TrekAmerica’s City Guide to

CHICAGO

CHICAGOOVERVIEW

DON’T MISS!1. WILLIS TOWER Offering spectacular views spanning up to four states – and The Ledge, a glass balcony extending four feet outside the 103rd floor!

2. LINCOLN PARK For calm in the concrete jungle – find gorgeous green spaces, restaurants, nightlife and history.

3. BOBBY’S BIKE HIKE Pedal your way through lakefront neighbourhoods and Southside ‘mob hangouts’.

4. CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER Gaze up at the jaw-dropping stained glass dome, see ornate mosaics and take in one of the many free cultural events daily.

5. MOVIE LOCATIONS TOUR From The Dark Knight to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, explore some of Chicago’s famous movie locations. Book at freetoursbyfoot.com.

6. GRACELAND CEMETERY The resting place of many notable Chicagoans, you’ll see see some of the country’s most intricate memorial architecture.

7. ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO Home to more than 300,000 works, check out one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States.

8. BASEBALL STARS Chicago is home to two major baseball teams, Cubs and White Sox, as well as football and basketball teams.

9. CHICAGO DEEP DISH PIZZA Any visit to Chicago isn’t complete without getting your hands on this notorious city specialty – super deep pan with loads of toppings!

10. CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM Founded in 1856, delve into the city’s history with the museum’s engaging exhibits, telling stories from Chicago past and present.

Sitting on the Southern shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago has made a name for itself as a cultural hub, with bold architecture and seriously impressive skyscrapers. The iconic Willis Tower offers incredible city skyline views, or explore closer to ground as you stroll the streets.

One of the largest cities in the U.S., there’s plenty to see and do. By day, explore the renowned museums and sprawling park spaces, and by night devour delicious food and soak up live music and a vibrant bar scene.

Garfield Park Conservatory Chicago

Theatre

Navy Pier

Lincoln Park Zoo

Best Selfie SpotsCloud Gate – Because if you don’t get a snap of this iconic reflective sculpture, did you really even visit Chicago?!

360 Chicago Observation Deck – Make your selfie stand out with awe-inspiring 360 degree views of the city to be seen – or hang over the edge of the building with the gravity-defying Tilt attraction!

Route 66 sign – Ever wanted to road trip down the iconic Route 66? Get your picture taken where it all begins, at E. Adams St., just west of S. Michigan Ave.

1. Lincoln Park Zoo – One of the few free zoos left in the country, it’s home to around 1200 animals, including lions, apes, crocodiles and pandas.

2. Garfield Park Conservatory – Wander through beautiful surroundings at one of the largest and most stunning conservatories in the country.

3. Maxwell Street Market – Haggle your way around this Sunday market, picking up anything from fresh produce to a new outfit – and don’t miss the Mexican and Latin street food stalls!

4. Navy Pier – Way more than your local seaside town stretch, Navy Pier is home to restaurants, bars, a park and the eye-catching Centennial Wheel.

5. Montrose Beach – Beaches might not be the first thing that spring to mind when you think of Chicago, but Montrose is Chicago’s largest and best sandy spot.

I spy…One of the more unusual

shops in the city, Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Co. is the

perfect place to pick up a whole range of spy essentials.

THINGS TO DO FOR FREE

Chicago History Museum

Willis Tower

From Chicago’s all-American staples to fine dining, the city has plenty on offer to satisfy even the biggest appetites.

Our favourites:1. Pequod’s Pizza (2207 N Clybourn Ave, IL 60614) – Load up on cheese and delicious toppings at one of the locals’ favourite pizza spots in the city, in the buzzing Lincoln Park area.

2. Portillo’s (100 West Ontario Street, IL 60654) – This South Beach institution focuses on good old fashioned soul food, like chicken and waffles, mac and cheese, and shrimps and grits, but delivered in an upscale and pretty impressive way. Meals are huge so aim to share!

3. Bad Hunter (802 W. Randolph St., IL 60607) – It’s not all meat feasts and deep dish! Bad Hunter is a perfect eatery for non-carnivores and curious tastebuds alike, creating enticing veg-based dishes.

NightlifeIf you want to hear some original tunes, check out Phyllis’ Musical Inn - Wicker Park’s first live-music venue, with a low tolerance for cheesy covers. At Lincoln Hall, check out the newest up-and-coming names before they make it big.

Fancy dinner with a side of jazz? Andy’s Jazz Club and Restaurant is a casually sophisticated way to spend an evening. The House of Blues also offers music alongside Southern-inspired dishes such as po’ boys & jambalaya.

For comedy fans, pay a visit to Second City, which launched the careers of stars including Bill Murray, Tina Fey and Steve Carrell. At Laugh Factory and The Comedy Bar, hometown talent rules.

As for the club scene, you could dance the night away at Smart Bar, where cutting-edge DJs play house, techno and electro on the weekend. Or if you’re after some quirky nostalgia, check out Berlin (the Chicago dance spot, that is).

FOR THE FOODIES

Toilet TalkIn terms of odd artwork,

Sh*t Fountain really takes the you-know-what. A sculpture of a giant turd on a 3ft high plinth?

Alright then, Chicago.

JUNE-AUGUST – Millenium Park’s Summer Music Series offers up a whole host of genres in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion – and it’s all free!

AUGUST – Sing along at the top of your lungs to the best buzz bands and pop stars in Grant Park at Lollapalooza, with four epic days of music.

SEPTEMBER – Chicago-dwellers flock to Union Park for the North Coast Musical Festival, featuring the best in electronic music. More into rock and punk? Check out Riot Fest, also in September.

Contact details – website and international Tel no in the footer.

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FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Watch out for...

Central Chicago is a pretty welcoming place, but avoid

heading out into some of the more suburban areas, where violent

crime rates can be higher.