Chicago is the largest city in Illinois and the third-largest in the United States, in the Midwest on the south-western shore of Lake Michigan. It’s about 300 miles north-east of St. Louis, 290 miles south-east of Minneapolis, and around 715 miles west of New York City. O’Hare International Airport is one of the busiest in the world and links to downtown by the “L” train, while Midway Airport serves the south side. The city is easy to get around, with the “L” elevated rail system, buses, and walkable downtown streets, and Union Station connects it by Amtrak to much of the Midwest.

Climate: Late spring through early autumn is the most pleasant time to visit, with warm weather and lakefront events. Winters are cold and windy, though the holiday lights and indoor attractions keep the city appealing.

Millennium Park and the lakefront: Cloud Gate (“The Bean”), Crown Fountain, and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion are all in Millennium Park, and the 18-mile Lakefront Trail runs along sandy beaches, parks, and harbors. Navy Pier is a popular spot with rides, restaurants, and fireworks in summer.

Neighborhoods: The Loop is the downtown core, River North has galleries and nightlife, Lincoln Park has a large park and zoo (free), Wicker Park and Logan Square are known for independent shops and bars, and the Magnificent Mile is the city’s main shopping street.

Food: Chicago is a major food city, famous for deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs (no ketchup), Italian beef sandwiches, and a Michelin-starred fine dining scene. Neighborhoods like Pilsen, Chinatown, and Greektown offer a wide range of international cuisine.

Architecture: Chicago is the birthplace of the skyscraper, and an architecture river cruise on the Chicago River is one of the best ways to see the skyline. Willis Tower’s Skydeck, the 360 Chicago observation deck in the John Hancock Center, and landmarks like the Tribune Tower and Marina City are highlights.