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5 Reasons To Visit Chicago

Are you wondering why you need to visit Chicago? Our top 5 reasons are Food, Coffee, Architecture, Art & the City Itself.

Lake Michigan in Chicago Illinois
Image: ©2foodtrippers

We hadn’t traveled to Chicago in over a decade. Once there for our recent visit, we saw the city with fresh eyes and were struck by the many things that make Chicago world-class.

We don’t know why we waited so long between our Chicago visits. If you haven’t been to Chicago lately, check out our top five reasons to visit Chicago now.

1. Food In Chicago

Chicago Food Favorites - Top 5 Reasons to Visit Chicago
Chicago Food | Images: ©2foodtrippers

We knew that the food would be good, but we were still blown away by the food quality at all price points. Not only did we enjoy excellent restaurant meals, but we also loved accessible local food like Chi dogs, pizza, popcorn and donuts.

Eataly in Chicago Illinois
Eataly in Chicago | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Even the local outpost of Eataly has its own twist, not to mention an enviable selection of fresh produce. Seriously, eating is one of the best things to do in Chicago. It is one of the best food cities in America after all.

Read about the best American food cities.

2. Coffee In Chicago

Intelligentsia Coffee in Chicago Illinois
Intelligentsia Coffee in Chicago | Images: ©2foodtrippers

We had grand plans to check out several coffee shops around the city. However, we ended up going back every morning to the same Intelligentsia shop for generous, well-constructed pour overs and friendly service. Why mess with perfection?

3. Architecture In Chicago

Chicago Architecture - Top 5 Reasons to Visit Chicago
Chicago Architecture | Images: ©2foodtrippers

During our insider’s walking tour with a volunteer Chicago Greeter, we were struck by the city’s ubiquitous, amazing architecture. The city was thoughtfully rebuilt after the Great Fire in 1871, and city planners have done an excellent job of mixing historic buildings with new skyscrapers over recent decades.

We saw interesting architecture throughout the city in different Chicago neighborhoods. Exploring the windy city may be exhausting but it’s certainly never boring.

4. Art In Chicago

Appreciating Sunday in the Park with George at the Art Institute in Chicago
Appreciating Sunday in the Park with George at the Art Institute in Chicago | Image: ©2foodtrippers

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the great museums of the world. We had just enough time to hit the highlights like A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, Nighthawks and American Gothic.

American Gothic Meets Hot Dog Gothic in Chicago
American Gothic Meets Hot Dog Gothic in Chicago | Images: ©2foodtrippers

We’re also fans of pop art. It’s extra awesome when pop art and food collide during the same experience.

Four Seasons Mosaic by Marc Chagall in Downtown Chicago
Four Seasons Mosaic by Marc Chagall in Downtown Chicago | Image: ©2foodtrippers

We saw lots of street art as well, not to mention a stunning Marc Chagall mosaic right in the middle of downtown. Seeing art is a must whether you have two days in Chicago or longer.

5. The City Of Chicago Itself

Crown Fountain in Chicago's Millenium Park
Crown Fountain in Chicago’s Millenium Park | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Chicago is a magical lakefront city with lots of outdoor space. Everywhere we went, people were enjoying the urban outdoor setting.

Final Thoughts

We were struck by the strong civic pride in every single Chicago resident who we met – a pride backed up by an awesome city of art, architecture and food. We’ll be back well before another decade passes to explore more reasons to visit Chicago.

And next time – we’re eating at Alinea.

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About The Authors

About The Authors

Daryl & Mindi Hirsch

Saveur Magazine’s BEST TRAVEL BLOG award winners Daryl and Mindi Hirsch share their culinary travel experiences and recipes on the 2foodtrippers website. Since launching the site in 2012, they’ve traveled to over 40 countries in their quest to bring readers their unique taste of the world.

Disclosures

Article Updates
We update our articles regularly. Some updates are major while others are minor link changes and spelling corrections. Let us know if you see anything that needs to be updated in this article.

Funding
We self-funded our trip to Chicago and paid for the food featured in this article.

Original Publication Date: July 7, 2014

Maria Martinez

Monday 3rd of December 2018

A well-curated piece covering major aspects that make the city of Chicago an attractive vacation destination. The writer has particularly written about the food, architecture and the art scene in Chicago. I must admit that I am only getting more curious to visit the windy city!

Brian

Friday 26th of October 2018

A well-curated piece covering major aspects that make the city of Chicago an attractive vacation destination. Congratulations for writing about the food, architecture and the art scene in Chicago so beautifully. I must admit that I am only getting more curious to visit the windy city!

Daryl and Mindi Hirsch

Saturday 3rd of November 2018

Thanks!! We've been in so many places around the world for the last few years and would hope to return to Chicago soon.

April Yap

Wednesday 18th of January 2017

You are right the food in Chicago is amazing. I love their local restaurant. Their city is just so amazing and beautiful. I think it is one of the best places you can visit in USA.

Daryl and Mindi Hirsch

Saturday 21st of January 2017

We want to spend more time in Chicago. We agree that it's one of the greatest US cities.

Amanda

Monday 9th of February 2015

As a Chicago blogger, I always love to see what others write about my beloved city. Glad to see that you are acknowledging all of our awesome features...sorry to say that Hot Doug's just closed but as you know, we always have tons of other great food options!

Marissa

Tuesday 28th of October 2014

That hot dog really makes me miss being back home in Chicago! Great post, and great reasons!

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