A guide to Chicago’s most notable landmarks
If you’re considering going on a city break in the United States, I feel there’s little that can top Chicago. While it’s not as big as LA or New York, the Windy City certainly has a lot for you to do and see. Given the fact it’s the country’s third largest city, however, I don’t think it should be too surprising that there’s plenty to captivate you.
However, Chicago’s vast size and array of landmarks often means it’s difficult to decide which sights you ought to visit first. To give you a helping hand, I’ve put together a bit of information about some of the landmarks that I feel are particularly worth your attention upon arriving in the city on an airport transfer.
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Art and culture lovers will certainly be in their element when visiting the city and, although there are dozens of museums and galleries to explore, I think the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is really worth visiting.
Located in the city’s downtown region, the institution displays a number of temporary exhibitions, along with showcasing items for its large permanent collection, so there should always be something new for you to see.
The works in the museum’s permanent assembly of art are pieces by Dan Graham, Larry Clark and Richard Hunt, while previous one-off exhibits have focused on the works of Heidi Norton, among others. It’s also worth heading to the terraced sculpture garden as, from here, you can take in fantastic panoramic views of Lake Michigan.
Willis Tower
Those who have a head for heights will no doubt be aware that Chicago is the home of the skyscraper. Indeed, the world’s first high-rise steel structure was constructed in the city in 1885 and, since that time, dozens of skyscrapers have been erected across the city.
Perhaps the most famous of these is the Willis Tower (although many people still refer to it by its former name of Sears Tower), which stretches a towering 1,450 ft and is the highest building in the United States.
With this in mind, it’s the perfect place to visit if you want to soak up some panoramic views of the city. From the Skydeck observation platform on the 103rd floor, you will get to look out for miles and miles, though if you want to get a slightly different perspective of Chicago, you should check out the Ledge. This glass cube balcony extends 4 ft outwards and enables you to look directly down to the ground that lies 1,353 ft below.
Grant Park
If you need to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city, however, you should head to Grant Park. As it spans some 300 acres, this public park is the ideal destination for those who want to breathe in a little fresh air and relax. With the park consisting of so much space, it should be of little surprise that it’s a good place to stretch your legs and take a stroll.
Make sure you keep an eye out for the numerous pieces of public art that dot the park as you walk. Among the sculptures you can take in are the 12 ft high stainless steel Cloud Gate structure and the Buckingham Fountain which was built in 1927.
As you can see, there are plenty of fantastic attractions within the city, so I think it’s important to make the most of the time that you have available. One thing you might want to do in order to achieve this is book a Chicago airport transfer. Doing so enables you to travel from the city’s airport to your accommodation (and back) quickly, so you can start exploring as soon as possible.
If you’re thinking of heading to Chicago, what attractions are you interested in visiting the most? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.