Chicago, IL Hotels

With a metro population that hovers near 10 million strong, “The Windy City” on Lake Michigan is the dominant force in the vast American Midwest. Chicago’s humble roots are planted firmly in heavy industry and distribution but while the city is still a vital transportation hub, it now plays a much larger role as a paramount financial and big business capital. Tourism is a lynchpin for the home of Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama, with over 44 million annual visitors to the Illinois city.

Attractions

The Chicago Board and Trade Building, with art deco structural design, is a National Historic Landmark.

The Willis Tower (former Sears Tower) has been the skyscraper of record in the United States for over three decades. The Skydeck on the 103rd is a popular Chicago tourist attraction.

The John Hancock Center tower is another icon in the city, with Lake Michigan as a pictorial backdrop. The observation deck on the 94th floor offers expansive views of metro Chicago.

With over 30 km² of parkland, Chicago merits the motto of “City in a Garden”. Lakefront harbours, museums, recreation areas, wildlife preserves and lagoons are just several of the green space features in store for visitors. Lincoln Park, with over 20 million annual visitors, is the most popular in the city, with a conservatory, free zoo, nature museum and golf course.

The Chicago Cultural Center, a reception hall for foreign leaders, is also a fabulous showcase of contemporary art.

The Museum Campus is a lakefront park with a trio of world class attractions in the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and Field Museum of Natural History.

Events

Chicago has a lively entertainment scene, with myriad concert halls that cater to every taste. Jazz, blues and soul music have notable roots in the city. Classical lovers will enjoy the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Joffrey Ballet. The city is also home to the Lollapalooza rock and alternative music festival, now held in Grant Park every summer.

Chicago constantly ranks as the best sports city in America, with championship teams in a variety of sports. More importantly however, city fans are among the most faithful and obsessive in North America. From the Cubs and White Sox in baseball, Blackhawks in hockey, Bulls in basketball and Bears in football, pro sports and Chicago go hand in hand.

Taste of Chicago is a culinary festival without peer. The annual outdoor event in late June draws upward of 3 million people to a slew of food stalls in Grant Park.

Climate

Chicago has a continental climate with four seasons that bring typical extremes in summer and winter.

• Winter (December to March) -5-8°C
• Spring (April to May) 5-21°C
• Summer (June to September) 14-29°C
• Fall (October to November) 1-18°C