Located along the shore of Lake Michigan in the state of Illinois, Chicago is the third largest city in the United States and one of the most productive in the world in terms of GDP. It has been a major metropolitan area for a good portion of the history of the US and has drawn people from all over the world. This mix of people has contributed to giving the city a unique flavor and has helped to create the distinctive Chicago culture.
The Second City used to be the its nickname due to ranking behind only New York for the biggest cities in the US but Los Angeles has since taken over as number two. The more common nickname currently is the Windy City, inspired by the harsh winter winds that blow off of Lake Michigan. The Loop is the term that locals often use to refer to the downtown section. This is because it is surrounded by the tracks of what's called the El, the elevated train that serves the city. The metropolitan area, commonly called Chicagoland, spreads out into the bordering states of Wisconsin and Indiana.
The city is a major tourist destination with many famous and commonly-visited sites. The Sears Tower and the Hancock Building both have observation decks from which one can overlook the entire city and the lake. The Art Institute of Chicago is a major draw as is Navy Pier. The Magnificent Mile, a stretch of Michigan Avenue in the Loop, is crammed with shoppers during the holiday season and the nearby Water Tower that survived the famous fire is on the agenda of many visitors as well.
In addition to the Art Institute, Chicago is well-known for it's performing arts. The Second City is a famous comedy club that has produced a number of celebrated comedians. The Goodman Theater, located downtown, and the Steppenwolf Theater on the north side are two of the most renowned theaters among the many that exist throughout the city.
In the past blues, jazz and soul music were the trademarks of the city. It continues to be active in the modern music scene with influential musicians in genres such as indie rock, hip hop and R&B hailing from Chicago.
As with any culture food is a big part of this city's scene. Chicago-style pizza and hot dogs are extremely popular with locals and tourists alike as are Italian beef sandwiches, another local specialty. The city is home to countless places to eat of practically any type that one can imagine. These include anything from ritzy downtown restaurants to outlying hot dog joints where the employees famously verbally abuse the customers to the delight of everyone and the surprise of the unexpecting.
Sport is an important part of the culture here and there are professional teams from all of the major leagues. The Cubs and White Sox both represent the city in baseball while the Bears are the local NFL team. The United Center is shared by the Blackhawks and the Bulls, who play hockey and basketball respectively.
Chicago culture is a fascinating and distinct blend that has to be experienced to be understood. No matter one's preferences, there is something for everyone to explore and experience.
The Second City used to be the its nickname due to ranking behind only New York for the biggest cities in the US but Los Angeles has since taken over as number two. The more common nickname currently is the Windy City, inspired by the harsh winter winds that blow off of Lake Michigan. The Loop is the term that locals often use to refer to the downtown section. This is because it is surrounded by the tracks of what's called the El, the elevated train that serves the city. The metropolitan area, commonly called Chicagoland, spreads out into the bordering states of Wisconsin and Indiana.
The city is a major tourist destination with many famous and commonly-visited sites. The Sears Tower and the Hancock Building both have observation decks from which one can overlook the entire city and the lake. The Art Institute of Chicago is a major draw as is Navy Pier. The Magnificent Mile, a stretch of Michigan Avenue in the Loop, is crammed with shoppers during the holiday season and the nearby Water Tower that survived the famous fire is on the agenda of many visitors as well.
In addition to the Art Institute, Chicago is well-known for it's performing arts. The Second City is a famous comedy club that has produced a number of celebrated comedians. The Goodman Theater, located downtown, and the Steppenwolf Theater on the north side are two of the most renowned theaters among the many that exist throughout the city.
In the past blues, jazz and soul music were the trademarks of the city. It continues to be active in the modern music scene with influential musicians in genres such as indie rock, hip hop and R&B hailing from Chicago.
As with any culture food is a big part of this city's scene. Chicago-style pizza and hot dogs are extremely popular with locals and tourists alike as are Italian beef sandwiches, another local specialty. The city is home to countless places to eat of practically any type that one can imagine. These include anything from ritzy downtown restaurants to outlying hot dog joints where the employees famously verbally abuse the customers to the delight of everyone and the surprise of the unexpecting.
Sport is an important part of the culture here and there are professional teams from all of the major leagues. The Cubs and White Sox both represent the city in baseball while the Bears are the local NFL team. The United Center is shared by the Blackhawks and the Bulls, who play hockey and basketball respectively.
Chicago culture is a fascinating and distinct blend that has to be experienced to be understood. No matter one's preferences, there is something for everyone to explore and experience.
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