Chicago is a vibrant metropolis brimming with wonderful attractions and activities for newcomers to enjoy. Many new arrivals are drawn by the lifestyle in Chicago, but be prepared to splash out, as the city can be expensive.
While Chicago is renowned for its shopping, nightlife, and restaurants, it also features excellent entertainment venues, world-class sports facilities, and luxurious spas.
Shopping in Chicago
A fashionable city, Chicago is a dream destination for those who love to shop. Head straight for Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue, where hundreds of store windows all vie for attention. Oak Street is also a good bet for fashion and designer stores.
Maxwell Street Market, meanwhile, is a prime place to browse and haggle among the many stalls. The market takes place on one Sunday a month from May to October.
Entertainment in Chicago
With a long list of hip and happening hotspots to keep the party going until the early morning hours, Chicago is a fabulous place to hit the town. Wells Street in Old Town has some fantastic restaurants and bars, while the Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, and Lakeview areas are the places to go for music clubs playing everything from blues and jazz to indie and hard rock.
Chicago also has a thriving theatre scene, with touring productions from Broadway regularly shown in the city's large theatres and plenty of other smaller productions shown at more intimate venues.
Eating out in Chicago
From fine dining to hot-dog stands and fast-food outlets, Chicago offers a variety of dining options to suit every taste and budget. The trendy Lincoln Park, exotic Chinatown, Little Italy, and the Mexican neighbourhood of Pilsen are just a few of the best areas to discover the city's culinary delights.
Chicago deep-dish pizza is a must-try; the original can still be found at Pizzeria Uno in River North, which first created this beloved speciality pizza back in 1943.
Outdoor and sporting activities in Chicago
Chicago is family friendly, with hundreds of neighbourhood parks and playgrounds to explore. Lincoln Park is Chicago's largest public recreation area and offers many outdoor attractions for the whole family. There are plenty of annual food and music festivals to enjoy in the summer, while during the winter months, many of the city's parks offer open-air ice skating rinks.
The beaches along Lake Michigan also provide outstanding recreational opportunities. In the summer, the shores teem with people walking, jogging, playing volleyball, and picnicking. The lake itself is another recreational gem, with sailing and swimming being popular pastimes among Chicagoans.
See and do in Chicago
New arrivals who relocate to Chicago will love the city's high energy, attractions, and activities. There's plenty to keep you busy while you explore your new home and familiarise yourself with the ins and outs of the city. Here are a few of the best things to see and do in Chicago.
The Field Museum of Natural History
One of the largest natural history museums in the world, the Field Museum offers a wide range of exhibits to explore, from Ancient Egypt to working DNA laboratories and more. Don't forget to visit Sue – the largest and most complete T-Rex skeleton ever found.
The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
The historic home of America's most renowned architect, the late Frank Lloyd Wright, is a must for all culture vultures. The house was initially built in 1889 but was extensively remodelled by Wright in 1895. Those interested in learning more about this American icon will be glad to know that the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust leads tours of the home.
Art Institute of Chicago
Home to one of the most significant collections in the world, the Art Institute of Chicago is the place to marvel at the beautiful works inside. Some of history's most renowned artworks can be viewed in the museum, including Grant Wood's American Gothic. There's also a collection of Vincent van Gogh paintings, including his famous 1887 self-portrait.