Chicago

What we see is what we perceive and in case of Chicago, our perception is absolutely right. Just as shown in pictures and movies, Chicago is indeed one of the most beautiful and biggest tourist destinations of the United States. From world-class museums to overspreading beaches to a shopping hub, Chicago has everything to fulfill your expectations of a ‘perfect holiday.’ Take a look at the top famous destinations of Chicago and decide when to leave:

1. Art Institute of Chicago: visit the world’s most famous institute—Art Institute of Chicago—to know the real extent of art and its beauty in the purest form. Nobody would mind if Art Lovers declare this institute a holy place and start worshiping it. Pass through the iconic pair of bronze lions that stands in front of the museum guarding it, to find a collection that’s worth skipping a heartbeat or a gasped out expression. Get ready to be stunned when you realize that you’re between a collection of more than 300,000 artworks that the Art Institute of Chicago houses. Aligned in a sprawling complex of galleries and halls, Art Institute of Chicago exhibits almost everything—from Japanese prints to ancient Greek sculptures to the iconic classic paintings of Edward Hopper's Nighthawks and Grant Wood's American Gothic. If you have kids along, you can spend a quality time by joining free art-making activities that take place every weekend from 11 am to 2 pm. Head to the Thorne Miniature Rooms, which force your imagination to run wild by showcasing a detailed view of European residences from the 16th century through the 1930s and American homes from the 17th century to 1940. For a bit more of contemporary experience, head for the Modern Wing—especially designed by Renzo Piano, this part of the museum sets up one of the best examples of architecture and design collection, along with a display of 20th and 21st-century art.
2. Adler Planetarium: America’s first planetarium and home to one of the world’s most technologically advanced dome theatres, Adler Planetarium brings the universe right in front of your eyes. Visit the exhibition where intrepid explorers can occupy a life-size model of a Mars rover. The planetarium accommodates nine exhibitions and multiple theaters, which, in its historic Atwood Sphere, showcases the night sky of Chicago in 1913. The Adler is sure to leave you stunned by its visuals and if you’re traveling with kids, they’re sure to get highly inspired and you never know if they become little scientists! Before stepping out of this glory, we’d highly recommend you to head to Grainger Sky Theater and attend Adler's 30-minute premiere show— Destination Solar System, which takes you to a tour of the best of the Solar System and will definitely force you to look beyond just land and water.
3. Your Adrenaline rush fix: the enthusiasts with a high adrenaline and a spine of adventure are always on a lookout for their fixture. And for such people, Chicago is a MUST VISIT. Apart from many other sites, the most two famous sites are listed below for you to start visualizing yourself there:
   • Skydeck Chicago: stand on the Willis Tower —the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere—to get an eye-popping view of Chicago and way beyond. Nearly 1.3 million visitors come to amuse themselves to Skydeck Chicago’s 103rd-floor observation deck, which rises 1,353 feet (412.4 meters) above street level. For the adventurers and brave hearts, Skydeck has an opportunity to step out on the 4.3 feet extended out glass box at The Ledge for a clearer and 1,353 feet-above-the-street-level view. Try and spot the famous points like Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois to check your knowledge and become the best Scavenger.
   • 360 CHICAGO: right in the center of Chicago, lies an open-air Skywalk called 360 CHICAGO. The skywalk is there to give you all the feels of being on the top of the city, even till late hours, so you can enjoy the beauty of a city which is lit in its full capacity. The fastest elevators in North America take you to the 94th floor (1,000 feet above street level) in just 40 seconds, giving you a trailer of what’s coming next. Enjoy a multimedia Sky Tour and give contemplating Chicago’s history a try on the 80-feet history wall. To feel a little brave enough, step into the TILT and experience a unique view of Chicago from 1,000 feet above, while you’re tilted. Want to add more fun to this? Try spotting Chicago’s famous landmarks, like Wrigley Field, Navy Pier, and glamorous marinas. Apart from the fun and adventurous part, get yourself enrolled with the observatory whose educational features will help you learn about the Chicago Skyline as well as the city's history, culture, and natural scenery.
4. Navy Pier: it won’t be wrong to call Navy Pier a whole new city when you look at its broad area, covering 50 acres (20 hectares) of prime Chicago lakefront territory, with restaurants, parks and gardens, markets, museums, stages, and many attractive sites. Navy Pier attracts millions of visitors every year because of its elegant yet charismatic atmosphere. The 150-foot Ferris wheel operates year-round, giving you an aerial view of Chicago, go for a sightseeing or dining cruise with any of the cruise companies at Navy Pier. If you’re tired enough to do anything, just sit back at some open roof restaurant and enjoy the view or go for a walk. Get yourself lucky in summers by witnessing fireworks that light up the Chicago skyline twice a week. For theatre lovers, the good news is that Navy Pier is home to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, a leading international theater company dedicated to creating extraordinary productions.
5. The Magnificent Mile: when it comes to traveling, the first thing that is very obvious is shopping. Ladies...get ready for your venture as The Magnificent Mile is a once in a lifetime kind of experience. Be your own boss and explore any to every storefront. Be it clothing, jewelry, toys, antiques, or pet boutiques, The Magnificent Mile has everything that you could ever imagine. Oh and…while you’re on your shopping spree, do not forget to explore the architecture, dining, and business of this maddening place. Visit The Magnificent Mile around Christmas and get lucky to witness the Lights Festival and family-friendly activities, music concerts, and a tree-lighting parade.