The City

This beautiful and bustling city has 47 km of Lake Michigan shoreline that is met by miles of lakefront parks. Chicago has such interesting neighbourhoods such as the graceful Gold Coast and the very cultural Chinatown. While visiting Chicago one never needs to be board, the city offers international events and attractions.

Tourism

Airport

Coordinates: 41°58’43”N 87°54”17”W

O’Hare International Airport is situated 27 km northwest of Chicago downtown. This airport is the second busiest airport in the world with 69 353 654 passengers in 2008 and it flights to more than 60 international destinations.

Airlines:

The following airlines have regular flights to O’Hare International Airport:

• South African Airways (SAA) (from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban)
• Virgin Atlantic Airways (from Johannesburg and Cape Town)
• Lufthansa (from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban)
• Delta Air Lines (from Johannesburg and Cape Town)
• United Airlines (from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban)
• Air France (from Johannesburg and Durban)
• British Airways (BA) (from Durban)

What to see

• The Art Institute of Chicago
• Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio
• Lake Michigan shore
• Millennium Park
• Museum of Science and Industry
• Navy pier
• John G. Shedd Aquarium
• The Field Museum
• Wrigley Field
• Pullman Historic District.

Events

• Chicago Blues Festival – The largest free blues festival
• Chicago Jazz Festival - Jazz music fans sit on blankets and chairs to watch the two day free admission event
• Lollapalooza - A three day, eight stage music festival
• Magnificent Mile Lights Festival - More than one million lights on 200 trees along Chicago's famous Magnificent Mile
• Pride Parade – Chicago Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade
• Taste of Chicago – The world's largest food festival taking place over 10 days

Accommodation

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General Information

Chicago is one hour behind U.S. Eastern Standard Time and the currency used it the U.S. dollar. It is best avoiding driving on your own, traffic is crazy and finding parking is impossible. The city has a very efficient bus and train network, you can also make use of the plentiful taxis. Winter and summer weather conditions differ hugely and you have to pack according to the season. Winter requires no-slip boots, hats, scarves, gloves and a good down coat. The extreme heat in the summer calls for a much lighter attire such as flats, tank tops and shorts. A sun hat and sunscreen is important to protect you from the sun and sunglasses will reduces the glare from the snow in the winter and the reflection of Lake Michigan in the summer.

Weather

Summers are very hot and humid while winters are icy and windy. The best time to visit this vibrant city is during spring and autumn when the temperatures and weather conditions are most favourable.