Approach Chicago by water and the reflected cityscape of towering skyscrapers might leave you speechless; particularly at night when the glittering luminescence makes it appear as the Milky Way fallen to earth. Once famed for the legend of Al Capone and murky underworld of organised crime, Chicago today is the ‘most American of American cities’, one of the top financial centres in the world and a place where anything is deemed possible.
The allure of the lake-front attracts the best of Chicago; here you will find the larger than life CBD, the most happening bars and clubs and a catalogue of ethnic districts replete with understated restaurants. From Greektown to Little Seoul you can sample Chinese, Polish, Italian, Indian, West African, Vietnamese and almost any other food that takes your fancy. Then head to the theatres for a buffet of performing arts or join the masses that visit just to gawk at the magnificent mix of period architecture and modern engineering triumph.
Where to stay
The Four Seasons Hotel provides elegant, spacious suites with a long amenity list and an excellent in-house restaurant. The rooms at the Hyatt Regency are more modest, but it hosts numerous annual conferences and has a great business reputation.
Where to eat
Smith & Wollensky serves superb steak with a classy, intimate atmosphere; it’s a great place for a business lunch. Everest, on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange, lives up to its billing and location with an exquisite and inventive seven course tasting menu.
What to see
Sip a cocktail on the 95th floor of the Hancock Observatory and enjoy stunning views of the city. Millennium Park has a unique character with an enticing postmodern design. There’s an hourly water show at Buckingham Fountain, one of Chicago’s most recognisable landmarks.
