Tourist guide: what to do and see in Chicago
Jazz amongst skyscrapers.
With Chicago, the first things that come to mind might be Michael Jordan and skyscrapers. But the USA’s second-largest city is far more than sports and towering glass and steel. Its music scene, for example, is amazingly dynamic and diverse, and you must make a point of visiting one of the many local jazz clubs, some with a vibe straight out of the Al Capone era of the Roaring ’20s. Hop onto Chi-town’s elevated trains for a fascinating tour through colourful neighbourhoods and massive forest of more than a thousand high-rises, a compelling mix of past, present and future. Then once you’ve seen the skyscrapers from below, how about taking in the view from the top of the country’s tallest – and the fourth highest on earth? Don’t worry about vertigo – atop Willis Tower you’ll feel like the king or queen of the world.
- Sights
- Shopping
- Leisure
- Dining
- Open air
- Museum
- Sights
- Shopping
- Leisure
- Dining
- Open air
- Museum
The Underground
If you want to experience Chicago’s night life, call into this night club. Have a ball!
Be king of the dance floor at this trendy nightclub.
Chicago hardly ever sleeps. The Underground (www.theundergroundchicago.com) is the ultimate trendy place where you can spot celebrities on the dance floor and dance to the music of its very prestigious DJs. In this club where, unsurprisingly, private parties are not unusual, the bottles on the reserved tables are of the most exclusive brands. The club, which is designed to look like a military bunker has illuminated maps hanging on the walls and after midnight the waiters offer small sandwiches to settle stomachs a little after all that drinking. Located in West Illinois Street, it opens on Thursday, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from ten o’clock in the evening.
A Bulls or Blackhaws game at the United Center
If you have the chance, don't miss out on the chance to experience an American basketball game.
The temple of the Chicago Bulls.
Entering the United Center gives all sports lovers the willies. At the door of this event pavilion is the famous statue of Michael Jordan, the greatest player in NBA history, designed by Omri and Julie Rotblatt-Amrany and inaugurated on November 1, 1994. Placed on a base of black granite, creates the illusion that the cool player is flying in the air. Not only have the best NBA and NFL games been played here, but its almost 90,000 square meters have also hosted major musical events such as concerts by The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand and Pearl Jam. If you go in season, you'll have the chance to watch the Blackhaws play hockey or experience the excitement of a Bulls basketball game. You can purchase game tickets at www.blackhawks.nhl.com or www.nba.com/bulls, or view upcoming United Center events at www.unitedcenter.com/calendar.
Walk through Chinatown
It is always pleasant to walk around Chinatown and see a culture that differs hugely from the rest of the city.
China at your feet without leaving Chicago.
This small area which transports visitors to the fascinating world of the Orient is found on the South Side. After entering through the curious and classic gateway, Chinatown Gate (www.chicagochinatown.org), you can buy all sorts of products in its small shops and souvenir stores, enjoy Chinese food in the restaurants, discover places to buy medicinal plants or Chinese cultural items, not forgetting the beautiful flower shops. In its streets, which are full of Asians and curious tourists, you can enjoy not only the original products which are on sale, but also the smells wafting out of the restaurants and the colourful facades of the buildings and shops. You will also find here a Buddhist temple (www.budtempchi.org), which is an oasis and a perfect place to meditate amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. You can visit the temple on Sunday mornings.
Pops for Champagne
Have a drink in one of these places to end your day.
Varieties of champagne and delicious dishes.
Pops for Champagne (www.popsforchampagne.com) is famous for its extensive menu with up to 200 different types of sparkling wines. Located at 601 North State Street in River North, this is a full-fledged afterwork and a perfect place for a quiet drink in the early evening. It is advisable to come here on Sundays or Tuesdays to enjoy the background sounds of a live jazz band. They also offer menus with delicious seasonal products including caviar, cheese and sausages. On North Rush Street is The Drawing Room (www.thedrchicago.com/bar), with a wide variety of cocktails ranging from the most traditional to the most modern creations. They organize events for groups in which to enter the world of cocktails. Another highly recommended option is The Back Room (www.backroomchicago.com), where you can listen to the best live music after dinner or have a drink.
Learn the city's history with a view from Michigan Bridge
You will be overwhelmed by the grandeur of this bridge.
A symbol of the city.
Everything comes together here: the buildings on the horizon, the asphalt on the streets, the water in the river, the cars and tourists boats crossing it. It is one of the icons of the city and one of the places most photographed by tourists. This drawbridge, which was built between 1918 and 1920 and renovated in 1928, was designed by Edward Bennett. On its four limestone towers are representations of the four parts of the city’s history: The Discoverers shows explorers, the Pioneers shows the first traders, Defence refers to a call for help in the Battle of Fort Dearborn in 1812 and finally, Regeneration depicts workers rebuilding the city following the Great Fire. Out of interest, it was built as two bridges and, if necessary one part can be raised while the traffic continues to cross on the other side.
Another way of exploring the water
This activity is really fun, safe and healthy - dive in!
Take yourself out on the river.
If you like a bit of adventure and you want to visit the city at your own pace, the best way of travelling around on the river is to rent a single or double kayak and have some exercise out on the water. With offers for groups and the option of taking a guide, you can either decide on a destination or you can simply follow your nose and explore the city shoreline. At Wateriders (www.wateriders.com) you can rent a kayak for 20 dollars per hour or a go on a guided tour for about 60 dollars; Kayak Chicago (www.kayakchicago.com) has similar offers and prices from Wednesday to Saturday. At Urban Kayaks (www.urbankayaks.com) they offer a guide as well as renting which allows you to go at your own pace. If you want to try out a new and intrepid experience we recommend going to the Seadog (www.seadogcruises.com) at Navy Pier where you can go on a fun tour on a motor boat which flies over the water. A piece of advice, if you sit at the back you’ll get wet.
Taxi!
In Chicago anything is possible, even taking a taxi on the river.
Can you imagine a water taxi?
Taking a ‘water taxi’ to go somewhere in the city is epic. These curious aquatic vehicles will take you from one tourist site to another in a journey with a difference and you won’t get stuck in traffic jams. There are two companies which ferry locals and tourists between different stops on the river, Water Taxi (www.chicagowatertaxi.com/SitePages/Home.aspx) or Shoreline Water Taxi (www.shorelinesightseeing.com/watertaxis). The taxis are easy to spot as they are yellow and always have people on board. We would encourage you to enjoy this different and fun experience, recommended also for its low, affordable prices, as well as for the fact that all the stops are near historical sites like museums or Michigan Avenue. A good idea whenever you go anywhere located near the river.
