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For many people who live in the United States, Chicago
offers an exciting and welcoming big-city experience. Chicago
has a rich history, from sports and recreations (notably the Chicago Bulls, Bears, Cubs and White Sox) to architectural and literary treasures.

As a member of a Chicago
family, I have a personal value in showing our great Second
City off. Some of the buildings in the Chicago Loop were built by my grandparents and great grandparents. My ancestors are buried in the Lakeview Cemetary.

This article aims to show you some travel tips for a rewarding travel experience in the Windy City.

Travel Tips

1. Be aware that Chicago
is a cold place. Leisure trips to Chicago
are best made between May and October. November until May, Chicago
temperatures typically range from below freezing to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

In my opinion, the months with the worst weather in Chicago: January and February.

2. Public Transit is available in Chicago, and take advantage of it when you can.
It's cheap, safe and reliable.

3. Plan on walking around the Loop
for a day. There are many great tourist traps in the Loop Area. Try to use an entire day to explore the Loop. You can see several of the great Chicago
attractions in the same day if you wish.

How To Plan Your Trip

First off, understand that Chicago
is essentially divided into neighborhoods.
Some of these attractions might be difficult to see in one day.

The Loop

The Loop is an area in the heart of Chicago. It's named for the El train's loop the brown line, orange line, purple line and green line trains all run in a loop as their main hub of transportation. You can find the Sears Tower
and many of the main business and shopping centers in the Loop.

On the eastern edge of the Loop, you can locate Grant Park, where Barack Obama gave his acceptance speech in November of 2008. Lake
Michigane borders the park zone,

with Navy Pier, The Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum
and Soldier Field in the vicinity.

The Southside A Brief List

South Loop, Bronzeville, Bridgeport
and Comiskey Park
(now U.S.
Cellular)

South of the loop, you can find charming neighborhoods such as Bronzeville, Bridgeport. This is a wonderful part of Chicago, you can find several excellent soul food, Mexican, and Italian restaurants if you look in the local dining guides.

In addition, the Illinois Institute of Technology is located in this area. South of IIT is Comiskey
Park / U.S. Cellular Field, where the Chicago White Sox play baseball. You can reach U.S. Cellular Field on the Red Line, or by taking the expressway.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is home to the world-reknown University of Chicago. You can also visit the

Natural Sciences
Museum in this area.

The Northside A Brief List

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park is home to Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo, a fantastic outdoors experience for the whole family. Visit the Zoo in the summer.

Second City
/ IO Theater / Annoyance Theater

Chicago is home to the nationally-recognized improv and sketch comedy scene. Some of the top comedic stars attended these acting workshops.

Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field is home to the Chicago Cubs, also reachable by taking the Red Line.

The Chicagoland Area

The Ernest Hemingway
Museum (Oak Park) and the Frank Lloyd Wright houses (several sites throughout the suburbs)can be visited in the Chicago
suburbs, these two structures do have tour guides and their own tourist arrangements.

Summary

Chicago is a large city and this is a small article it might be good to take in the sights in a matter of days. There are literally hundred of amazing sights and sites within city limits. All you have to do is look!

Links

http://egov.cityofchicago.org Official Chicago Website

http://rtachicago.com Public Transit Information, trip planner

http://chicago.metromix .com

Learn more about this author, Aster C. Lilly.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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