Chicago has more than 200 theatres altogether. Some 15500 restaurants, and more than 4ooo clubs and watering holes, include lots of wine bars. Chicago also has a thriving music scene, with clubs devoted to everything from jazz and blues to alternative rock, reggae, and Latin beats. Music and nightclub haunts are scattered throughout the city, but many are concentrated in Wicker Park. Lincoln Park, and Lakeview.

Chicagos Magnificent Mile area is a shoppers paradise with four shopping centres, world renowned boutiques and locally acclaimed designers. Its well known neighbourhoods such as Lincoln Park and Buck town, host some of the finest shopping in the world. These mostly smaller boutiques carry both up and coming and established designers, handcrafted jewellery, sought after cosmetics and toiletries, rare art and antiques, gourmet edibles and custom anything you can imagine.

Chinatown is a cultural experience near downtown Chicago. It is both authentic and touristy. There are two major streets Wentworth and Cermak that cover a good chunk of the touristy areas. You can easily spend all day here and enjoy the sites and food of China.

Most of the citys major art galleries are concentrated in two neighbourhoods. The citys original gallery district is in River North, within easy walking distance of most downtown hotels. More recently, galleries have been opening in the converted loft buildings of the West Loo, those are best reached by taxi.

The Sears Tower still stands proud and a high-speed elevators climb 110 stories to the observatory deck, and when clear, the view from 1454 feet can be stunning. You can enjoy a view of Lake Michigan, both the North and South Sides of the city, the surrounding suburbs and, on a clear day, parts of Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan. The Sky deck Tour also includes a multimedia presentation and an exhibit with information on the Sears Tower.

Two of the finest zoos in the country are located in the Chicago area and both are highly recommended. First, on the north side is Lincoln Park Zoo. This zoo is free and open every day of the year. While it is one of the oldest zoos in the country, it is also one of the most modern. Located in Brookfield, Illinois, the Brookfield Zoo, is situated on 216 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, featuring over 2,000 animals.