Flight & airport info
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  • JennaLaPrade: In Chicago... Would like to teletransport to Boston. (@ Terminal 2 - Chicago O'Hare (ORD)) http://4sq.com/9vpwKq
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World / North-America / USA / Chicago

Shopping and sports teams, galleries and gourmet food, big business and even bigger buildings – Chicago is an A-list metropolitan rival to New York in the Great American Cities stakes.

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Visa Requirements

Under the new Electronic Travel System (ESTA) visitors must submit an online application form at least 72 hours before departure.

Language

English

Timezone

English

Weather

Finger-numbingly cold in winter, blazingly hot in summer.

Dialling Code

00 1

Electricity

110V (Standard American two-pin plug)

Health and Safety

Healthcare in the USA is high quality but expensive making comprehensive travel and medical insurance cover essential.

Useful Links

Healthcare in the USA is high quality but expensive making comprehensive travel and medical insurance cover essential.

Flights to Chicago land at its main airport, O'Hare International (Bessie Coleman Drive, 00 1 773 6862200), which lies 17 miles north-west of the centre. Taxis are in ready supply (expect to pay about $50 to get to town), as are shuttle buses that stop at most hotels (around $15). The CTA (better known as the ‘El') train, also links the city to the airport and covers much of the central area.

Sears Tower

Sears Tower: At 1450ft (442 metres) in height, skyscrapers do not come much more sky-scraping than Chicago's Sears Tower. Currently the tallest building in the United States, and formerly the tallest building on the planet, its offers eye-popping views of Chicago, Lake Michigan and vast swathes of the surrounding countryside.

The Art Institute Of Chicago

The Art Institute Of Chicago: Chicago's main gallery is a cultural powerhouse stuffed with works by just about every great artist of the last six centuries. The star-studded cast-list includes Tintoretto, Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Picasso and Warhol.

The Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile: Chicago has a beautiful 19th century cathedral – but the key religion for many visitors to the Windy City is shopping. And the pews are always full on North Michigan Avenue, otherwise known as the Magnificent Mile. Every store you could want is here.

Quick Lunch - Trattoria No.10

If you fancy Italian cuisine, Trattoria No.10 is one of the best options. Try the fettuccini with sautéed shrimp.

Top Table - Everest

Expect haut cuisine to match the high-altitude gourmet experience at Everest a state-of-the-art French restaurant on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange.

Cheap Eat - Lou Mitchell's Restaurant

Lou Mitchell's Restaurant is a Chicago institution, the city's first diner, and the sort of place where you wish that breakfast could be every meal of the day. It is also ideally placed in the heart of the business district, a block from Union Station.

On Business - Hotel Monaco

The Hotel Monaco ideally pitched between Chicago's theatreland, business district and the shopping zone comes equipped with three large meeting rooms capable of seating between 180 and 250 people.
Book now

Lap Of Luxury - Four Seasons

Blow your budget at the beyond-palatial Four Seasons at the top of the Magnificent Mile.
Book now

Cheap Sleep - Hotel Cass

The Hotel Cass does wi-fi and complimentary breakfast.
Book now

Coffee And Chat - Argo Tea

Chicago café group Argo Tea (16 West Randolph Street, 00 1 312 5531551) is perfect for a swift catch-up.

Formal Presentation - Allegro

The Allegro (171 West Randolph Street, 00 1 312 2360123) is a restored art deco hotel boasting 13,000 square feet of meeting space.

Evening Drinks - John Hancock Observatory

It may not have quite the height of the Sears Tower but the views from the 96th floor bar at the John Hancock Observatory (875 North Michigan Avenue, 00 1 312 7153680) are still special, not least with a cocktail in hand.

City guides

Flights

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