Chicago is a big-time sports town with die hard fans for their Bears, Bulls, Cubs, and the World Champion Chicago White Sox. Even if you don’t like baseball, you’ll have the time of your life as you take in a Cubs game at Wrigley. The Windy City does a nice job blending in the new while maintaining its old world charm. Incorporated as a town in 1833, Chicago has grown to be the nation’s third-largest city (with a population of more than 3 million), and is the birthplace of the first skyscraper. Chicago today offers a truly cosmopolitan flare that adds to any visitor’s big-city adventure – a beautiful city in the Midwest heartland .

With 77 neighborhoods (yes, we did say 77), you can go from one to the next in a split second before you realize you’re in a different area with completely new sights and sounds. Having unmistakable character, each of this city’s neighborhoods brings a whole new array of shops, restaurants, attractions, historical elements, and intrigue.

Because there are so many things to do, it is hard to know where to go in Chicago. Why not get an overview of the city from 1,000 feet at the John Hancock Center’s observation deck. Or try the 103rd floor of the Sears Tower. On a clear day you can see 40 – 50 miles. At the Sears Tower Skydeck you’ll find museum-quality exhibits highlighting Chicago’s history and historic individuals.

For museum lovers, the Field Museum, located at Chicago’s Museum Campus, was designed for the “accumulation and dissemination of knowledge.” It was designed to house the biological and anthropological collection for the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. It has grown since that time through exchange, purchase and world-wide expeditions. The Museum’s permanent exhibits include topics such as bird habitats, African culture, gems, fossils, animal biology, sea mammals, Native American cultures and much more.

If you love architecture, visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s house and studio. The historic house museum has been restored to its 1909 appearance. If that isn’t enough architecture for you, visit the Magnificent Mile, the name given to the stretch along Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Oak Street. The Magnificent Mile offers 460 stores, 275 restaurants, 51 hotels, 2 unique museums and a variety of sightseeing and entertainment attractions. Trees and flower-filled medians are some aesthetic enhancements that compliment the unique architectural beauty of Chicago.

Just to note: Shopping on Michigan Ave. is truly magnificent, so make sure you work that into the plan.

If you are looking for Chicago hotel recommendations and reviews then read our journeyPod Picks where we hand select only the best hotels in Chicago. Who has time to read thru thousands of hotel reviews? So we have saved you time and money as we only feature 4 and 5 star hotels in Chicago plus luxury resorts. journeyPod can help you find a boutique hotel in Chicago or a luxury accommodation in Chicago. We have reviews on fun places to stay and feature trendy hotels in Chicago. Our hotels are stylish and hip so you can stay somewhere unique on your next weekend getaway to Chicago.

If you are looking for the coolest restaurants in Chicago, then let journeyPod share our favorite Chicago restaurants. We know the best places to go and the best chefs in Chicago. We can help you find the best restaurants in Chicago as we only feature trendy restaurants and fine dining establishments. Let us guide to you some of the best food in Chicago. Read our Chicago restaurant reviews where we feature hot restaurants that have a great vibe and even better food. Who has time to search thousands of Chicago restaurants? So we have saved you time and money with our select journeyPod Picks and Chicago restaurant recommendations.

Top Hotels

  • The Whitehall Hotel
  • The James
  • The Peninsula Chicago
  • The Conrad
  • Hotel Sax Chicago
  • Almalfi Hotel

Top Restaurants

  • Alinea
  • NoMi (Chi – Gold Coast/Streeterville)
  • mk the restaurant (River North)
  • Avec
  • TRU (Chi-Gold Coast/Streeterville)
  • Ralph Lauren Restaurant
  • David Burke’s Primehouse (River North)
  • RPM Italian (Chi – Gold Coast)
  • Japonais (River West)
  • Gibson’s Bar and Steakhouse (Chi – Gold Coast/Streeterville)
  • Girl and the Goat
  • Fireplace Inn (Old Town)
  • Piece (Bucktown)
  • LuxBar (Chi – Gold Coast/Streeterville)
  • Zapatista (CHI – South Loop)
  • Le Colonial (Chi-Gold Coast/Streeterville)
  • Blackbird (Chi – Downtown)
  • Yoshi’s Café
  • Tavern on Rush (River North)