Over 30 million people visited Chicago in 2021 alone, and that’s for good reason.
Chicago is a vibrant city with a rich history, diverse culture, and plenty to see and do.
But, what do you know if you’re planning on booking a trip? Let’s go through a few things you should know about before you visit Chicago.
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1. The Weather Can Be Unpredictable
Chicago has four distinct seasons, with hot and humid summers and cold and snowy winters. Make sure you check the weather several times before your trip.
This is especially true if you plan to book a party boat yacht. You don’t want your night out on the boat to be too chilly to enjoy!
2. Public Transportation is Convenient
Chicago has an extensive public transportation system, operated by the Chicago Transit Authority, which includes buses and trains. The train system, known as the “L”, has eight train lines that serve different parts of the city and nearby suburbs. The bus system covers the entire city and includes both local and express routes.
To use public transportation in Chicago, you can purchase a Ventra Card, which is a reloadable fare card that can be used on both buses and trains. You can also use a contactless payment method such as Apple Pay or Google Pay to pay for your fare.
3. Chicago is a Foodie City
Chicago is known for a few specific foods, but the city also has a vibrant food scene with cuisine from all around the world.
Deep-dish pizza is a Chicago-style pizza with a deep crust, plenty of cheese, and chunky tomato sauce on top.
Chicago-style hot dogs are another favorite. These are hot dogs on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, relish, tomato slices, pickled sport peppers, and a little bit of celery salt.
You could also try Italian beef sandwiches, thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a crusty roll and topped with sweet peppers, hot giardiniera, and au jus.
If you love snacks, check out Garrett Popcorn. This is a Chicago institution known for its mix of sweet and savory popcorn flavors, including caramel and cheese.
Those with a sweet tooth won’t want to miss out on Portillo’s chocolate cake shake, a shake made with chocolate cake, ice cream, and chocolate syrup.
You could also try a Polish sausage. This is a sausage made with pork and beef served on a bun and topped with sauerkraut and onions.
4. There’s Lots to See and Do
There are a ton of things to do in Chicago, including world-class museums, iconic architecture, beautiful parks, and a thriving arts scene. Be sure to plan ahead to make the most of your time in the city.
Visit the Art Institute of Chicago while you’re learning about Chicago history. This world-renowned museum is home to art from all over.
Millennium Park, found in downtown Chicago, features stunning architecture, art installations, gardens, and a performance pavilion.
The Willis Tower, which you may remember as the Sears Tower, is one of the tallest buildings in the world, and its Skydeck offers stunning views of the city.
Wrigley Field is where the Chicago Cubs play and offers a quintessential Chicago sports experience.
The Field Museum is home to an impressive collection of exhibits, including the world-famous T. rex named Sue.
Walk along the Magnificent Mile. This upscale shopping district is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, and offers beautiful views of the Chicago River.
Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo. This free zoo is located in the beautiful Lincoln Park neighborhood and is home to a variety of animals from around the world.
5. Chicago is Walkable
Many of Chicago’s attractions are located in the downtown area and are easily walkable. There are a few neighborhoods that are specifically great to explore on foot.
The Loop is the heart of downtown Chicago, and it’s very easy to get around on foot. Many of the city’s major attractions are located in the Loop, including Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower).
River North is just north of the Loop and is home to many galleries, restaurants, and shops. Andersonville is known for its Swedish heritage and its charming commercial district.
Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s most beautiful neighborhoods, with tree-lined streets, historic homes, and plenty of green space. You can walk along the lakefront, visit the Lincoln Park Zoo, or explore the neighborhood’s many shops and restaurants.
Wicker Park is known for its art galleries, boutiques, and nightlife. It’s a great place to walk around and explore, especially if you’re interested in street art and graffiti.
6. The Lakefront Is a Must-See
The Chicago lakefront is a beautiful and popular destination for both locals and tourists. The lakefront stretches for 18 miles along the shore of Lake Michigan and offers a variety of attractions and activities.
Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s top tourist destinations and features restaurants, shops, a Ferris wheel, and other amusements. It’s a great place to take in views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.
Lakefront Trail runs for miles along the lakefront and is a popular spot for running, biking, and walking. Grant Park is located in the heart of the city and offers beautiful gardens, fountains, and monuments.
There are several beaches along the lakefront, including North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach. These beaches are popular spots for all sorts of water-adjacent activities.
Museum Campus is home to several of Chicago’s top museums, including the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium.
7. The People Are Friendly
Chicago is located in the Midwest, which is known for its friendly and welcoming culture. This hospitality is reflected in the attitudes of Chicagoans, who are generally warm and welcoming to visitors and new residents. you’re likely to encounter friendly locals who are happy to offer recommendations or strike up a conversation.
Chicago has a strong sense of community spirit, with many neighborhoods that are tightly knit and supportive. This fosters a sense of belonging and connection that can make visitors feel welcome.
Chicago is a diverse city with people from all over the world. This diversity also fosters a sense of openness and acceptance, even for tourists.
Chicago has a culture of friendliness that is reflected in its many festivals, events, and community activities.
Visit Chicago Today
Overall, Chicago is a vibrant and exciting city that offers something for everyone. So, start planning to visit Chicago today.
Do you need more travel advice? We’ve got you covered. Make sure you read some of our other relevant blog posts.
