Holidays in Chicago

'The Windy City' is the third largest city in the United States and occupies a sprawling metropolitan area. Chicago is also known as the Second City, as the first one almost entirely burned down in 1871. After Los Angeles and New York, Chicago ranks as the third largest film producer in America.

Chicago holidays: The Essentials

Chicago holidays are best planned in June to September, when warm weather prevales. During these months, average temperatures can vary from 23 - 28 degrees Celsius. The winter months are cold, with snow, sleet and wind dominating the weather from December through to March. Chicago is located in the Central Time Zone (UTC - 06:00). Chicago is served by the O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and the Midway International Airport (MDW), however taxis from the airports can be expensive, so it is best to book with a hotel that offers free shuttle services. The city is also accessible by bus, train, rental car and has an extensive and affordable public transportation network.

Highlights and attractions of a stay in Chicago

The 'magnificent mile', home of numerous upscale stores, is also the site of the Water Tower, and a great place to begin a tour of the city. A long standing relic that survived the fire of 1871, the Water Tower is something of a local icon. Chicago's Chinatown is one of the most active in the world and, along with Little Italy, Greektown and Indian Village, it provides testimony to the city's multicultural identity. In the summertime, Lake Michigan's beach tempts visitors away from the city. Local culinary delights, without which Chicago holidays would be complete, include the deep dish pizza, created, perfected and highly regarded in the city and the Chicago hot dog, an all beef frankfurter in a poppy seed bun.