A visit to Chicago leaves you spellbound. Like all other metropolitan cities of North America such as Los Angeles and New York, Chicago also has a truly cosmopolitan nature. This is evident by the number of people from all over the world who have made this lovely city their home.
Chicago is certainly a must visit for all tourists no matter what their interest. Its cosmopolitan nature has given Chicago a rich culture which has amalgamated in itself all that it encountered. You can see this cultural blend in it arts, music and the famous international cuisine. Jazz and blues doesn't sound better in any other part of America than Chicago. People from all over the world can find something or the other to suite their palate.
You can view examples of Chicago's rich cultural heritage from the past 5000 years, all in one place at the Art Institute of Chicago. It showcases among other stalwarts of art and culture, a wide spectrum of postimpressionist and impressionist paintings. When surround by such beauty very often you can loose the thread of time finding it hard to let go of the past. But no worry you can take memories of this visit with you in form of pictures such as those with lions in front of the museum.
The Lincoln Park area is the perfect end to a busy morning of sightseeing. This lively neighborhood is full both day and night of people walking, running, cycling, rollerblading, and strolling along the busy streets. Lincoln Park is also the home of the notorious Biograph Theater, the location where the FBI shot John Dillinger in 1934.
Other attractions in this neighborhood include the Lincoln Zoo, which is free to the public. Visit with the gorillas and chimpanzees before checking out the more uncommon animals, such as the Galapagos turtle and poisonous spiders from around the world. A big hit at this zoo is when the chimpanzees come out to draw for you. Some of the art created by the chimpanzees has been sold around the world.
Of course, a visit to Chicago isn't complete without a walk along the Magnificent Mile, the avenue that leads from Lincoln Park to the Chicago River. This stretch of road is famous with shopping enthusiasts who search for either bargain or a boutique. The Tribune Tower stands along the Magnificent Mile and deserves some inspection. The tower, built in 1925, is known for its gothic beauty which is still astounding even today. The base of the Tribune is studded with rocks brought back by newspaper reporters from around the world.
Besides the zoo, Chicago also boasts of one of the earliest aquariums with world's largest marine and aquatic animals collections, the Shedd Aquarium, built in 1929, popular among kids. You can have look at marine life such as penguins, dolphins, beluga whales, harbor seals, moray eel & quiet nurse shark. There are as many as 500 variety of tropical fish here.
No visit to Chicago is complete without a stop at Wrigley field, the famous baseball field of the century. Walk around and get a feel for the game. Taking home a few pictures of this famous landmark will make you the envy of any baseball fan.
Regardless of the season, a visit to Chicago will always provide many options of things to do. It may be a little snowy and cold in the windy city, but that's part of Chicago's unique charm.
