Chicago a Great City To Live and Visit

Chicago is one of the most popular cities of the United States. The largest city in Illinois, it has a population of 3 million people. It is situated in the Cook County and it is regarded as the 3rd most populous region in the United States. Chicagoland or the Chicago Metropolitan area has a population of 9.7 million or more and it is the 3rd largest metropolitan area also. It is the largest city on the Great Lakes and for its cultural and economic influence it is regarded as the alpha world city. It is a major transportation center in North America and it is the financial and the business capital of the Midwest America. Chicago has the tallest buildings and the some of best hotels in the US. Located in Illinois, it truly bedazzles its visitors with its amazing sights and skyscrapers, museums, restaurants, shopping malls and exquisite neighborhoods. Chicago actually has more in store for you than you can possibly imagine.

Let's go through all the Chicago attractions. The Chicago attractions include the museums that are among the very best in the world. The museums near the south are Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium. The Museum of Science and Industry is just a short distance away from the previous ones. It is a must see museum and is located on the South Chicago Shore. If you are an art lover then you need to see the Art Institute of Chicago in the Loop. It has all sorts of impressionism, classical and modern art, a huge collection of historical artifacts. Chicago attractions also include the Lincoln Park Zoo and many other small museums like the museum of Mexican art in Pilsen and the Museum of Photography in the Loop. The Lake Michigan is the largest fresh water lake in the United States and so the Chicagoans take full advantage of it. The noticeable beaches where you can relax are Oak Street Beach, Rogers Park, North Avenue beach and Rainbow beach. Midway Park, Washington Park, Rogers Park, Grant Park and many more parks are there to entertain you throughout the year.

Chicago hotels include Adventure Inn, Allegro, Amerisuites Arlington Heights, Baymont Inn and Suites, Belden Stradford Hotel, Conrad and many more. There are a ton of five star and four star Chicago hotels but there are also many budget hotels and motels where you can comfortably stay without making a big dent in your pocket.

Chicago restaurants are really great places to fulfill your appetite. You can find all sorts of cuisine in Chicago and Chicago restaurants are not in the least disappointing. The list includes restaurants like Bandera Restaurant, Big Bowl, Bistro 110, Blue Chicago, Bootleggers, Brazzaz, Café Luciano, Chicago Chop House, Cielo restaurant and Bar, Downtown Dogs, Edwardo's and many more. Chicago restaurants are more than a handful and you'd never really find out exactly how many restaurants there are. Nearly all of them are great though.

Chicago real estate is in great demand and you'd have to hire a really good real estate agent to get the good prices in Chicago. Although there are a lot of neighborhoods in Chicago, the city is divided into roughly four parts. They are the Downtown and the Loop, The West side, The South Side and the North Side. If you are planning to buy a home in Chicago then you won't regret your decision but do get a good real estate agent for the purpose.

Chicago is the city of amusement and amazement. If you visit once, you'll surely come back.

Dubbed the City of Big Shoulders due to the numerous sky scrapers and giant buildings scattered around, Chicago is an immense city to behold. Boasting an even bigger personality, it is home to a veritable wealth of cultural treats and renowned annual events, thus making it an electrifying place to visit. Testimony to its appeal, more 30 million people travel there every year.

Located in the state of Illinois, along the south west shores of Lake Michigan, the city has grown from its modest beginnings in 1833 to become a thriving modern metropolis. Divided into four distinct areas - the North Side, South Side, West Side and Downtown - there is a breathtaking range of sights and attractions to explore.

For instance, home to a superb selection of public art, there are many artistic works dotted around Chicago's outside spaces, including pieces by the legendary Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró. It also plays host to a number of major cultural, sporting and political events.

Having brought about the rise of modern improvisational theatre, Chicago is a great place to experience an assortment of live shows and performances. Indeed, there are more than 200 critically-acclaimed theatre companies in the city including the Lifeline Theatre and Remy Bumppo.

Whilst a lot of the companies make use of their own theatre facilities, many also put on performances in some more unusual spaces, such as storefronts, bars and black-box theatres. The result is impressive and visitors cannot fail to be drawn in by Chicago's passion for entertainment. And, in addition to its resident theatres, the city also sees a number touring productions take to the stage, meaning there is always something new to discover.

The Victory Gardens Theatre is a definite highlight for any visitor intending to come to Chicago. Established in 1974, it is home to numerous resident playwrights and, as such, is often the site of premiers, including James Sherman's Beau Jest and Voice of Good Hope by Kristine Thatcher. In fact, in recognition of its contributions to the scene, the New York Times described it as helping to place Chicago alongside New York in terms of theatre.

The Organic Theatre Company is also well worth a visit. Again founded in the 1970s, its mission has always been to bring exciting, new performances to the stage that reflects what is happening in the outside world. Subsequently, there is an interesting assortment of new adaptations and old world classics to enjoy.

The City of Big Shoulders is an impressive one to experience. As well as offering up a huge slice of culture, its theatre offerings are second to none. Add to the mix a remarkable collection of delicious eateries, vibrant bars and clubs, and a range of Chicago hotels and you have the perfect holiday destination to head to.