Best Places To Visit In Chicago For First-Time Travelers

Introduction

Chicago is known as the windy city and popular for grand urban styled architecture and steel-framed skyscrapers. The windy city has also earned popularity for being the global citadel of finance, commercial activities, education, technology and transportation. The Chi town is also Chi-town is also popular as the City of Big Shoulders.

Why Chicago Is a Popular Travel Destination

Chicago is filled with ultimate dynamism and renowned for its amazing architecture, ironic history, and culinary enjoyments, and the city welcomes the local and international visitors to explore several of its wonders. Whether it is the towering skyscrapers or the grand and quiet Lake Michigan, Chicago serves the imagination of the tourists and tourism. 

Best Time to Visit Chicago

The most idyllic seasons for visiting Chicago are April through May and also between September and October, as the temperatures are really warm. There are also many festivals that are organized from September through October.  

Getting Around the City

Chicago is a wholesome city filled with excitement and fun. The city holds everything for everyone. Museums like the Field Museum, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, The Art Institute of Chicago are filled with amazing artefacts and collectibles. The outdoor attractions such as Lincoln Park Zoo, Brookfield Zoo, Wrigley Field are out of the blues to see the rustic jungle life set in a tamed environment. Furthermore, the beaches like North Avenue Beach, Oak Street Beach, and Ohio Street Beach serve the point for romantic relaxations. Tourists could also try their luck at the popular casinos like Bally’s Chicago, Rivers Casino Des Plaines, and Horseshoe Hammond - A Caesars Rewards.  

Top Places to Visit in Chicago

The awesome city of Chicago is filled with grandeur and excitement and tourists love to enjoy every bit of their stay out here. The top places to visit in Chicago includes  Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, The Chicago Riverwalk, Cloud Gate (AKA the Bean), Cloud Gate, Art Institute of Chicago, Willis Tower – Skydeck Chicago, The Chicago Theater, Navy Pier, Chicago Cultural Center, Museum of Science and Industry. It is still wonderful to explore the sports clubs on their home ground. The popular sports teams comprise- the Chicago Cubs (baseball), the Chicago White Sox (baseball), the Chicago Bulls (men’s basketball), the Chicago Sky (Women’s basketball), the Chicago Bears (football), the Chicago Black Hawks (hockey), the Chicago Wolves (hockey), and the Chicago Fire (soccer). 

Shopping and Entertainment

Tourists who want to go on a shopping spree and have excitement and next level of fun, obviously Chicago gives them the best retreat. There are plenty of offerings in the downtown boutiques, and the shopping marts located on Magnificent Mile are extraordinary. Out here the tourists could get around and explore the shopping in 460 stores, while enjoying the delectable meals of their life in 275 restaurants.

Chicago rules on the top as the premium metropolitan hub where the tourists could set their feet out for shopping, dining besides entertainment. Macy’s on State Street is an above average department store, which is listed as a National Historic Landmark and also finds its mention on the National Register of Historic Places.

Chicago is a popular stronghold of arts and entertainment having under its garb more than 200 theaters. Blue Man Group has a strategic location in Chicago and brings its own unique accentuation on Chicago’s skyline. Tourists could come across LED lights, an opportunity to gyrate on the fist-pumping music. Moreover, city regularly hosts vaudeville shows and rock concerts. In addition, there is multimedia theatrics and unlimited humor, along with the upbeat music and party-like environs. 

Food and Local Experiences

The restaurants in Chicago city are popular to serve very typical and delectable food cuisines, which reflect different types of cultures and variable traditions. The popular food options include Deep Dish Pizza, Chicago-Style Hot Dogs, Italian Beef Sandwiches, Chicago-Style Popcorn, Maxwell Street Polish Sausage, Italian Thin Crust Pizza, Chicago-Style BBQ Ribs, and the Chicago-Style Cheesy Fries.

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Explore the wonderful city of  Chicago 
• Know the public transportation operational in Chicago
• Do not miss out the Chicago's culinary delights
• Plan to stay in the Chicago’s Downtown area as major tourist attractions are very close
• Plan the local itineraries in advance
• Explore the cool neighborhoods of Chicago instead of visiting the typical tourist spots
• Prep up for standing against the unpredictable weather of the windy city of Chicago
• Carry along comfortable walking shoes
• Keep cash handy

FAQs 

Q: How many days are ideal for a Chicago trip?
A:Chicago is a bustling city with skyscrapers. If you really want to explore Chicago, 3 to 5 days would be needed. The days also include sightseeing activities and visiting the Art Institute, Wrigley Field, Millennium Park and Willis Tower.

Q: What is the best season to visit Chicago?
A: The most idyllic seasons for visiting Chicago are April through May and also between September and October, as the temperatures are really warm. There are also many festivals that are organized from September through October.  

Q: Are there free attractions to visit in Chicago?
A: There are several free tourist attractions to visit in Chicago, and some of these include are The Bean (Cloud Gate) at Millennium Park;  Chicago's front yard: Grant Park; The Magnificent Mile; Ferris wheel at Navy Pier; Lincoln Park Zoo; Maggie Daley Park; Strolling on the Chicago River walk; and Swim at North Avenue Beach.

Q: Is Chicago good for family travel?
A: Absolutely! Chicago offers plenty of family-friendly activities like outdoor rock climbing, lake cruises, museum tours, and Broadway shows. Plus, you can enjoy world-class restaurants with unique cuisines for all ages.

Q: Do you need a car to get around Chicago?
A: Not necessarily. Chicago has great public transport with CTA buses and trains, Metra trains, and plenty of rideshare options like Uber and Lyft to explore the city and downtown easily.

Q: What food is Chicago famous for?
A: Chicago is known for its iconic eats, including Deep Dish Pizza, Chicago-Style Hot Dogs, Italian Beef Sandwiches, Maxwell Street Polish, and cheesy fries. Perfect for food lovers!