A weekend in Chicago
We unravel the essence and secrets of the city where Walt Disney was born for 48 frenetic, delicious hours and above all to the rhythm of jazz and blues.
FIRST DAY
10-12 noon. Appointment with architecture
It is not trivial that the first skyscraper was born in Chicago in 1885, the Home Insurance Building , which originally had nine floors. Currently, Chicago has some 1,100 skyscrapers of unique architecture, which make up an extraordinary urban landscape. The Great Fire of 1871 , which lasted three days and devastated a large part of the city, attracted many architects eager to leave their mark on the metropolis in full construction. To get to know this facet of the city in depth, it is advisable to take an Architecture Tour. We recommend the one carried out by the Chicago Architecture Foundation, a guided tour of 90 minutes that deciphers the most curious stories and secrets of iconic buildings in the city. Here are a few essential examples to whet your appetite:
- ** Trump International Hotel § Tower ** (2009) - the candidate for the presidency of the United States, in addition to being an expert in throwing outbursts and expletives, is the owner of a real estate empire, the Trump International Hotel § Tower being one of its most emblematic buildings. When its construction began, Mr. Trump wanted to surpass the then still standing Twin Towers of New York . After the attacks, the tycoon decided to stay in a height of 90 “discreet” flats. The building was designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, the same firm that carried out the Burj Khalifa in Dubai , currently the tallest building in the world.
Skydeck Observatory
- **Wrigley Building (1924) **. A building inspired by the Giralda of Seville in the heart of Chicago? Well yes, neither more nor less.
- ** Aqua at Lakeshore East (2009) **. The balconies of this impressive, multi-award winning building are designed as waves of water in perfect harmony with the river.
- If you like eccentricities, the Carbide & Carbon that simulates a bottle of champagne, will not leave you indifferent.
- And, of course, the famous ** Willis Tower **, the second tallest building in North America, from whose top floor you can admire sublime views of Chicago (in the Skydeck Observatory ) . If you are lucky you will be able to see up to four states of the United States (Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin), a true rarity, only possible from the Willis Tower.
Between skyscrapers and skyscrapers you can also see what was the gym of the now first lady of the United States. Running in front of the river, not bad….
tickling the clouds
12 noon Walk through the clouds
To complete the architectural program, do you dare to ride an elevated train between the towers of Chicago in a unique science fiction experience? So get on the famous “L” for a walk almost touching buildings between the stations Quincy/Wells and Randolph/Wabash.
Elevated Train
1:30 p.m. Food
It's time to try some of the local specialties. First option, the famous deep pizza Chicago: thick dough, lots of ingredients... We suggest you try it at Pizzeria Uno , whose location and unique recipe have remained unchanged since it opened in 1943 . Either way, most Chicagoans will tell you that deep pizza is loved more by tourists than by locals.
This brings us to option two, the jibarito , a sandwich created by Puerto Rican immigrants 40 years ago at the Borinquen restaurant in Humboldt Park. Fried plantains replace bread in this unique creation, complete with meat, tomato, lettuce and cheese. You will find them in many places but Borinquen is still the original. Safety pin.
3 p.m. artistic afternoon
Guess, guess. In which museum in the world are there more Impressionist works of the world outside of Paris? At The Art Institute of Chicago , one of the most visited in the world, which houses an impressive collection of Impressionist art with Claude Monet and Van Gogh to the head. I personally love the section devoted to American art with edward hoppe r as maximum exponent. A true marvel.
5 p.m. Late afternoon: Chicago picnic
Very close to the Art Institute of Chicago you will find the spectacular Millennium Park , which brings together curious works of art and architecture.
Be amazed by the famous sculpture known as bean (“the bean”, because it resembles the shape of this legume) of Anish Kapoor , whose official name is actually The Cloud Gate . A gigantic structure made up of 168 stainless steel plates welded together and polished on the outside, so that it looks like a single piece. The play of light and reflections, especially at sunset, are fantastic. Ready for a photo session?
Millennium Park
Continue through the bustling park and you'll find the spectacular **Jay Pritzker Concert Pavilion**, designed by Canadian architect Frank Gehry . With a little luck, you will have the opportunity to attend a free concert (only the stands are paid) while the grassy space in front of the pavilion is used by Chicagoans to practice one of their favorite sports, the pinicking , a true art in the city of Lake Michigan.
“ We take pinicking very seriously” (“we take picnics very seriously”, an elderly man tells me when I observe in astonishment the degree of preparation of his little country kingdom: candles, wine glasses, special bags to transport the different elements... Don't worry, run to one of the nearby supermarkets and buy a blanket and something to snack on (don't forget the wine) The result will not be so professional but you will undoubtedly enjoy the best experience of the trip: a picnic while listening to music from first in an almost magical environment.
The Chicago Picnic: An Art
DAY 2
10 a.m. Tour Lake Michigan by bike
Guess, riddle... which is the only one, among the North American great lakes, that is located entirely in US territory? Lake Michigan with an area of 57,750 km2 and bordering the city of Chicago.
Lakefront Trail
We have a challenge for you: that you ride a bike (you have them at your disposal at various points) the so-called Lakefront Trail , a 29-kilometre walk (ok, maybe you don't need to cover it all) , to discover photogenic landscapes of the lake and the city (don't forget your camera) . You can explore the famous Chicago beaches, such as Montrose Beach, in front of Lincoln Park as well as other emblematic places: the Navy Pier (an amusement park from the beginning of the 20th century and the most visited place in the city), the Grant Park (where a large number of festivals are held during the spring and summer) or the Millennium Park . To eat you will find numerous bars and pubs with terraces, especially in the area of Lincoln Park. Choose one of them and simply enjoy the animation at the edge of the lake.
Grant Park
**4:00 p.m. River walk (and upside down)**
Guess, guess, which is the river whose current flows backwards? the chicago river , which crosses the center of the city, and whose channel was altered in the 19th century for reasons of hygiene. Thanks to a prodigious work of civil engineering, the direction of the river's waters was altered to the south, away from Lake Michigan, (and where deposits of highly polluting sediments formed) where it previously emptied, towards the Mississippi River basin.
The Chicago is flanked by impressive buildings, both residential and office. The best way to appreciate them is to walk the Chicago RiverWalk , a charming pedestrian promenade. You will come across charming terraces where you can get a good glass of white wine. Sit by the riverside and just enjoy the sunset.
Chicago RiverWalk
8:00 p.m. Gastronomy
Chicagoans say that the real Chicago is found in the neighborhoods . Italians, Puerto Ricans, Ukrainians or Poles make up a very rich ethnic puzzle whose imprint can be felt in the different neighborhoods where it is still possible to find museums and cafes where traditional food is served.
For dinner we have chosen to visit ** Wicker Park/Bucktown **, an artistic neighborhood, a bit grunge but full of charm, where we find Schwa , a tiny restaurant, more like a small garage with chandeliers, yet serving great cuisine. The restaurant is what they popularly call BYOB – bring your own booze . You take the bottle of wine and they open it in the restaurant for a modest price of 5 dollars. The unique menu is around the 120 dollars . A gastronomic tribute at the height of one of the best dining cities in North America.
Fine dining to say goodbye to the Windy City
10:00 p.m. And after dinner... the blues
Or more specifically the chicago blues , a modality that emerged in this city sponsored by Afro-Americans who emigrated here in the middle of the 20th century. Chicago Blues is characterized by a broader repertoire of notes (major scale) that give it a more "jazz" effect.
Our favourite? lounge roses , small, flirty, authentic and magical. Booking essential. A real finishing touch.
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