Nearly three million people call Chicago home, and for good reason. A resplendent jewel located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago offers unparalleled entertainment, shopping, and cultural events. For those just visiting, a Chicago luxury hotel stay and excursion along the Chicago River provide a taste of what life is like in this Midwestern city.
Getting there is half the fun.
Chicago’s famous water taxi gives travelers and tourists the chance to avoid traffic while seeing the city from a whole new perspective. Travel from Chinatown to Michigan Avenue, where the Magnificent Mile offers shopping, five-star dining, and the chance to see and be seen in one of the world’s most famous shopping districts.
In Chinatown, you’ll experience the history of Chinese immigration to the United States through a walking tour of this unique neighborhood. Along the way, you’ll see Chicago’s Nine Dragon Wall, a beautiful replica of Beijing’s famous landmark, one of only three outside of China. The wall depicts nine large and over 500 small dragons, and is believed to be a source of good fortune.
The next stop on your water taxi tour is Madison Avenue, where music lovers will have the chance to see one of the world’s greatest opera companies perform classic operas such as Macbeth, Carmen, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Founded in 1954, the Ópera Lírica has hosted world-class artists, from Plácido Domingo to Luciano Pavarotti, and today enjoys almost 100% capacity for each of its more than 80 annual performances, making it a one of the most successful operas in the world.
Just two blocks south is the Sears Tower (now called the Willis Tower), the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the only one with a glass-bottomed observation deck. If you dare, you’ll get a view of Chicago you never imagined when you venture into this glass cube that hangs 103 stories above the street.
The next step is North LaSalle Street, where a short walk will take you to the Merchandise Mart, the largest commercial building in the world. Each year, more than three million visitors discover 25 floors of retail space packed with luxury goods along with high-end home furnishings and design. Whether you’re shopping for a gift or building a home, Merchandise Mart is a great place to start.
Step off your water taxi on Michigan Avenue and you’ll instantly find yourself in a shopper’s paradise. Exclusive boutiques line the Magnificent Mile, the heart of downtown Chicago. Luxury hotel rooms, five-star restaurants and fine shops await you as you stroll along this wide boulevard in the center of the city. Bordered by the river to the south and world-famous Oak Street Beach to the north, the Magnificent Mile is a Chicago landmark you won’t want to miss.
The central Chicago location makes it the perfect place for business meetings, vacations, or even a long weekend. An eclectic mix of arts, culture, and entertainment means everyone will find something to love in Chicago. Whether you prefer gala dinners or relaxing on the beach, you’ll find it in downtown Chicago. Hotel accommodation is plentiful and easy public transport makes traveling easy, even in a busy city centre.
By Barbara Wade © 2010, All Rights Reserved