Your best bet to the Windy City.
Other than two years spent out West, I’ve lived near Chicago since the 1970s and have seen a lot of things come and go in the Windy City. Even while new neighborhoods and attractions have popped up to high acclaim, the best reasons to visit Chicago have never strayed. In other words, nobody’s messed with deep-dish pizza, a Chicago-style hot dog or the city’s 20-some beaches, and there continues to be a deep fondness for some of the country’s best, well-preserved architecture, which leads me to my number-one tip: get thee around Chicago and don’t just stay in the Loop or downtown, or even River North. Chicago’s neighborhoods are eclectic, and you don’t want to miss out on these mini-immersions, whether it’s soul food in Bronzeville or checking out the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen.
These are my picks for the best things to do in Chicago, plus the must-try restaurants (including the best spot for deep-dish), the top hotels for any budget, and a few tips on things to avoid.
