A (VERY BRIEF) GUIDE TO CHICAGO
Chicago, the birthplace of the modern skyscraper is still a trendsetter in urban architecture and a must for people interested in 20th century urban architecture. But the Windy City offers a lot more than architecture alone. Chicago is a thriving center of international trade and commerce and a city of world-class status and unsurpassed beauty. It features world-famous museums and galleries, amazing architecture, lake front parks and a huge variety of restaurants and shops. It is a bustling city, with a vibrant nightlife and is also a great city to live in, especially the northern part which has a lively atmosphere and even nice beaches.
Predominant architecture:
Chicago features an outstanding architectural legacy. This city has long been connected with some of architecture’s most important names: Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, Mies van der Rohe, and Holabird & Root. The Loop District offers an extensive number of Chicago’s famous architectural “must-see” buildings such as Old Post Office, Sears Tower, Old St. Patrick’s Church, or Rookery Building.
Places to see:
Sears Tower: At the time the Sears tower was constructed in 1974, it was the world’s tallest building, eclipsing New York’s twin-towered World Trade Center
Magnificent Mile: The northern part of Michigan Avenue is Chicago’s version of the Champs-Elysées: a grand wide boulevard with exclusive shops, museums, restaurants and hotels.
Millennium Park: The 24.5 acre park is a magnificent state of the art facilities, with unique public artwork and beautiful gardens.
Chicago River: Flowing through downtown Chicago, the river, once a corridor of commercial activity, has been transformed into a recreational area with sightseeing boats and a pedestrian promenade.
Union Station: Built in 1925, it is one of the last grand American railway stations. At the time Chicago was a national railway hub, connecting the east and west coasts of the United States.