A traditional boat ride on the Chicago River
walk along the river and enjoy the views of the city.
Another way to see Chicago.
The river is the heart of Chicago, dividing the city in two. At its mouth to the immense Lake Michigan you will find wonderful views of the skyline but, without a doubt, there is no better way to see the city than touring its waters. On board the Chicago's First Lady cruise ship (www.cruisechicago.com), for about $47, you'll take an excursion in which guides who are experts in architecture will explain the history of its buildings. On Chicago Line Cruises (www.chicagoline.com) you can choose between an architectural or historical tour for $40. If you decide to get on one of the smaller boats, you will learn curious and amusing anecdotes such as that on Saint Patrick's Day they dye the water of their river green with a non-toxic pigment in honor of the city's Irish community, one of the largest in the country. You can also choose between Mercury Cruises (www.mercurycruises.com), Shoreline Sightseeing Company (www.shorelinesightseeing.com) or Wendella Sightseeing Boats (www.wendellaboats.com) themed tours.
Chicago's freshwater beaches
Chicago offers its beaches for sunbathing and swimming or just for taking a walk.
Chicago's beach.
Thanks to the length of its lakeshore, up to 33 beaches have been constructed along the waterfront where you can enjoy a peaceful swim or relax for a while. In the northern area, around Loyola Park, you will find several linked beaches for instance Leone or Jarvis Beach Park, Columbia and Hartigan Beach Park. The only beach which allows dog walking is Montrose Beach, very close to North Avenue Beach, a perfect place to go with your family and which has stunning views of the city. After a jetty was built at the mouth of the river, there was a build-up of sand which, over time, became Oak Street Beach, an artificial island which has become a haven for sun worshippers and which has a promenade for cyclists and skaters. To the south, in Jackson Park, is 63rd Street Beach, which was built in 1919, and which since then has been one of the most popular beaches in the city.
Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
The idiosyncrasies of this theatre make for a unique theatrical experience.
The magic of Shakespeare
Chicago never lacks for entertainment and we invite you to enjoy it. Don’t expect to find traditional plays in this theatre, what you will find is extraordinary, contemporary productions of plays by the acclaimed William Shakespeare, productions which allow the public to feel that his wonderful stories speak directly to them. Since 1986, in this corner of the historic Navy Pier, new life has been breathed into the timeless stories including creative musical productions as well as more traditional productions. With a programme that varies according to the season, in its two intimate theatres you can see a marvellous production inspired, as always, by Shakespeare’s timeless ideas on the human condition. The theatre has won several theatrical awards, amongst which is the Regional Theatre Tony Award. A great theatrical experience which is not to be missed. (www.chicagoshakes.com)
Chicago Theatre
If the building alone leaves you speechless, seeing a show here will be an unforgettable experience.
Chicago's art Mecca.
The grandeur of this place leaves visitors speechless. If your budget allows, buy a ticket so you can appreciate the beautiful auditorium which accommodates up to 3,600 people. Admire the murals, the magnificent stage and the bronze and glass lights. Inaugurated in October 1921, this baroque-style building, which cost 4 million dollars, looks more like a sumptuous palace from a film than a theatre. Its fascinating facade, with the famous illuminated ‘Chicago’ sign is just an aperitif for what you will find in the lobby which was inspired by the Royal Chapel of the Palace at Versailles. After being closed for several years, the authorities prevented its demolition and, after a million-dollar restoration, it opened its doors again on 10th September 1986 with Frank Sinatra on the stage. Since then, its stage has been graced by such artists as Alicia Keys, Oasis, David Letterman, Dolly Parton, Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin. From May to August there are guided tours of the theatre to show visitors the splendid auditorium, the stage and the autograph wall. You can buy tickets and find out what’s on at www.thechicagotheatre.com.
Historic Jewelers Row
Even if it is only to go window shopping, visit this area to see the exquisitely-made jewellery.
Do you like jewellery?
All the way down Wabash Street and in the surrounding area you will find the sparkliest shop windows in the city. Although the prices are exorbitant, we recommend letting yourself be dazzled by the precious stones and diamonds on display in this neighbourhood which is devoted exclusively to jewellery. Inside The Jewelers Center (www.jewelerscenter.com), a shopping centre for jewellery, you will find over 190 jewellery experts from all over the world who have on offer the exact item or diamond that you want, they can create a personalized piece of jewellery or repair anything, if you so want. You can get here on the red metro line and, once here, we recommend that you let yourself be swept away by the brilliance as you discover precious gems, watches and pearls.
The sweetest shopping
It’s a real pleasure to eat chocolate in any of these shops – it will be love at first bite.
For those with a sweet tooth.
Those with a sweet tooth can try or take home with them all sorts of sweets in West Kinzie Street where the Blommer Chocolate Company is found. Here you can buy delicious chocolates in all shapes, sizes and flavours as the shop belongs to the largest chocolate manufacturer in America. In Lincoln Park and Michigan Avenue you will find Voges Haut-Chocolat (www.vosgescholoate.com), a luxury boutique specializing in exotic flavours of chocolate, like, for instance, a surprisingly delicious mix of chocolate and bacon. Just looking at the window and smelling the chocolate will make you melt. Finally, if you are a sweet lover, you will find sugar heaven at Candyality (www.candaality.com), an entertaining shop full of colours and flavours with all sorts of novelty and traditional lollipops and sweets.
Souvenirs
They have souvenirs of all sorts, even food. Find yourself the perfect present.
Souvenirs of Chicago.
If you want a souvenir to remind you of your time in Chicago, you’ll find lots of places selling what you are looking for. Naturally, in the museum gift shops you will find diaries, calendars, notebooks and other items relating to the art exhibition inside. If you want a present for a lover of architecture, why not go to Chicago Architecture Foundation or the Frank Lloyd Wright House and Studio where you will find miniature buildings and a wide choice of books on the subject. You could also choose Garrett Popcorn and buy some of the extraordinary varieties of popcorn. In Chinatown there are lots of small shops with cheap souvenirs of the city such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, mugs and fridge magnets, to name but a few. Also, at Lou Malnatis (www.loumalnatis.com) you can buy the classic deep dish pizzas frozen to take home with you.
