Endless flavors of culture in the “Windy City”

When it comes to culture, Chicago has it all: from exciting arts and music scenes to remarkable theater and tantalizing cuisine. Plus, as one of the largest cities in the US, Chicago guarantees leisure, entertainment, and indulgence for all. So it’s no surprise that the city of Chicago attracts more than 30 million tourists each year to partake in its splendor.

Although Chicago is a large city, many of its districts are best seen on foot. The Chicago metropolitan area, for example, also known as Chicagoland, is sure to impress with its high-rise buildings and lively atmosphere. And there is simply no better way to witness the city’s standing as the architectural capital of the world than to marvel at the buildings at a leisurely pace. While you’re in the heart of the city, don’t miss Millennium Park, a reconstructed section of an old railway terminal. The park includes the original Cloud Gate sculpture, known locally as The Bean, which, when faced, reflects a curved image of the Chicago skyline. Plus, no visit to Chicago is complete without a stop at Navy Pier, a 3,000-foot pier that’s home to restaurants, shops, museums, exhibits, and a 150-foot Ferris wheel. Attracting more than 8 million people in 2005, Chicago’s Navy Pier is said to be one of the most visited places in the Midwest.

For anyone interested in museum culture, Chicago is guaranteed to deliver. In 1988, the city officially opened the Museum Campus, a 10-acre lakefront park that surrounds three of the city’s major museums: the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, and the Shedd Aquarium. The Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago History Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art also have standout exhibits, as does the Oriental Institute, which houses an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts from ancient Egypt and the Near East.

Chicago also boasts a significant theater scene: the Goodman Theatre, the Victory Gardens Theatre, and the Chicago Theater present a variety of plays and musicals throughout the year. And if you’re in the mood for a little comedy, you’ll have a long way to go, as Chicago is the birthplace of modern improvisational comedy. The city is home to two major comedy troupes, The Second City and IO, and hosts countless improv comedy shows throughout the year.

Additionally, the city is famous for its blues, soul, jazz, and gospel scenes, as well as its reputation as the birthplace of house music. There’s also a thriving indie rock scene, with multiple festivals featuring various musical acts each year: Lollapalooza, Intonation Music Festival, and Pitchfork Music Festival being the standouts. And for anyone who appreciates classical music, the Chicago Opera House, Chicago Chamber Musicians, and Chicago a-cappella are sure to impress.

If you’re a foodie, Chicago offers plenty to whet your appetite. In addition to ethnic restaurant districts like Greektown, Little Italy, and Chinatown, visitors can enjoy the city’s enticing signature dishes, including deep-dish pizza, Chicago hotdog, and Italian steak sandwiches, which also reflect the cultural background of Chicago. However, the city also boasts high-end restaurants, particularly in areas like The Loop, Chicago’s business district. And if you’re visiting Chicago in late June, you can even take advantage of the annual Taste of Chicago food festival in Grant Park.

If you’re planning a trip to Chicago, you’ll find many luxury hotels, such as the Hilton Conrad Hotel, located in and around downtown Chicago. And by staying in the heart of the city, you’re never far from the dazzling attractions of the spectacular “Windy City.”