Discover Chicago, its pleasant living environment and innovative architecture

What do you mean, the biggest city in the Midwest isn't even the capital of its state, Illinois? Springfield is. But Chicago has not said its last word, and has no intention of stealing the limelight so easily. America's third-largest city holds a special place in the United States and, more broadly, in the world. During your American trip along Route 66, it would be a great shame not to visit this sumptuous city, voted Best Big City in the USA in 2017. And don't forget that Chicago is the starting point of Route 66, making it a must-see on your journey through the American West.

© Richard Cavalleri / Shutterstock

Why visit Chicago? For its architecture!

Chicago is recognisable from all other American cities thanks to its unique and impressive architecture. A playground for many innovative architects, Chicago is the perfect example of how imagination is synonymous with beauty. It is even recognised as the world capital of architecture in the first half of the 20th century. The Cloud Gate is a perfect example.

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Our favourite Art Deco host

Acme Hotel Company Chicago Route 66
Booking.com

Acme Hotel Company Chicago

This hotel is located in the heart of Chicago, in the middle of the buikdings.
8.2 Very good
From
£193 / night
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Not forgetting an iconic monument, the Cloud Gate, a must-see when in Chicago. Not photographing it would be like going to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower; it would be unthinkable. Cloud Gate is an urban sculpture by British artist Anish Kapoor located in Millennium Park.

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Where can you stay close to Millennium Park and Cloud Gate?

Silversmith Hotel Chicago Downtown - Route 66 Route 66
Booking.com

Silversmith Hotel Chicago Downtown - Route 66

The hotel's spacious rooms include cable TV and free Wi-Fi.
8.7 Superb
From
£253 / night
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Why visit Chicago? For its cultural offerings!

Chicago is so popular with tourists and Americans alike because it is a culturally rich city offering an impressive range of activities.

One of the cultural institutions not to be missed in Chicago is the Field Natural Museum. This is a natural history museum located on the shores of Lake Michigan. It is one of the most important museums in the world. It is on a par with the American Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Musée du Louvre in Paris.

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Practical information:

  • 📍 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, United States.

  • 👛 between 18 and 28, depending on age range.

  • 👉 Billetterie

  • 🕑: Allow at least half a day to take your time in the museum's various galleries.

Where to stay with your family near the Field Natural Museum?

Sentral Michigan Avenue Route 66
Booking.com

Sentral Michigan Avenue

Sentral Michigan Avenue offers accommodation with free Wi-Fi, a garden, an indoor pool and a gym.
9 Fabulous
From
£133 / night
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Continuing to feed our hunger for knowledge, we head for the Art Institute of Chicago. Nicknamed the "Artic", it is the second largest art museum in the country after the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and houses one of the most important art collections in the United States.

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Editor's tip :

To make the most of Chicago's cultural activities, consider booking a Chicago City Pass, which entitles you to admission to 5 cultural establishments, including the following 3: the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium and **Skydeck Chicago **.

You can also choose from 2 other activities: the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, the 360° Chicago Observation Deck and the Adler Planetarium.

👉 website

Where to stay near the Art Institute of Chicago?

Club Quarters Hotel Central Loop Route 66
Booking.com

Club Quarters Hotel Central Loop

Club Quarters Hotel Central Loo is located in downtown Chicago.
8 Very good
From
£167 / night
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Lake Michigan, the natural heart of Chicago

Although Chicago is one of the most urbanised cities in the United States, the city has an incredible and omnipresent natural environment. This is evident not only in the 250km-long river of the same name that runs through the city, but also in Lake Michigan. A veritable inland sea as vast as the state of Virginia, Lake Michigan blows a sea breeze over the city.

© Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock

Where can I book a room with a view of the lake?

W Chicago - Lakeshore Route 66
Booking.com

W Chicago - Lakeshore

he W Chicago - Lakeshore offers contemporary-style accommodation with very comfortable bedding.
7.9 Fine
From
£145 / night
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When should you visit Chicago?

Chicago is famous for its weather. Winters are particularly cold, with numerous snowy spells that dress the monuments in a magnificent white coat, and summers are accompanied by heat waves that raise the temperature. Chicago is a whole city, even when it comes to the weather. The city can be visited at any time of year, but if you're visiting for the first time, it's best to visit in May, June or October, when the weather is most conducive to discovery.

© Nejdet Duzen / Shutterstock
Route 66

✈️ Airline tickets Paris - Chicago

Plane tickets Paris - Chicago
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£319
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by Jude JONES
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