State Street
Another shopping area of the city with a variety of styles and prices.
Shopping for every budget.
The Loop is another key place for shopping but, as well as shops with prices to suit every budget, you will also find urban art on its streets. You will definitely find everything you need in Macy’s eight floors; this department store has brands at all prices and also has products from up-and-coming local designers. Opposite, in the shopping centre Block 37 you will discover an eclectic mixture of shops with exclusive beauty products and clothes. The seasonal trends are on display in the shop windows all along State Street, both in the franchises and in the designer stores. Merz Apothecary, a small, hundred-year-old family company, offers its customers a wide variety of soaps, perfumes and colognes for all tastes. If you have a sweet tooth, we recommend that you stop at Magnolia Bakery to try their delicious cupcakes.
American Girl Place
These gorgeous dolls will take you back to your childhood.
Doll heaven.
When you visit Water Tower Place don’t forget to go into this interesting and surprising world of dolls. We recommend this more out of curiosity than for shopping as it is not just a huge shop but also a whole city devoted only and exclusively to designer dolls. Here your little girls can choose a doll that looks just like them, from any of the collections, then they can choose her outfit and – with the help of a stylist in the hairdressing salon – they can choose a hair style. In this way, each doll is unique. In the restaurant, the doll can go out for dinner and even have a photo session with her owner as a memento of this special day. More information at www.americangirl.com/stores/location_chi.php.
Logan Square Farmers Market
From the field to the table, experience something different at this lively street market.
The farmers market.
In the summer and autumn, when the weather is good, between ten in the morning and three in the afternoon farmers from the local area set up a fabulous street market in the historic Logan Square to sell their produce: fruit and vegetables, bread, jam, cheese and flowers. While admiring the huge number of stands you can also breakfast on crepes and doughnuts or have a mid-morning snack. In the area around the market, it is not unusual to find groups performing live music and impromptu concerts on the street. On Logan Boulevard you will also find a great variety of shops devoted to books and children’s presents, an essential place to visit if you need to buy a present for a child or if you have children with you. You can get here on the blue metro line. All information at www.logansquarefarmersmarket.org
Haberdash
A boutique for men with exclusive styles and unbeatable service.
Everything for men.
This is the ultimate menswear shop, with hard-to-find brands such as L.B.M. 1911, RRL, Baldwin Denim, Alden and Gitman Bros. Vintage. The boutique has two different shops in North State Street with American and classic brands: Haberdash Bespoke, at 607 North State Street, is devoted to city clothes and luxury sportswear and at Haberdash EDC, at number 611 in the same street, they sell more casual clothes for everyday wear. Without a doubt, Haberdash will be a new shopping experience for you as while clothes shopping you can also go the barbers for a shave or a haircut and you can try out the colognes in their perfume department. Find it all at www.haberdashmen.com.
Luxury Garage Sales
If this is your style, you have found the place to bring your wardrobe up to date.
A boutique with individual clothes.
This boutique is not your run-of-the-mill second-hand shop as here you will find new and used designer clothes, accessories and jewellery. Everything is perfectly arranged in a beautiful shop where it is hard to believe that many of the products are vintage; it feels like any other luxury boutique although its products are cheaper. Located at 658 North Wells Street, there are clothes, bags and accessories from designers such as Chanel, Christian Louboutin, Hermés and Gucci. The owners, Brielle Buchberg and Lindsay Segal have been friends since childhood and with their charming staff they have succeeded in creating a particularly pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. You can also buy online at 222.luxurygaragesale.com.
Water Tower Place
You will find everything here as well as restaurants where you can take a break from shopping.
A whole building for your shopping.
Almost at the end of Michigan Avenue, at 1835, there are seven floors devoted to shopping, beside the huge skyscraper of the same name. This shopping centre is very famous in Chicago not only because of its perfect location, but also because of the wide variety of shops that range from typical American shops such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Aeropostale or American Eagle to other more traditional shops such as Lacoste, Oakley or Billabong. But it’s not only clothes, there are also jewellery shops, toy shops for instance, the ultra-famous American Girl or Macy’s. What’s more, in Water Tower Place you can try gorgeous Belgian chocolate in Godiva or eat at one of the many restaurants. Open from Monday to Sunday, from ten in the morning to 9 at night, although on Sundays it shuts at 6 in the evening, you will not be able to resist emptying your purse and filling up your suitcase. More information on the shops that you can find there at www.shopwatertower.com
The Magnificent Mile
One of the best commercial areas to walk through and, if you want, buy yourself a little something.
A luxurious walk.
This enormous, famous shopping area of the city is approximately 1.6 kilometres long, the equivalent of one mile, along Michigan Avenue, from the river up to Oak Street. In the windows of the almost 460 shops, you will find all sorts of the most expensive designer clothing in the world, with exclusive boutiques like Vera Wan, Cartier, Gucci or Tiffany & Co. Deciding on a place for elevenses, lunch or a snack will be difficult as there are up to 275 restaurants here. In this open-air shopping paradise there are shops to suit all tastes and budgets. There are not only clothes shops but also beauty shops, art galleries, shops selling gourmet products and even animals. For more information go to www.themagnificentmile.com.
Longman & Eagle
If you want to try something different, come to this restaurant.
A fusion of ingredients and cuisines.
It is worthwhile getting out of the centre of the city by metro to go to North Kedzie Avenue, very near Logan Square, where you will find an excellent menu which combines traditional American dishes made with organic, local produce with creative cookery. The chef, Jared Wentworth is in charge of the menu which changes frequently, sometimes even daily, as he offers only high-quality produce available at the market on that day. You can have breakfast here from 8 in the morning, but lunch or dinner comes highly recommended, although you won't know what's on the menu until you see it. After the meal you can have one of the seasonal cocktails or choose from among the 148 whiskeys on the menu. All the information is at www.longmanandeagle.com.
The Purple Pig
When you have finished shopping, take the opportunity to go to one of the classic Chicago restaurants and try their speciality dishes.
The pig is king.
