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You don’t have to go far for unforgettable travel experiences this fall.
World-class cuisine, some of the best and most interactive global galleries, and modern hotel experiences are all close to home.
Conde Nast has revealed the best city in the United States, as chosen by its readers. The winner is Chicago.
Here’s why this is the best place in the U.S. to visit right now.
A City For Every Traveler
There’s a different Chicago for every visitor.
The most popular neighborhood for tourists is downtown, in the heart of the Magnificent Mile. Here, you’ll find the Old Town of the city.
If you’re a first-time visitor to the city and want to see all of its main attractions, this is the place to be.
But there are a whopping 77 different neighborhoods in Chicago, so there’s somewhere unique to explore for every type of traveler.
Head to Washington Park or Woodlawn for green spaces and fascinating art galleries that fly under-the-radar.
If you’re looking for somewhere authentic where you’ll sit shoulder to shoulder with locals then try Avondale, which is home to cool bars and an abundance of lesser-known restaurants that attract the crowds. Try Quality Time: A local bar with great drinks and a cool 70s vibe.
Looking to explore Chicago’s best tourist hot spots? Why not visit the stunning botanical observatory in Garfield Park or see the city’s first National Monument in Pullman?
Things To Do In Chicago
Chicago is one of America’s top tourist destinations so you don’t need me to tell you that the food is good, or that you can take a tour on the river.
Both these things are true, but they’re also true of almost all American cities!
So what if you want to step off the beaten path? Try something that you can only try in Chicago?
The good news is that Chicago is a city packed full of hidden gems!
If you’re in the city on a Sunday, head to the Maxwell Street Market! This isn’t just a great place to bag a bargain; it’s a citywide institution and an experience in its own right.
As well as shopping you can also tuck into delicious street food and have a boogie.
There are live bands playing here every Sunday to add to the vibe.
It might sound morbid (but Halloween is fast approaching) to visit a cemetery, but I really am about to suggest it!
The Graceland Cemetary in Uptown is not only where many prominent Chicago residents are buried, it’s also an arboretum and there are over 2,000 trees planted here. You can take a free audio tour of the cemetary – just grab the info from the office.
Looking for something a little more upbeat? Head to the Garden of The Phoenix. This is a breathtakingly beautiful Japanese garden, and Yoko Ono’s first permanent art installation in North America (called Skylanding) is located here, too.
There’s nowhere better to relax and embrace all things zen. And because it’s in the heart of the city, you can combine a visit here with a visit to one of Chicago’s more popular and better-known museums.
Staying In Chicago
Chicago is a fun and vibrant city, and there’s almost always something hot and new happening. So where should you stay if you want to be close to the action?
You’ll find the more affordable hotel options in the Near North or Westside areas. Near North is a great place to stay if you want to be near the city’s biggest, best, and most well-known museums.
This is the oldest district in the city.
Want to be in the hippest neighborhoods but stay a little more off the beaten path? Look for Near Wick or Wicker Park hotels instead!
Wicker Park is where you’ll find the city’s coolest bars and hip music venues, so this is the place to be if you want to party with your locals as part of your epic weekend away.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.