Travel shortcut guide to Chicago

Frank Sinatra sang that Chicago was his kind of town and from the moment you arrive, you start to understand why. To use a popular American term Chicago is ‘sassy’, a self-confident, self-assured, party town. The town is dominated by Lake Michigan, the waterfront runs the entire east-side and while it’s Windy City moniker came from its politicians’ love of debate the lake ensures that it lives up to its reputation all year-round.

Downtown attractions

Wrap up warm and it is easy to walk to all of the major down town attractions – Michigan Avenue for shops, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Navy Pier, and the Sears Tower Skydeck, are just a few suggestions. The CTA (over ground metro) is a cheap and easy way to get from almost anywhere to wherever it is you’re heading – and runs all the way to O’Hare Airport. It will save you the $40 fare and you will probably arrive before the cab does.

Traveller’s recommendations

A couple of personal recommendations – The Drake Hotel is the place to stay if you are treating someone special, and Morton’s Steak House has some of the finest beef I have ever tasted. McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood restaurant on the corner of Chestnut and Rush is a real winner. Their motto is ‘we cook what we catch’ and the menu changes daily. Last time I visited the service was ‘unique’ and the martinis strong enough to make my toes curl, but its well worth a visit, you will not be disappointed.

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