| When it comes to culture, Chicago has it all: from | | | | Goodman Theatre, the Victory Gardens Theatre |
| thrilling art and music scenes to remarkable | | | | and the Chicago Theatre all present a variety of |
| theatre and tantalizing cuisine. Moreover, as one of | | | | plays and musicals year-round. And if you're up |
| largest cities in the US, Chicago guarantees leisure, | | | | for a bit of comedy performance, you'll have |
| entertainment and indulgence for everyone. It's | | | | much to look forward to since Chicago is the |
| therefore no surprise that the city of Chicago | | | | birthplace of modern improvisational comedy. The |
| attracts over 30 million tourists to take part in its | | | | city is home to two major comedy troupes, The |
| splendours each year. | | | | Second City and I.O., and hosts countless |
| While Chicago is a large city, many of its districts | | | | improvisational comedy shows throughout the |
| are best seen on foot. The Chicago metropolitan | | | | year. |
| area, for instance - also known as Chicagoland - is | | | | Moreover, the city is renowned for its blues, soul, |
| guaranteed to impress with its high rise buildings | | | | Jazz and Gospel scenes, as well as for its |
| and lively atmosphere. And there's simply no | | | | reputation as the birthplace of House music. |
| better way to witness the city's position as a | | | | There's also a flourishing independent rock scene, |
| global architectural capital than to marvel at the | | | | with multiple festivals featuring various music acts |
| buildings at a leisurely pace. While in the heart of | | | | each year: Lollapalooza, the Intonation Music |
| the city, don't miss Millennium Park - a rebuilt | | | | Festival and Pitchfork Music Festival are the most |
| section of a former railyard. The park includes the | | | | prominent. And for anyone who appreciates |
| original sculpture of Cloud Gate - locally known as | | | | classical music, the Chicago Opera Theatre, the |
| The Bean - which, when faced, reflects a curved | | | | Chicago Chamber Musicians and Chicago a-cappella |
| image of the Chicago skyline. Moreover, no visit | | | | are sure to impress. |
| to Chicago is complete without a stopover at | | | | If you're a culinary enthusiast, Chicago offers |
| Navy Pier, a 3,000-foot pier which houses | | | | plenty to whet your appetite. Apart from ethnic |
| restaurants, shops, museums, exhibitions and a | | | | restaurant districts such as Greektown, Little Italy |
| 150-foot tall Ferris wheel. Attracting more than 8 | | | | and Chinatown, visitors can indulge in the city's |
| million people in 2005, Chicago's Navy Pier is said | | | | enticing signature dishes - including deep dish pizza, |
| to be one of the most visited landmarks in the | | | | the Chicago hot dog and Italian Beef sandwiches - |
| Midwest. | | | | which also reflect Chicago's cultural background. |
| For anyone who's interested in museum culture, | | | | However, the city also boasts upscale dining |
| Chicago is guaranteed to deliver. In 1988, the city | | | | establishments, particularly in areas like The Loop - |
| officially opened the Museum Campus, a 10-acre | | | | Chicago's business district. And if you happen to |
| lakefront park surrounding three of the city's main | | | | visit Chicago at the end of June, you can even |
| museums: the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum | | | | take advantage of the annual food festival, Taste |
| of Natural History and the Shedd Aquarium. The | | | | of Chicago, in Grant Park. |
| Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago History | | | | If you're planning a trip to Chicago, you'll find |
| Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art | | | | plenty of luxury hotels, such as the Hilton Conrad |
| also hold prominent exhibits, as does the Oriental | | | | Hotel, located in or around the downtown area. |
| Institute, which houses an extensive collection of | | | | And by staying in the heart of the city, you'll |
| ancient Egyptian and Near Eastern archaeological | | | | never be far from the dazzling attractions of the |
| artefacts | | | | spectacular "Windy City". |
| Chicago also boasts a major theatre scene: the | | | | |