SURPRISE ME!

This Is Why Chicago Should Be on Everyone's Travel Bucket List!

Sayani Chawla

Last updated: Apr 1, 2021

If your vacay mood is all about exploring a modern city with splendid skylines, enormous buildings, soothing climate, cultured folks, and lavish settings then Chicago should definitely be on your travel bucket list. From a tour round the Millennium Park, a cruise along the Chicago River, bike rides along Lake Michigan to tasting mouth-watering foods, the city has a plethora of experiences to offer you. Your stay is sure to be a combination of excitement, learning and relaxation in the fresh environ.

Sounds interesting already? Let’s make it more exciting for you then!

Now you can fly nonstop between New Delhi and Chicago on United Airlines’ newly launched direct route.  And guess what? You will be thrilled to check out the affordable rates at which the tickets are available. Also, who doesn’t know about the comfortable seats with excellent legroom, in-flight WiFi and on-board services offered by the airline. To top it all, United Airlines is maintaining an incredible system of hygiene and preventive measures to keep its passengers safe from COVID-19.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and book a hassle-free trip today. Make sure you put on a mask and use sanitizers throughout your journey.

Now that you are all set to tick off Chicago from your travel bucket list, let’s find out the handpicked experiences which you can enjoy here during your stay:

Entice Your Adventurous Side

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The most favourite adventure activity for tourists and locals in Chicago is bike hiking along the Lake Michigan. You can explore the lakefront at your own pace alone or with your partner. If you are a fitness enthusiast, you will love walking, running, skate-boarding and cycling on The 606 lane. High speed kayaking and cruising down the Chicago River stream is also a thrilling activity for adventure lovers. You can also enjoy fun activities like beach volley, paddle-boarding or jet ski at a Chicago beach. Due to the COVID situation, some of these attractions and activities might be closed, hence it is advised that all tourists must check in advance.

Entertain Yourself with Jazz and Theatre

Although Chicago is known for its stringent work culture, there is yet a lot of distinguished source of entertainment in the city. People enjoy classy theatre scenes at a number of heritage and modern auditoriums. The city houses the world famous Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Lyric Opera of Chicago. Invented in 1914 by the local musicians, jazz is the most prevalent form of music played and enjoyed by the people in Chicago. Late night live jazz concerts are frequently held and enjoyed at pubs like Bandera Restaurant, Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, Jazz Showcase, etc. Among other activities, you will relish entertaining fountain shows, light and sound shows and cultural concerts at the Millennium Park. Although the park is open for people to visit, some attractions and amenities remain closed.

Relax in the Scenic Environs

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Famously known as the Windy City, Chicago has an extremely soothing and refreshing environ. The cool breeze blowing from the vast Lake Michigan around the year attracts numerous tourists to beat the summer heat or enjoy the winter chills. The city’s skyline during the twilight is a sight worth remembering. The view from the Chicago 360 Observation Deck is worth a highlight. You will be amazed to capture the best sights of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan from the top of this tower. Although it has opened up recently for the tourists, the authorities are still advising to maintain distance and proper hygiene while visiting here. You can walk down the Riverwalk located on the south bank of Chicago River for a soothing experience. If you wish to treat yourself at a restaurant here, you might have limited opportunities as some restaurants and pubs are still closed.

Admire Flawless Architecture

Chicago is a perfect destination for tourists who admire magnificent buildings and ancient architectures. The city’s skyline and tall buildings along the Chicago River are worth all the admiration while sailing on a boat. You will be mesmerised to gaze at the lofty modern towers like Willis Tower, Aqua Tower, Tribune Tower or Chicago Water Tower. The city also houses a number of artistic churches and cathedrals. The churches are famously known for their tallest bell towers in the world. Some of Chicago’s stunning cathedrals include St. Josaphat Parish, St Adalbert’s Catholic Church and St. Mary of the Angels. The movable bridges across the city and the modern structures like the Cloud Gate at Millennium Park are worth a visit for all its tourists.

Indulge in Authentic and Lip-smacking Cuisines

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Chicago is well known for its many luxury restaurants and unique cafes like The Gage, Quartino Ristorante, Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, etc. Enjoying a food trail and binging on incredibly delicious dishes is a must-do activity while strolling on the city lanes. Among the many must-have delicacies, the Chicago-style Stuffed Pizza is an unmissable dish for anybody who loves to gorge on cheesy pizzas. The most famous of this is the deep dish pizza. Among other mouth-watering dishes, you should definitely try the jibarito – a cheesy non-vegetarian sandwich made of flattened plantains instead of bread, the Chicago-style hot dog – known as the tycoon of street food, the Rainbow Cone – a multi-layered ice cream, and many more. Although most of the restaurants in Chicago are open after the lockdown period, some cafes and pubs around the Chicago River remain closed.

Shop till You Drop

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If you are in Chicago, you can’t do without visiting the distinct shopping street called the Magnificent Miles. The lane has more than 400 stores, shopping complexes, super markets and high rise buildings, selling almost all possible products on Earth. From clothes and fashion products to household appliances and electronics, you name a product and they have a shop for it. The avenue is also famous for the Museum of Contemporary Art, well-known media centres and luxury hotels.

Party All Night at Ritzy Pubs and Bars

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If you are a party animal, you can quench all your thirst with the bustling nightlife at the countless swanky pubs and bars. Taste the most exotic cocktails and wines while you dance your nights out at the classy parties. Treat your party pals to authentic Chicago Fizz Cocktail or Chicago Cocktail and enjoy incredible jazz music throughout the night. Some of the best known pubs which are open now are Jov District, Tunnel, Bounce Sporting Club, Chicago Party Boat, Play and Electric Hotel. Many other pubs and nightclubs are opening up slowly, so you can keep a check on them on your visit.

Avail Unique Transportation Systems

Each part of Chicago is well connected by various means of transportations. If you are a tourist, you are advised to explore the city by the Elevated Train (Chicago L). Apart from the usual bus and taxi systems, the city is equipped with a number of unique transports like water taxis and shared bikes or bicycles. You may also choose to walk along the lake or the riverside for a pleasant and refreshing experience.

Now that you know what to do on your vacation to this American city, book your tickets on United Airlines’ direct flights between New Delhi and Chicago at affordable rates.

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