Chicago Illinois Travel Guide

Chicago is a city that dresses to impress. Long recognized as having the finest collection of modern architecture in the country, Chicago boasts names such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe, I.M. Pei and Louis Sullivan as architects who made or cemented their reputations here. Other arts flourish here as well; the Art Institute has some of the most recognizable paintings in the world in its permanent collection, and the wind isn't the only thing wailing through the streets of this city; plaintive notes from pianos, saxophones, harmonicas and the like have been an integral part of Chicago ever since the blues and jazz migrated north from the Delta in the early 1900s. For people seeking a Chicago music experience, try spending part of a lazy afternoon flipping through the selections at Jazz Record Mart or Dusty Groove. Theatre, too, flourishes in this Midwestern mecca; companies such as the Goodman and Steppenwolf have consistently turned out cutting-edge productions and actors for decades.

Downtown is the center for government, finance, and commerce of Chicago and is encircled by The Loop, named for the elevated train tracks that loop around the central area. Tall skyscrapers such as the world's second-tallest building, the Sears Tower, and the Chicago Board of Trade are landmarks for this part of town.

It's true that the wind coming off Lake Michigan has been known to blast the streets of downtown Chicago with a brutal chill and the streets in the summer have been known to fry eggs, but that is no reason to avoid the many charms Chicago offers. Next to New York City, Chicago is the best place in the country to spend the holidays. The skating rink on State Ave., the towering Christmas tree in Daley Plaza, the Zoo Lights in Lincoln Park and the magnificent window displays at Carson Pirie Scott and Marshall Field's are bound to put a smile on the face of even the most hardened cynic. For those that prefer to vacation when the temperature is milder, the best months are between May and October, when the weather is more predictable and less extreme.

Chicago has many neighborhoods in the metropolitan area. Most of the hotels, restaurants, and tourist sights are located in the neighborhoods nearest downtown and along the shores of Lake Michigan.

include the Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Science and Industry, Lincoln Park and Lincoln Park Zoo, Grant Park, Field Museum, Navy Pier, Sears Tower and Wrigley Field. For shopping, there is the famous Magnificent Mile of Michigan Avenue; the shops of Oak Street; or the trendy, up-and-coming boutiques of Bucktown-Wicker Park at the intersection of North, Damen and Milwaukee Avenues.

Near South Side of Chicago including the South Loop, has many historic buildings and residential areas, at least four important museums, and the John G. Shedd Aquarium. Chinatown is located in this part of town.

The North Side of Chicago lies just north of the Chicago River. It encompasses several of the more upscale residential neighborhoods and shopping areas. Chicago's premiere shopping district, the Magnificent Mile, runs along North Michigan Avenue and is lined with exclusive shops as well as a few historic buildings that survived the Great Fire of 1871.

The South Side of Chicago is largely a residential area but is also home to the beautiful Washington Park, The University of Chicago, and several museums, including the South Side's main attraction - the Museum of Science and Industry.

official city site, with municipal government information, a search engine and tourist information, tours and links. (click on Exploring Chicago).

business and development within the Edgewater community.

real time traffic information from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

focuses on education and information concerning the Historic Pullman District including museum hours, events, tour schedules, etc.

alternative weekly presents its guide for the best the city has to offer, as well as events and arts calendar, local news and recommended things to do.

bringing together the Puerto Rican community of Chicago.

addressing the needs and events of the Swedish-American community in Chicago.