DK Travel : Chicago

Big-city sophistication combined with small-town hospitality create the perfect blend in this, the Mid west’s largest city. Chicago’s influential architecture, cuisine for every budget and taste, great shopping, diverse ethnic neighborhoods, and outstanding museums are reason enough for a visit. And the icing on the cake? The city boasts a lakefront and park system that are as beautiful as they are recreational.

Chicago snowglobe

Recall Chicago winters with a city skyline snowglobe from Accent Chicago in the Water Tower Place mall.
Chicago Summer Neighborhood Festivals

Chicago is a city of neighborhoods with upwards of 100 neighborhood festivals to prove it. Virtually every summer weekend features an event or three ranging from the gay-oriented North Halsted Market Days to the ethnic Korean Street Festival.
Chicago Temple

A Gothic-inspired structure that was designed by Holabird and Roche in 1923. Under the majestic spire is a 35-seat chapel.
Chicago Theater

The red marquee of this Beaux Arts-style theater is a symbol of Chicago. Built in 1921, today it is a concert and performance venue.
Chicago Triathlon

Over 6,000 run, bike, and swim in this one-dayer.
Chicago White Sox

The White Sox are renowned for their top-quality baseball.
Chicago Wolves

AHL’s Wolves have a better playoff record than NHL’s Black-hawks.
Chinatown

Crowned by the landmark Chinatown Gate spanning Wentworth Avenue, Chicago’s Chinatown isn’t that large – running roughly eight blocks – but it is colorful. Home to Chicago’s oldest Asian community, Chinatown was founded in the 19th century by transcontinental railroad workers fleeing West Coast prejudice. It continues to be a place where Cantonese and Mandarin are spoken far more widely than English. Stroll Wentworth to see the ornate On Leong Tong Building, buy fresh almond cookies from Chinese bakeries, peruse the many import and herbal shops, or chow down in one of the dozens of local restaurants.
Chinatown

An ornate arched gateway at Wentworth Avenue signals your entrance to this distinctly Chinese neighborhood. Asians and non-Asians alike flock to aroma-filled dim-sum restaurants that serve a mouthwatering selection of dumplings, duck, egg rolls, and other delicacies. Shops sell everything from lanterns to delicate tea sets and mysterious Chinese herbs (see Chinatown).
Circuit/Rehab

At Circuit, men often dance shirtless to grinding house music. In contrast, the Rehab lounge bar is a sophisticated chill-out spot.