Home United StatesChicago Top 10 Best Things about Chicago

Top 10 Best Things about Chicago

by Krista
Cloud gate aka the bean

I’m writing this from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, on my way back to London. I’ve just spent 7 full days in Chicago, which is more than I’ve done in quite some time. (Regular readers will know that although I consider myself a New Yorker, I lived in Chicago for eight years before moving to London.) It was a great week, and at every turn, I was impressed by the ways the city has grown in my absence. Have you been? If not, you should go.

10. Books on the El. (Chicago’s public transit system.) Really, everyone was reading. Not crappy throw-away newspapers. Real books. A city of readers.

9. Cheap and omnipresent manicures and pedicures. One of the first things I do whenever I land. Call me superficial.

8. Hot dogs. Although I didn’t get any this trip, no visit is
really complete without a stop at Hot Doug’s for the gourmet stuff or The
Wiener’s Circle for a chardog and a few insults. A food blogger’s paradise.

7. Michigan Avenue. (Aka the Magnificent Mile.) All the shopping. And WIDE sidewalks. (Pavement to you U.K. folk.) It’s really a pleasure to meander. Oxford Street is just so manic in comparison.

6. Goose Island. I love Goose Island Beer. I had a 312 last
night, which is a new one. They call it an “urban wheat beer.” (Wheat
beers are very popular in Chicago, probably because of the city’s
German heritage.) I’ve seen Goose Island at Utobeer in Borough Market. You should check it out.

5. The Billy Goat. Dirty. Old. Dark. But still infinitely
lovable. While I was having breakfast, a guy walked in and announced
“Two slices of wheat toast, please.” The guy behind the counter didn’t
even look up and shot back, “What’s wrong with you?”

4. The Blues. As I walked over to The Billy Goat on Friday
morning (a terrible walk through the underbelly of Chicago that I would not recommend), I was
reminded of the time I was driving home from business school and took
the shortcut under Michigan Ave. I was listening to WXRT and Rock Me
Baby by Memphis Slim came on. Love Memphis Slim. Love the blues.

3. The lakefront. Thanks to my jetlag, I took a walk early Saturday morning–like 6:30 a.m.–and there were TONS of people out there, running, biking, roller blading. Maybe I need to get to Hyde Park more, but it seems to me that Londoners aren’t really morning people.

2. The Architecture. I love the long and tall canyons of Chicago. The boulevards lined with the retro temples of American entrepreneurship. The House of Blues Hotel, for example, is in the old Carbon & Carbide building. The Hotel Burnham, where I stayed for the first half of my trip, is one of those hotels I just can’t stop looking at…lots of wrought iron and tilework. (The Sheraton, where I stayed for the second half of my trip, is a soulless monster in comparison.)

1. Millennium Park. I missed the genesis of Millennium Park so I’m still surprised whenever I return to Chicago and catch a glimpse of Cloud Gate. (The photo above.) Gorgeous, particularly at 6:30 a.m. on a Saturday morning when you have the gate to yourself.

So…that’s it from me! See you on the other side!

You may also like

11 comments

Ms Alex 2009 -

I stayed on Michigan Avenue earlier this year when I visited Chicago for work, I was lucky enough to be in town for the 2009 St Patrick’s Day Parade – http://101ofawolf.blogspot.com/2009/03/day-0073-chicago-st-patricks-day-parade.html. I also loved the Art Institute and got lost in there for hours. 🙂

Melanie Seasons 2009 -

I love love love Chicago. If I didn’t live in London, I’d probably be there. Only drawback is that it’s just a bit too close (4 hours) from home that my mother would expect me to be home every weekend 🙂

Lizzie 2009 -

I’ve never been to the US, and this post has made me want to more than ever! A couple of friends have said that Chicago is their favourite city, over New York.

Krista 2009 -

Chicago is so much friendlier and cheaper than New York. New York is awesome too, of course. But Chicago is definitely worth a visit. (2.5 hour flight from NY. Or a 12 hour drive.)

Taylor Young 2009 -

What a great city!

I’m going back on a cross country train trip and will have a 5 hour layover in Chicago. I want to grab some pizza and eat it on the train.

Anyone have any good suggestions? Keep in mind, it has to be close to Union Station.

Krista 2009 -

Depending on what day of the week you're in town, there are two options close to Union Station.

Giordano's at 223 W. JACKSON BLVD.

And Lou Malnati's at 439 North Wells Street

Chicago's not a huge city though so if you're up for a taxi, check out the original Pizzeria Uno downtown. Probably would only cost about $5 to get to?

Brandon 2009 -

Chicago has so many great tours, attractions and restaurants. A tour that brings it all together for you is the Progressive Dining Tour by Chicago Dine-Around. They visit a different restaurant for a separate course as you tour this great city. Visit http://www.chicagodinearound.com for more info on Chicago Dine-Around

Mark Lanyon 2010 -

Small thing, but the Hard Rock Hotel is in the Carbide and Carbon Building. The House of Blues is in that bizarre mushroom looking setup built onto Marina City. Yes, you have to work with me in Chicago. Yes, I will keep pointing these things out.

Glad to have you back!

Dagny 2010 -

Thank you for your lovely comments on my beloved city! My pick for our best pizza—Gino’s East! You are spot-on with your pick of the Weiner Circle for the city’s best hot dog!

The House of Blues Hotel is no more. The property in Marina City is now Hotel Sax.

Rajat 2011 -

Chicago is just awesome. I have lived there for around 3 years and loved every moment of it including the bitter winters. I have lived in London as well for a while and Chicago is definitely more vibrant, down to earth and friendlier. And dance scene in Chicago is just awesome. Be it old time English Country dance, jitterbug, salsa or more classy Tango and Waltz Chicago can have you dancing every night.
Hopefully I would be living their again soon in around a months time.

brenda slomka (@brenda_slomka) 2012 -

@pattichurch thank you. this might be a good link re: chicago. have a blast & wander well through the diverse city. http://t.co/van2PpHs

Comments are closed.