After shopping on The Magnificent Mile you could stop at this small, reasonably-priced, local restaurant which offers artisanal food with pork being a speciality. It has a wide variety of wines and it is worth waiting if there is a queue (you cannot book a table). Also try out their delicious cold meats and the cheese that they make in collaboration with several local chefs. The service is excellent and the best dishes are fried pork with almonds and garlic, the healthy salads and the heavenly pig’s ear. We recommend that you leave room to try the house specialities, the lemon tart or the Panino con Nutella. Interesting and useful information is that from Sunday to Thursday the kitchen is open until midnight, and on Friday and Saturday, until one in the morning.
Grange Hall Burger Bar
Whether meat or vegetarian with ingredients chosen by you, you are looking at the best hamburgers in the city.
The ultimate hamburger.
Eating here is like being on a typical southern farm with its large, wooden communal tables and stools. If you are a carnivore, don’t miss out on what is said to be the best meat in the city, both for the flavour and for the special recipe. Enjoy their delectable burgers, of beef, turkey or vegetable, to which you can add all the ingredients you want, such as eggs, caramelized onion, bacon or anything else. You can also choose from a huge variety of cheese and different breads and, for one dollar extra, you can have a beer or a soft drink with ice. We also suggest that you order one of the classic breakfasts with eggs, chips, bacon or sausage at the Grange Hall Burger Bar (www.grangehallburgerbar.com), located at 844 West Randolph Street.
The Drake Hotel Palm Court Tea Room
If you like tea, enjoy the experience offered by this tearoom.
An hour and a half of pure pleasure.
In the Drake Hotel in East Walton Street, you can enjoy a heavenly tea all afternoon in their special tea room. Although it is advisable to book ahead, don’t worry because you can only stay in these luxurious surroundings for a maximum of an hour and a half. It is open every day from one o’clock until five in the afternoon, and from Wednesday to Sunday you will be entertained by live harp music in the background. As well as trying the excellent teas of orange dulce, caramel jasmine or blackberry, you can also have one of their speciality sandwiches of tomato and cucumber, egg salad or peanut butter and jelly, from 20 dollars per person. Have a look at the menu at www.thedrakehotel.com/ciine/palm-court.
Garrett Popcorn Shops
A world of popcorn beyond your wildest imagination.
Popcorn of all colours and flavours.
With branches both in The Loop, the surrounding area and in Navy Pier, you will know that you have arrived at one of its shops by the enormous queue outside the door of this legendary place. You will find here a huge variety of popcorn flavours which are probably new to you, such as cheddar cheese, Chicago Mix (cheese and caramel), macadamia, almonds or nuts. In Garrett Popcorn Shops (www.garrettpopcorn.com) you can also buy other products and presents like packs of different flavoured popcorn so you can try a little of each, and they can even be personalized for the recipients with the city skyline and the logo of the Chicago Bulls. When you see the huge queue you might think it’s not worth waiting such a long time just to buy popcorn but we recommend that you stay. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll be back for more.
Have a typical apple pancake for breakfast.
You'll want to do something different every day - it’s practically a sin to visit Chicago and not to do so.
Impossible to resist.
Whether in the classic cafeteria at 22 East Bellevue Place or at one of the other three restaurants (South Western Avenue, East 47th Street or North Lincoln Park West), you cannot leave Chicago without having breakfast at The Original Pancake House. Enjoy one of their typical apple pancakes, a delicious, giant pancake with apple, sugar and cinnamon or the Dutch Baby, with whipped butter and icing sugar. You can also try out their classic crepes and waffles as well as the delicious gourmet crepes with cherries and sweet wine. They open at 7 in the morning so it’s worth getting up early to arrive promptly otherwise there will be long queue and you will have to wait. Have a look at their menu at www.originalpancakehouse.com.
A gastronomic experience in Lockwood
Another place to eat with food of the highest quality.
An exceptional restaurant.
We recommend a visit to the historic Palmer House Hilton not only to admire its fabulous foyer with its historic carpets and large lamps, but also to enjoy the heavenly, gastronomic menu in its restaurant. The kitchen, which is run by the chef Joseph Rose, offers a tasty, seasonal, locally-influenced menu accompanied by vegetables and aromatic herbs which are grown in their rooftop garden. As well as an intimate dining room for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant also has a beautiful private dining room where you can taste the extensive wine list. Among the many dishes on offer, don’t miss the delicious sandwiches accompanied by a salad at lunchtime, or the excellent octopus, the risotto or the succulent duck for dinner. If you don’t want to wait for dinner it’s best to book a table. www.lockwoodrestaurant.com/index.aspx
Eating at Navy Pier
After a long day out, the best thing is to eat at one of the typical restaurants on the Pier.
Fill yourself up!
After a great day out in the park why not recharge your batteries in the classic American restaurant, Bubba Gump Shrimp (www.bubbagump.com), a restaurant chain inspired by the famous film Forrest Gump. Don’t miss the basket of prawns steamed in beer or the spinach with roast red peppers, artichokes and cheese. You can also try out the fish with rice and garlic bread or, if you prefer, a plate of fish, chips and coleslaw. Having a sandwich or a salad at Harry Caray’s Tavern (www.harrycarays.com) will always be an experience as the walls are full of sporting paraphernalia and its screens are constantly tuned in to a match. For a more sophisticated atmosphere and incredible views of the lake there is nowhere better than Riva Crabhouse (www.rivanavypier.com) where you can relax over a selection of fresh fish, oysters or the delectable lobster soup, with a good wine, of course.
Chicago Style Pizza
The hard part is choosing the ingredients... you’ll definitely go back.
The famous Chicago style pizza.
You can’t leave the city without trying the famous Chicago-style pizza, characterized by its deep crust, its generous filling of any ingredients (you can branch away from the classic cheese and choose whatever you want) and, of course, a generous layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. In Gino’s East (www.ginoseast.com), which has been open since 1966 with several restaurants throughout the city, you will be impressed by the deep crust pizzas which are cooked in the oven on large metal trays. Before you go don’t forget to sign your name in a space on the walls. You will also be able to try this delicious dish in Giordano’s, (www.giordanos.com) in its restaurant on Jackson Boulevard, in any of its branches or in Lou Malnati (www.loumalnatis.com) which also offers a huge variety of the famous deep dish pizza.
Lavazza Espression Café
Relax with a cup of coffee and take in one of the best views of the city.
Coffee in the clouds.
