Named 10 things that residents of Chicago love about their city

By TravelWiseFeb 18, 2024 22:33 PMNews
Share:
Why people love Chicago
Why people love Chicago. Source: Freepik

There is nothing Chicagoans love more than Chicago. The city's unique architectural history, unparalleled gastronomy, and euphoric summers continuously reignite the passion of its residents for their beloved city.

Time Out Chicago asked its readers what makes them fall in love with this city and received numerous responses. Here are some of the things that excite Chicagoans.

Named 10 things that residents of Chicago love about their city
Named 10 things that residents of Chicago love about their city. Source: Freepik

Beaches

When you regale your friends with tales of your summer escapades at the beach, many might be surprised to learn about Chicago's beaches. It's one of the city's best-kept secrets from outsiders – there are 24 sandy beaches along all 28 miles of the sprawling lakefront, stretching from Juneway Beach in Rogers Park to Calumet Beach on the East Side. While it may not be the ideal spot for relaxation during the winter months, it's a quintessential part of what makes Chicago summers unforgettable. Whether you're gathering with friends for a beachside picnic or taking an early morning swim, a visit to a Chicago beach always reignites the love Chicagoans have for their city.

Italian beef

This hearty dish of tender roast beef, hot or sweet peppers, and flavorful jus has become a beloved Chicago delicacy. Favorite spots for the best Italian beef in Chicago include Al's Beef, Johnnie's, and Mr. Beef.

Public art

A massive chrome bean in the heart of Millennium Park, clusters of headless sculptures in Grant Park, and the largest video art installation projected onto the Merchandise Mart. These are just some of the captivating forms of public art in Chicago – you might not immediately "get it," but it all adds to the city's unique charm.

The scent of chocolate from the Blommer Chocolate Factory

If you've ever found yourself near Kinzie and Des Plaines streets in the West Loop, you've likely caught a whiff of a sudden, potent, and delightful chocolate aroma. The culprit? The Blommer Chocolate Company, a cocoa bean processor established in 1939. For many, it's a sweet reminder of Sweet Home Chicago.

Lake Shore Drive

For some of the most picturesque views of Lake Michigan, take a drive along Lake Shore Drive, which stretches from Hyde Park to uptown, offering unparalleled vistas of the city skyline and lakefront.

O'Hare International Airport

While navigating through this iconic airline hub may have been a nightmare for many at least once, compared to other cities, many Chicagoans are appreciative of it. Not only is it recognized for having the most international connections of any airport, with direct flights to 218 cities worldwide, but it's also famed for its easy access to highways and public transportation.

Music scene

Chicago is the birthplace of gospel, electric blues, and house music. With over 250 live music venues across the city and major music festivals like Lollapalooza and Pitchfork, there's no shortage of musical experiences in Chicago.

Jibaritos

As a testament to Chicago's thriving Puerto Rican community, the jibarito stands as a classic Chicago sandwich. Introduced at Borinquen restaurant in Humboldt Park by Juan Figueroa in 1996, the inventive dish replaces traditional bread with flattened, fried green plantains. It has since become synonymous with Chicago cuisine and is just one of the many reasons to fall in love with the city.

City architecture

Chicago's striking architectural diversity is impossible to ignore. From the iconic downtown skyline to rows of single-family bungalows, elegant graystone homes, and occasional Art Deco buildings, the city's architecture is captivating. Next time you're strolling around the neighborhood, be sure to look up – you might stumble upon some of Chicago's most beautiful buildings.

Summer street festivals

From Pilsen's Mothers' Day Festival to Bronzeville's Bud Billiken Parade and West Fest in West Town, Chicagoans are never short of entertainment during the summer thanks to these vibrant festivals.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Seating area inside Dublin Airport lounge overlooking runway with international aircraft in view

Dublin Airport Broadens Global Reach for Summer 2025

Mar 29, 2025 13:43 PM
A passenger taps their card at a train station ticket barrier using contactless payment

Ticket Office Cuts Raise Travel Concerns

Mar 29, 2025 11:27 AM

Brussels Airlines Unveils Refined Inflight Dining

Mar 29, 2025 09:36 AM

Southern Italy Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel

Mar 29, 2025 07:41 AM
flydubai aircraft on runway with mountain backdrop

flydubai Restores Pisa Flights Ahead of Summer

Mar 29, 2025 05:29 AM
Man participating in a public protest or demonstration, facing another person in conversation

Easter Travel at Risk Amid Heathrow PRM Staff Strike

Mar 29, 2025 03:34 AM
Silhouettes of travellers waiting at an airport terminal during sunset

Edinburgh Airport Unveils Passenger-Focused Upgrades for Summer

Mar 28, 2025 23:42 PM
A quiet British railway station with footbridge and empty platforms on a cloudy day

Historic Rail Celebrations Unlock New Travel Routes Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 20:38 PM
Tail fins of Iberia aircraft parked at Madrid-Barajas Airport on a clear day

Airline Alliance Expands Travel Options Between Spain and Argentina

Mar 28, 2025 18:24 PM

Benidorm Reinvents Itself as Eco-Friendly Holiday Destination

Mar 28, 2025 16:43 PM

Air France Adds Hotel-Style Bedding to Business Class for Long-Haul Flights

Mar 28, 2025 14:37 PM
Passengers at London King’s Cross station beside LNER and other trains under a large arched roof

LNER Opens Advance Ticket Sales for Summer 2025 Travel Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 12:26 PM
Jet2holidays airplane flying low over a coastal road near a populated area with parked vehicles and scenic green hills

Jet2 Adds Norway Fjord Trips from Newcastle and Leeds Bradford

Mar 28, 2025 10:50 AM
Dark storm clouds forming in the sky before heavy rainfall

Polar Vortex Raises Storm Risk for UK Travelers

Mar 28, 2025 02:41 AM
easyJet aircraft parked at airport gate on a sunny day

easyJet Expands Inflight Services for Summer Travellers

Mar 28, 2025 00:39 AM

Delays Expected on Northern Italy Rail Routes

Mar 27, 2025 22:45 PM

Jet2 Opening New Travel Horizons With Expanded Winter 2025/26 Routes from Newcastle

Mar 27, 2025 20:28 PM
People walking along a historic street in central Torino at sunset

Torino Opens to Travelers as 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism

Mar 27, 2025 18:33 PM
Ryanair plane landing at sunset at Manchester Airport

Manchester Expands African Flight Options

Mar 27, 2025 16:46 PM
Young woman using smartphone at a European train station

Interrail Booking Becomes Effortless with New Digital System

Mar 27, 2025 14:29 PM
Emirates A380 aircraft taxiing at Sydney Airport during sunset

Emirates Marks 25 Years with Enhanced Sydney Travel

Mar 27, 2025 12:31 PM
A First Class train operated by Transport for Wales approaching a station through a residential area

Michelin-Level Dining on Welsh Rails

Mar 27, 2025 10:44 AM

Travel Disruptions Expected as Helsinki Airport Protest Approaches

Mar 27, 2025 08:27 AM

Heavy Fog Disrupts Transport in Southern England

Mar 27, 2025 06:32 AM
Airplane with Star Alliance livery parked at gate at the airport

Star Alliance and ÖBB Partner to Boost Train-Flight Integration

Mar 26, 2025 23:37 PM
Dark railway tunnel with visible train tracks leading to a lit station exit

Weekend Rail Works to Disrupt Derbyshire Routes

Mar 26, 2025 21:41 PM