Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1
The Best of Chicago
L
ike any great city, Chicago's got something for everyone, whether
your tastes run toward world-famous museums and blow-your-
budget luxury hotels or family-friendly lodgings and low-key neigh-
borhood restaurants. Narrowing down your choices may seem
daunting, but never fear: Here's your cheat sheet to the very best of
the city.
1 The Most Unforgettable Travel Experiences
•
Studying the Skyline:
The birthplace of the modern sky-
scraper, Chicago is the perfect place to learn about—and appre-
ciate—these dramatic buildings. If you're only in town for a
short time, get a quick skyscraper fix by strolling through the
heart of downtown. If you have more time, take an architec-
tural tour by foot, bus, bike, or boat. See “Sightseeing Tours”
on p. 117.
•
Chilling Out on the Lakefront:
Chicagoans treat the Lake
Michigan waterfront as our personal playground. Miles of
parkland hug the shoreline; walk to Monroe Harbor for pic-
ture-perfect views of downtown, or join active Lincoln Park
singles for biking or jogging farther north. See “Staying Active”
on p. 121.
•
Riding the Rails:
Find out why the Loop is so named by hop-
ping a Brown Line elevated train (or “the El,” for short). Watch
the city unfold as the train crosses the Chicago River and
screeches past downtown high-rises. See “Getting Around” on
p. 27 and “Sightseeing Tours” on p. 117.
•
Escaping Downtown:
You won't really experience Chicago
unless you leave downtown and explore some residential areas,
whether it's the historic wood-framed homes in Old Town or
the eclectic boutiques of Wicker Park. It's one of the best ways
to get a feeling for how the people here actually live. See “The
Neighborhoods in Brief ” on p. 26.