If you visit the John Hancock Observatory to enjoy the Chicago skies why not stop at Lavazza Espression Café where you can have a delicious Italian coffee, a refreshing cocktail or a glass of wine with the city, literally, at your feet. You could also try the cakes and biscuits or discover the famous Frittata Panino, a delicious Italian omelette. Well-known chefs like the Spaniard Ferrán Adriá, winner of three Michelin stars and the Italian Moreno Ceddroni, also with two stars to his name, collaborate in the kitchen which also offers salads, grills and healthy menus. To find this café located on the roof of Chicago you just have to follow the smell of freshly-ground coffee.
Free culture in and around Randolph Street
If you would like to discover some local culture, you will find it on this street.
Local art on display.
At number 77 is the iconic Chicago Cultural Center with its two magnificent stained-glass domes. It provides a display space for local artists, entry is free and you can enjoy exhibitions, conferences, dance, theatre and music. At number 66 you will find Centerspace Gallery at Gallery 37, five floors full of works by up-and-coming artists which you can buy, as well as a theatre and classrooms where classes in dance, cookery or jazz are available. Nearby, at 224 Michigan Avenue, is the Chicago Architecture Foundation (www.architecture.org), an essential visit for lovers of architecture and those interested in the history of the city’s buildings as it has several guided tours. In the same avenue you can go into the Museum of Contemporary Photography (www.mocp.org), one of the only places devoted exclusively to photography with important works by great artists. On the other side of the river, in South State Street, we recommend visiting the Harold Washington Library Center (www.chipublib.org/branch/details/library/harold-washington), one of the largest public libraries in the world.
Richard H. Driehaus Museum
A recreation of life in nineteenth-century Chicago which will take you back in time.
Travel back in time.
Although you will not find a large art collection inside, both the exterior and the interior of this building will transport the visitor back to the great mansions of nineteenth-century Chicago. This house, belonging to the banker Samuel Mayo Nickerson, was converted in 2003 by Richard H. Driehaus into a very special museum. Its interior has retained the essence of the age with elegant historic furnishings and important works of art by Louis Comfort Tiffany and the Herter brothers. We recommend that you take this opportunity to experience, through its magnificent interior architecture, what life was like at that time. Entrance into this beautiful mansion, which is located close to the Magnificent Mile, at 40 East Erie Street, costs $20. (It is not open on Mondays). For more information www.driehausmuseum.org.
Smith Museum of Stained Glass
The history of Chicago seen through its stained glass windows.
A visit with a difference.
This permanent display, free to enter, has been open since 2000 and is the first museum in the country devoted exclusively to stained-glass windows. Located in Navy Pier, it showcases 150 stained-glass windows, both religious and secular, divided into four categories: Victorian, Prairie, Modern and Contemporary. Each window offers a unique, special insight into the cultural and artistic history of the city from 1870 to the current day, showing development of the various neighbourhoods and cultural areas as well as the differing artistic styles. The museum also features unique pieces such as portraits of great personalities; Martin Luther King is of particular interest, as is Michael Jordan, an interesting window created from soda pop bottles. There are also several windows from the Tiffany Glass Company of New York, one of the most famous glass designers of the United States. It is open every day of the year from ten o’clock in the morning.
Art Institute of Chicago
An important pictorial collection for art lovers.
One of the most important museums.
It is essential to spend one day on your visit to the city being captivated by the great impressionist paintings by some of the best artists in history such as Renoir’s Two Sisters (On the Terrace),Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait or Edgar Degas’ Ballet at the Paris Opera. The second largest art museum in the country also houses an extraordinary collection of modern and contemporary work, of Dali, Matisse, Picasso, Warhol and Pollock, among many others. Especially noteworthy is Grant Wood’s American Gothic, one of the most well-known images of twentieth-century American art. In the Thorne Miniature Rooms you will feel like a giant surrounded by the detailed interiors of European houses up to the 1930s and American household furniture. Closed from Saturday to Tuesday, it is worth paying the 23 dollars entrance to admire the best art in the world. Find out more about the collection at www.artic.edu.
Museum of Science and Industry
Join in and do your own experiments to find the answers to those questions you have always wanted to know.
A very lively museum.
This is not suitable for those who like to go into a museum, stroll quietly through its rooms and admire the displays; here you will be made to investigate for yourself and take part in the exhibitions. Life magazine chose it as one of the top 15 museums in the world, and in this fascinating place, surrounded by science, you will have a truly unforgettable experience. In its rooms you will be able to investigate the causes of natural phenomena with fascinating experiments and answer questions such as what causes a tornado or lightning. With more than 35,000 objects there is no doubt that you will be amazed, for instance the U-505 Submarine, the only German submarine in the United States. You will also be able to go on a scientific adventure with the extraordinary show in the dome of the Omnimax Theater or have a go on the Motion Simulator Ride. Bus routes 2, 6 and 10 will take you to the museum which is located on Lake Shore Drive. For information go to: www.msichicago.org
Shedd Aquarium
A visit to the aquarium is another option to learn about the relationship between Chicago and the sea.
See marine life close up.
If you want to get in touch with the animal world there is no better place in the city than this indoor aquarium. Its creator, John G. Shedd, wanted Chicago to have a large-scale aquarium where residents and tourists alike could learn about marine life. So, in 1927, thanks to private investment, construction was started, in Museum Campus, of the largest aquarium in the world with an enormous freshwater pool with fish, reptiles and amphibians from all around the world. Years later, the inside aquarium was built with sea water brought by train from Florida. Officially opened in 1930, the aquarium has inside its historic building, the hugest variety of marine life with 35,200 living creatures swimming and crawling around in its galleries. Dolphins, penguins, otters, octopuses, sharks and frogs are just some of the animals you will enjoy here. You can get to know the animals at www.sheddaquarium.org
Adler Planetarium
An extraordinary experience which will reveal the mysteries of astronomy to you.
Enjoy the Chicago sky.
Despite being the first planetarium in the United States, constant renovation and up-dating means that it is the most technologically-advanced planetarium in the world. Inside its huge rooms you will fly through a mysterious, astonishing sky, admire the stars and discover their closely-guarded secrets. Here, in the centre of Museum Campus, you will learn about advances in astronomy and the evolution of the equipment used for studying the constellations throughout history. You will also see what it was like when people thought that the Earth was the centre of the universe and you will experience an exciting and astonishing interactive adventure with the planetary shows in its theatres. In the Atwood Sphere you will be able to compare the sky of Chicago in 1913 with the sky of today and realize that, although the position of the stars has not changed, we only see a small percentage of them because of the high levels of light pollution. You will never look at the sky in the same way again. For more information go to: www.adlerplanetarium.org
The Children's Museum
Interactive science and culture museum for the whole family.
