The city is a collection
of different neighborhoods, each marked by its own unique character and
history. But it's as vast as it is vibrant, so before you arrive, you'll
want to know just what stops to place on your itinerary.
Despite its sprawling
size, Chicago is surprisingly simple to navigate. In fact, it's possible
to take on the entire city armed with little more than a sense of adventure
and a map of the Chicago Transit Authority's extensive system of trains
and buses. Although you could explore Chicago by car, chances are you'll
spend half of your visit searching for a parking space.
Many downtown hotels
offer parking, but fees are steep. The availability of street parking
varies from one neighborhood to the next, but it's nearly impossible to
find a space in the downtown area or on the Near North Side.
Summer is peak tourist
season in Chicago -- and with good reason. There's at least one neighborhood
celebration or city-wide music festival every weekend from May through
September. The Lake Michigan beaches and jogging paths that line the entire
east side of town also add to the city's seasonal allure. During the muggy
days of August, the lakefront is one of the most popular places in town.
The rest of the year, however, the refreshing lake breeze becomes a damp,
bone-chilling gale that forces even hearty Midwesterners to retreat into
their parkas.
The Windy City's blustery
reputation may keep a few visitors away during the winter months, but
Chicago sees a steady flow of tourists throughout the year -- particularly
around the holiday shopping season. The City of Chicago spares no expense
decorating for the holidays, nor do the stores along Michigan Avenue's
Magnificent Mile.
There's much more
to Chicago than the glitzy storefronts on Michigan Avenue and the downtown
skyscrapers, however. From quaint Swedish bakeries and tasty Indian cuisine
on the Far North Side to the new Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Lincoln
Park to the bustling streets of Chinatown, an eclectic city awaits any
visitor willing to explore its many charms.
