The ‘windy city’ is a hub of American culture and a popular tourist center. It sits along the western shore of Lake Michigan is one of the Great Lakes and is especially noted for its standout buildings, spectator sports, and summer music festivals. Though the city is busy, having a rental car in Chicago is a must for visiting nearby sights.
Getting there
O’Hare International Airport is a major world facility, with many overseas and domestic connections, and national travel deals to town. Chicago is also an Amtrak rail hub, with frequent services from the likes of New York and Los Angeles. By rental car to Chicago, itеs a 17-mile drive to town from the airport, while interstate highways provide quick road access from major centers in the Midwest. Interstate 90 runs from Seattle through Chicago all the way to Boston.
Key attractions
The skyscraper-clad Chicago skyline is world famous in the Loop, incorporating the CBD, downtown, and shores of Lake Michigan. Sears Tower is an icon, while Michigan Avenue is home to the top shopping and dining. Must dos include a look at the Art Institute of Chicago and a stroll along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Out and about
You can drive around the lake by car rental from Chicago, with the best scenery up in the north via national forests. The long Clark National Historic Trail is in this region and you can drive a to number of sections from the town. Those with kids could head for Six Flags Great America theme park, about an hour to the north by Chicago car rental.
Leisure options
There are beaches on the shores of the lake and miles of parkland to take in by foot or bicycle. In summer, boat rides are especially popular, ice skating in winter. Numerous music festivals go off in summer, too, while best fun in town is along the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue) and kids will love Lincoln Park Zoo, with its rides and animals. Look out for national deals on travel to Chicago online.
Safety
West and South sides see much of the gang crime in the city, while tourists should beware pickpockets on the Loop trains and buses. Chicago can get very hot in summer while it freezes in the winter, so pack appropriately for the time of year.