The magic of learning by playing.
The Children's Museum, located in the Costa Rican Centre for Science and Culture in San José, in addition to other emblematic buildings such as the National Auditorium theatre and the National Gallery, is, in its own right, one of the city's most popular museums. This former prison has been restored for families to enjoy its more than 3,000 square metres, which host exhibitions and activities all year round. Because, unlike the case of traditional museums, here, the material on exhibition is not only to be viewed from afar, they can (and should) be touched. The goal? Encourage learning through experimentation, play, interaction, curiosity and freedom of expression. The wide variety of exhibitions include the rooms related to the universe, physical sciences and human beings. What's more, the Children's Museum offers guided tours, a cafeteria service and events such as children's parties and educational workshops. Its opening hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday and on weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you plan to visit the museum, we recommend that you consult beforehand as opening hours change on public holidays.
The Field Museum
If you are interested in animals and the origin of life, this is the museum for you.
A journey through the animal life on earth.
The museum is named in honour of its first benefactor, Marshall Field, and has been right in the centre of the city, at 1400 Lake Shore Drive since 1921 with its great anthropological, botanical, geological and ecological collections. This magnificent building, similar in appearance to Roman and Greek temples, will transport you to ancient Egypt, Tibet or the Pacific, as well as offering exhibitions on the planet Earth and its animal life. You can see lots of dissected animals and animal skeletons but one of its most popular attractions is ‘Sue’, the best preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex in the world. She is 42 metres long, 13 metres high and has 58 sharp teeth giving you an idea of the great size of these prehistoric animals. As well as its important fossil and meteorite collections, the museum houses the fifth largest herbarium in the western hemisphere, with around 2.7 million plants. The entrance price is 15 dollars, although the price varies depending on which exhibitions or activities you want to do. If you prefer, you can also go on a guided tour. You will find the prices at www.fieldmuseum.org
A trip on wheels
A really fun way of travelling around the city is on one of the organized bicycle tours.
Time to do something sporty.
Chicago is a good city to get lost in, to walk around the streets and enjoy discovering the different areas of the city but if you don’t want to get too tired, why not explore the city on wheels. You can take the opportunity to do some exercise and hire a bike either independently or with a guide. At Bobby’s Bike Hire (www.bobbysbikehike.com) you can take a guided tour from 35 dollars or hire a bike from 23 dollars, an economical way of enjoying the more remote neighbourhoods. You can also go on a bike tour for 39 dollars at Bike and Roll Chicago (www.bikechicago.com/chicago-tours). Another fun option is to explore the streets on a Segway either with Segway Experience of Chicago (www.mysegwayexperience.com) or with Chicago Absolutely Tours (www.chicagosegways.com) for 59 dollars. The most comfortable way would be to board one of the tourist buses of Chicago Trolley Company & Double Decker (www.coachusa.com/chicagotrolley) for 40 dollars, where you can even choose a night-time tour, as well as being able to get on and off when you want. With Chicago Private Tours (www.chicagoprivatetours.com) you will be taken around the city in a private vehicle with commentary in several languages.
Lincoln Park
As well as the zoo, there’s a heap of other things you can do as well as watching everyday life in Chicago.
A day in the open air.
Why not walk around Lincoln Zoo and get to know this marvellous green area? What could be more typically American than bringing a basket, a rug and having a picnic in Chicago's largest park? Because of the many sports stadiums, it is not unusual, when the weather is good, to see groups of local people playing baseball, basketball, football, tennis, volleyball and even golf. In this park, with its privileged position on the shores of Lake Michigan, there are thousands of possibilities: you can sunbathe, swim at the public beaches, wander around the gardens, appreciate the birds and wild flowers at the Lincoln Park Conservatory, watch a play in the open-air theatre or enjoy the statues of president Abraham Lincoln or the German playwright Johann Friedrich von Goethe. Interestingly, years ago this park used to be a small public cemetery.
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Sit down and relax at a concert in natural surroundings.
Music in the open air.
As you stroll through the state-of-the-art Millennium Park you will come across a splendid and eye-catching open-air concert pavilion designed by that master of architecture, Frank Gehry. The undulating, stainless steel curves and the steel trellis which covers the audience area, rise up behind Cloud Gate in front of the city skyscrapers. This original building, whose construction started in 1999 and finished in 2004, includes 95,000 square metres of lawn area, 4,000 fixed seats and about 7,000 further seats on the green Great Lawn. The Grant Park Music Festival takes place here in June, but there are also other concerts and free events where you can enjoy the perfect, state-of-the-art sound system, designed to mimic the acoustics of an indoor concert hall.
The John Hancock Observatory
You’ll get vertigo but the views are definitely worth it.
Do you want to enjoy the best views of the city?
Not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo, you only have to go out onto the open-air Sky Walk to appreciate just why Chicago is known as ‘the windy city’. At dusk, from Floor 94 you can watch the spectacular sunset as the city lights up below, a sight you will probably never forget. It is also a good way of getting to know Chicago better as there are interactive screens in seven languages which you can use to locate any monument or place that interests you. The tower is among the 40 highest towers in the world. The cheapest ticket is $18 but to find out about other ways of visiting go to: http://jhochicago.com. If you want to visit several city sights, we recommend the City Pass which will give you discounts at the Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck, the Field Museum, the Museum of Science or the John Hancock Observatory and the Adler Planetarium or the Art Institute. (For more information go to: http://www.citypass.com/chicago.)
Lincoln Park Zoo
We suggest a day at the zoo, both you and your family will enjoy it.
Let's all go to the zoo!
