Many say that despite its size Chicago retains much more of a small town spirit in comparison to the likes of New York and Los Angeles. Something else it is renowned for is the quality of its architecture. The city’s skyline is world famous and from up high is one of the best ways to get your bearings too. Why not try the John Hancock Observatory which provides a view of the city from 1,000ft in the air. Alternatively experience a 3D motion simulation of the city’s history at Navy Pier or see the city from the water by taking a boat tour on the lake which sets off from the adjacent pier.

"Chicago is also a city of culture with a thriving art scene which can be sampled at the Art institute of Chicago."

Art Institute of Chicago.

There are also numerous theatres and museums and Chicago is a genuinely family destination with the likes of the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium.

"If you intend to visit many of these sights then the Go Chicago Card might be a good investment at $49 and which provides admission to many of the city’s key attractions and discounts on shopping."

Art Institute of Chicago The Art Institute of Chicago houses one of the greatest art collections in the world with works from 3000BC to the present day.

Field Museum

The Field Museum is Chicago’s Natural History Museum and is to be found on Lake Shore Drive. It is also home to Sue, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus fossil ever discovered.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home

Visit the home and architectural laboratory of America’s most famous architect which served for the first twenty years of his career. Lincoln Park This is Chicago’s largest park and follows the shore of Lake Michigan for several miles. It has beaches, a golf course, meadows, tended gardens and sports fields.

Museum of Science and Industry

This is Chicago’s most popular tourist attraction and displays everything the sub-molecular to giant feats of engineering. It is also renowned as being one of the world’s first interactive museums.

Shedd Aquarium A Chicago institution

The Shedd remains the world’s largest indoor aquarium. It is also home to more than 8000 river, lake and sea creatures. Navy Pier On the lakefront is one of the city’s foremost tourist attractions. Navy Pier offers year-round attractions such as events and live entertainment. There are acres of parks and gardens as well as shops and restaurants and rides (the 15 storey ferris wheel is based on the one which made its debut in Chicago in 1893 and which is acknowledged as being the world’s first).

Sears Tower

Still the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere (and for some time the tallest building in the world), the Sears Tower Skydeck is one of the best places to see the city. It is on the 103rd floor and offers views from 1,353 feet above street level.

Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum

This is located on Lake Michigan, the Adler was America’s first planetarium and the only museum with two full size planetarium theatres. It has being showing the night sky since 1930.

Click here for our range of recommended travel guides for Chicago