Things To Do in Chicago, Illinois

If you are planning to move to Chicago, plan to dress warm in the fall and winter. Get comfortable with using public transportation, because driving in this city is a nightmare and parking is close to impossible. However, the museums, restaurants and music scene more than make up for the challenges in Chicago.

Chicago is a bustling hub of famous music, architecture, sports, museums, and mouth-watering food! My beloved Windy City is comprised of magnificent skyscrapers (Willis or Sears Tower, depending on who you ask), a beautiful lake with a neighboring trail, and a transit system that can connect you to all kinds of parts all over the city.

If anyone were moving to Chicago, my first recommendation would be to do your research! Chicago is an amazing city but without mapping out a game plan prior to moving, it can come off as overwhelming. For example, it is highly recommended that you research the different neighborhoods in Chicago to find which would be the best area for you to live in based on your needs. If you are searching for a neighborhood that is very convenient to local shopping, for example, something closer to downtown may be a better for you. If you seek a more quiet, residential area, something closer to the North side of the city may be more appropriate. Research helps with that! I would consider figuring out your top five most important criteria for a neighborhood and then locate an area based on that; chances are, Chicago has an area that can suit you!

Those moving to Chicago should first familiarize themselves with Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods. I prefer the Near North Side because it’s safe and less chaotic than the Loop, but still offers an abundance of terrific dining and shopping venues. However, if you’re looking for a more traditional housing arrangement within the city limit then take a look at the North and Southwest suburbs.

When many people think of Chicago, they think of a cold, windy city. In reality, Chicago is a great outdoor city where its residents can enjoy many warm-weather activities, such as biking, kayaking, or running. With a location along Lake Michigan, Chicago is also home to many water sports, like surfing and boating.

Chicago is at its most seductive in summer. There’s loads to do, from patio dining to lakeside lounging. The whole city comes alive when the sun comes out. Wintertime, however, is another story. To survive almost eight months of extreme cold, chilling precipitation, and malevolent winds, one must have a thick winter coat and even thicker skin.

Chicago is the home of the Blackhawks and the Cubs. Chicago is the third most populous city in the U.S. There is always something to do — The Taste of Chicago where there are tons of vendors serving foods from different cultures, New Year’s Eve at Navy Pier where you can see beautiful fireworks, live comedy shows and musical artists at the House of Blues. You can go to the zoo and conservatory, get lost in downtown or just hang by Buckingham fountain in Millennium Park.

Chicago is famous for Chicago-style hot dogs, Chicago-style (deep dish) pizza, Maxwell Street Polish Sausage, jazz music, and 1920s gangsters like Al Capone. Chicago is also known for interesting architecture like the Sears Tower, many museums, and many loyal sports fans. While it is widely known as the “Second City”, Chicago dropped to third in the US by population in the 1990 Census. On the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is the largest city in the Midwest.

Chicago has reliable transit and bike lanes, forests to trail in and botanical gardens to observe. There are alleyways instead of trash on the street. Diverse and well-integrated, the people carry a Southern niceness and pride. They enjoy engaging in pleasantries and do not tolerate false niceties or phony behavior. The city is rich in its knowledge and varying institutes, home to the first ever planetarium and highly esteemed galleries of art (the Art Institute of Chicago being the top-rated museum in the world).

The streets of Chicago are bustling. There is a certain rhythmic heartbeat to the hours spent riding the subway downtown. The atmosphere is ever changing, with the city’s various glitzy high rises to the post-industrial scenes. Each and every Chicago neighborhood has its own distinct culture, history, and experience to soak in. Authentic ramen and mochi available to purchase from Asian marketplaces, traditional meat dishes sold in Greektown.

Chicago is a beautiful town with world-class restaurants, top shopping, a great lake with beaches, and warm people. Just beware that winters can quite brutal, with temperatures dropping below zero quite frequently, especially in the early months of the year. But the sights of snow and a white Christmas make up for the chilly weather.

The City of Chicago is the largest city in Illinois and the third-most-populous city in the nation. Chicago has a multitude of museums, including the prestigious Art Institute and the Chicago Historical Society. Families will find plenty to do at Navy Pier and to explore at the Field Museum and the Lincoln Park Zoo. You could spend all day strolling through Hyde Park or shopping along the Magnificent Mile.