Chicago is called the "second city", as it is second only to New York in terms of its importance in the United States. It is an economic powerhouse. Chicago has the 4th highest GDP of any metro area in the world. That's reflected in the spectacular skyline, which contrasts beautifully with the shore of Lake Michigan.
There's no shortage of places for tourists to enjoy here. The city has an excellent collection of museums. The shopping is great too, with everything from unique boutiques to the trendiest designers. Thousands of restaurants serve cuisine...Read More
Chicago History
What is now Chicago was first settled by Europeans in the 1780s. During the War of 1812 it was the sight of Fort Dearborn, an important outpost of the US Army. The town of Chicago was founded along the southwest shore of Lake Michigan on August 12, 1833 after the remaining Native American population was forcefully removed following the Treat of Chicago.
The name Chicago comes from the Romanization of the Indian word for wild garlic, which grew in the area. In the mid and late 1800s Chicago was the fastest growing city in the world, owing to its position as a...
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Hard Rock Hotel
This energetic hotel is loud and flashy with plasma screen TVs everywhere. Their tower room has an...
Ritz-Carlton
The Chicago franchise of the Ritz-Carlton is located is located above the heart of the Magnificent...
Sofitel
The Sofitel is a four-star hotel located just off Chicago's Magnificent Mile. It's within a...
Peninsula
The Peninsula is one of three five-star hotels in Chicago. It's located just off the...
Elysian Hotel
The Elysian Hotel has often been rated Chicago's best, standing out even amongst the city's crop of...
Best Western Hawthorne Terrace
This hotel’s front terrace is a place to be in the summer, particularly when there are festivals...
Fast Facts
Location : In northeastern Illinois, at the southwestern tip of Lake Michigan.
* Nicknames: Windy City, Second City, Gem of the Prairie, the “I will” City, City in a Garden.
* Race/Ethnicity Mixture: 57% Caucasian, 19% Latino, 18% Black, 5% Asian; 1% Other
* Electricity: 110 volts, 60Hz, standard two pin plugs
* Businesses are usually open from 10AM to 6PM. The local shops are open till 9PM. Restaurants stop serving guests at around 10PM.
* The first skyscraper was found here.
* Type of government: Mayor elected every four years. City clerk and treasurer also elected to citywide positions.
* Population: 2.8 million (City); 9.6 million metro
* Population Density: 12,750 people per square mi.
* Per capita income: $38,49
* Major industries: business services, aircraft, food processing, electronics, insurance, iron, manufacturing, machinery, meatpacking, retail, shipping, trade and steel fabricators.
Dialing code
Country Dialing Code: +1 (USA)
312 - City of Chicago, including the Loop the North side and central neighborhoods
773 – City limits except the central area
847/224 - North and Northwest Suburbs
630/331 - Western Suburbs
708 - Near West and South Suburbs
815/779 - (Far Northwest/Southwest Suburbs; Joliet, DeKalb, Rockford)
219 - (Northwest Indiana)
574 - (North-central Indiana)... Read More
When To Go
When to go
Summer is the best time to visit Chicago. The weather gets hot and humid -- regularly into the mid 30s --but temperatures are moderated somewhat by Lake Michigan. It's usually sunny too, ...
Kids In Tow
What to do with Children in Tow
Chicago can boast of being a very child-friendly city with all there is for them to see and do.
Health and Safety
Traveling abroad causes jet lag which affects the body. Taking care of your health and body while you are traveling is very important. It ...
Muslim Information
