Chicago

Language

English is the common language that is spoken by descendants of settlers from Ireland, England, Russia, Sweden, France, Middle East, Greece, Holland, Eastern Europe, Portugal, Central America, Africa, and etc.

Best travel time

Summer in Chicago can be hot and humid with daytime temperatures around 29C. Winters are freezing cold and snowy, often with temperatures below freezing, exacerbated by the constant wind. The best time to visit is the spring and autumn.

Communication

There is a comprehensive cell and broadband network.

Traditions and Culture

Chicago is a true melting pot of a city with many cultures exemplified by the incredibly diverse restaurants. The performing arts play a major role in city life although sport such as basketball, which is played by the Chicago Bulls, and baseball which is played by the Chicago Cubs in Wrigley Field, help to bring Chicago’s disparate groups together. Chicago shares in many of America’s traditions especially Thanksgiving but it has a few that are unique to Chicago such as the Chicago Yacht Club’s ‘Race to Mackinac’; an annual offshore sailboat race that is 330 miles long and has been held in July for over 100 years. Chicago is a money generating powerhouse and is America’s third largest city in terms of gross domestic product. In the MasterCard Worldwide Centers of Commerce Index, Chicago was named as the fourth most important business centre in the world. For those that share in Chicago’s wealth the weather may be cold in winter but there are genuine opportunities for people from all walks of life to make a very good living.

Religion

Every major religion is represented in the city.

By bus

Many of Amtrak’s long distance services begin their journeys from Union Station with destinations in San Francisco, New York City, Washington D.C., New Orleans and numerous other major cities. Chicago is also served by an elevated metro system and by local buses.

By plane

Chicago is America’s transport hub for air and rail. It is served by O'Hare International Airport, the world's second busiest airport, on the far Northwest Side of Chicago and by Midway International Airport on the South Side. Car rentals are available at both airports.

Sights

There is a massive acreage of green space provided by Chicago's parks, complemented by Cook County Forest Preserves, the Chicago Botanic Garden, and Brookfield Zoo. In the centre of town, the Magnificent Mile is home to many upscale stores and to famous landmarks such as the Chicago Water Tower. Chicago is home to many great institutes and seats of learning and hosts numerous cultural events. Probably Chicago’s most famous resident is Oprah Winfrey whose talk show is broadcast from Harpo Studios. Filming for movies and TV shows often takes place in the streets and is always a popular sight.

Food

Traditional low cost diners selling hotdogs and pizzas rub alongside restaurants offering haute cuisine – the choice is yours. Eating out in Chicago is a big pastime and the multitude of bars, coffee shops, diners and restaurants reflect the city’s varied population and considerable wealth.