Luckily, I wasn’t counting calories as I took another bite from the deep-dish pizza, the cheese melting over the sides, the dough thick and floury coated in a caramalised crust with a good topping ratio. Yummy! Pizza is legendary in Chicago, often known as the windy city although the air was still and the temperature mild. It was June. I had three days to explore the city and determined to see and experience as much as possible.
As is customary for me, I opted for a Big Bus Tour to familiarise myself with the layout of the city before delving deeper into my specific areas of interests. I chose a sunset tour of the city courtesy of the Big Bus Company. Travelling during the golden hour is truly a good time to appreciate the iconic Chicago skyline. No headphones were needed. Instead there was live commentary from a rather amusing and insightful tour guide, relating legends, history and architecture of the city as we passed panoramic views. We were reminded of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 which killed approximately 300 people and destroyed roughly 3.3 square miles of the city including over 17,000 structures. Although catastrophic, this opened an opportunity to design a new city giving young architects a totally blank canvas. They searched the globe for new ideas. Today, Chicago is well known and admired for its high standard and ground-breaking structures which include the first-ever skyscraper (the now-demolished Home Insurance Building which was completed in 1885), and iconic structures like the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and the John Hancock Centre. It is also known for its “Chicago School” of architecture, which revolutionized skyscraper design. In Hyde Park, the Robie House is a hidden gem that’s one of the finest existing examples of Frank Lloyd Wright’s signature Prairie style which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Frank Lloyd Wright was an American architect who designed some of the most iconic buildings in the world. He was a pioneer of organic architecture.
Naturally, I signed up for the 90-minute Architecture River Boat Tour on the Chicago River to learn more about the buildings, history and evolution of the city. Floating under 25 bridges, which all have a tale to tell, I was surrounded by tall buildings of different shapes and styles. One of the newest additions to the city skyline, The St. Regis Chicago, was the city’s third tallest building and the tallest building in the world designed by a woman. The curving multi-coloured glass exterior wraps around the building’s 87 storeys, home to luxury residences, a high-end hotel, and various fine dining. It’s a jaw-dropping addition to an already-iconic cityscape. The tour didn’t disappoint.
Places to visit and things to do:
One of the key attraction experiences is Skydeck Chicago on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower to take in the breathtaking views. The observation deck is home to The Ledge, a series of all-glass bays that extend from the building to provide visitors with unobstructed views of Chicago and the ground below — 1,353 feet straight down and not for the faint-hearted! In addition to The Ledge, the new Skydeck experience features museum-quality interactive exhibits. This innovative design was completed in 1973, ushering in a whole new era of skyscrapers. The Willis Tower soars above downtown Chicago, standing tall at 110 storeys, (1,450 feet).
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the U.S and houses a world-class collection, including famous works like Grant Wood’s American Gothic and Georges Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte.
Millennium Park is known for its iconic art installations, such as Cloud Gate (affectionately nicknamed “The Bean”), the Crown Fountain, and the Lurie Garden, as well as for hosting events and performances. It’s a popular place offering a mix of art, architecture, landscape design and green space.
Perfect for the family is Navy Pier, a 50-acre scenic waterfront destination that’s home to countless restaurants, exhibitions, shops and entertainment. Take a ride on the 200- foot-tall Ferris wheel, explore the interactive Chicago Children’s Museum, enjoy a free concert, or simply enjoy the spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline
Chicago sits on the shores of Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes. Its waterfront is a part of the city’s lifestyle, with parks, walking paths and beaches along the shoreline
For sports enthusiast, especially baseball fans, the Chicago’s Cubs’ home stadium is Wrigley Field, one of the oldest ballparks in the MLB which has a unique charm.
Chicago is a musical hub, particularly for blues and jazz. Legends like Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy, have made their mark here. The city’s rich music scene also extends to rock, house, and hip-hop. Book the House of Blues club to take in the sounds of Chicago.
I finished the final slice of my pizza and as I took the last bite, I was told of Chicago’s Pizza walking tours offering a good portion of information on history, ingredients and physics of the world’s best pizzas.
This year marks Big Bus Tours’ 10th anniversary in Chicago, celebrating a decade of helping visitors and locals alike see the city from a new point of view!
Sunset Live Tour
Big Bus Tours’ Sunset Live Tour is seasonal, offering breath-taking skyline views and unforgettable golden-hour photo opportunities until October 18. This 1-hour and 45-minute live-guided tour departs nightly at 7:30 p.m. from 618 N Clark St. and takes guests on a panoramic journey through the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, the Magnificent Mile, and the Loop. Led by a live guide, the tour is designed for those who want to soak in Chicago’s charm as the city lights begin to sparkle and the skyline is illuminated by sunset. From the top deck vantage point, guests enjoy rich storytelling and a unique perspective on Chicago’s history, neighbourhoods and architectural icons.
