Chicago Facts

Chicago is "The City that Works" and "The City of Big Shoulders." It boasts North America's tallest building and one of the world's largest office buildings. With the ubiquitous elevated trains creating a continuous clatter, the city looks, feels and, in fact is, big.

At first glance, Chicago can be overwhelming. But, like any city, it is the sum of its parts, and its parts are diverse. Also known as "The City of Neighborhoods," Chicago comprises more than 75 official neighborhoods. Each features its own distinct quality and character.

So, when trying to digest Chicago, don't try to take it all in with one big bite. Break it up into manageable portions.

The Loop

This area...

...blends the style and sophistication of the country's biggest cities with the friendliness of the hard-working Midwest. Architect Frank Gehry and Spanish sculptor Jaume Plensa have made the downtown Millennium Park an eye-catcher with public art -- the graceful curves of its fluid, metallic sculptures contrasting sharply with the rectangular office towers in the distance. Just steps away lie the shores of Lake Michigan where families have soaked up the sun and tycoons have yachted for generations.

Things to Do

Bronze lions welcome visitors to the Art Institute of Chicago, known for its immense collection of French Impressionist paintings. The original colonnaded limestone building was joined...