Although it sits majestically in northern Chicago, in the neighbourhood of Streeterville, in the green space of the same name, if you like animals you must not miss the opportunity offered by this place. You will be entertained by the amusing antics of the gorillas and chimpanzees, you can admire the lazy hippopotamuses and African rhinoceroses or be thrilled by the howling of the wolves. In each part of the zoo you learn about the great diversity of animal life and, often, meet their young as well. Here you can meet face to face reptiles, mammals and animals from all over the world, or, simply, have a relaxing stroll around the gardens, attend a botanical class or even do yoga. Open every day of the year and free, you can get there on bus number 151 or 156 or on the brown or purple train line. Younger children will enjoy riding the wooden endangered animals on the merry-go-round or going on the mini Express Train. For more information: http://www.lpzoo.org
Wrigley Field
If you like baseball, don’t miss visiting Chicago Cubs’ stadium and seeing its distinctive outfield wall.
The ultimate American sport.
In this historic stadium, built in 1914, lovers of baseball will find a place to learn about and enjoy the ultimate American sport. Situated in Addison Street and with a capacity of over 41,000, it is the home of the Chicago Cubs and is characterized by its green, ivy-covered outfield walls. Although it has been called Weeghman, and, simply, Cubs, it was in 1936 when the Wrigley family bought the team, that the ground acquired its current name in honour of the team’s owner. If you are a Chicago Cubs fan we recommend that you take the tour which costs $25 where you can learn about their history with a visit to the changing rooms, press room and playing area. Don’t worry if there is a match on the day you visit because, before the match you can lilterally step up to the plate and enjoy the pre-match atmosphere. All information on the guided tours can be found at www.chicago.cubs.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=chc
Millennium Park
Stay in Grant Park and visit this area to see these monuments – a must for any visit to the city.
Art on every corner.
Inside Grant Park, between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive, this land belonging to the Illinois Railway which was occupied by rail yards and parking lots in the twentieth century, was transformed in 2004 into one of the most visited places in the city, a place to enjoy sculptures and monuments in the open air. The Millennium Park, which won the Rudy Brunner Award for Urban Excellence in 2009, was conceived as a way of converting the industrial area into a new public space where residents and tourists alike could enjoy the huge works of art and architecture such as Crown Fountain, by the Spaniard Jaume Plensa, the Lurie Garden or Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor. Although the original idea was to convert it into a traditional green space with a concert hall, in the end, thanks to private investment, it became an ambitious and stunning project with a collection of artists, landscape artists and designers of international renown such as Frank Gehry, who designed the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
Grant Park
It’s not just a place for a stroll, you will also be able to listen to music, visit a museum, an aquarium...
A place that is full of life.
This enormous green space of more than 750 acres is considered to be the most important garden and green area of the city. Its name probably sounds familiar because it is where Barack Obama gave his speech after winning the 2008 elections. The Art Institute of Chicago, The Field Museum, The Shedd Aquarium and the very famous Buckingham Fountain are all found beneath its beautiful trees. It is a good place for long walks, sitting down and relaxing or enjoying the summer festivals. As is to be expected, in the city of jazz par excellence, in June there is the Chicago Blues Festival, where you can enjoy three days of the best blues concerts in the world. If you come here in July you will be able to take part in the Taste of Chicago, the most important, open-air food festival in the country.
Navy Pier
If you are a thrill-seeker, come to this amusement park with your family and spend a day with a difference.
An outing for all the family.
For a fun family day out we recommend visiting this historic amusement park situated on Lake Michigan. Whether you are young or old, you will find everything you need for an unforgettable day: rides, shops, restaurants and lots of open-air activities. It is easy to find because a giant, 45-metre-high big wheel dominates the park and offers spectacular views of the city. All year round you can get lost in the mirror maze, see a film at the IMAX Theatre which has the largest cinema screen in Chicago, travel to the moon or to the Antarctic on board the Transporter FX or visit the Children’s Museum. While exploring the park, you will find concerts, art fairs or, for the youngest, the Chicago Toy and Game Fair. On Wednesdays and Saturdays in summer you can enjoy the night-time fireworks and, in winter, you can have fun on the ice rinks. As a matter of interest, from one end of the park you will get a fabulous view of Chicago Harbour Light, which is not open to visitors. To buy tickets or for more information on opening times: http://www.navypier.com
Willis Tower
Seeing the city’s skyline from the top of Willis Tower is a unique Chicago experience.
Go sky high.
Willis Tower, situated at 233 South Wacker Drive, is the skyscraper that stands out in the skyline. From its Skydeck, you can see one of the most exciting views in the city and probably in the world. Not suitable for those with a weak heart, we recommend that you take some astonishing photographs from one of its four floating glass balconies on Floor 103. From here, weather permitting, you can see four different states on the horizon in a radius of 80 kilometres. For 18 dollars you can go up this record-holding building; it is the tallest in the United States and one of the ten tallest in the world. Finished in 1973 at a cost of 175 million dollars, it is 110 floors high and has an area of 4.5 million square metres. Watch your ears as you go up in the lifts as they are among the fastest in the world, rising at about 480 metres a minute. For more information on tickets and opening times: http://www.theskydeck.com/.
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
Discover the architect’s house and be inspired by its atmosphere.
A style all of its own
Do you like architecture? If so, you will be happy as a sandboy in this city, and particularly inside these walls, which were the architect's private residence and studio for the first twenty years of his career. Here, at number 951 Chicago Avenue, in Oak Park, Wright experimented with new architectural concepts, he brought up his children with his first wife and he was inspired to make his compact and austere works of art. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a guided tour of the house and studio to admire the beauty of the interior. The tour costs 15 dollars and lasts from 40 to 60 minutes. You can also take a tour with a specialist guide, either on foot or by bike, around the Oak Park neighbourhood which has the largest collection in the world of buildings designed by the American architect like the single-family, prairie-style homes. To find out times and prices: http://gowright.org
Marina City
It is not their size which makes them conspicuous, although it did in the past, but their curious shape and their location.
Two distinctive towers.
Although the towers are not particularly tall, they catch your attention because of their perfect setting on the banks of the river in North State Street and their unusual rounded shape, making them an architectural gem. Conceived by Bertrand Goldberg, when the doors were opened in 1962 they were the tallest buildings in the world. As a matter of interest, as well as being 40 storeys high, they also have 20 floors of parking and a dock for mooring boats. Although the original project was to design the new head office for Chicago Janitor’s Union, the architect managed to persuade the company's president to build housing for the workers as well. It was originally intended to be ‘a city within the city’ including leisure facilities such as an ice rink for the use of the residents, however, ultimately it was seen to be financially unfeasible and its hotel, restaurants and recreational areas were opened to the public.
