Chicago is one of my favorite cities. The Windy City. City of skyscrapers and beautiful architecture. It is a practical city with a lot of nice places to see and visit. There are two international airports in Chicago. O'Hare International airport and Chicago Midway International airport. You could take the subway very conveniently to the city.
City Commute
Getting a pass for the the city transit would be the most efficient and economical way to visit the city. Chicago Transit Authority is very efficient. Even the bus stop has displays of arrival times like at the airport. It is always on time.
1. Cycling in Chicago
The second reason I love this city is for cycling. Like in Amsterdam, Netherlands everyone rides the bike. Ladies and Gentlemen go to work on bikes. It's funny to see a dressed person on a bike sometimes with a briefcase. The traffic is tolerant to the bikes.
I found the city streets to be very interesting. End of every street corner there is something to see.
2. Shopping
State Street is famous for shopping. The entire street is a mall just like in Denver Colorado, where you find all high end stores. It is very lively.
Some unique stores. This is Store had sewing machines, that was displayed as a theme. From very old to modern sewing machines.
Sidewalks
Sidewalks everywhere is very beautiful. The sidewalk landscape is so nicely done. Every corner of the road there was something nice to see. It was a beautiful surprise each time.
3. The Navy Pier
The Navy Pier is a fun place to spend a whole afternoon. There are restaurants and Gift shops. There is a huge Ferris wheel, Carousel ride and Arcade places. The Ferris wheel is so high you have a spectacular view of the city.
The Navy Pier has a choice of restaurants and seating could be interior or on the patio.
It is just a fun place to walk. There is a board walk in the back which is very pleasant and with displays of art and history. The Chicago Children's Museum is also situated here.
4. Boat Tours
There are boat rides to see the architecture and of the pier. These tours can be very chilly due to the speed of the boats. I am always cold regardless.
Interior of Navy Pier Pavillion is very beautiful and pleasant that you would want to hang out longer. There are so many unique stores
5. Millenia Park
Millenia park is a popular place and there is so much to do. Locals as well as tourists gather here to picnic and cool off in the fountain. If you are lucky you may get to visit a free concert. It is a fun place for all ages.
This is supposed to be Millenia Park's secret garden. An all season garden, which is an urban oasis for people and wildlife. The garden is a suitable habitat for various plants, animals and insects.
The park features Exhibits that are in display changes art certain intervals that are sculptures of various rangers. They are so very colorful and so pleasant to see.
7. Cloud Gate "The Bean"
Cloud Gate nicknamed "The bean"is a work of art sculpture. It is shiny that your reflection can be seen. This is a photo opportunity like non other. You see a lot of creative photo taking here. 
The Crown Fountain is so unique the picture changes on the wall and waterfall on the sides. Children go crazy here just like in water fountains all over. It is such a fun place. 
9. Willis Tower
Formerly Sears Tower is a 110 stories skyscraper. For an entrance fee you could go to the top. They have some cool stuff. One of them is the Sky Deck. Where the window goes outside and you can stand on clear glass and look down. It was scary as heck but its fun. From the top you are able to see sky scrapers all around and also able to see miles and they claim you could see four states.
The tower also has an exhibit where the history of Obama, Micheal Jordon and Kanye West, Opra Winfrey and others is on display. They are from Chicago. There are other celebrities too. These are the main ones.
Endless view of tall buildings and The view of Lake Michigan.
10. The Sky Deck
The Sky Deck is one scary adventure . I am scared of heights. For me to be on a see through window that protrudes to the outside 1000 feet above ground, is almost "no thank you!". But this is one of the best way to conquer your fears. The SkyWalk in Arizona, CN Tower in Toronto or the Space Needle in Seattle all have see through glass you can stand on. I am afraid, "Yes" but when you think of the purpose of your visit the fear goes away.
Did I say it is scary as heck?
Your photo gets taken while you are on the deck and it can be purchased at the gift shop as a photo or a souvenir mug.
11. The Buckingham Fountain
The Buckingham Fountain is in Grant Park and suppose to be the largest in the world. There is display of water and color light shows. This fountain is a must see. The times may vary for the displays due to season. It also gets decorated during festivals. From here you could walk along the Lake Michigan. There is plenty of places to relax and to have a picnic.
12. Soldier Field Stadium
Soldier Field stadium is in south side Chicago. Chicago Bears and Major League soccer is played here. In this area You have museums and the Imax theater. If run for exercise during your vacation, this one good place.
Soldier Field stadium is in south side Chicago. Chicago Bears and Major League soccer is played here. It is dedicated to the soldiers who died in combat.
Along the lake there are many art effect displays. This is a fun and peaceful walk for me little away from the city. When in a major city I often take public transportation option with passes which is usually the cheapest way to visit the city. I would have the pass but walk everywhere to discover everything.
You also get to talk to the locals and learn so many things and to get to know places to visit. If you search Google like me for places you don't get everything. But on the other hand if you have a name you get all the info from Google. this is what walking gives you extra.
This also gives you an opportunity to contribute to Google to make Google even better.
The City Bike Rental
The city has an efficient bike program. That is strategically placed and it is very convenient and the detailed map is very clear to understand and follow. I get lost often and this, I thought was great. Just like in any major city the program works the same way. They are one of the pioneers of this program and they did it right.
13. South side of Chicago
I got to visit the area where President Obama's house is. It was barricaded and if you are not a resident you cannot enter the neighborhood.
For a big city the subway is not busy. Its clean and efficient. There is a dedicated line to the air ports with luggage racks and expanded service time.
14. Lake Michigan
All along Lake Michigan there are places to walk and the lake is used for swimming in certain places. They have areas where it is like a huge swimming pool. What is fun is to see how some of the training that is conducted for college and Olympian athletes. Only Chicago could think of that.
The Greats Lakes! This is Lake Michigan.
It can be cold because of the lake. When visiting warm clothes is necessary regardless of time of visit.
Special Events and Encounters
During my visit I got to meet Pitbull and take pictures and shake hands with him. "Cool guy". He was on a Photo shoot with Walgreens. I also got to meet the Target dog. By the way it is not a dog but there are many of them, just saying.
15. Dining
If you are into food. There are many interesting choices. Michael Jordan's restaurant. Not very pricy but good. A great place for steak. Chicago is as good as New York for street food too.
Revolving Dining Room At Skylon Tower. Fun place to eat with an incredible view of the city all around at a whopping 1353 feet high. It is affordable at any budget for good food. Just below the tower there is a mall which is also very nice.
City Programs
The city uses vacant land to create and educate growing. If you are familiar with "Art on the farm". It is in collaboration. That makes the city not only beautiful but productive. They encourage the locals participation in many of the projects.
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