Situated right in the heart of the American Midwest and nicknamed the ‘Windy City’, Chicago is bound to blow you away. From towering skyscrapers offering panoramic views over the vast Lake Michigan to world-famous museums, America’s third-largest city has something for everyone.
In terms of architecture, it’s hard to know where to look first when you’re in Chicago. You can’t miss 875 North Michigan – previously known as the John Hancock Center. At 1,500 feet tall, it looms large over the city and was one of the world’s tallest buildings when it was completed in 1969. Other buildings of note include the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower – which has fragments of the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, Angkor Wat and the Great Pyramids embedded in its exterior – and the Prairie-style Robie House.
The multitude of museums and art galleries found here is arguably the jewel in Chicago’s crown. The big hitters are the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry, but there are others which are well worth a visit. Head to the Adler Planetarium for a chance to see high-tech astronomy exhibits, or explore the vibrant National Museum of Mexican Art.
If lip-smackingly good food and hefty portions is your thing, then you’re going to need to loosen your belt. From deep-dish pizza washed down with lager to spicy beef sandwiches and peanut butter and banana waffles, Chicago is a culinary powerhouse.