Charming Chicago

It has it all: amazing Skyscrapers, designer shopping, fantastic food, friendly people, Lake Michigan, sandy beaches and everywhere was spotlessly clean.

We went in mid September and the sun was shining everyday, although that may not always be the norm for that time of year. The city has a lot of open spaces so you don't feel suffocated by the tall buildings. We stayed at The Thompson hotel, which is a chic, trendy, happening place located amongst various restaurants and within walking distance of many of the city's attractions.

It only takes 30-40 mins drive from the airport and taxis cost around $40 each way. The on site dining is pricey but there are plenty of other choices within the vicinity of the hotel.

I was very impressed with this hotel, its super modern, has friendly and helpful staff, large bedrooms, very clean, large selection in the mini bar and walk in shower.

The city has a couple of well known observatory points, the Willis Tower and the John Hancock Centre. You may wish to visit both but we decided on the John Hancock Centre for 2 reasons 1) the views take in the shoreline and the city plus 2) the building has a 'Tilt' which is a few windows on the 94th floor that tilt 30 degrees out of the building and you tilt with it looking at the streets below! I did this and I have to say its pretty scary, but definitely an experience I wont forget.

The Willis Tower is probably more well known which can lead to more crowds and lends itself to more of a city view plus it has a glass ledge that you can step out of the building about 100 floors up and look below you.

The city is vast and there is so much to see, we stayed for 4 nights but could have easily done with 6 or 7 nights in order to see everything, or maybe take in a baseball game at Wrigley Fields, spend time in the No 1 rated museum in the world, the Art Museum and if you like shopping, you could spend a good few days in and out of the shops from Top Shop to Tiffany's along the famous Magnificient Mile.

The Millenium Park has the cloud gate sculpture by the British Artist Anish Kapoor which locals call the 'Bean' due to its shape, it reflects the city's skyline and looks fantastic.

Grant Park has a large fountain with a great backdrop and a great cafe that serves delicious ice cream, we also took the 'EL' train to Lincoln Park, where you will find a History Museum and the Zoo. The train is an easy way to get around the city if you don't fancy walking all the time and you can purchase day passes which allow you to hop on and off the train.

The EL train led us to Chicago's Chinatown which is the USA's second largest Chinese community and had lunch in one of their many restaurants. The food was fresh, tasty, plentiful and at a very reasonable price.

You can also hire bicycles all around the city and pick up and drop off in different locations. There is a pedestrian zone running alongside Lake Michigan where you can cycle, run, walk, rollerblade, whatever takes your fancy along the 12.5 mile trail.

Navy Pier is well worth a visit, it has an Imax cinema, Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurant (you may know this from the Forest Gump film) with all the references to the film in the restaurant. There are plenty of places to eat here with great views across the lake to the skyscrapers. There are some great tourist shops and market stalls with a ferris wheel and amusement rides.

I would recommend a Boat cruise as this takes you through the waterways where the guide informs you of the history of the city and the architecture behind the buildings.

You can also go on a Movie tour and learn where hundreds of movies were filmed. There is a website called onlocationvacations.com and you may be able to go and see a film or TV series being filmed live in the city.

I have to say the food throughout was very good quality, we never had a bad meal, the prices are on a par with London however you do get more food. If you are not big eaters then consider sharing a meal or snack as the portions are large.

Our favourite eating place in the mornings was the Corner Bakery, scrambled eggs, bacon, avocado for breakfasts, all lunches etc are pretty healthy and low prices too.

I absolutely loved Chicago, it has become my favourite US city, it has a relaxed feel with plenty to do and also space to chill out as well.

It has something for everyone, so what are you waiting for?