- A trip to Chicago provides visitors with a chance to visit several well-known landmarks. However, before embarking on a trip to Chicago, spend a little time researching hours of operation and ticket prices. Visiting certain sights at certain times can save a few dollars. Some tourist attractions require reservations or offer online tickets, which saves the time spent standing in line. A few sites to visit in Chicago include Michigan Avenue, the Chicago Water Tower, The Sears Tower, The Hancock Building, Navy Pier, Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, Millennium Park, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, the Art Institute of Chicago and Marshall Fields. Chicago features several magnificent and world-renowned restaurants. It's always a good idea to plan ahead and make reservations. The city showcases several ethnic restaurant districts including the Mexican village La Villita, Greektown, Little Italy, Chinatown, Little Seoul and several Vietnamese, Indian and Pakistani restaurants.
- Chicago is the largest city in the Midwest and the third largest in the United States. The Chicago metropolitan area, commonly referred to as Chicagoland, boasts a population over 9.7 million. Chicago sits in northeastern Illinois at the southwestern tip of Lake Michigan. It's situated along the continental divide along the Chicago Portage, connecting the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes watershed. The Chicago River and the Calumet River flow through various parts of the city. The average land elevation for most of the city is about 575 feet, making the city fairly flat. The city's landscape features several high rise buildings, many with notable histories. Chicago showcases over 500 parks and more than 30 beaches along Lake Michigan.
- When visiting Chicago, consider using public transportation. The intricate train and bus routes provide transportation to nearly every destination. Chicago's famous for the "el" train or elevated train that runs above the city in certain locations. Train lines are designated by colors, and passes can be bought for one day, three days, a week or longer. A single ride on an elevated train or bus will cost a passenger $1.75. The passes can save you money if you stay in the city for several days and use public transportation. Parking in Chicago is expensive and difficult. Many times a car is not needed when visiting Chicago. A final note, a plethora of taxi cabs are available throughout the city. Chicago experiences four distinct seasons lying in the humid continental climate zone. The weather should definitely be a consideration when planning a visit to Chicago. Summers are warm and humid, with high temperatures averaging the mid-80's. Winters can be bitterly cold. Temperatures are below freezing, with snow and wind. Spring and fall provide ideal weather conditions with mild temperatures and low humidity.
- The earliest settlers to the land of Chicago were the Potawatomis Indians in the mid-eighteenth century. Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable settled in the area in the 1770s, founding the first trading post. Chicago was organized on August 12, 1833, beginning with a population of 350. The city's population grew rapidly, opening railways, canals and drawing rural residents and immigrant workers. In 1871, The Great Chicago Fire destroyed a third of Chicago, including the business district. The city rebuilt quickly and grew, founding The University of Chicago in 1892 on the south side of the city. The 1920s featured some of Chicago's most notable figures in history, gangsters. The most famous gangster, Al Capone, battled with law enforcement officials during Prohibition. One of the city's most famous landmarks, completed in 1974, was The Sears Tower. It stands 108 stories and remains Chicago's tallest building.
- When traveling within Chicago, proceed with caution. It's like any other large city. Keep purses and bags close to the body to avoid pickpockets. Always have extra cash for a cab in case of an emergency. Know the address and phone number of your destination. It's also a good idea to keep a city map with you. Visiting Chicago can be expensive, however, the city offers plenty of inexpensive or free activities. For example, take a walk along Lake Michigan. Bring your favorite book and lounge in the sand or jump right into the refreshing waters of the lake. Take a ride on a water taxi. These offer a different view of the city and provide great transportation. Single rides cost $2 or all day passes cost $4. Enjoy a drink at the Signature Lounge in The Hancock Tower. Taking the tour of The Hancock building costs $15, but visiting the Signature Lounge offers the same view and a drink for about the same price.
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