What To See And Do In Chicago

Chicago is familiar to all of us, as it is the third largest city in the United States. That fact alone already makes it important, but also from a tourist point of view, the truth is that this metropolis in the state of Illinois has a lot to offer, and it is always surprising.

Chicago on the shores of Lake Michigan

The first fact that you should know if you visit Chicago is that it is known as the “city of the wind” and obviously with that everything has been said and there is no need to give more explanations. And the second interesting fact is that the city is located on the shores of Lake Michigan, so it is a city in the interior of the country but it has its own port, yes of fresh water.

The truth is that the lake is one of the great attractions of this city and pleasant cruises are offered through it. These cruises are relatively inexpensive, while it is also possible to take the water taxis or Water Taxi, which in a more personalized way will take you around the lake and also through the canals of its financial district. A means of transport that you can hire at the Navy Pier.

Chicago skyline

The Navy Pier is not only the pier, it is also the beginning of a long walk to walk and contemplate the Chicago skyline, which is one of the most populated and spectacular in the entire country. A view that you will see from the street or if you prefer you also have several high points to contemplate it.

One of them is the Ferris wheel of The Children Museum, very interesting for children and adults. And another is  the Willis Tower, a spectacular glazed viewpoint not suitable for all those who suffer from vertigo. And for those who do not have that problem, more than one will feel a certain respect for that place.

The subway and a station in Chicago

Although not go anywhere you have to take at some point the elevated train line, The L. A tour that offers a very interesting and moving panorama of the city center and some of its most classical buildings, all of them members of the architectural stream known as the Chicago School.

However, if there is a building linked to transportation and that is not only to see from the outside, that is Union Station Chicago. The setting where the most famous minutes of the movie The Untouchables of Elliot Ness were shot is that we must not forget that Chicago was the place where a certain Al Capone lived.

The Millenium Park

Today there is little left of that Chicago of the 30s. In reality we are facing a dynamic, vibrant and 21st century city, and there is no better place to check it than in Millenium Park.

In this park is the most famous sculpture in the city, The Cloud Gate (the Cloud Gate ), although it is better known as the Great Bean. A curved, polished, huge and beautiful work that delights photography enthusiasts due to the unexpected optical effects it generates.

Top-notch museums and exhibitions

However, there is more art to see in the city. Crossing the Millenium Park on a footbridge you will reach The Institute of Art, a temple of art with works by great masters such as El Greco, Rubens, Goya, Monet, Van Gogh or Matisse.

But perhaps you prefer to visit another type of exhibition montage. If so, Chicago is not going to disappoint you, as you can opt for the Field Museum of Natural Sciences, the impressive Shedd Aquarium or the Adler Planetarium.

And if the day is nice and the wind is not blowing much, take advantage of being outdoors, for example in the Great Park, near the charismatic Buckingham Fountain.