Chicago is among the most expensive cities in the United States and has so many visual and cultural attractions that it demands more from the traveler than money. It takes breath and a certificate of vaccination to enjoy every ride after the country’s reopening, and since the emergence of the omicron, tormenting authorities and society.
But none of this can be an impediment for those who want to walk through its avenues, bars, restaurants, museums and parks. Just warm clothes for this time of year, a good physical preparation to explore every corner, and let yourself be carried away by each discovery.
As Kashka, a Nigerian taxi driver who has lived in the city for 10 years, says: “It’s all here. You just have to be patient to enjoy it. And if you get lost, just ask for help.”
Filled with skyscrapers — featuring T-shirts and mugs —, designer stores, restaurants and museums, Chicago surprises first-time visitors and even repeat visitors.
They take place on the ground or above, taking selfies in front of Cloud Gate (the famous “beans”), or enjoying the deep dish pizza (famous for its tall and very tasty shape), shopping on the Magnificent Mile, or diving into the collection. of the Art Institute of Chicago (AIC), where you can see, for example, “Van Gogh’s Room in Arles” and “Nighthawks” by Edward Hopper.
Known as the City of the Winds (Windy City) — and in winter this is evident — Chicago’s landscape blends between the low-rise buildings, with their black and red brick railings, as in the Gold Coast district, and the large and iconic buildings made of steel and glass.
One of these buildings is the John Hancock, from which, from the top of its 344 m and 94 floors, you can see the city from all sides — hence the name 360 ​​Chicago Observation Deck, which can be visited by appointment.
With a unique view from the 94th floor, it is possible to see the differences of the city, the magnificence of its buildings, notice the trees that dot the view (and that can defoliate at this time of year) and Lake Michigan, which is lost from sight to where want you to look.
Side by side, the Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park are places to make your traveler’s bucket list. The huge collection of the museum (which has tickets between 29 and 35 dollars) and the infinite corridors are an invitation to spend the day observing great works, from impressionism to modern art, from European to Asian art, without getting tired.
The Millennium Park, on the other hand, lends itself to family outings, shows and skating, with the addition of housing the very popular “beans”. Cloud Gate is the work of Indo-British artist Anish Kapoor, and has become a symbol of the city since May 2006, when it opened. There are perhaps few spots like this so right for selfies.
After feasting your eyes on art at both locations, you can take an Uber (a 20-minute ride costs at least $27 for a six-person car) or a subway (a 40-minute ride) to Pilsen to enjoy tequilas, micheladas and tamales.
Despite having its origins in the fourth largest city in the Czech Republic, since the 1970s it was the Mexicans who settled in the neighborhood and have been imprinting their culture there, whether in cuisine or street shopping. In keeping with Chicago standards, Pilsen is also architecturally unique, boasting European-style buildings and spectacular murals on every corner.
If you’re curious to see a game, the NBA season runs until April — and the Bulls are a symbol for the city after their 1991-1998 titles. ) is a unique experience that requires proof of vaccination.
The size of the gym is impressive, as are the attractions and dynamics of the game, both completely different from Brazilian standards. But it’s certainly the Michael Jordan statue (aka “The Spirit”) that snatches fans and tourists alike, and yields as many selfies as Kapoor’s “beans.”
Perhaps because of its ease in offering tourist attractions, Chicago has become the stage for cinematographic productions — titles range from “Os Irmãos Cara de Pau” (1980) and “The Color of Money” (1986) to “Transformers 3″ (2010) and ” Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016).
One of the hallmarks of cinema is the Willis Tower, known as Skydeck, where the audience can go to the 103rd floor and imitate Ferris Bueller, Cameron and Sloane, from “Living Life Crazy” (1986), leaning their foreheads against the glass at the top. 412 m from the old Sears Tower to look out over the streets of Chicago below.
Since 2009, the building has boasted a breathtaking attraction. For 30 dollars for an adult ticket, and 22 for a child, you can enjoy the Ledge for a minute, glass platforms that “leave” the building, where you can have a unique experience of the city view.
And anyone who thinks that the attractions are only on the upper floors is wrong. In the basement of the building, it is possible to walk a path that tells the history of Chicago, from the Great Fire, in 1871, and the reconstruction of the city, to the present day.
Randy Stancik, general manager of Skydeck, says the visit provides an “experience that can be enjoyed at any time of year”. And that certainly extends to Chicago, a city that you can visit and enjoy, no matter the season, with plenty of energy and a good credit card.
The journalist traveled at the invitation of Choose Chicago
