Chicago Travel Guide Destination Guides > North America > USA > Great Lakes > Illinois > Chicago •  Top Rated Attractions   · City Segway Tours Chicago · Bobby's Bike Hike · Shoreline Sightseeing · Art Institute Of Chicago · Chicago Food Planet Food Tours · Millennium Park · Chicago Architecture Foundation · Steve's Segway Tours · John Hancock Center / Observatory · Chicago's First Lady Architectural Tours •  Top Rated Restaurants   · M. Henry · Alinea Restaurant Llc · Intelligentsia Coffee · Avec · Smoque Bbq · Sweet Mandy B's · Volare · Hot Doug's Inc. · Intelligentsia Coffee · Kuma's Corner •  Traveler Photos •  Hotels in Chicago     Chicago Overview Chicago is the largest city in the U.S. state of Illinois, and with more than 2.8 million people, the 3rd largest city in the United States. Located on the southwestern shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is the third-most densely populated major city in the U.S.,[2] and anchor to the world's 26th largest metropolitan area[3] with over 9.5 million people across three states.[4][5] After a series of wars with the local Native Americans, Chicago was founded in 1833, near a portage between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River watershed. The city became a major transportation and telecommunications hub in North America.[6] Today, the city retains its status as a major hub, both for industry and infrastructure, with its O'Hare International Airport as the second busiest airport in the world. In modern times, the city has taken on additional dimension as a center for business and finance, and is listed as one of the world's top ten Global Financial Centers. Chicago is a stronghold of the Democratic Party, and has been home to influential politicians, including the current President of the United States, Barack Obama. The World Cities Study Group at Loughborough University rated Chicago as an alpha world city.[7] In 2007[update], the city attracted 32.8 million domestic visitors[8] and about 1.15 million foreign visitors.[9] Making use of its abundant resources, Chicago has a heritage for hosting major international, national, regional, and local events that include commerce, culture, entertainment, politics, and sports. Globally recognized,[nb 1] Chicago has numerous nicknames, which reflect the impressions and opinions about historical and contemporary Chicago. The best known include: "Chi-town"; the "Windy City" with reference to Chicago politicians and residents boasting about their city; "Second City,"[nb 2] due to the city generally being the second most prestigious in the nation in terms of culture, entertainment, and finance;[nb 3] and the "City of Big Shoulders", referring to its numerous skyscrapers (whose steel frame designs were largely pioneered in Chicago), described as being husky and brawling.[12] Hotel Deals in Chicago Travel Deals and Offers 4-star hotels at 2 star prices! Up to 60% off Coupon Codes for lowest air fare tickets Find rental cars from $13.95 a day Top 25 Flight Deals cheap ticket fares Save up to 50% on Last Minute Fares Top 25 Weekly Flight Deals Top Flight Deals Under $199

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Valentine's Day Travel Gift Guide
(Ideas to Inspire Your Next Trip Together)
Valentine's Day Gift Ideas to Inspire Your Next Trip Together


Oscar-Nominated Destinations
(Oyster.com’s Hotel Picks to Live Like a Star)
View Oyster.com's hotel picks for how you can live like the characters or stars in Oscar-nominated films, including The Descendants and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.


Early Check-In: Free National Parks Days
(Roam the Range for Free)
More than 100 of America’s best national parks offer free entrance days. Mark your calendars for some of nature-loving fun -- free of charge.


Girl Getaways for Foodies and Wine Lovers
(The Lost Girls' Picks for Culinary-Focused Travel)
Check out The Lost Girls' picks for the best culinary-focused tours around the world.


April 2011 Travel Planner
(April 2011 Travel Planner)
Travel Channel's top picks for April 2011 vacations.


Romantic Bed and Breakfasts
(Recharge Your Romance at an Elegant Inn)
Recharge your romance at these bed and breakfasts where doting innkeepers pamper lovebirds.


Best Beaches in South Carolina
(Visit South Carolina's Beaches)
With miles of seashore, sprawling resorts and offshore fun, South Carolina is the perfect destination for beach lovers.


Charleston Weekend Guide
(Soak in the Southern Hospitality)
Charleston is home to charming bed and breakfasts, boutique shopping and world-class restaurants; it's a perfect stateside getaway for a long weekend.


Best Bachelorette Party Spots
(Girls Just Wanna Have Fun)
With so many destinations to paint red, we have a few ideas for where to gather the girls.


Women's Travel Groups and Tours
(Female Bonding at Its Best)
Women-only tour operators organize cool adventures from surfing in Bali to trekking through the Himalayas.


Offbeat Shopping Streets
(Eclectic Boutiques Abound)
Here are four offbeat shopping streets, where you can set your sights on retail therapy of the non-chain genre.


London Myths
(5 London Myths Debunked)
England has the reputation for getting rainy weather, but is it true? Travel Channel debunks that myth and more.


Australia 2012 Events Calendar
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Check out some of the events happening in Australia this year.


Travel Trend: Medical Tourism
(Top Spots to Go Under the Knife)
Low labor costs and quality medical schools are transforming many parts of the world into medical tourism hotspots.


Best Places to Propose on Valentine’s Day
(Oyster.com's Recommendations for Romantic Spots)
Spring Creek Ranch and Travaasa Hana are just a couple of Oyster.com's recommendations for romantic spots to propose on Valentine's Day.


Best “Unplugged” Vacations
(7 Getaway Spots for a Digital Detox)
Find yourself texting while on a sunset cruise or sneaking away from the beach to check your emails? Plan a “digital detox” at one of these 6 getaway spots.


5 Best Workout Spots for Celebrity Sightings
(Oyster.com's Hotel Picks: Stay Fit and See Celebs)
Stargazers can stay at these Oyster.com-recommended hotels to catch celebrities working out in public places, including Central Park and Runyon Canyon Park.


Hong Kong: Top 5 Attractions
(Savor These Top Spots on Your Next Business Trip)
Get Travel Channel's top picks for Hong Kong attractions to see during your business trip.


Weight-Loss Resorts
(Best Body-Slimming Getaways)
If you want to use your vacation as an opportunity to lose weight or learn healthy lifestyle choices, there are clinics, resorts, and spas to cater to your wellness goals.


Hotel Guide to the Sundance Film Festival
(Oyster.com's Top Hotel Picks in Park City, Utah)
Oyster.com has hotel recommendations and hotel reviews to help you plan your stay in Park City, UT, for the annual Sundance Film Festival.