tower Place Brion VIBBER Shopping mall Water Tower Place is a seven-story building on Michigan Avenue. Shopping, brand stores and delicious food - that's what awaits the guests of this huge skyscraper.
23. Willis Tower Observation Deck
Landscapes of Chicago from the glass balcony of the observation deck of the skyscraper Willis Tower Olga Bandelowa Skydeck platform on top of the Willis Tower will allow you to survey the vast Chicago land and feel the power and spirit of American freedom.
24. Chicago River
Bridge over the Chicago River in downtown Chicago Initially, the natural course of the river directed the flow into Lake Michigan, but, by mutual decision of the authorities, engineering work was done to change the direction of the river towards the south.
25. Lake Michigan
Panorama of downtown Chicago with Lake Michigan The largest northern lake in the United States is Michigan. The beautiful and unique water surface of the lake will complement the pleasant experience of visiting Chicago.
A city of modern architecture, whimsical sculptures and majestic natural reservoirs. Restaurants, trendy branded boutiques and hotels in Chicago are indicators of the excellence and progress of the city. Read also about and get inspired for your next trip to the USA.
Glittering skyscrapers and verdant parks, art galleries and art museums, an amusement park pier and a huge stadium - we'll tell you what to see in Chicago!
Chicago skyscrapers
Most of the city's skyscrapers sprawl along the Chicago Riverfront. Glittering facades of modern skyscrapers coexist with steepled skyscrapers of the last century. First of all, go up to the Sears Tower: on the 103rd floor there is an unusual observation deck in the form of a transparent plastic box, from which you can observe the life of the metropolis under your feet. In clear weather, you can even see the neighboring three states from there, however, for this you will need special optics.
Cost: climb to the observation deck - $14-22
Willis Tower is one of the most visited places by both tourists and residents of the city. In this skyscraper on the 103rd floor is located Observation deck. Its feature is that it is transparent. You feel like you are hanging in the air above the city. Taking the first step is scary, but everything is arranged safely. You get a lot of incredible emotions from a few minutes of being on such a balcony. You can also take unusual photos that will show that you are sitting / standing / lying above downtown Chicago!
The skyscrapers in Chicago are breathtaking! What is worth visiting Willis Tower with its glass balconies at a height of more than a hundred floors. There is a wonderful Signature Room restaurant on the 95th floor. It's nice to come there in the evening and, looking at the city at night, drink wine and eat a delicious dessert!
Photo: shutterstock 2 naval pier
The sights of Chicago are impossible to imagine without the Naval Pier (Navy Pier). It has a huge number of shops, cafes and restaurants, a cinema, a children's museum with dinosaurs and even an amusement park with a 45-meter Ferris wheel and an old carousel. By the way, it is from here that excursion ships leave.
Cost: pier - free of charge, attractions and the museum are paid separately
Valeria, a student at DePaul University in Chicago:
There are many entertainments on Nevi Pir. In good weather, these are usually walks along the pier, various bars-restaurants, a huge Ferris wheel, boat rides that periodically depart from the pier and return back. There is also entertainment inside the building: an IMAX cinema, a greenhouse with tropical plants and lake views. There is also a children's museum. I've been there twice with my little brother and I never got bored!"
Photo: shutterstock 
Photo: shutterstock Millennium Park
The park is located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Visit the Frank Gehry Music Pavilion and the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, see the extraordinary Crown Fountain, which combines video sculpture and an interactive fountain with LED media façades, and admire Anish Kapoor's gleaming bean-shaped steel sculpture.
Cost: free
Valentina, owner of an online handmade jewelry store and mother:
In summer and autumn, Millennium Park hosts various musical events where you can listen to music and relax completely free of charge. A cool playground was built nearby, there are a lot of interesting things for children. Ice skating rink in the park in winter
Photo: shutterstock 
Valeria, a student at DePaul University in Chicago:
The most famous park in the city of Chicago, the main attraction of which is Cloud Gate. In conversations, he is often called The Bean - "Bob", as he has the shape of a huge mirror bean. It reflects a lot of skyscrapers, the sky, trees - and this is an amazing picture! It makes beautiful photos in the background.
In addition to Cloud Gate, the park has Lurie Garden, open from May to September. It is a large beautiful garden with a variety of plants. Most of the park is occupied by the Jay Pritzker Pavilion - a large grassy field where you can have picnics or just lie and relax with relatives or friends. In the daytime, fitness classes can be held in the park for everyone, and in the evenings there are jazz concerts or movie screenings (everything is free!). My favorite is going to movies, sitting on the grass with friends, having a picnic, among many joyful people doing the same
Photo: shutterstock 4 Art Institute of Chicago
Art lovers should go look at the impressionists and contemporary artists in. The museum's collection includes many exhibits: from antiquity to our time, from Claude Monet and Auguste Renoir to Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock.
Cost: $19-25
Valeria, a student at DePaul University in Chicago:
A place that everyone who visits Chicago must visit! A huge art museum, which presents authentic works of famous artists and sculptors. You can see paintings by Renoir, Manet, Degas, Picasso... The museum is almost impossible to get around completely in one day! There are divisions into ancient and modern art, as well as by trends and cultures (India, Europe, China, etc.). Often there are limited-time exhibitions. So, for example, now (March - May 2016) there is an exhibition of paintings by Van Gogh "Bedroom in Arles".
Polite staff also work in the museum, they are happy to help you figure out the map and explain the location of any object of interest.
Photo: shutterstock 5 Museum Campus Chicago
Continuing the theme of the cultural and educational program, we recommend that you visit the Chicago Museum Campus. The park covers an area of over 230 thousand square meters. On its territory are the Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum of Natural History. There you will find celestial spheres, a skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex and over 25 thousand specimens of fish.
Cost: $11-18 admission to one museum, $18-45 - package
Photo: shutterstock 
Valeria, a student at DePaul University in Chicago:
Having visited the huge museum of science and technology on campus three or four times, I never got bored. Nearly everything is interactive, engaging, and incredibly educational. One of the most memorable objects is a German submarine from World War II.
Adler Planetarium is another very interesting and informative place. In addition to various exhibits (real space suits, parts of rockets, etc.), there are also cinemas with spherical screens. I was at one of the shows. It was incredible: they demonstrated space, the galaxy; told how small our galaxy is compared to what is around it
Photo: Flickr 6 Wrigley Field
You can feel the spirit of Chicago at Wrigley Field. Chicagoans love sports, and even if you know nothing about baseball, just watching the local fans will be very interesting.
Cost: Game tickets average $13 or more (depending on teams), stadium tour - $25 or more
Photo: shutterstock 7 Zoo in Lincoln Park
This zoo is considered one of the best in the US. More than a thousand different mammals, birds and reptiles live on an area of almost 20 hectares. Here you can see polar bears, penguins, gorillas, camels, giraffes, lions, rhinos and many other animals. The zoo is open all year round and is completely free to visit.
Cost: free
Valeria, a student at DePaul University in Chicago:
The zoo is very large, decorated for the most part as national park: many animals are not behind bars in cages, but in open enclosures behind fences - it’s safe for us, and the animals feel good! In winter, everyone is transferred inside, and in summer most of the animals are on the street (lions, giraffes, kangaroos, tigers). Indoor enclosures are also available, but they are also made close to natural conditions. You should definitely go to this zoo in good weather, and before or after visiting it, you can take a walk around - in the Lincoln Park area. Nearby is the Lincoln Park Conservatory. This is an indoor arboretum with unusual tropical plants, which you can just come and admire (again for free!)
Photo: shutterstock 
Photo: shutterstock Happy travels!
