Chicago

Navy Pier

Popular with both locals and tourists alike, Navy Pier is a plethora of attractions set in one place. Towering over the rest is the tall Ferris Wheel, coupled with a carousel for ‘fairground' attractions. The Children's Museum and the Stained Glass Museum provide an educational experience, a theatre transforms into an ice-rink in winter, and a miniature golf course, funhouse maze and an IMAX cinema provide fun for all the family. Shopping is a must here, with an Arcade and Pavilion, while plenty of restaurants offer a range of cuisines, offering a great way to recharge.

Magnificent Mile

The place to head for some retail therapy, Chicago's ‘Magnificent Mile' is home to exclusive designer stores, four shopping malls and a plethora of designer jewellery boutiques. Stores include Bloomingdale's, Giorgio Armani, and Tiffany & co. A true shopper's paradise. The area also hosts seasonal festivals and a range of excellent restaurants serving international cuisine. 

The ‘Magnificent Mile' stretches through Michigan Avenue, between the Chicago River and Lake Shore Drive.

Chinatown

A visit to Chicago's Chinatown is a true cultural experience. A sense of community prevails in this area, and festivals take place year round to celebrate important dates in the Chinese calendar. Asides from a home to many of Chicago's Chinese population, the area is a popular tourist attraction and offers a wealth of shops and restaurants. Shops sell everything Chinese-related, from bamboo to ceramics, Buddha statues to clothing, while the huge selection of restaurants are the perfect excuse to sample the excellent food - Chinese, Malaysian, Vietnamese, and many more cuisines are available, as well as numerous bakeries selling pastries.  

Located between Canal Street and Lake Shore Drive.

Sports Matches

A city good at its sports, Chicago boasts 16 professional sports teams. Perhaps the best known are the Chicago Bulls Basketball Team, the Chicago Bears American Football Team, and the Chicago Cubs Baseball Team. Dependent on your sporting interest, a visit to any one of these team's matches is sure to impress.

For more information and to book tickets visit the team's websites.

Lake Michigan

One of the five Great Lakes, Lake Michigan is the second largest of this group and the only one set entirely within the United States. The eastern shore of Lake Michigan is the most popular as the 35 mile stretch boasts beautiful beaches on which you can tty a variety of water sports, discover unspoiled dunes, and admire the snowy landscape in winter.

Parks

Chicago is home to the largest amount of park land in the USA, so it is only fair that a visit to the city includes the exploration of some. Over 500 parks help to maintain Chicago's varied landscape, some of the more famous are; Grant Park - home to many festivals; Washington Park - a possible location for the 2016 Olympics; and Garfield Park - with one of the biggest conservatories in the world. For more information visit the website.

Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the world's most famous and influential architects. His designs can be seen all over America, and the world. Perhaps one of his more famous buildings is the Guggenheim Museum in New York, while more than 100 of his designs are within the Chicago area. The Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio is a chance to see the exterior and interior design choices made by Wright for his family home and working studios.

Located at 951 Chicago Avenue, Oak Park

Shedd Aquarium

The world's largest indoor aquarium, Shedd Aquarium and Oceanarium is home to more than 25,000 animals - shark, fish and turtles are joined by penguins, ducks and lizards in the aquarium, while the Oceanarium boasts dolphins, beluga whales and otters. 

Located at 1200 South Lake Shore Drive. Visit the website for more information.

Lincoln Park Zoo

For a taste of the wild in this built up city, head to Lincoln Park Zoo. Home to many species - gorillas, lions, zebras, monkeys, crocodiles, and many many more, this zoo is a great day out for animal lovers and families alike.  

Located off Lake Shore Drive, at the Fullerton Parkway exit. For more information visit the website.