Chicago Travel Guide: Reviews, photos, & videos

Chicago is a land of perpetual motion. With its history and culture well worn into its storied streets and iconic buildings, Chicago exists as both a friendly and laid back Mid-western city and a fast paced metropolitan hub. Located next to scenic Lake Michigan, Chicago is the largest city in Illinois and is the third most populous city in all of the United States with over 2.8 million residents. Often referred to as the Windy City or Chi-Town, Chicago boasts above and beyond the typical attractions one would think would exist in any great American city. World class sports teams (Daaa Bulls and Daaa Bears!) – check. A bustling downtown with some of the finest American architecture this side of NYC – check! World class parks, unique yearly festivals and even a pleasant swath of beach front property – double check!

Downtown Chicago is the obvious first stop for those on their maiden voyage. Dozens of walking tours run each day taking curious travelers all over the city to such iconic structures like the Sears Tower and the John Hancock Center. Any movie buffs out there? Try to figure out specific location where such classic films as The Dark Knight, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Blues Brothers were filmed. For those interested in seeing some world class comedy and the original home stage of comedy luminaries like Tina Fey and Chris Farley, check out the Second City Theater and the Improv Olympics. Got a shopping bug? A few hours visiting the multi-story malls and designer boutiques on the Magnificent Mile should provide an easy (if not expensive) remedy. And don’t forget the food – home of Deep Dish Pizza and the all beef Chicago Hot Dog, hundreds of culinary delights await all those who visit Chicago with an open mind and an empty stomach!

  • Family-friendly, Lake, Night-life, River, Sailing, Shopping, Singles, Theater, Urban, Usa, Worldclassrestaurants
  • 98%

 
 
link41.879535-87.62433310Chicago, IL, USA
link41.879535-87.62433310Chicago, IL, USA
 
 
 
 

   

 Weather 

  • Current conditions

    Cond007

    Sunny. Highs in the lower 60s...except in the lower 50s near the lake. Light and variable winds becoming northeast around 10 mph.
    Hi: 50° F, Low: 40° F.

  • Tomorrow's forecast

    Cond026
    Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 60s. West winds 10 to 20 mph.
    Hi: 66° F, Low: 50° F.


  • Weatherbug's weather page.
 


   

 Reviews(Average Rating: 98% for 4 reviews) 

  • Carlin Cwik
    Carlin Cwik
    • Top member
    Reviews: 9
    Posts: 32

    The Second City (in case you forgot)

    12/17/2008

    90%

    Chicago, IL, USA

    Before the city of angels, it was Chitown. Somewhere between my birth and hauling my butt to college, the wind changed its course and stars aligned above LA, exposing all of Hollywood's boughs, switches and fancy machinery (that includes boob jobs). The Windy City got snowed. Crime rose. I spent a summer on Santa Monica Pier, graduated, and found myself back in the corner of Debonair in Wicker Park (that's a Chicago neighborhood). Slightly bemused, slightly confused, I came to realize that Chicago was back. Gentrified and with a giant metal Bean broadcasting Daley's kinda-newish Millennium Park (it opened while I was away), CHICAGO IS ONCE AGAIN THE SECOND CITY! NO, NOT A MINI-NYC, but a DIFFERENT (less smelly) version (I think it helps that we put our garbage in the back). The neighborhoods are hopping, literally - listings on ohmyrockness.com (I frequent the Empty Bottle for edgy shows) and public transportation is easy to navigate and cheap on the pocketbook. That's right west-coasters, you don't need a car here. Just pick your start position: the Gold Coast for Magnificent Mile shopping, Bucktown for hipster eats, drinks and boutiques, Taylor Street to run between little Italy and Greek town, and many more (I could go on forever). Believe me kids, there are more reviews to come, but while I'm here, should I not mention that currently Obama and family are still staying in Hyde Park?

    People found this:  Useful (1)  Disagree (0) 

  • garwoodpr
    garwoodprReviews: 3
    Posts: 0

    Vacationing with the Dog in Chicago

    12/14/2008

    100%

    Chicago, IL, USA

    If your 4-legged friend is visiting Chicago with you, here are a few things to know about, ya' know..., where they can go. Dogs can't go on beaches during open season, or in food establishments anytime, and a leash is required. There are failure to scoop fines, but watch where you step anyway. Lots of merchants are pet friendly, and almost all the banks have dog cookies. There is a dog beach for city dogs at Montrose Ave. off Lake Shore Drive, and seemingly endless sidewalks with trees and fire hydrants to sniff, and other dogs to greet. During your stay, make your way over to 4 Legs at 3809 N Clark St (773) 472-5347, to get a special healthy treat for your pup.

    People found this:  Useful (0)  Disagree (0) 

  • garwoodpr
    garwoodprReviews: 3
    Posts: 0

    Pedestrian Friendly, but not from the Airport

    12/13/2008

    100%

    Chicago, IL, USA

    In the City you don't need a rental car to get around. From Chicago's O'Hare Airport a cab to downtown runs about $50 with tip, or take an airport shuttle (blue vans) to your hotel for around $20. For the local flavor, board Chicago's famous L (light-rail) for $2. Midway Airport offers the same mix of service, and travel time to downtown from either airport is thirty-sixty minutes. In the City you can rent a bike or Segway, hail a horse-drawn carriage, catch a party-trolley, water-taxi or double-decker bus, and explore the city through it's excellent mass transit system. The L will take you into the city's neighborhoods, which are all pedestrian friendly. If it’s cold, or you’re running to catch a show, the city has about twenty thousand taxis that will take you where you want to go.

    People found this:  Useful (0)  Disagree (0) 

  • garwoodpr
    garwoodprReviews: 3
    Posts: 0

    Chicago is My Kind of Town

    12/13/2008

    100%

    Chicago, IL, USA

    Chicago is The Home to Wrigley Field and skyscraper reflections beaming off the shimmering downtown Bean. The City’s sights are easy to catch with a landmark tour, or explore on foot. Everything is only a cab ride away, and bike rentals make it easy to cruise the miles of downtown beaches stretching out in either direction from Navy Pier. For annual traditions, take your pick from festivals like The Taste of Chicago, and Lollapalooza, or join the most loyal sports fans in history who are cheering on CHICAGO as a serious contender for the 2016 Olympic Games. Windy City Politics featuring Da' Mayor and Da' President are always in season, and give the locals something to get heated up about during the city’s long cold winters.

    People found this:  Useful (0)  Disagree (0) 

 

   

 Bookmarks (3) 

  • garwoodpr
    garwoodprReviews: 3
    Posts: 0

    NBC News Window

    12/13/2008

    NBC Chicago; WMAQ Chicago; Channel 5; broadcasts local news shows in front of courtyard window on Michigan Ave at the Chicago River.

    People found this:  Useful (0)  Disagree (0) 

  • garwoodpr
    garwoodprReviews: 3
    Posts: 0

    Chicago.Metromix.com has lots of Restaurant, Shows, Events and Nightlife reviews courtesy of the ChicagoTribune.com

    People found this:  Useful (0)  Disagree (0) 

  • garwoodpr
    garwoodprReviews: 3
    Posts: 0

    Chicago Reader

    12/13/2008

    Arts and Entertainment Listings; Free in the City or Online at ChicagoReader.com

    People found this:  Useful (0)  Disagree (0)