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Chicago is a microcosm of the world. It is a city of more than 200 neighborhoods, some just a few blocks in size, each having its own feel and culture. http://chicagoneighborhoods.cc

Diverse offerings — from world-renowned architecture and distinctive cuisine to various sports and cultural attractions — abound at every turn.

 
Chicagoans flock to Millennium Park to enjoy the beautiful architecture, particularly the massive stainless-steel Cloud Gate (pictured), lush parklands and lively art events and festivals.

Since the Great Fire of 1871, Chicago has been continually reinventing itself. Navy Pier offers free performances in the summer months, and as the official birthplace of The Blues, Chicago is a regular venue for Lollapalooza and other music festivals of all varieties.

Downtown trolleys carry passengers to shopping, museums and other area attractions on a continuous loop. The Magnificent Mile, on Michigan Avenue, is a shopper's paradise which includes nearly 500 stores.

 
Navy Pier, a top tourist destination in the Midwest, is home to a 150-foot Ferris wheel providing sky-high views of the Windy City. It also boasts a boardwalk, boat tours, and countless dining and shopping choices.

A frequent stop for lakefront visitors is the Museum Campus. It features The Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Astronomy Museum and the Shedd Aquarium. Other cultural offerings in the vicinity include:

  • The Museum of Science & Industry
  • The Art Institute of Chicago
  • The Museum of Contemporary Art
  • The Museum of Contemporary Photography
  • Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies
  • DuSable Museum of African American History
  • The Oriental Institute
  • Chicago Children's Museum

 
The Field Museum of Natural History is one of three museums comprising Chicago's Museum Campus. It is dedicated to natural sciences and is the most popular cultural attraction in the city.

Sports fans will undoubtedly find lots to keep them occupied. Chicago is home to the Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Bears, Blackhawks, and Fire (soccer). The north/south dividing line of the city is Madison Street, and it divides Cubs and White Sox fans (who like to say there is no middle ground).

A cruise along Lake Shore Drive provides visitors with some of the most scenic views the Midwest has to offer, and is a great way to end a long day of sightseeing. Evening performances are also plentiful and extraordinary at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Jay Pritzker Pavillion in Millennium Park.

Winter months are brisk, but sledding at Soldier Field and ice skating at the McCormick-Tribune rink are guaranteed crowd pleasers. Residents make good use of this indoor time to sample local cuisine which can be found 24 hours a day. Offerings range from street vendors selling delicious ethnic specialties to fine dining establishments owned by celebrity chefs.