Posted by Lisa | Posted in General Travel | Posted on 02-08-2009
Tags: chicago, flights to chicago, usa
Chicago, with more than 2.8 million people, is one of the largest cities in the U.S. States of Illinois. More than 44.2 million people visited the city in 2007 for its attractions, business and commerce. In 2008 the city earned the title of “The City of the Year”.
Chicago’s Climate
The city lies in the humid climate zone and experiences four distinct seasons.
Summers
Summers are humid and warm with average high temperatures of around 27°C to 29°C and summer lows of 16°C to 19°C. Summers are known for its long, hot dry spells. It is the rainiest season and experiences short-lived rainfall and thunderstorms.
Winters
The winter season is known to be experienced by extreme cold spells. With temperatures sometimes falling to below freezing, the winters are cold, snowy and windy. Precipitation in Chicago tends to be more snow than rain during the winter, with average snowfall around 38 inches (96.52cm).
Spring and Autumn
Spring and Autumn are known to be mild with low humidity.
Architecture in Chicago
The city’s skyline is among the tallest and most dense in the world. It was once listed as the the city with the largest buildings in the world and today it is still listed twentieth. The architecture in the city are very versitile, including high-rise office and residential towers, mid-rise buildings, low-rise structures and single-family homes such as bungalows, townhouses, condominiums and apartment buildings.
Chicago Cultural and Contemporary Life
Many tourists and residents are attracted to the city’s waterfront allure and nightlife. The city also offers many upscale dining establishments and ethnic restaurant districts.
Arts and Entertainment
Broadway-style entertainment is offered at the city’s theater community with modern improvisational theater. Since 1968, the Joseph Jefferson Awards are given annually to acknowledge excellence in theater in the Chicago area.
Tourist Attractions
The city’s upscale shopping, thousands of good restaurants, museums, exhibition halls, auditoriums, a 150-foot tall Ferris wheel eminent architecture attracted more than 44.2 million people in 2006 alone. It is known as the third-largest convention destination in the United States, with most conventions held at McCormick Place.
Millenium Park
Millenium Park is not only known for its landscape design and architecture, but also offers its visitors dazzling music, art and alfresco dining. The park’s attractions include the reflective, mamoth stainless steel Cloud Gate (also known as “The Bean” or “The Kidney Bean”). During the winter one of the restaurant’s outdoor areas transforms into an ice rink. The Crown Fountain attracts many visitors during the summer season. Two glass sculptures form the fountain that display visual effects from LED images of peoples’ faces and water is spouting from their lips. Many people enjoy splashing around in the interactive water fountains during the summer.
The Magnificent Mile
The Magnificant Mile host numerous shops and landmarks, including the Chicago Water Tower.
The Museum Campus
The Museum Campus was officially opened in 1998 and houses the Field Museum, the Adler Planetarium and the Shedd Aquarium.
Navy Pier
The Navy Pier is known as the Midwest’s top tourist destination with its boardwalk, 150-foot Ferris wheel, boat and segway tours, and many dining and shopping options.
Getting to Chicago
Visit BestFlights to book flights to Chicago.
Accomodation in Chicago
Chicago is a very accomodating city, whether you are planning a trip for fun, travelling with kids, a romantic getaway or for business. This tourist-friendly city has a remarkable range of hotels and other accomodation options available.
