A modern metropolis of art and architecture

Large zoos, free outdoor concerts, unique architecture, and renowned art institutes give this city a diverse, energetic vibe. What began as a small trading post on the Chicago River has grown into a thriving metropolitan city, one of the largest in the United States. Chicago is known as “The Windy City,” a nickname earned by the constant breeze coming off the shores of Lake Michigan.

Chicago is home to nearly 200 art galleries, which feature original artwork from new artists. Located on the Magnificent Mile, a key shopping and business area, Artspace 8 shows contemporary fine art and sculptures by up-and-coming artists from around the world. In the East Village, you’ll find American modernist and contemporary art, jazz, and film at the Corbett and Dempsey museum. Looking for a bigger museum, where you can spend an entire afternoon? Try the Art Institute of Chicago. If your taste in the arts runs to comedy, make a trip to Second City, an improv comedy club where famous comedians such as Tina Fey and Steve Carrell got their start. And if music is more your scene, visit the Jay Pritzker Pavilion for free jazz concerts every Thursday in the summer.

Outdoor shopping markets add a fun, small-town flavor to this large city. The Maxwell Street Market has everything from fresh produce to furniture and rare collectibles, and claims to have some of the best Mexican street food in Chicago. Looking for fresh produce for the week? The Green City Market, a local favorite, works with over 60 farmers and producers.

Food is one of the best ways to experience a new city, and Chicago has both a wide variety of cuisines and some famous local specialties. First and foremost is deep-dish pizza. This style of pizza has an extra thick crust and usually comes loaded with savory sauce and lots of cheese. Head to The Art of Pizza or Pequod’s for pizza you won’t regret. In the mood to share? Swap the pizza for Mediterranean-style small plates at Avec Restaurant where you can pass small bites around with friends or family.

Chicago experiences the full range of North American seasons on the coast of Lake Michigan. Fall brings brightly colored foliage to the city’s tree-lined parks. Chilly winter weather calls for warm coats and activities such as ice skating, while mild springs and warm summers lend themselves to strolling the outdoor markets and exploring the city’s 19 miles of bike paths.

Green spaces are everywhere: Chicago maintains 552 parks in the city. A favorite is The 606, a converted elevated railway track that runs 2.7 miles through the neighborhoods of Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Wicker Park, and Bucktown. The 606 is lined with public art installations.

Downtown Chicago is home to Millennium Park, originally built to celebrate the third millennium. This gorgeous 24.5 acre public space is a lively gathering spot in the heart of the city, anchored by “The Bean,” a stainless steel sculpture shaped like a giant kidney bean that provides a glimmering reflection of the bustling city and its visitors. Just a bit further north you can golf, jog, walk, skate, or visit the animals in Lincoln Park, which stretches from Ohio Street Beach to Hollywood Beach, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Venture a little more outside the city center to take in another iconic Chicago experience: a tour and a baseball game at Wrigley Field, home of the World Series champion Chicago Cubs.

Some of the most impressive skyscrapers in the world make up the Chicago skyline. The Willis Tower (also known as the Sears Tower) is the largest in the Western Hemisphere and offers spectacular views from the Skydeck, where brave visitors can try out the clear glass viewing boxes known as “The Ledge.”

A top city for global business and partnership, Chicago’s sleek, strong, physical presence is mirrored by its competitive, progressive business environment. Chicago is the top destination in the U.S. for foreign direct investment. Boeing International Headquarters, United Continental Holdings, and Exelon Companies, all based in Chicago, have been named 2017’s Top Global Corporations by Fortune 500 Global. The city is home to more than 400 major corporate headquarters.

Chicago is start-up friendly, too. More than 300 digital start-ups develop every year, and Chicago is home to companies such as GrubHub, Orbitz, Motorola, and Groupon. Online communities such as Built in Chicago and initiatives such as Chicago Next serve as a hub for the city’s start-ups and tech opportunities, and aid in networking and community building among innovators.