Fourth Presbyterian Church
This small church is a symbol of peace amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.
Religious coexistence in the city.
Chicago, a city of immigrants, has welcomed many different religions throughout its history. Clear evidence of this is the large number of places of worship found on its streets. In the middle of The Magnificent Mile, a first-class shopping area surrounded by skyscrapers, your attention will be drawn to this religious haven which has attracted some 2000 people every Sunday since 1914. Fourth Presbyterian Church, which perfectly combines English and French Gothic styles, is the work of the architect, Ralph Adams Cram, a neo-gothic designer who also designed the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York. The original church was destroyed after the Great Fire of Chicago in 1871 and was rebuilt years later in East Chestnut Street, on the corner of Michigan Avenue, where the first stone was placed in September 1912. This is the oldest building in the area apart from the Water Tower and Pumping Station which survived the terrible fire. For more information go to www.fourthchurch.org
The Flamingo
You can only appreciate the magnificence of this sculpture by close observation, so come and be amazed!
A splash of colour.
There is no doubt that this work, situated in front of the Kluczynski Building, in South Dearborn Street, brings a splash of colour to the city. It was designed by Alexander Calder, one of the most eminent north-American sculptors of the twentieth century. Its intense red colour and its elegant curves contrast perfectly with the grey of the cement and the straight lines of the glass buildings which surround it. The Flamingo, which represents the animal kingdom, is huge. To really appreciate its 16 metres of height we recommend that you walk underneath it. Although the artist designed it in 1973, it was only installed in 1974 when it was successfully integrated into the urban setting of the square.
The Water Tower and Pumping Station
They survived the Great Fire of Chicago, reason enough to go and visit these monuments to resistance.
A symbol of the city's resilience.
They say that old flames die hard. In Chicago the flames of that tragic fire that swept through much of the city on 8th October 1871 have died, but two buildings survived to remind us of that time. The Water Tower was built in 1869, the fact that it was built of limestone saved it from the flames which has made it into a symbol of the city's resilience. In its day, at 47 metres high, it towered over the surrounding buildings, but now you have to look hard to find it among the skyscrapers. Surrounded by small neo-gothic towers, it looks more like a medieval castle than a water tower, and it has been saved from demolition several times by protests by the inhabitants of Chicago. The Pumping Station, built as a water pumping station in 1886 and also designed by William W. Boyington, is close by.
Miró’s Chicago
Miró also has a place in Chicago with this sculpture among the skyscrapers.
Art on the streets.
Exploring the heart of the city, just a short distance from the Daley Centre, in a small side street between the towering Temple Building and the Cook County Administration Building, is an unknown sculpture, made of steel, wire mesh, concrete, bronze and ceramic tile, by the Catalan artist Joan Miró. Throughout its history the city has aspired to display a huge variety of urban art in the open air so that both visitors and locals can enjoy walking around the city unaware of what they might around the next corner. This sculpture is one of those surprises. Although it is popularly known as Miró’s Chicago, it was originally called The Sun, The Moon and One Star as the sun is represented on its base, the moon by its central sphere, and the star is represented by the trident at the top whose tines look like rays of light.
The Picasso
A sculpture donated to the city by Picasso himself and whose meaning is still being debated.
A Picasso in Chicago
In Daly Plaza, the site of Chicago City Hall, your eye will be caught by this 50-metre-high Cubist sculpture which weighs 162 tons and is made of cast iron. It was conceived by Pablo Picasso and its inauguration in August 1967 caused much controversy. Local businesses could not understand why this abstract, three-dimensional structure which did not conform to the artistic norms of the day, should be erected in the political centre of the city. The sculpture, as it does not have a name, is popularly known as ‘Chicago Picasso’ or ‘The Picasso’ and was a gift to the city from the Spanish artist. Picasso never explained what it represents which has given rise to many theories on its meaning. He also donated his designs and preparatory sketches, on which he had worked for over a year, to the Art Institute of Chicago for exhibition.
Crown Fountain
This unusual sculpture in Chicago is not to be missed.
The fountain with a thousand faces.
While walking around Millennium Park you will come across a 15-metre high, glass brick tower. You will be surprised to learn that this fountain was designed by the Catalan artist Jaume Plensa. The faces of 1,000 residents of Chicago appear on its LED screens with their mouths opening in time with the spouts of water. They look like old-fashioned gargoyles with water squirting from their mouths. Beside this video sculpture, which was inaugurated in 2004 at a cost of 17 million dollars, you will find a shallow, black granite swimming pool where children and adults can cool off. Although you can see the images all year round, the fountain only works from May to October avoiding the colder months.
Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain
Did you know that Route 66 starts here? Enjoy the show before setting off.
Water, light and colour.
As well as the towering buildings that make up the skyline and the green spaces, you must visit the fountain considered to be the largest in the world. Built in pink marble and officially opened in 1927, it is the departure point for the extremely famous Route 66 and it is found inside Grant Park, on Columbus Drive. Although its operation depends on weather conditions, every hour, from 8 in the morning until 22:35, which is the time of the last show, you can watch an unforgettable water display which lasts for 20 minutes. At night, the fountain is illuminated by 820 lights which produce a mixture of colours which the benefactor herself, Kate Buckingham, envisioned as ‘soft moonlight’. It also has a control system which operates the valves and pumps of the fountain and coordinates them with the lights and the music.
Cloud Gate
Get your camera out for Cloud Gate, popularly known as The Bean, and take as many photos as you can – it’s a one-off!
The essential photo of Chicago.
If you love original photos make sure to take a picture of your reflection in this sculpture created by Anish Kapoor. Cloud Gate is located in Millennium Park and although it is impossible to pose in front of it without other people around, the contrast between the city’s skyline and the blue sky is worth it. Made of stainless steel and weighing 110 tons, it is popularly called The Bean because of its bean-like appearance. It is inspired by liquid mercury and constructed of polished mirror-like sheets. Cloud Gate was placed in AT&T Plaza for the opening of the Millennium Park in 2004, although it was only finished in May 2006 because it ended up being larger than expected. The initial cost was estimated at six million dollars but the final cost was 23 million and it was financed exclusively by donations from individuals and companies. It is huge and has a lower arch where it is not unusual to find people lying down taking distorted photographs of themselves.
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