Chicago

Chicago is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation listings — consider printing them all.

Chicago is a huge vibrant city and sprawling metropolitan area. It is the home of the blues and the truth of jazz, the heart of comedy and the first builder of the skyscraper. Here, the age of railroads found its center, and airplanes followed. It is one of the world's great cities, and yet the metropolitan luxuries of theater, shopping, and fine dining have barely put a dent in real Midwestern friendliness. It's a city with a swagger, but without the surliness or even the fake smiles that can be found in other cities.

As the hub of the Midwest, Chicago is easy to find —its picturesque skyline calls across the waters of huge Lake Michigan, a first impression that soon reveals world-class museums of art and science, miles of sandy beaches, huge parks and public art, and perhaps the finest downtown collection of architecture in the world.

With a wealth of iconic sights and neighborhoods to explore, there's enough to fill a visit of weeks or even months without ever seeing the end. Prepare to cover a lot of ground: the meaning of Chicago is only found in movement, through its subways and archaic elevated tracks, and eyes raised to the sky.

Many visitors never make it past the attractions in Chicago's large central area, but there are also many attractions to be found in the city's other districts. The city consists of three large Sides (the North Side, the South Side, and the West Side) each named according to its direction from the downtown area, or the Loop as it is called. Citizens tend to identify strongly with their neighborhood within the city, reflecting real differences in culture and place. Rivalries between the North and South Sides sometimes run deep, while people from the West Side are usually free agents in critical issues like baseball loyalty.

Districts of Chicago

Downtown (The Loop, Near North, Near South)

The center of Chicago for work and play with major corporate headquarters, skyscrapers, shopping, big theaters, parks, beaches, museums and the city's most famous travel sights

North Side (Lakeview, Boystown, Lincoln Park, Old Town)

Upscale neighborhoods with entertainment aplenty in storefront theaters and the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field, along with a ton of bars and clubs, and one of the largest LGBT communities in the nation

South Side (Hyde Park, Bronzeville, Bridgeport-Chinatown, Chatham-South Shore)

The historic Black Metropolis, brainy Hyde Park and the University of Chicago, Chinatown, the White Sox, soul food, and the real Chicago blues

West Side (Wicker Park, Logan Square, Greektown, Pilsen)

Ethnic enclaves, dive bars, and hipsters abound on the fashionably rough side of town

Far North Side (Uptown, Lincoln Square, Rogers Park)

Ultra-hip and laid-back, with miles of beaches and some of the most vibrant immigrant communities in the country

Far West Side (Little Village, Garfield Park, Humboldt Park, Austin)

So far off the beaten tourist track you might not find your way back, but that's OK given all the great food, a couple of top blues clubs, and enormous parks.

Southwest Side (Back of the Yards, Marquette Park, Midway)

Former home to the massive meatpacking district of the Union Stockyards, huge Polish and Mexican neighborhoods, and Midway Airport

Far Northwest Side (Avondale, Irving Park, Portage Park, Jefferson Park)

Polish Village, historic homes and theaters, and some undiscovered gems in the neighborhoods near O'Hare International Airport

Far Southeast Side (Historic Pullman, East Side, South Chicago, Hegewisch)

The giant, industrial underbelly of Chicago, home to one large tourist draw: the historic Pullman District

Far Southwest Side (Beverly, Mount Greenwood)

Ireland in Chicago: authentic Irish pubs, brogues, galleries, and the odd haunted castle, all extremely far from the city center.