Chicago. The word alone conjures up a myriad of images, from the famous Chicago fire to the long-winded politicians who inspired the Windy City tag. This iconic town known for amazing baseball, pizza, beautiful architecture and even Oprah Winfrey has an enormous variety of things to do, places to see and one-of-a-kind attractions to entertain and enlighten even the most experienced world traveler. Chicago has a rich history that is seen and tasted, from the bustling Magnificent Mile to hip neighborhoods like Hyde Park the Second City will leave you wanting seconds and thirds.

One attraction that draws people to a particular city is the local cuisine and Chicago is no different. A great thing to do while visiting Chicago is to eat and one of the thousands of Chicago’s finest restaurants, you are sure to find something to satisfy every palate. A fabulous way to taste Chicago is on the Chicago Food Planet Food Tour. Offering two tours: the Near North Food Tour and the Bucktown / Wicker Park Food Tour. Each tour is $42 per adult ticket and lasts 3 hours, dress comfortably and be prepared to go rain or shine. You will eat enough to fill your belly for lunch as you sample Chicago style pizza, authentic European baked goods and pastries, indulge your deli cravings and see what’s cookin’ at Sultan’s Market and much more.

Chicago has a great reputation for having a big city flare while maintaining it’s midwestern essence. This diverse town has an abundance of attractions for all budgets and a neighborhood to fit almost any niche. With almost 9 million visitors every year, Navy Pier is an entertainment hub where locals and tourists alike enjoy a fabulous day on Lake Michigan finding many things to do. This lakefront playground is home to 50 acres of parks, promenades, gardens and shops. Enjoy world-class theatrical productions at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the amazing technology brought to film by IMAX, or one of the many free concerts, shows or special events for all ages. For a spectacular look at beautiful Lake Michigan and Chicago’s skyline, hop on board one of the many pleasure boats docked along side Navy Pier. Experience a day on the water aboard a 148 ft. schooner, zip around the lake on a speedboat, or have a romantic dinner cruise on a climate-controlled boat year round.

Visitors can explore Chicago’s heart in one of the many fabulous neighborhoods that reflect its diversity and culture, providing fun things to do. Wicker Park and Bucktown are two of Chicago’s trendiest neighborhoods. Boasting an array of delightful, attractions, restaurants, art galleries, festivals and music venues you will be submerged in a sea of sights and smells as the eclectic chaos stirs your soul. Full of interesting architecture these neighborhoods are full of newly renovated walkups and brownstones that add character to the quiet residential communities that are juxtaposed to a dynamic commercial scene-this combination attracts young professionals while maintaining desirability with young families.

In today’s economy everybody is budget minded so finding things to do that are cheap is good, but finding fun things to do that are free is even better and Chicago has a seeming endless supply of free events. Year round you can find free art, music, dance and walks that will expose you to Chicago’s unique culture. The Art Institute of Chicago is free on Thursday evenings. This world-renown institute houses both an art school and museum that always has exhibits to delight young and old alike. If contemporary art is your bend, the Museum of Contemporary Art is free on Tuesdays and the Museum of Contemporary Photography is always free to the public.

For an attraction with a little more life in it, visit Lincoln Park Zoo, which is free seven days a week. This world of wildlife is nestled below a shadow of skyscrapers, a virtual oasis in the midst of this great city. This world-class zoo has things to do for every age and ability.

An amazing park in the middle of a concrete landscape is always a place to find something to do, and Grant Park will not leave you disappointed. Its structure is based on French parks and geometric designs and has fabulous natural and man-made attractions. The park is divided into sections of lawns, wide promenades, flowerbeds and monuments. One of best things to do is to enjoy the amazing water and light show of Buckingham fountain. As one of the world’s largest fountains this spectacular attraction displays an unforgettable 20 minute water and light show every hour from mid April through October.

One thing is for sure Chicago has a virtual cornucopia of things to do that will not disappoint. Residents of this Second City are very much attached to it’s culture and lifestyle and once you experience the food, shopping, art, unique architecture and culture of this city you are sure to fall in love.

Author Bio: Let’s take a journey, find an amazing adventure with us at Things to do in Chicago. Also a great place to start your vacation or weekend plans at: Chicago Attractions