Study Overseas

Chicago is a metropolitan and diverse city situated along the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan in the State of Illinois. As the third most populous city in the US, Chicago has the buzz and vibrancy of city life yet maintains a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. With iconic architecture, world-famous museums and traditional heritage of blues and jazz, Chicago is the cultural hub of America. Since the 1890s, Chicago has been a world centre in higher education and research, which makes 'The Windy City' an ideal study destination. Studying in America is about to take you through the highlights of this thriving and energetic city.

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Architecture

As the home of architectural innovation, Chicago gave the world it's first skyscraper and changed the face of modern design and construction. Chicago owes much of its architectural heritage to Daniel H Burnham who had a groundbreaking urban vision for the city. The Hotel Burnham is one of the best examples of his architecture, which has subsequently been dubbed as 'the Chicago Style'.

Grant Park

Located between Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan, Grant Park is probably Chicago's most notable and beloved park. Buckingham Fountain, built in 1927, is a popular attraction as it is one of the 16st fountains in the world. In the summer, Grant Park hosts the annual 'Taste of Chicago' food festival where almost any type of food is available to try. In 2001, Grant Park was extended to the north to incorporate a new civic and cultural centre for Chicago, Millennium Park

Art Institute

Chicago's Art Institute should be at the top of any art-lover's list of places to visit. The Institute's collection of Impressionist Art is certainly one of the finest in the country. You will also find works by American and European artists such as Warhol, Pollock, Picasso and Matisse.

Museum Campus

Grant Park also includes Museum Campus, which opened in 1998. This lakefront setting joins three of Chicago's most popular museums. You can take a journey to outer space at the Alder Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, admire the sharks and coral in the reef exhibit at the John G. Shedd Aquarium or go back into the mists of time to see dinosaur skeletons, mummies and Egyptian tombs at The Field Museum.

Museum of Science and Industry

Another museum not-to-be-missed is the Museum of Science and Industry on 57^th St. off Lake Shore Drive in Jackson Park. If you're not squeamish then visit Body Worlds 2: The Anatomical Exhibition of Real Human Bodies.

Navy Pier

Just north of Grant Park is Navy Pier. This 900m long pier has a vast array of things to do, places to eat and things to see. If you want to unwind then go and see a show at the Shakespeare Theatre or watch a film on the 60 x 80 ft screen at the IMAX Theater. Or why not take in the breathtaking views of Chicago by night on one of the cruises on Lake Michigan. However, if you're feeling adventurous and want an aerial view of Chicago then you should test your nerve on the 150 ft high Ferris wheel.

Nightlife

Like the lights that adorn Chicago's skyline, this city switches on at night. There are ample entertainment and leisure options available; from highbrow to hard house, Chicago's got it all! Drinking and dancing establishments are scattered throughout the city but clusters can be found in Lincoln Park, Lake view and Wicker Park.

Theater

Chicago has a buzzing theater scene. Go and see one of the highly acclaimed Broadway shows such as The Producers and Mamma Mia! or see an original production from an independent company. The famous Joffrey Ballet perform at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University between October and May so if you're in the neighbourhood then go along.

Music

If Opera is one of your passions then go to the Civic Opera House on 20 North Wacker Drive which is home to the Lyric Opera, one of Chicago's biggest opera companies. For those of you with a finely tuned ear, the critically acclaimed Chicago Symphony Orchestra is a must. The building in which the Orchestra is based was designed by Daniel H. Burnham and it is an absolute delight. Chicago is a city famous for its jazz clubs and the The Green Mill in Uptown Chicago is one of our favourites. The venue itself has tonnes of character and nostalgia and is host to some brilliant up-and-coming talent.

Restaurants

Despite popular belief, deep-dish pizza is not all Chicagoans eat! There are restaurants here to cater for all palates. Studying in America recommends the following eateries:

Charlie Trotter's (816 W. Armitage Ave.) This celebrity chef's restaurant is at the top end of the food market so bring plenty of cash.

Gibson's Bar and Steakhouse (1028 N. Rush St.) Great steakhouse and enormous portions.
Foodlife (Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave.) From fast food to fancy falafel, this food court allows you to sample food from around the globe.

Nacional (325 W. Huron St.) Latin American cuisine and a chance to try out your salsa moves after dinner.
Carson's (612 N. Wells St.) This restaurant is very popular with Chicagoans and is great value too.

Rosebud on Taylor (1500 W. Taylor St.) Extremely popular Little Italy restaurant. Gino's East (633 W. Well St.) Home of the genuine article: Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza.

Shopping:

For those of you with cash to burn, Magnificent Mile is a shopper's paradise. Extending from the North on Lake Shore Drive over the river towards the South, this stretch is comprised of numerous department stores, top designer boutiques, restaurants, cafes and much more.

Sports:

Chicago is a very successful city for sport; in fact, 'The Sporting News' named Chicago the best sports city in the US for 2006. Chicago has 15 sports teams and the rare advantage of its major teams playing within the city itself. The two Major League Baseball teams are Chicago Cubs who play at Wrigley Field and Chicago White Sox who play at US Cellular Field. The White Sox won the World Series in 2005. Basketball fans should know that Chicago's basketball team is the Chicago Bulls. During the 90s whilst Michael Jordan was a player, the team won 6 NBA championships. The Chicago Bears of the National Football League play at Soldier Field. They've won 9 American Football championships, eight NFL and one Superbowl and will be in the Superbowl this year.

Author
Emily Crane