Chicago's downtown is the 2nd best in the country according to this new ranking

Attractions of America lists downtown Chicago as 2nd best in the country, with only New York City coming ahead of the windy city.

Photo byduha127/Depositphotos.com

(CHICAGO) Chicagoans are used to being called second best. And it's happened again with Attractions of America's top 20 best downtowns list.

In this latest ranking, New York City hits the top spot, with Chicago in second place.

According to the website:

"Chicago’s downtown area is known for the best pizza in the United States. You haven’t had pizza until you’ve had a Chicago deep dish.

There are also many other things to love about Chicago, too.

"Millennium Park is a definite Chicago highlight. There are plenty of fun things to do in the park and less of the smog that characterizes the city.

"Chicago also boasts many fun museums and learning experiences, such as Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, and 360 Chicago, an incredible high-level viewing platform. Don’t forget to get a gander at the Sears Tower."

I'll agree with the website that Millenium Park is one of Chicago's many highlights. And the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, and 360 Chicago are great attractions. Also, just like a local, the site refers to our tallest building as the Sears Tower, without even acknowledging that "other" name.

Shedd AquariumPhoto byAbel Arciniega/Choose Chicago

However, as for having less smog than the rest of the city, when the region gets an air quality alert day, being in the heart of downtown, Millenium Park provides no relief.

Ice skating at Millenium ParkPhoto byAbel Arciniega/Choose Chicago

What other cities are on the top 20 list?

Here is the list of the top 20 best downtowns in America:

1. New York City
2. Chicago
3. Alexandria, VA
4. Burlington, VT
5. Indianapolis
6. Pittsburgh, PA
7. Savannah, GA
8. Seattle, WA
9. Greenville, SC
10. Santa Monica, CA
11. Milwaukee, WI
12. Sedona. AZ
13. Colorado Springs
14. Boston. MA
15. Nashville
16. San Diego
17. St. Augustine, FL
18. New Orleans
19. Boise, ID
20. Plano, TX

As the website states, "There's no doubt about it—the most interesting places in the United States are found downtown."

_________________________

More from Jennifer Geer

• Unusual gift ideas: Quirky board game inspired by Chicago's rat city designation
• Grab a butterbeer and enjoy themed photo-ops at the Harry Potter pop-up bar in Lincoln Park
• Mile High Cocktail Club: Chicago's newest speakeasy is 46 floors up
• Check out Potbelly's 'underground menu'
• Why do these 2000-year-old mummies in Egypt have golden tongues?

_________________________

To get NewsBreak stories delivered for FREE on your phone, download the NewsBreak App. If you use my link, I get a small commission (at no cost to you.)