Chicago Holidays

Name: Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago-Downtown
Address: Chicago
Price range: From €1019pp

Emerging in a high jagged silhouette from the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago's skyline is a wonderful sight to behold.

The biggest city in the State of Illinois, Chicago needs little introduction as one of America's most famous midwest landmarks. Known affectionately as the Windy City, Chi-town and even, Second City, Chicago is hugely popular with visitors and no wonder as it is a destination with a vast number of attractions. The city was a hotbed of gansgsters in the 1920's with Al Capone as it's most infamous resident and, during the Prohibition era, Chicago boasted 1,000's of dangerous gangs. Today, the city is far too busy with its sporting heroes from the Chicago Bears, Cubs, White Sox et al to worry about the flaky past. Some of New England's most talented architects are responsible for an amazing array of buildings including the Wrigley Building, John Hancock centre, Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and Trump Tower and, if you travel to the suburb of Oak Park, you can visit the home of the renowned architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.

A must see on any vistor's itinerary is a trip to Navy Pier. A pure pleasure place, Navy Pier skirts the lake shore and offers great diversion for all the family. Don't forget to visit Lincoln Park Zoo either to see the animals in a great naturalised environment.

If you enjoy art, Chicago will not disappoint. The Art Institute of Chicago is a superb gallery (2nd only to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City) where a world class international and national collection or art is displayed. Music lovers will be in heaven with the tradition of blues, jazz and hip hop and, easily accessible, hugely atmospheric club are dotted all over the city.

Chicago also has a great foodie culture and is proud home to the origins of the deep-pan pizza. Famous also for it's own type of hot-dog, food has embraced many different ethnic backgrounds and has many regional specialities.

A trip to Chicago is a pleasure to be savoured and, once tasted, you will come back for more!

Holidays in Chicago

Stunning city spots

Navy Pier: This over 1,000-metre-long pier on the shoreline of Lake Michigan is a beautiful place to explore. Packed with parks, gardens, shops, restaurants, family attractions, and special exhibits, it's one of Chicago's top places to go.

Magnificent Mile: Chicago's main commercial district, the Magnificent Mile is lined with high-end shops, top-notch eateries, and luxury hotels. The mile includes the strip of North Michigan Avenue running between Chicago River and Oak Street.

Cloud Gate: Cloud Gate is the true name of Chicago’s famous “Bean” sculpture. Located in Millennium Park, Cloud Gate is one of the most famous sights in Chicago and a must-see in the city. There’s nothing quite like this enormous sculpture, which is probably what makes it among the city’s most photographed spots.

Buckingham Fountain: Located in the centre of Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain is a major landmark in Chicago and one of the largest fountains in the world. It was dedicated in 1927 and inspired by the Latona Fountain outside the Palace of Versailles.

Parks & museums

Millennium Park: A beautiful public park in downtown Chicago, the site was built to celebrate the third millennium and remains one of Chicago’s most visited tourist attractions. Located near the shoreline of Lake Michigan, the park is also the site for the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting.

Grant Park: Located in the Loop area community of the city, Grant Park encompasses a variety of other attractions, like the Museum Campus. It borders Lake Michigan and includes performance venues, public art, sporting facilities, and gardens. Popularly called “Chicago’s Front Yard,” Grant Park hosts a number of popular events every year.

The Art Institute of Chicago: A world-renowned art museum, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the largest and oldest art museums in the United States. It hosts a permanent collection of around 300,000 works of art, and welcomes 1.5million visitors each year!

The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago: A fun, interactive science museum located in Jackson Park, the Museum of Science and Industry is a great spot to check out some fascinating exhibits. With attractions like a full size model of a coal mine or a German submarine U-505 captured during World War II, this museum has plenty to entertain people of all ages.

Unique things to do

Skydeck, Willis Tower: Formerly known as the Sears Tower, the Willis Tower is the tallest building in Chicago and one of the tallest buildings in the country. The Skydeck is located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, offering views of four different states from clear glass observation boxes.

Shedd Aquarium: Located on Lake Michigan within the Museum Campus, Shedd Aquarium is an enormous indoor aquarium featuring 32,000 incredible sea animals. It often ranks as the most visited aquarium in the United States and the most popular cultural attraction in Chicago.

Chicago Riverwalk: Within downtown chicago, the Riverwalk is an open, scenic pedestrian walkway along the Chicago River. The walkway extends from Lake Shore Drive to Lake Street in the centre of the city. A leisurely stroll on the Riverwalk is a great way to see Chicago!

Lakefront Trail: Similarly, the Chicago Lakefront Trail extends along the western shore of Lake Michigan. The 18.5-mile strip is perfect for walking, cycling, jogging, or skateboarding, and is an excellent vantage point to enjoy views of the expansive lake.