| Chicago is the largest city in the state of Illinois, the | | | | three million people, as tested annually by the Taste |
| largest in the Midwest, and, with a population of | | | | of Chicago festival. Grant Park also plays host to |
| nearly three million people, it is the third-most | | | | many music and arts festivals during the summer, |
| populous city in the United States. | | | | including Jazz Fest and Blues Fest. |
| Chicago refers to the City of Chicago, or, more | | | | Near North Side Just to the north of the Loop, |
| informally, to the Chicago metropolitan area, | | | | bordered by the Chicago River on the south, the |
| colloquially called Chicago land | | | | Lake on the east and North Avenue on the north, is |
| Chicago is The City that Works. The City of Big | | | | Chicago's Near North Side neighbourhood. This area is |
| Shoulders. | | | | in turn made up of several other smaller areas. |
| It boasts North Americas tallest building and one of | | | | The citys Magnificent Mile known as the Mag Mile to |
| the world's largest office buildings. With the ubiquitous | | | | locals is one of the Near Norths most famous |
| elevated trains creating a continuous clatter, the city | | | | offerings. Stretching along Michigan Avenue from the |
| looks big. Feels big. Is big. | | | | Chicago River to Oak Street, this shoppers' paradise |
| At first glance, Chicago can be overwhelming. But, like | | | | is home to highscale chains like Neiman Marcus and |
| any city, it is the sum of its parts, and its parts are | | | | Bloomingdales at the 900 North Michigan Avenue |
| diverse. Also known as The City of Neighbourhoods, | | | | Shops, as well as such lavish boutiques like Marilyn |
| Chicago comprises more than 75 official | | | | Miglin and Room & Board. The citys early monument |
| neighbourhoods, more if you count the names real | | | | to modernity, the John Hancock Center, is here, just |
| estate salespeople have devised. Each neighbourhood | | | | a few blocks from the citys links to its past, the |
| features its own distinct quality and character. | | | | Water Tower and the Chicago Water Works, two of |
| Many restaurants, such as The Original Heaven on | | | | the few buildings that survived the Great Chicago |
| Seven, Italian Village, and Berghoff, vie to whet the | | | | Fire of 1871. Water Tower Place, an upscale indoor |
| Loopgoers appetite. Boutique Hotels such as the | | | | shopping mall, houses Marshall Fields, Lord & Taylor |
| Hotel Allegro, Hotel Burnham Chicago and Hotel | | | | and numerous other chain stores. A block away, little |
| Monaco compete for guests with the more traditional | | | | girls delight at American Girl Place, the doll maker |
| Palmer House and Chicago Hilton Plaza and Towers. | | | | entertainment complex and retail store. Their parents |
| While technically just outside the Loops borders, | | | | enjoy RL Restaurant Ralph Laurens, the designers |
| Grant Park should not be missed. Hugging Lake | | | | largest retail store and its clubby adjoining restaurant. |
| Michigan, this park is often referred to as Chicagos | | | | , |
| front yard. The majestic Buckingham Fountain is here, | | | | Crate & Barrel and Saks Fifth Avenue Chicago Place |
| as is a plush rose garden and the Chicago Symphony | | | | stores can be found a few blocks south on Michigan |
| Orchestra's outdoor home, the Petrillo Music Shell. | | | | Avenue. |
| The park is immense, with the capacity to hold up to | | | | |