Hotels in 44th Street Station

America's third-largest city rightly earns its nickname 'Chicagoland.' There are enough world-class museums, ethnic eateries and outdoor concerts in this sprawling Illinois city to keep the culture fans happy, while sports addicts shouldn't leave without seeing the Cubs on home turf at Wrigley Field. After a long day shopping the Mag Mile, catch a comedy show at Second City or hang with the hipsters in Wicker Park/Bucktown and fully understand why this approachable, ambitious city sticks in the mind, long after you've left.

Travel information

Chicago has two major airports, Midway (MDW) and O'Hare International Airport (ORD). O'Hare is about 45 minutes northwest of downtown Chicago, while Midway is much smaller and slightly closer at just 25 minutes away. Both are connected to the 'L', Chicago's impressive public transport system: Midway to the orange line, and O'Hare to the blue line.

Where to stay? Chicago neighborhoods

The Loop

Downtown, or "The Loop," is a packed with skyscrapers, including Willis Tower, one of the tallest buildings on the planet. Hotels here land you in striking distance of Millennium Park, the Planetarium and the Art Institute.

Mag Mile/Near North

Shoppers will make their way up and down Chicago's Magnificent Mile, home to major retailers like Nike, Ralph Lauren, American Girl Place, Burberry and H&M, along with plenty of restaurants and cafes in which to rest those weary soles. Hotels range from classic to modern, and most are within walking distance of Navy Pier, Oak Street Beach and Lake Michigan.

River North

Best known for the sheer volume of art galleries within its boundaries, River North makes sight-seeing inspirational -- from the design district chock-full of contemporary interior stores, to the Merchandise Mart. The area is also brimming with trendy restaurants and late-night clubs, which cluster around Hubbard Street.

Lincoln Park/Lakeview

Lincoln Park has more of a hip, local vibe, with its vibrant park, legendary zoo, boutique shops and the ever-present college pack. Neighboring Lakeview is home to Wrigley Field, and dotted with independent theaters and a buzzing nightlife scene.

Things to see and do

Wrigley Field

Built in 1914, the home of the Cubs seats over 41,000 and has bragging rights as one of the countries oldest ballparks, second in age only to Boston's Fenway Park. Even if you can't score tickets to a game, you can still take a tour during baseball season, but book in advance to get your mitts on a limited ticket.

Art Institute of Chicago

Though you'll probably check out 'American Gothic' with the rest of the art crowds, don't neglect the impressive collection of Renoirs, Rossettis and Hoppers here, along with brilliant indigenous art from India to Africa. If your taste leans more modern, pay a visit to the super sleek Modern Wing, designed by Pritzker-Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano.

Millennium Park

Summer months are a magnet to this city gem, where you can enjoy outdoor concerts at Frank Gehry-designed Pritzker Pavillion, play with your reflection at Cloud Gate (aka 'The Bean'), or splash in the Crown Fountain, two interactive sculptures with playful "spitting" images.

Museum Campus

An ambitious walk along the Lakefront Trail will bring you to Museum Campus, where you can spend an afternoon with T.rex 'Sue' at the Field Museum, stargazing at the Planetarium, or watching dolphin shows and marine life at Shedd Aquarium.

John Hancock Center

A permanent fixture in the Chicago skyline, this slick black tower has great places to shop, eat and drink, but it's the dizzying heights at 360 CHICAGO that pulls in the visitors. The latest hair-raising addition is Tilt, a glass-panel platform that slowly tilts outward, giving downward-facing views of the city.

Events and entertainment

Lollapalooza is probably Chicago's biggest claim to fame as far as music festivals go, with a cutting-edge line-up of huge rock and indie names playing every summer in Grant Park. Blues fans should make the Chicago Blues Festival top of their list in June, as well as being the biggest celebration of the city's music scene, it's also free.

June also sees the city slip on its dancing shoes for Chicago SummerDance: eleven weeks of professional lessons and outdoor shindigs. In July, fervent foodies won't want to miss Taste of Chicago, where you can sample the best of the city's cuisine. The festivities continue through the fall and winter, with everything from beer tasting to film festivals to the lighting of Michigan Avenue.