Chicago & Beyond

With its stunning vista of towering skyscrapers, the modern-day city of Chicago little resembles that which is depicted in the gangster movies of the 1920s and ‘30s. Examples of how “The Windy City” has been transformed can be found in the Skydeck Chicago – at 1,353 feet the highest observatory in the city – as well as the Magnificent Mile’s parade of designer shops and the brand new Chicago Riverwalk, which has sprung to life with wineries, cafes and local musicians performing on the south bank of the river.

Chicago takes great pride in its culture, with several museums including the outstanding Art Institute of Chicago, rivalling any of its kind in the world. The internationally acclaimed Chicago Symphony Orchestra presents more than 150 concerts each year, while more than 200 small theatre companies perform throughout the year. In contrast to the bustling downtown area, the tranquil parks and sandy beaches of Lake Michigan are just a few minutes away, while at night, it’s difficult to resist the lure of Rush Street’s jazz and nightclubs or the plethora of traditional American eateries.

Chicago & New York

Historic Route 66

Multi-Centre Fly-Drive Experience

Coast to Coast Adventure

Multi-Centre Fly-Drive Experience

American Music & Movie Trails

Multi-Centre Fly-Drive Experience

Chicago & Beyond Highlights

Great for foodies
Mention food in Chicago to those who have not visited and pizza may well spring to mind, and while the locals still take their pizzerias very seriously, the city has become exceptionally creative with its food scene. Indeed, the Mayor of Chicago was even able to attract the James Beard Awards, the Oscars of the food world. From Vietnamese pho to Mexican carnitas, from a chicken, apple and cranberry hot dog at Hot G Dog to a 20-course meal spread over three hours at award-winning Aliana’s, Chicago makes it almost impossible to go hungry!
Sports mad
Sports form a major part of the Chicago lifestyle and on any given day, it’s almost a certainty that there will be a sporting event taking place. So if you’re a fan of baseball, American football, basketball, hockey or soccer – Chicago Fire play in the Eastern Conference of the Major League – then be sure to catch a game. Of the seven stadiums in the city, the most famous is Wrigley Field, home to the Chicago Cubs baseball team and the second-oldest ballpark still operating in the US.

Chicago & Beyond Experiences

360 Chicago
Located on the 94th floor of the historic John Hancock Centre in the heart of downtown Chicago, 360 CHICAGO offers breath-taking views of the city and Lake Michigan from over 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile. After riding the super-fast elevator to the top, get your camera ready! See the shoreline, Navy Pier, the vast Lake Michigan and try to spot many of the famous buildings in Downtown Chicago. On a clear day you can even see the four neighbouring states! What's more, you can learn about this fascinating city through interactive screens – zoom in, and out, of the city and test your knowledge with digital challenges.
Shedd Aquarium
We wouldn’t necessarily call this a “hidden secret” but would nonetheless strongly recommend a visit. The Shedd Aquarium is a 75-year-old institution, home to more than 30,000 underwater creatures and 1,500 different species, whose natural habitats are the world’s oceans, rivers and reefs, but which are now housed in this huge indoor aquarium. You’ll see sharks patrol overhead, stingrays swim below your feet, penguins glide through icy water and dolphins pirouette through the air.
Architecture River Cruise
For a diverse perspective of Chicago and its history, take the Chicago Land and River Architecture Tour, a narrated city tour by coach followed by a cruise along the waters of the Chicago River. You’ll view of some of Chicago’s most famous buildings, including the John Hancock Tower, Willis Tower, Adler Planetarium and the Tribune Tower. You’ll sail along the lakefront, with views of Buckingham Fountain and Chicago Harbour, all offering a thorough insight into the architecture that has shaped the Chicago of today.
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