Chicago : book your hotel

Deep dish pizza, the sound of the blues, and all the sports you could wish for - the Windy City of Chicago is sure to blow you away. Stacked with skyscrapers, decked with delightful dining spots, and packed with world-class museums and a ton of art, Chicago is casual cool.

Chicago is home to art deco skyscrapers that turn the skyline into soaring glass and steel, it's no surprise that Chicago has a creative edge reflected in its art and architectural style. This inspired spirit goes beyond buildings and into the blues - at the end of the famed blues trail, the city still makes room for live music, festivals, and neighbourhood parties where the twang of a steel guitar serves as a soundtrack to American history. Being perched on Lake Michigan also means that strolling the Navy Pier is a must. For those who want to chow down, cheer their favorite team, and get a generous dose of culture - Chicago has got you covered.

As one of the largest cities in the USA, Chicago Illinois is a sprawl but is also well set up for exploring. The L is probably one of the most popular ways of getting around Chicago with its network of rumbling subway trains and raised tracks crisscrossing the city. Running throughout the day and covering most of the main sights and the coolest neighborhoods in Chicago (not to mention the airport), it's easy. There are also commuter trains for those who want to delve deep into the suburbs and you can even take water taxis within the city if traveling to spots along the river.

Chicago does a lot of things well but its food and music make it stand head and shoulders above the crowd. The history of blues musicians traveling from Mississippi to Chicago keeps it connected to big blues names like Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf, and Bo Didley. From the blues to the belly, Chicago is also a foodie paradise. Of course, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is a must as is the local hot dog loaded with seven different toppings. As a mega multicultural city, you will also find great plates in every neighborhood - from Chinatown to Greektown, you can taste the world. While casual chow is certainly on the cards, Chicago also has a high-class dining scene with Michelin-starred restaurants and sublime steakhouses.

From superior shopping to impressive sports stadiums, 1920s skyscrapers, parks, sculptures and art museums - Chicago can tap into all the sensory delights. Here are some of the best attractions to see as soon as you step out of your Chicago hotel.

For those looking to see the famous Bean (a 110-foot sculpture made from highly polished steel), Millennium Park is the place to see it. Apart from Grant Park, this place is not only home to the 'bean' but is also the place to see the Crown Fountain, the Lurie Garden, and the Pritzker Pavillion. Being in such a Downtown spot also means you have a ton of easy access to great shopping and dining facilities too.

Stretching alongside the waterfront and swallowing up fifty acres of space, Navy Pier is pure fun and lighthearted indulgence. This entertainment center started life as an amusement park with its turning Ferris wheel and summer fun. Yet, it has expanded to become a spot for boutique shopping, great eating, and gorgeous gardens where there are always seasonal exhibitions and the chance to ride the historic carousel.

The Art Institute is a must-see for art aficionados traveling to Chicago. In these grand halls, you can see thousands of pieces of art, sculpture, textiles, drawings, and more. With a blend of impressionist and post-impressionist offerings including work by Monet and Renoir, you are sure to be in your element exploring the impressive exhibitions.

One of the most famous miles in Chicago, this is the street to stroll if you want to see some of the city's impressive architecture along with hundreds of restaurants, hundreds of stores, and some of the best hotels in Chicago to boot. This is where you can catch sight of the architectural delights of the historic water tower and stand on the rooftop observation spot atop the 100-story-high John Hancock Center.