The third most populous city in the US, Chicago, also known as the ‘Windy City’ is a major cultural and commercial hub. Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, and nestled between the Chicago River, the city attracts millions of tourists every year, who throng from across the country and parts of the world for its famous skyscrapers, music, food, sports, and a wide variety of other attractions.
Chicago offers so many sights, attractions, and things to do that even a month-long stay can barely scratch the surface. If you want to make the most of your visit to the Chi-Town, it’s best to come with a plan, with a list of all the places you want to cover, but there are a few attractions that are absolutely unmissable, and in this article, we cover a few of them, along with how you can get around to them.
1. The Willis Tower SkyDeck
The city’s skyscrapers are one of its biggest attractions, and at 527 meters and 110 storeys, the Willis Tower is Chicago’s tallest. It was once the tallest building in the world, a record it held for 25 years, but now ranks 23rd in the world, which doesn’t stop it from attracting 1.7 million visitors each year.
Most of these visitors are interested in the skyscraper’s observation deck, the highest observation deck in the US, and one of Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions. Part of its appeal is the glass boxes on the SkyDeck that extend four feet from the building, giving visitors the feeling of floating above the city.
2. Navy Pier
Another significant tourism magnet is the 3,300 foot long pier on the shore of Lake Michigan, named the Navy Pier. Encompassing 50 acres of land, the pier consists of parks, restaurants, cafes, shops, and a 150-foot ferris wheel.
Visitors to the pier have a wide range of activities to partake in, from a simple stroll, to sampling some of the best restaurants in the city, a ride on the ferris wheel, or even a boat ride on Lake Michigan.
3. The Millennium Park
The 25 acre park in Downtown Chicago often features at the top of most Chicago tourist attractions, with over 20 million visitors each year. Featuring the famous Cloud Gate public sculpture that has since become an identity for the city, the park further offers its own ferris wheel, a music pavilion, crown fountain, and more.
The Millennium Park is well regarded by urban planners and landscape architects alike for being a model use of public space that ties together the entire city.
4. The Magnificent Mile
A mile long stretch in Michigan Avenue of Downtown Chicago is popularly dubbed ‘The Magnificent Mile’ given the number of high end restaurants, cafes, and designer retail outlets that line this street, making it the city’s equivalent of Times Square.
Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is great for a simple stroll down the street, with plenty of notable landmarks lining the streets. For those interested in wining and dining, or some retail therapy, most iconic restaurants and consumer brands have a presence on this street.
How To Get Around In Chicago?
Chicago is one of the best cities in the country when it comes to public transportation, with the L train (short for elevated train) operated by the Chicago Transit Authority, which also operates an extensive bus network to ensure last mile connectivity.
While CTA buses are a great way to get around, they come with certain safety issues. While CTA buses are statistically less involved in motor vehicle accidents, they are also more prone to accidents involving pedestrians. One woman, Diane Schachner, was awarded $20 million dollars in settlement when her leg was severely injured by a CTA bus.
So even if you don’t plan on being struck by a CTA bus during rush-hour traffic, it’s important to know your rights and know a reliable CTA bus accident lawyer for a worst-case scenario.
Final Words
Chicago has a lot to offer tourists, and there is only so much of the experience we can paint through words. With the right planning, research, and sufficient time, visitors can truly have a time of their life in one of the truly greatest cities on Earth.
We are not lawyers and this is in no way intended to be used as legal advice . We cannot be held responsible for your results. Always do your own research and seek professional legal help.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
