Chicago sits on the shoreline of Lake Michigan as the largest city in the state of Illinois and the third largest in all of the United States. For many years it has been among the top cities in the world in terms of economic production and has attracted throngs of people to visit or settle within it's confines. The variety of people from far-flung places has allowed the city to develop a distinctive style and a true Chicago culture all its own.
The Second City used to be the its nickname due to ranking behind only New York for the biggest cities in the US but Los Angeles has since taken over as number two. The more common nickname currently is the Windy City, inspired by the harsh winter winds that blow off of Lake Michigan. The Loop is the term that locals often use to refer to the downtown section. This is because it is surrounded by the tracks of what's called the El, the elevated train that serves the city. The metropolitan area, commonly called Chicagoland, spreads out into the bordering states of Wisconsin and Indiana.
Famous sites attract both domestic and international tourists. The Hancock Building and the Sears Tower are two skyscrapers that tower above the city and offer breathtaking views of the entire area. Navy Pier and the Art Institute of Chicago are major draws as well. Holiday shoppers flock to the Magnificent Mile, a portion of Michigan Avenue that runs through the south Loop. Located near here is the Water Tower that was purportedly the only building left standing after the great fire.
In addition to the Art Institute, Chicago is well-known for it's performing arts. The Second City is a famous comedy club that has produced a number of celebrated comedians. The Goodman Theater, located downtown, and the Steppenwolf Theater on the north side are two of the most renowned theaters among the many that exist throughout the city.
In the past blues, jazz and soul music were the trademarks of the city. It continues to be active in the modern music scene with influential musicians in genres such as indie rock, hip hop and R&B hailing from Chicago.
As with any culture food is a big part of this city's scene. Chicago-style pizza and hot dogs are extremely popular with locals and tourists alike as are Italian beef sandwiches, another local specialty. The city is home to countless places to eat of practically any type that one can imagine. These include anything from ritzy downtown restaurants to outlying hot dog joints where the employees famously verbally abuse the customers to the delight of everyone and the surprise of the unexpecting.
Professional sports are a big part of the culture as well. Chicagoans love the Bears of the NFL and are split between the Cubs and the White Sox of Major League Baseball. The local hockey team, the Blackhawks, and the Bulls of the NBA claim a host of ardent supporters as well.
Chicago culture is a fascinating and distinct blend that has to be experienced to be understood. No matter one's preferences, there is something for everyone to explore and experience.
The Second City used to be the its nickname due to ranking behind only New York for the biggest cities in the US but Los Angeles has since taken over as number two. The more common nickname currently is the Windy City, inspired by the harsh winter winds that blow off of Lake Michigan. The Loop is the term that locals often use to refer to the downtown section. This is because it is surrounded by the tracks of what's called the El, the elevated train that serves the city. The metropolitan area, commonly called Chicagoland, spreads out into the bordering states of Wisconsin and Indiana.
Famous sites attract both domestic and international tourists. The Hancock Building and the Sears Tower are two skyscrapers that tower above the city and offer breathtaking views of the entire area. Navy Pier and the Art Institute of Chicago are major draws as well. Holiday shoppers flock to the Magnificent Mile, a portion of Michigan Avenue that runs through the south Loop. Located near here is the Water Tower that was purportedly the only building left standing after the great fire.
In addition to the Art Institute, Chicago is well-known for it's performing arts. The Second City is a famous comedy club that has produced a number of celebrated comedians. The Goodman Theater, located downtown, and the Steppenwolf Theater on the north side are two of the most renowned theaters among the many that exist throughout the city.
In the past blues, jazz and soul music were the trademarks of the city. It continues to be active in the modern music scene with influential musicians in genres such as indie rock, hip hop and R&B hailing from Chicago.
As with any culture food is a big part of this city's scene. Chicago-style pizza and hot dogs are extremely popular with locals and tourists alike as are Italian beef sandwiches, another local specialty. The city is home to countless places to eat of practically any type that one can imagine. These include anything from ritzy downtown restaurants to outlying hot dog joints where the employees famously verbally abuse the customers to the delight of everyone and the surprise of the unexpecting.
Professional sports are a big part of the culture as well. Chicagoans love the Bears of the NFL and are split between the Cubs and the White Sox of Major League Baseball. The local hockey team, the Blackhawks, and the Bulls of the NBA claim a host of ardent supporters as well.
Chicago culture is a fascinating and distinct blend that has to be experienced to be understood. No matter one's preferences, there is something for everyone to explore and experience.
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