Chicago, also known as "Al Capone's City" or "the Windy City," is the third largest city in the USA, lying on the shores of Lake Michigan. It attracts millions of tourists every year with its remarkable architecture, many cultural attractions, art monuments and beautiful beaches. Most people on summer work programs think of it as an industrial city with nothing memorable about it, but that's not true. An interesting fact is that the first skyscraper was built in Chicago, but it was demolished in 1905.
Downtown – the heart of Chicago lies on the shore of Lake Michigan. Out of habit, people call the lake "the sea," and apart from the fact that it doesn't smell like the sea, nothing else would make you guess it's a lake. Downtown is amazing during the day with its many skyscrapers, shiny stores, expensive neighborhoods and big beaches. Paths for rollerblading, cycling or just walking, soccer fields, a zoo and museums – all of them are surrounded by greenery in the parks along the Lake Michigan shoreline and buzzing with life. The city is captivating after sunset too, when it is covered in thousands of lights.
Michigan Avenue, and more specifically the stretch known as the Magnificent Mile, is a place filled with galleries, boutiques and luxury stores – a magnet for people who have come for a stroll and some shopping.
Right next to Michigan Avenue is Millennium Park, home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture. The odd sculpture, often compared to a bean, consists of 168 small stainless steel plates. Curiously, it weighs over 110 tons.
In this area, the best place for a 360-degree view of the city is the Hancock Tower, where you can have coffee on the 96th floor at the Signature Lounge.
If you want to have some fun, State and Rush streets are nearby, where bars, clubs and cafes stand door to door.
Sears Tower – be one step from the top!
The Sears Tower skyscraper (currently the Willis Tower) is the tallest building in the USA, and worldwide it is the fifth tallest freestanding structure. This giant skyscraper with its broken-up architecture is the pride of Chicago. It is 443 meters high and has 110 floors. On a clear day you can see 40 to 50 miles across 4 states, including a bird's-eye view of Chicago's impressive architecture. The idea for the building's design came from 9 cigarettes arranged in a square and then shifted relative to one another, which created its staggered architecture.
The big attraction in the building is the Skydeck – a transparent glass platform jutting out from the facade, where you can step out and look 400 meters down beneath your feet. The view is indescribable. You can only go up for a few minutes, and the ticket price is $22.
Navy Pier – every child's dream
The 'Navy Pier' amusement park is actually a pier once used by the military, but it is now among the city's best-known tourist destinations. Today the park covers 50 acres of parks, shops, restaurants and attractions. Visitors can ride the huge Ferris wheel, watch a 3D movie, see classic plays at the Shakespeare Theater or visit the botanical garden. You absolutely have to try the donuts and ice cream at Navy Pier.
That's not all there is to say or see in Chicago, so pack your suitcase and enjoy the last days of your WORK AND TRAVEL program.