Visiting Chicago for the first time—What to know and where to go

Photo by Punttimutm_source from Unsplash

Author's note:

This article has been made possible thanks to the content from:

• The official City of Chicago website
• The "Get Your Guide" website
• Choose Chicago Instagram
• Lou Malnati's Pizzeria website and its Instagram

What the web tells us about Chicago

Soon I will visit the famous "Windy City" for the first time, Chicago, and I have been researching exciting places that I should stay.

It is hopeless for the occasional visitor to keep up with Chicago. She is always a novelty; for she is never the Chicago you saw when you passed through the last time." — Mark Twain, 1883

Here is a little story:

According to the official City of Chicago Website, this city is where many people from diverse backgrounds call home.

Before it was a city, it was the home to numerous indigenous peoples, a legacy that continues to frame our relationship with the city, the land, and the environment.

Today, Chicago has become a global city, a thriving center of international trade and commerce, and a place where people of every nationality and background come to pursue the American dream.

Chicago, a pioneer city

As the website mentioned above indicates, Chicago was the birthplace of:

• the refrigerated rail car (Swift)
• mail-order retailing (Sears and Montgomery Ward)
• the car radio (Motorola)
• the TV remote control (Zenith)
• The first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction, ushering in the Atomic Age, took place at the University of Chicago in 1942. The spot is marked by a Henry Moore sculpture on Ellis Avenue between 56th and 57th streets; and
• The 1,451-foot Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), completed in 1974, was the tallest building in the world from 1974 to 1998.

7 main activities to do in the "Windy City."

The "Web Get Your Guide" offers us many popular and cultural options, including average tourist prices. It is impossible to know everything that Chicago offers us in just five days, so we will focus on the basics.

1. Navy Pier Centennial Wheel

Soar to heights of nearly 200 feet over Navy Pier, with unparalleled, 360-degree views of Chicago and Lake Michigan. From US$ 19.62 per person.

2. Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise

Experience Chicago's legendary architecture from the best seat in the house: the river. Enjoy a comprehensive tour with a live fun guide as you navigate through the heart of the city, covering all three branches of the Chicago River—Price from $40 per person.

3. 360 Chicago Observation Deck Admission

Enjoy the best panoramic views of Chicago, 94 stories above the Windy City. Delight stunning lake views and close-up vistas of Chicago's impressive skyscrapers.

Make an optional visit to TILT—Price from $30 per person.

4. Field Museum of Natural History

Explore the world of dinosaurs, ancient Egypt, glittering gemstones, and prehistoric North America with a visit to the Field Museum of Natural History. —Price from $26 per person.

Photo by Chris Nguyen from Unsplash

5. Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour

This hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour of Chicago takes you on an extensive route, showcasing the best the city has to offer. The excursion travels through Grant Park and Millennium Park to the city's top skyscrapers and other top attractions —Price from $44.10 per person.

Foto de cottonbro en Pexels

6. Chicago River: Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner City Cruise

Enjoy unforgettable views of Chicago's famous riverfront architecture as you cruise along the Chicago River. Admire the scenery from the ship's glass-enclosed dining area.

Choose between a lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch, all freshly prepared on board—Price from $105.05 per person.

7. Chicago-style pizza

Of course, we cannot forget its emblematic pizza. The "Deep Dish Malnati's Chicago Classic" from "Lou Malnati's Pizzeria" is recommended.

Lou's pizzas are made according to the family's original five-decade-old deep dish pizza recipe. All pizzas are hand-made from scratch, baked, and quickly frozen—Price from$67.99, a large pizza.

See you soon, Chicago!

I really want to experience everything, and of course, I will tell you about my experience.

Photo by Kelly L from Pexels