What are Chicago’s most famous landmarks and monuments?
Willis Tower
While admiring the skyline after your flights to Chicago, you can’t miss the Willis Tower. At 442 metres (1,450 feet) tall, it towers above the other buildings in the city. For 41 years, the Willis Tower was the tallest building in the United States; while it was recently surpassed by the Freedom Tower in New York, it still holds the title of tallest building in Chicago. After arriving on cheap flights to Chicago, head to the Willis Tower Skydeck for a unique view over the city. The Skydeck features glass boxes that emerge from the top of the building. Visitors who have booked airfare to Chicago can stand on these ledges for an unforgettable experience.
Navy Pier
Navy Pier is one of the top places to go for various forms of entertainment when you book airfare to Chicago. The pier extends 1,010 metres (3,300 feet) over the Lake Michigan shoreline. Along the pier, there are a variety of restaurants, bars, shops, and gardens. There are family-friendly activities to enjoy along Navy Pier as well, such as the Centennial Wheel, Chicago Children’s Museum, and Navy Pier IMAX. If you’re hoping to experience one of the city’s iconic river cruises after your flights to Chicago, you can also catch boat tours from Navy Pier.
Millennium Park
Although Millennium Park was only opened in 2004, it has quickly become one of the most recognisable landmarks to experience for tourists travelling on flights to Chicago. The park is located on the eastern edge of the Chicago Loop and is bordered by Lake Michigan. There’s a lot to see in Millennium Park, with the most famous landmark being Cloud Gate. Also known as “The Bean,” Cloud Gate is a magnificent stainless steel sculpture which reflects the city skyscrapers. Other spots to see when you have return flights to Chicago include Crown Fountain, Lurie Garden, and the outdoor Boeing Galleries.
What is the best way to get around Chicago?
As the third largest city in the USA, Chicago has an extensive network of public transport. The main form of transport is the train, known locally as the “L.” After arriving on cheap flights to Chicago, the L is available to take into the city centre from both airports. If you book tickets to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), catch the blue line into the centre. If you land at Chicago Midway Airport (MDW), the orange line is available into the city.
The L is a handy way to explore when you book return flights to Chicago. It operates across eight lines and travels to 145 stations around Chicago. Each line extends into a different corner of Chicago, but they all meet up in Downtown and offer service around the Chicago Loop. A single ticket on the L costs $2.50 USD ($3.90 NZD). Visitors with flights to Chicago can also purchase a day pass for $10 USD ($15.70 NZD), a three-day pass for $20 USD ($31.40 NZD), or a weeklong pass for $28 USD ($43.90 NZD).
If you’re visiting a destination that is not serviced by the L, you can also catch one of the city’s 129 bus routes. Other forms of transport to use after flights to Chicago include taxis, Uber, and Lyft.
What are the best places to stay in Chicago?
Chicago Loop
In order to be at the centre of everything when you have return flights to Chicago, plan to stay in the Chicago Loop. This neighbourhood encompasses the Downtown area and is home to many of the city’s top restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, and tourist attractions. The Chicago Loop is located beside Lake Michigan and offers great transport links to other parts of the city. Many hotels in the Chicago Loop are located in skyscrapers; when booking your Chicago hotel with Webjet, request a room on a high floor for a stunning view over the city and lake.
Wicker Park
Wicker Park is one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Chicago. It’s located northwest of the city centre and is particularly popular with younger travellers. Throughout Wicker Park, you’ll find a great selection of restaurants, bars, cafes, and boutique shops to enjoy after your cheap flights to Chicago. The neighbourhood is also known for its abundance of art galleries, including Dreambox, ARC Gallery, and LVL3.
Lincoln Park
If you’re looking for a quiet neighbourhood within easy access of the city centre, consider staying in Lincoln Park after booking tickets to Chicago. The neighbourhood features beautiful architecture as well as a bustling cultural scene. Some things to do in Lincoln Park include the Second City comedy club, Chicago History Museum, and DePaul Art Museum. It is also home to the famous Lincoln Park Zoo and beautiful North Avenue Beach.