For a Great Time, Try a Trip to Downtown Chicago

Chicago, Illinois is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States and the world. As a matter of fact, according to Forbes magazine, Chicago’s Navy Pier is the number 10 most visited vacation spot in America. This makes it more popular than both Waikiki Beach in Hawaii and the Grand Canyon in Arizona! Overall, well over forty million people travel to the city of Chicago yearly.

While rides, entertainment, programs and excitement of the Navy Pier really are a top lure, these are only one facet of the many tourist destinations available to those people who visit Chicago.

Towering 1,454 feet over the city, the Willis Tower is maybe Chicago’s most prominent landmark and a popular holiday destination in its own right. Formerly referred to as the Sears Tower, it stands 110 stories tall – rendering it the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Travelers to the Willis Tower can take a quick elevator ride up to the 103rd floor sky deck. The famous skyscraper is situated close to the famous Chicago River in the heart of downtown area and is within walking distance to several of the numerous Chicago hotels downtown

For the more refined, or those who just appreciate true beauty, the Art Institute of Chicago shines as another of Chicago’s most preferred destinations. Nestled in beautiful Grant Park, it’s home to many world famous paintings, including works by artists such as Andy Warhol. It’s world-renowned for its collection of impressionist works.

Without a doubt, a vacation to the Windy City wouldn’t be complete without diving into one of area’s famous Chicago culinary dishes. From elegant, 5 star gourmet restaurants offering the catch of the day, to a slice of the World-famous Chicago-style pizza, to a good old fashioned Chicago hot dog, you won’t have any trouble experiencing an authentic taste of the second city.
Don’t spend all your money on food though. You’ll need it for the incredible type of shopping options available to you at the Magnificent Mile. Officially known as Michigan Avenue, the Magnificent Mile, is a stretch of higher-end shops, classy nightclubs, and fine dining establishments. There are also museums and various skyscrapers along side Magnificent Mile, which includes the John Hancock Center in addition to the Wrigley Building.

Chicago's sports history is legendary, with iconic landmarks which includes Wrigley Field, the United Center, and Soldier Field, which is in the vicinity of downtown Chicago, directly on the coast of Lake Michigan. In front of Solider Field is the Field Museum, just about the most outstanding museums in the entire world.

Whether in the heart of Michigan Avenue, or else towards the south, close to the famous Chicago River, you really won’t have any trouble finding outstanding, inexpensive lodging either. With over 100,000 hotel rooms in the city’s inventory, there are several locations to stay in close proximity to these points of interest. There are a number of Chicago hotels downtown, varying from the adorable boutique hotels, to giant, modern-day national chain properties, to very expensive, but exquisite five star resorts. Several offer fantastic, jaw-dropping views of either the city’s skyline, Lake Michigan, or oftentimes both! Most of these hotels can be found in the central dowtown Chicago area, and therefore are close to the many attractions here in the area.

So for interesting attractions, staying, playing and chow down places, a visit to Chicago cannot be beat.