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Tourist guide: what to do and see in Chicago

Chicago

Jazz amongst skyscrapers

Chicago is a city to be discovered among skyscrapers, music and endless shores. Balancing tradition and innovation, this great metropolis on the shores of Lake Michigan combines iconic architecture, vibrant culture and a culinary scene with a character of its own.

 

Chicago
in 48 hours

Did you know that the famous Route 66 starts in Chicago? The birthplace of jazz and blues, of skyscrapers and Lake Michigan, of museums and street culture, it is a city that surprises from the very first moment. We take a quick tour of Chicago that will surely leave you wanting to come back.
 

Hello, I'm Guille. I work at Iberia and I’ve been a cabin crew member for three years.

Today we’re flying to a city famous for its museums, parks and skyscrapers: Chicago. Will you join me?

We’ve arrived in Chicago. Let’s head to the hotel to rest for a bit and then get going.

Chicago wouldn’t be Chicago without its long avenues, skyscrapers and museums.

Did you know that Route 66 starts right here?

We’ve come to one of the most iconic places in the city. Both the sign and the building have been declared protected and historic by the city of Chicago.

We end the day by having one of Chicago’s most iconic dishes for dinner: deep-dish pizza. More than pizzas, they look like pies; in fact, they’re baked in pans.

After visiting the city’s most emblematic places, it’s time to head back to the hotel to rest, as a very busy day awaits us tomorrow.

Good morning! Taking advantage of this wonderful morning in Chicago, I’ve come out to do a bit of exercise. We’re in Lakeview, one of the most famous parks in Chicago for its number of runners, where you can enjoy these amazing views.

After a quick shower, we head back to the streets of Chicago.

We’re at Valois Café, one of former President Barack Obama’s favourite cafés. With a coffee in hand, I can tell you that we’re sitting at the very table where President Obama gave his last interview to a TV programme while he was President of the United States.

Millennium Park is famous for “Cloud Gate”, also known as “The Bean”.

Very close to “The Bean” you’ll find one of the most unusual fountains in the city of Chicago. It was also created by a Spanish sculptor.

The views from the Hancock Tower observation deck are spectacular, but I suggest an alternative. The Willis Tower observation deck has far fewer queues and the views are incredible. What a thrill!

This is another activity you can do in Chicago: a helicopter ride. It was spectacular. The best views of Chicago!

And that brings us to the end of our trip to Chicago. I hope you liked the city as much as I did. See you in Madrid!

Unmistakable
skyline

We welcome you to one of the cities in the world with the most skyscrapers. Chicago’s current architecture is the result of starting from scratch after the Great Fire, which destroyed its central district in 1871. Today, steel and glass dominate an unmistakable skyline, a defining feature of the city that invites travellers to enjoy unforgettable views.

One of Chicago’s most iconic experiences is taking an architectural river cruise along the Chicago River. The Chicago Architecture Center organises themed tours on foot, by bus and also along the river — a must for design lovers.
 

A boat sails along the Chicago River, surrounded by impressive skyscrapers at sunset
View of Chicago’s skyscrapers from one of its observation decks


At your feet | The panoramic view of Chicago from above is one of those images you remember for a lifetime. Buildings such as the Hancock Tower or Willis Tower, the tallest in Chicago and the fourth tallest in the world, feature glass observation decks perfect for enjoying the very best views.

Want something a bit more original? At around 60 metres high and with 360-degree views, the Centennial Wheel offers a complete panorama of Chicago’s skyline and Lake Michigan from its location on the lively Navy Pier. Its 42 cabins take 15 minutes to complete a full rotation, giving visitors the chance to take in every angle.

Green
Chicago

Lake Michigan is one of Chicago’s main highlights and the perfect place to unwind without leaving the city. Its shores, with urban beaches and the extensive Lakefront Trail, invite you to stroll, exercise or simply enjoy the skyline views by the water. Nearby, green spaces such as Millennium Park and Grant Park offer a breath of fresh air among skyscrapers, combining nature, art and local atmosphere right in the heart of the city.
 

View of Lincoln Park, one of Chicago’s largest green areas

Real experiences in Chicago:
this is how other travellers see it

Share your travel experience with #Chicago, #InstantesIberia and @Iberia

 

Eating out
in Chicago

Chicago’s gastronomy is one of its greatest attractions and combines local tradition with a highly dynamic culinary scene.

If you travel to Chicago between January and February, you’ll experience Chicago Restaurant Week, one of the city’s most prominent gastronomic events, in which more than 450 restaurants take part with special fixed-price menus. A great opportunity to enjoy the flavours of Chicago.

Chicago-style pizza, with a thick crust and plenty of filling

Three dishes you simply have to try during your visit to Chicago:

Chicago-style pizza | Known for its thick crust and generous filling, it is one of the city’s most iconic dishes.

Chicago-style hot dog | A classic served with mustard, pickles, tomato and onion — and no ketchup.

Italian beef sandwich | A juicy beef sandwich served in its own juices, typical of local tradition.

Five things to do
in Chicago

Plan your trip to Chicago

Explore places and experiences, and mark your favourites to create your route and share it. Want more ideas? Get a personalised itinerary based on your interests and the length of your trip — in just two steps and downloadable on Google Maps.

Documents for travelling as a tourist

Find your trip to Chicago

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