The fast food tour of Chi-town's best eats ... just no ketchup, okay?
Famous names abound in Chicago's museums and skyscrapers, writes Claudia Steiner.
Former US President Barack Obama's home town, Chicago, is a vibrant, electrifying city. It inspired songs such as Sinatra's My Kind of Town; it is a centre for arts and sports and offers many top-rated restaurants.
On the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, it boasts sculptures by Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro, skyscrapers designed by famous architects, expansive parks, fantastic museums, and blues and jazz music in the bars. Now that Obama has been to our home, here's how to see and do the best of his, in three days.
In bygone days, the Chicago River was like a stinking sewer. Residents built their houses facing away from the river because it stank so much. Today, the river is a jewel and one of the top addresses for apartments that cost a fortune to buy or rent.
An excursion boat of the Architecture Foundation shows visitors a city in transition — old warehouses that have been converted to exclusive apartments and huge skyscrapers such as the Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower). At 442m, the building by architect Fazlur Khan is the second-tallest in the United States.
Boat tour on Chicago River. Photo / Adam Alexander Photography
2. Touring the Astor Street District with a "Chicago Greeter"
"I would love to show you the Astor Street District," a man named Wally calls out to visitors. He is a volunteer working for Chicago Greeter, an organisation where local residents show their city to tourists — for free.
Wally is showing a district of elegant brownstone buildings, art deco houses and historic residences of Chicago's high society. Among them is the first Playboy Mansion, where Hugh Hefner hung out. Built in 1899, it has 70 rooms.
Then there is the Public Hotel, in former days called the Ambassador East, the place where Frank Sinatra stayed when in town.
Millennium Park, opened in 2004, is an oasis of greenery in the middle of the city. Crowds surge into the park in summer for concerts. On the park's edge is Crown Fountain, where two towers, each about 15m high, project videos of faces, with water pouring out of their mouths.
Millenium Park and Cloud Gate. Photo / Adam Alexander Photography
Arguably the most popular spot for selfies is at Cloud Gate — or The Bean — a striking sculpture by British artist Anish Kapoor.
4. The blues and jazz bar scene
For those who like blues and jazz, Chicago is heaven. In the downtown area, musicians will often set up their drum kits and play for the passing crowds, while typical Chicago Blues music can be heard coming from the city's bars and restaurants. The city's blues and jazz history reads like a hall of fame of top musicians such as Buddy Guy, Willie Dixon and Little Walter. Some top spots to head to are Buddy Guy's Legends, Andy's Jazz Club and the Chicago B.L.U.E.S. bar.
Buddy Guy's Legends Blues Club, Chicago.
5. Wining and dining
Chicago's dining scene is international and the choice of restaurants is huge — as are the portions served. A tasty breakfast, be it sweet pancakes or ham and eggs or omelettes, awaits hungry visitors at the Wildberry.
Steak lovers will head to Gene and Georgetti's, established in 1941. Those who like seafood will seek out Shaw's Crab House.
Visitors will want to try the legendary Chicago-style pan pizza, thick as a quiche. Bacino's restaurant is a good spot to order one.
6. Art attack
Everywhere you go, you're bound to run into some open-air artwork. At Daley Plaza there is a sculpture by Pablo Picasso, and at Brunswick Plaza one by Miro.
The Art Institute Chicago is internationally renowned, with works by Claude Monet, Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, Picasso and Gerhard Richter. Also a must for art lovers is the Museum of Contemporary Art, with a collection that includes works by Joseph Beuys, Andy Warhol and Francis Bacon.
7. Breathtaking views from above
Two skyscrapers in the downtown area give a breathtaking view of the huge city. At the 360 Chicago, a viewing area on the 94th floor — 300m up — offers a fantastic panorama of Lake Michigan and the Navy Pier. The skydeck on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower is 412m up. For an adrenaline thrill there are glass-floored balconies with straight-down views.
Crown Fountain in Millenium Park, Chicago. Photo / Adam Alexander Photography
Checklist
GETTING THERE Air New Zealand flies direct to LA, San Francisco and Houston, with onward connections to Chicago on partner airlines. One-way Economy Class fares are on sale from $969, until March 28.
