Alone the city of Chicago, known as the windy city, with its 2.7 million inhabitants can offer a lot here, starting from the largest food festival in the world "Taste of Chicago", to numerous cultural institutions, various attractions, sports activities, huge parks and attractions such as the impressive art museum "Art institute of chicago". Here I have compiled for you the most popular top attractions in Chicago, which you may not have had on the plan yet.

It is the largest building in the metropolis and dominates the skyline, we are talking about the Willis Tower. The Willis Tower, formerly also known as the Sears Tower, is the third largest skyscraper in the USA.

And there you can see not only in three states, such as Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan, but also the great Lake Michigan. There is another special feature of the Skydeck and that is the glass balconies, here you can not only look into the distance, but also hundreds of meters deep on the hustle and bustle in the streets.

A visit to the Skydeck can be booked online, adults and teenagers cost $22 per person and children under 12 cost $14. Incidentally, it should be noted that other buildings in the metropolis also have viewing platforms.

Especially if you want to see the metropolis from above, a visit to the skydeck at the Willis Tower is a must. With its height of 537.3 meters, you can not only see the metropolis from above, but also far into the surrounding countryside on a good day.

The Shedd Aquarium has been in existence since 1929 and is now home to over 650 species of 8000 animals. And this includes by far not only aquatic animals such as a variety of fish, but also many species such as birds and snakes and insects.

In addition to the animals themselves, which you can see live here, you can also find a lot of information. Be it information about the individual species, but also about the original habitat where the animals come from. With over two million visitors annually, the Shedd Aquarium, which is the oldest facility in the world, is very popular and therefore always worth a visit.

If one loves the height and would like to have a wide view, then the 94th floor of the 360 Hancock Observatory and Tower is recommended here as a further building, which one should visit. Here you will find a viewing platform at a height of 300 meters, where you can overlook the metropolis, but also far beyond.

You have to climb long stairs here, but you can get to the 94th floor in a flash with an elevator. The ride here takes only 45 seconds until you reach the observation deck.

Millennium Park is a public park, but it is very special. For one thing, it is not only the green lung of the metropolis, but also a huge facility with its 99,000 square meters.

Millennium Park, which is located in the city center and extends to Lake Michigan, is a great place to relax, especially in the summer. In Millennium Park you can also find various attractions.

The Cloud Gate, which is also known as "The Bean", should be mentioned here. This is an attractive work of art made of metal with shiny surfaces. Especially as a photo motif, this work of art is very suitable.

Navy Pier 4 is about a kilometer long and used to be primarily the transshipment point for cargo from shipping. Today, Navy Pier 4 no longer serves as a port and transshipment point, but offers several attractions. On the one hand, there are various exhibitions and museums dealing with the history of Navy Pier.

But at Navy Pier 4 you can also find the Children's Museum and an amusement park, which also has a Ferris wheel. Regarding the Children's Museum, it is worth mentioning that here you can find a lot of information about historical toys, but also many opportunities to play.

Thus, one not only gets information here and can look at toys, but also play with them. Navy Pier 4 thus offers not only sights and history, but also a lot of fun for children and adults.

Grant Park is also the site of the annual Grant Park Music Festival. Over ten weeks of the year, from July to August, it is visited by millions of people. Live music from many musical genres is offered every day. The festival has been organized since 1931, and in addition to classical music, you can find almost all genres of music at the festival.

So there is something for every musical taste. And what makes the festival so special is not only that well-known artists appear here, but also young artists. If you don't want to miss the Grant Park Festival, you should visit the metropolis during the ten weeks.

If you want to explore space and learn something, this is possible at the Adler Planetarium, which is located directly on the shore of Lake Michigan. The planetarium was founded in 1930 and is one of the oldest facilities of its kind.

In the Adler Planetarium you can learn a lot about the planetary system, but also about the related research. You can learn about the research of the past as well as about the outlook on the current research.

For example, you can see a sundial and how it works. But what is also a big topic in the exhibition is space travel. Especially if you have always wanted to see a space suit or learn more about everyday life, you will not be disappointed here.

Two connected theaters at the Adler Planetarium are also worth mentioning. Here astronomical demonstrations take place daily, such as flight simulations into space. So you can also experience very closely how a space flight feels, for example.

Especially since the Chicago River runs through the city area, a river cruise is recommended. So you get a completely different impression of the city from a boat. The river trip lasts between one and two hours, depending on the provider you choose.

But you can see a lot of the metropolis not only from the water, but also along the shore. If you prefer to walk, that's no problem either. Along the river there is the so-called Riverwalk, which runs along the entire south bank.

Especially in the evening, a river cruise or a walk is highly recommended because of the lights of the city. Along the river you will also find many stores that invite you to store and restaurants with food from all over the world. If you want to enjoy the sunset at the River, it is recommended to book a candlelight menu.

In the summer you can not only experience the metropolis during a walk, but also the restaurants and bars. Regarding the river cruise, you can book it here already from a price of 35 euros per participant.

If there is a road that is famous all over the world, it is Route 66. Route 66, with its length of 3,940 kilometers that runs through several states, begins in the city on the Chicago River. You won't find more than a sign here, but as a sight and photo motif you shouldn't forget it when visiting the metropolis.

Of course, Route 66 can also be the starting point if you plan a city trip during your vacation. So you can start from here and then go to Las Vegas or San Francisco, to name just two of the possible destinations. If you are traveling on the west coast of the USA, you should definitely also take time for the top sights.

If you want to relax in the green and experience the nightlife of Chicago, for example with live music, this is possible in Lincoln Park. In Lincoln Park you will not only find a concert hall in the middle of the green for live music, but also bars and several cocktail lounges.

Especially after a day of sightseeing, you can switch off and have fun here. Especially because you can get in touch with the locals of the metropolis.

Not missing during your stay in the city should be a visit to The Old Town. Here you can find not only many historic buildings, which are particularly distinguished by their architecture, but also small restaurants, cafes and bars.

And if you always wanted to know how famous gangsters like Al Capone lived and worked in the metropolis, you can take the Gangster and Ghost Tour. Already for a few euros, namely from 30 euros, you can participate in the tour and learn a lot.

Whether from the great city fire that was triggered by a cow, to the history of Prohibition, when alcohol was prohibited and had provided for much crime in the metropolis.

With this pass, you not only save money on admission, but also have access to five attractions, such as the Skydeck, Aquarium, the Field Museum, Art Institute and finally the Museum of Science and Industry. Through the pass, you don't have to worry about bookings individually here, but have everything done with the pass.

You can get the passport by mail or electronically on your cell phone. In general, it is advisable to check the top 15 sights, special attractions or events in advance and, if necessary, book early.

This also applies to sporting events or concerts, as these are often booked up months in advance. In addition, depending on the season, not everything may be available. This aspect should also be taken into account when planning your trip and sightseeing. Chicago is definitely worth a trip.