Find out What there is to do in Chicago right here!
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chicago city guide & chicago living
Also See: Chicago Neighborhood Guide | Building Directory | Student Housing and Living | Chicago History Timeline
DINING
Whatever your appetite demands, you’ll have thousands of options in Chicago when you want to get a bite to eat. Discover elegant dining prepared by world-renowned chefs, ethnic restaurants that offer cuisines from all points of the globe, and numerous small joints serving up all manner of tasty dishes. Chicago is world-famous for its deep-dish pizzas, Italian beef sandwiches, and Polish sausage—whether you’re visiting the city or making plans to settle here, you have to try one of these Chicago favorites.
SHOPPING
Shopping in the Windy City is bountiful. Explore fantastic shopping districts such as the Magnificent Mile, State Street, and the Loop—many of the world's top brands have stores in the city. In addition to major name stores, you can also discover small, independently owned shops and boutiques that are the hidden gems of the Chicago shopping scene. Many neighborhoods even boast unique shops that focus on the characteristics of the neighborhood and its inhabitants.
ENTERTAINMENT
Chicago also offers a wide array of recreational activities. Downtown boasts a gorgeous Broadway-style theater district, and more adventurous arts patrons can find all manner of performances within the city’s burgeoning storefront theater scene. New art shows and exhibits are also in constant supply within Chicago’s excellent museums and galleries. For local sports nuts, there are always plenty of games to watch. Chicago is home to NBA basketball, NFL football, NHL hockey, and two major league baseball teams. There are also minor league teams in the city and many area colleges have robust athletic programs. The city also has many recreational sports leagues so you can get involved with your favorite sport.
THE LAKEFRONT
Chicago's amazing lakefront is one of its most distinctive attractions. Lake Michigan provides a breathtaking background to outdoor recreation and leisure interests in the Windy City. The 20-mile long bike and jogging trail spans nearly the entire length of Chicago, hugging the shoreline and connecting numerous public parks, beaches and harbors. Residents and tourists alike enjoy this extensive stretch of paved path, strictly reserved for pedestrians and bicycles—no motorized vehicles allowed! On a nice day, you can find stroller-pushing moms, marathon-training runners, and all other manner of Chicagoan taking advantage of this city amenity.
During the summer the sandy expanses are the perfect place to be for fun in the sun—if you’re a swimmer, a few popular spots to dip in the water are North Avenue Beach, Oak Street Beach, and Foster Beach. Warm weather also signals the start of boating season. Sailboats, power boats, kayaks, jet skis and various cruise tours take to the open water of Lake Michigan, and several annual boat races and nautical events take place along the shoreline, including the Air and Water Show, which draws the biggest crowds every year.
When winter rolls around the lakefront continues to be active, with hardcore outdoor enthusiasts and exercisers. If there's a layer of snow covering the ground you can bet there will be a few cross-country skiers and snow-shoers about.
There is more than just real estate in Chicago. Whether it's a night on the town you're looking for, or just a place to grab a quick snack, our all-in-one city guide has got you covered!