Chicago, the birthplace of the modern skyscraper is still a trendsetter in urban architecture and a must for people interested in 20th century urban architecture.
But the Windy City offers a lot more than architecture alone: it is a bustling city, with a vibrant nightlife and plenty of great museums.
It is also a great city to live in, particularly the northern part which has a lively atmosphere and even nice beaches.

Chicago, the birthplace of the modern skyscraper is still a trendsetter in urban architecture and a must for people interested in 20th century urban architecture.
But the Windy City offers a lot more than architecture alone: it is a bustling city, with a vibrant nightlife and plenty of great museums.
It is also a great city to live in, particularly the northern part which has a lively atmosphere and even nice beaches.
- Chicago sights & attractions
- Map with attractions in Chicago
- Chicago building list
- Chicago facts & figures
Willis TowerSears Tower
At the time the Willis Tower was constructed in 1974, it was the world’s tallest building,…
Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile, the northern part of Michigan Avenue between the Chicago River and Lake Shore…
John Hancock Center
Known locally as ‘Big John’, the John Hancock Center is one of the Chicagoans’ favorite skyscrapers….
Old Water TowerOld Water Tower and Pumping Station
The Water Tower and nearby pumping station were the only two buildings in downtown Chicago that…
Cloud GateThe Bean
Cloud Gate is a large public sculpture which was first unveiled at the opening of Millennium…
Grant Park
Grant Park is Chicago’s principal downtown park. It is located between Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan….
Wrigley Building
Sitting at one of the most prominent locations in all of Chicago, at the intersection of…
Navy Pier
Navy Pier is a large pier on Lake Michigan near Streeterville, close to Chicago’s downtown. Originally…
Buckingham FountainClarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain
Buckingham Fountain, officially known as the ‘Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain’ is one of Chicago’s most popular…
Chicago River
Flowing through downtown Chicago, the river that bears the name of the city has an interesting…
Tribune Tower
The Tribune Tower is a Neo-Gothic skyscraper located at a prominent site near the Michigan Avenue…
Crown Fountain
One of the highlights in Chicago’s Millennium Park is the modern and spectacular Crown Fountain. Its…
Field MuseumField Museum of Natural History
Chicago’s Field Museum is considered one of the finest natural history museums in the U.S. It…
Prairie Avenue Historic District
Often dubbed Chicago’s “original Gold Coast”, the area known as the Prairie Avenue Historic District was…
Millennium Park
Built on a site that was controlled by the Illinois Central Railroad for almost 150 years,…
Marina City
Marina City is a complex of two cylindrical towers near the Chicago River. Due to their…
Oak Street Beach
Who says you can’t enjoy a day at the beach… right in the middle of Chicago!…
Shedd AquariumJohn G. Shedd Aquarium
Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium is located at the Museum Campus, just south of Grant Park. The campus,…