Chicago is one of the most visited tourist cities in the United States. Despite the fact that there is no such warm climate and wide beaches (such as in Miami or Los Angeles), more than 50 million tourists come to the city annually. According to statistics, more than 55 million tourists visited the city in 2017. (Of this amount: 53.7 million tourists from the United States, 1.53 million - foreign tourists, 12.3 million - business trips.)
Chicago is the third largest city in the US (after New York and Los Angeles). It is located in the Midwestern United States (Midwestern United States, Great Lakes Region), Illinois. The city is located on the southwest coast of Lake Michigan.
Despite the fact that this region is officially called the Midwest (according to the US Census Bureau), the city is located on the map in the northeastern part of the country, near the Canadian border.
Distance from Chicago to some cities:
- New York is 710 miles (1,150 kilometers).
- Miami, FL - 1200 miles (1910 kilometers).
- Los Angeles, CA - 1740 miles (2800 kilometers).
- Ottawa (Canada) - 700 kilometers.
What to do in Chicago? Architecture lovers will see the Chicago skyscrapers. Art lovers should visit the Chicago Art Institute, which houses the works of the most famous artists. Works of modern art can also be seen on the streets and squares. In summer you can spend time on the beach and take a ride on a boat on the lake. Be sure to visit the parks (Millennium Park). Fans of shopping and delicious food will also find here an occupation for themselves.
The population of Chicago is about 2.8 million people. The city is a center of agglomeration with a population of over 9 million people. This territory is often called the "Greater Chicago" or "Country of Chicago" (Chicagoland).
The length of the city from north to south (along the shore of the lake) is about 40 kilometers. The width from west to east is from 10 to 20 kilometers.
Chicago Loop (Chicago Loop) is the name of the historical, business center of Chicago. It is located in the city center, near the shore of the lake. The length of the site is about 2.3 kilometers from north to south and 1.8 kilometers from west to east. Here are, for example, the Chicago Art Institute and Millennium Park.
Chicago is considered one of the best cities in the United States for pedestrians. Many streets have good sidewalks for pedestrians. Unlike most American cities, you can do without a car here if you plan to spend most of the time in the city center.
Places to visit
The official tourist information center is located in the center of the city, in the building of Macy's shopping center, just west of Millennium Park, at 111 N. State Street. Here you can get free brochures, maps and free advice.
Chicago architecture reflects the history of American architecture. It is believed that the first skyscraper in the world was built in Chicago in 1885. Many high-rise buildings are currently located in the city center. Architecture lovers will find many interesting buildings in the city.
The naval pier is one of the most visited places in the city. The navy is not here now. Currently it is a popular place for spending free time with tourists and locals. Pleasure boats depart from the pier for cruises on the lake. The pier is located just north of Grant Park.
The Chicago Cultural Center (Chicago Cultural Center) is one of the attractions of the city. The building is located in the city center, next to the "Millennium Park". Cultural events are held regularly here.
Grant Park is located right in the center of the city, on the shores of Lake Michigan. It is visited by almost all tourists coming to the city. In the park there are, for example: Millennium Park (north-western part of the park), Buckingham Fountain (one of the largest fountains in the world), Institute of the Arts (large art museum).
Lincoln Park is the largest and most visited park in Chicago. It is located along Lake Michigan, north of downtown. The length of the park along the lake shore is about seven miles (11 kilometers). In the park there are several museums, public beaches, sports facilities, boat harbors.
The Chicago Art Institute (Art Institute of Chicago) is a renowned art museum and institution of higher education in Chicago. The museum has a large collection of works.
The Chicago Museum of History is located in Lincoln Park on 1601 North Clark Street. The museum has many exhibits related to the history of Chicago and America.
The United Center. It is home to both the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL). United Center is a multi-purpose arena located in the Near West Side neighborhood of Chicago.
Address: 1901 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois.
The nearest 'L' system stations: Ashlan (Green Line, Pink Line), Illinois Medical District (Blue Line).
This is only a small part of the places that can be recommended for tourists.
River cruises
Chicago is on the lakeside, and it is used to entertain tourists. Cruises on Lake Michigan and on the Chicago River are held regularly. A large commercial port is also in the city.
River cruises depart from the former navy pier, as well as from the moorings on the river in the city. Dress warmer, the lake can be cool sometimes.
Navy Pier is one of the most visited places in Chicago. It has been used by the fleet before. Now it is a popular place with tourists and locals. The pier is located in the city center, next to the Polk Bros Park, just north of Millennium Park (approximately 1 kilometer). Several CTA bus routes have stops at the Navy Pier (# 29 State, # 65 Grand, # 66 Chicago, # 124 Navy Pier) buses.
You can choose and book a tour of Chicago or a river cruise in advance.
Public transportation
Chicago has an efficient public transport system. The organization of the public transport is engaged in several companies. Good conditions for the movement of pedestrians are also created in the city (at least in the central part of the city).
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has both trains and buses in and around Chicago.
The system of high-speed urban rail transport CTA is known as "L".
The Blue Line, L, connects the city center with O'Hare International Airport. Midway Airport can be reached via the “L” Orange Line.
CTA also manages the Chicago bus network. .
“Pace” operates suburban buses and also has several routes to Chicago. Pace buses usually have longer routes than CTA buses.
Metra is a Chicago suburban railway. The meter network has eleven lines and more than 200 stations. Metra trains leave from four stations in downtown Chicago: Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center, LaSalle Street Station and Millennium Station. These stations are located within walking distance of the city center (Chicago Loop).
Two major airports are located near Chicago. The largest of these is O’Hare International Airport (O'Hare International Airport, IATA: ORD). It is located approximately 27 kilometers (14 miles) northwest of the city center.
Blue Line "L" trains are the most convenient and cheapest way to get to O'Hare Airport by public transport.
Midway International Airport is located approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) southwest of the city center. This is the second largest passenger airport of the city.
The Orange Line CTA Train "L" is the most convenient and cheapest way to get from the airport to the city center.
To get to the city from the airport, you can also take a taxi (you can book in advance) or rent a car (you can book a car in advance).
Read more about public transport in Chicago.