Alain Kasteleyn, Director of Visit USA (UK) and Managing Director at Discover North America, recalls a city break in Chicago
Chicago is the third largest city in the USA after New York and Los Angeles and is also nicknamed “The Windy City”. With a flight time of around 8h30 from London, it is home to 26 miles of lakefront and 25 beaches. Chicago also offers 8,800 acres of green spaces and 600 parks and the city is the starting point of the historic “Route 66 “, with the commemorative sign located in Grant Park on Adams Street in front of the Art Institute of Chicago. The Windy City has plenty to offer to visiting travellers...
Explore Chicago’s iconic architecture aboard a relaxing 90-minute river cruise, with a compelling and detailed narrative of Chicago’s numerous architectural styles and the stories of the legendary figures who designed and built the city. Enjoy an epic journey with unparalleled views of the Chicago Skyline aboard a helicopter. See the iconic landmarks of the city aboard a hop-on hop-off bus tour; you will be able to visit the city and stop at the major attractions like Willis Tower & Sky Deck, The Field Museum, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Michigan Avenue Bridge, John Hancock Centre & 360 Chicago, the Magnificent Mile, and many others...
If you are looking for something a bit different or you are thirsty, Chicago offers 167 breweries. You can enjoy a brewery tour at Goose Island Brewery, renowned for the Goose Island IPA, or visit the Lagunitas Brewing Company. For foodies, Chicago also has plenty to offer with over 7,300 restaurants for all tastes and Food Tours in several parts of the city such as Chinatown and the Chinatown Food Adventure Food Tour.
The city has everything organised for your evening as well with over 225 music venues and 250 theatres. If you are a cinema fan, grab your popcorn and watch your favourite movies and series come to life. Chicago has been used in many movies and you can go and see where they were filmed. One of my favourites was to go just outside Downtown and have a beer and burger at Lottie’s Pub, where the series Chicago Fire was filmed; the bar was called Molly’s in the series.
Don’t forget your shopping therapy as Chicago’s Magnificent Mile has a selection of over 450 retailers for all tastes and budgets.
Chicago is a great city and a break of 4 nights is an ideal time to spend there before exploring the USA further and we recommend visiting the city from April to November as the winters can be very cold. One thing is for sure – whatever the temperature you will love exploring The Windy City!