Cheap Flights to Chicago

Chicago: Business, Travel and Fun Hub of the Midwest

As the third largest city in the country, Chicago, IL draws vacationers and business travelers from all over the world each year. Bordered by Lake Michigan and divided by the Chicago River, the city proper and many of its surrounding suburbs are connected by the famous "L" train. However, the Chicagoland area stretches far beyond the reach of the local lines into parts of Northwest Indiana and Southern Wisconsin.

A single trip to the Windy City will only give you a small taste of all there is to experience, but if you do travel to the city of Chicago, there are a few attractions you need to check out.

Shopping on The Magnificent Mile

If you had a window seat at one of the shops or restaurants that line this famous drag on North Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, you'd see busloads of tourists from nearby cities and states unload each week. Why do they come? Well, the "Mag Mile" is one of the premiere shopping districts in the world. You'll find stores here featuring clothes from the catwalks of New York, Paris, and Milan.

If Armani, Zegna, and Luca Luca aren't necessarily your thing, you can spend some time with the family at American Girl Place, munch on world famous popcorn from Garret Popcorn Shop, or head to the Hancock Observatory for a stunning panorama of the city (better than the view from the taller Sears Tower). The Magnificent Mile is conveniently located near a number of Chicago hotels including the famous Drake Hotel (a mainstay since the 1920s) and the boutique hotel 71, so accommodations are always just around the corner.

Fine Dining and Deep Dish Pizza

Chicago is famous for its restaurants, and there's something for every kind of taste. You can sample the creations of a celebrity chef at Charlie Trotter's, or feast on hot dogs, bratwurst, and Italian sausage at the legendary Hot Doug's. Take a trip to west Chicago (the Westside) to experience the food and culture of Little Italy and Greektown.

Regardless of what your favorite food is, you can't leave Chicago without trying the deep dish pizza. Locals will debate their favorite pizza restaurant 'til the Chicago Cubs win the World Series, but downtown and neighborhood staples like Giordano's, Lou Malnati's, and Gino's East will treat you right.

Chicago Theatre and Culture

When you watch "Saturday Night Live," "30 Rock," "Entourage," and countless other TV shows and movies, you're watching the work of former Chicago theatre actors. The Steppenwolf Theatre and the Goodman Theatre continue to bring in big names each year, while Second City gives rise to the next generation of improv geniuses.

When prices at the Art Institute of Chicago went up to, the Chicago Sun-Times came out and said, "The best things in life cost, including fabulous art." This still relatively low fee is worth it to spend the day viewing the works of the masters. You can also explore history at The Field Museum, listen to the sweet sounds of jazz, hit an indie rock show, or enjoy a bit of Shakespeare on Navy Pier.

Travel Tips: Chicago O'Hare is the second busiest airport in the country and a United Airlines hub, and Chicago Midway is a major airport for Southwest Airlines. This means that airfare deals are often available to Chicago from cities throughout the country. Also, if you fear the cold, don't come to Chicago in winter.

 
 

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Cheap Flights to Chicago - Airfare Search for CHI Illinois