Home to world-class museums, shopping, restaurants, and theater, Chicago is undeniably one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. While the city is worth visiting year-round, the winter provides a particularly picturesque time to see Chicago’s sights, with fewer crowds on the streets and snow dusting the sidewalks. Before booking yet another lackluster winter getaway to a resort town, discover what makes a wintertime trip to Chicago such a special experience:
Peerless shopping: Move over, Manhattan: Chicago’s Michigan Avenue is one of the best shopping thoroughfares in the world. Along this strip, dubbed The Magnificent Mile, you’ll find clothing, shoes, accessories, and housewares from some of the biggest brands in the world, like Chanel, Burberry, Patek Philippe, Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Gucci, St. John, Henri Bendel, and more.
Amazing architecture: Chicago is world-renowned for its incredible architecture, and with good reason. Stunning skyscrapers like the Willis Tower, which formerly held the record for the world’s tallest building, the John Hancock Center, and the Tribune Center all call the Windy City home. The city’s newer additions are equally impressive, however. Buildings like One Bennett Park, a stunning luxury tower designed by famed architect Robert A.M. Stern, promises to maintain the city’s reputation as an architectural capital.
Peerless museums: Whether you love modern art, Renaissance portraiture, or natural history, there’s a museum to suit virtually every taste in Chicago. Treat yourself to an escape from the chilly temperatures with a trip to the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art, or The Field Museum.
Great food: If you’re a foodie, there are seemingly endless eating options to enjoy in Chicago. Stop into Lou Malnati’s for a slice of classic deep-dish pizza, grab a hot dog at Portillos, or enjoy a slightly more upscale meal at The Purple Pig or microgastronomy haven Alinea.
Celebrated theater: You don’t have to go to Broadway to see some of the world’s most talented performers hit the stage. The city’s theater district rivals that of New York, Los Angeles, and London, with incredible shows like Hamilton, Wicked, Pretty Woman, and Waitress all taking the stage in the Windy City.
Don’t let the cold weather derail your travel plans this winter. Whether you’re coming from across the country or across the world, there’s no place like the Windy City. Instead of heading to your usual winter vacation destinations, treat yourself to the amazing shopping, architecture, art, culture, and food in this stunning city.