Visiting Chicago is an exciting prospect for many business travellers. Chicago is famous for having a plethora of iconic structures and landmarks which attract the eye of thousands of tourists every year. With so much to do and see, travellers are charmed by world-famous sites, and often overlook the other exceptional opportunities Chicago presents to its visitors.
Moving away from the typical ‘famous landmark checklist’ can be difficult, especially if you want to make the most of your stay. However, with a rich history and vibrant culture, hiding in the shadows of ‘The Windy City’s’ famous landmarks lie a range of hidden gems to explore in the city.
For travellers who are looking to inspect Chicago from an alternative angle, there are many ways to endorse yourself in this spectacular city away from the hustle and bustle of tourist crowds.
Join us as we count down the Windy City’s top10 famous finds, and how to experience the city differently from the rest.
1.The Cloud Gate
Chicago is known for its significant and iconic sculpture, the Cloud Gate. Lovingly nicknamed ‘The Bean’, this sculpture, unveiled in 2006, was designed by British artist Anish Kapoor. A staple piece of the city and standing at an incredible 33 foot, this sculpture is hard to miss, and thousands of tourists travel to witness it every year.
2.The Picasso
Beyond ‘The Bean’, there are a plethora of other interesting and historical sculptures in the city. One of which being ‘The Picasso’, a sculpture designed by the renowned artist Pablo Picasso. Stationed outside The Daley Centre, this sculpture was commissioned to reflect the cultural and modern shifts that happened during the 1960s in America. Mysterious and wonderful, Picasso never unveiled the sculpture’s real meaning, becoming an ever-lasting depiction of the artists obscurity. Although initially met with harsh critique, this piece of artwork has slowly become a staple attraction in Chicago. For those looking to branch out from conventional landmarks, ‘The Picasso’ should be at the top of a business traveller’s list.
3.Skylines
Chicago is known for its beautiful and far-reaching skylines. There are many famous buildings renowned for showcasing the best views of the city. The Skydeck is based in the Willis Tower where one of the most highly rated skyline experiences is conducted. ‘The Ledge’ invites visitors to stand in a glass box 103 floors over Wacker Drive and the Chicago River. Thousands of thrill seekers flock to the Willis Tower every year to get a glimpse of Chicago’s spectacular skyline.
For more information on Chicago’s iconic buildings, read our blog on Chicago’s most iconic buildings and the impressive stories behind them.
4. Navy Pier
For a low-key snapshot of Chicago’s horizon, the Navy Pier has a beautiful panoramic city view. Take a walk along the pier and view the extensive display of Chicago’s spectacular skyscrapers. A step away from the shoreline, not only does the pier host plenty of places to eat, drink, shop, and play, but its views also highlight just how magnificent of a city Chicago is.
5. The Chicago Riverwalk
When visiting Chicago, The Chicago Riverwalk is a great way to explore the city. Split into five blocks, this stretch of water provides multiple opportunities to experience Chicago life in a relaxed environment. ‘The Marina Plaza’ provides a multitude of restaurants and outdoor seating to watch the passing water traffic. Another of the sections, ‘The Jetty’ was created to educate the city about the ecology of the river. With opportunities to fish, and with a series of piers and wetland gardens, this section of the river is particularly interesting.
6. Kayak down the river
Chicago has invested in the river area and taking a stroll down this strip of water is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the area. However, for the adventurous business travellers who want to step away from the busy paths, there are a multitude of kayak rental companies along the river side providing a glimpse of the city from the water. Kayak Chicago regularly hire out kayaks for visitors to take down stream, delivering a unique encounter with the Chicago River and the surrounding city.
7. The Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago is famous for it’s art’s institute. Located in the heart of the city, this arts gallery is home to a collection of fascinating art pieces from all over the globe. With a multitude of events and collections, visitors flock to The Art Institute of Chicago to immerse themselves in educational and interactive displays of artistic prowess.
8. Scout the Chicago arts scene
Moving away from famous institutes, Chicago is a hub of contemporary artistry. An exciting up-and-coming movement, the Wabash Arts Corridor celebrates street art. Situated in the Chicago Loop, the WAC is an immersive experience and includes a range of different artists, all with an important message. The corridor hosts stunning displays of artwork, including a very special piece by Jasmina Cazacu which is Chicago’s first public art project to suffrage leaders. For business travellers visiting Chicago, this arts display is a brilliant place to visit for a low-profile art experience.
9. The Magnificent Mile
Chicago is famous for the Magnificent Mile, a 13-block stretch of North Michigan Avenue which showcases a display of shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities. With a multitude of attractions, museums, theatres, and more, the Magnificent Mile is a hot spot for tourism.
10. Bargains and Boutiques
While the Magnificent Mile is shoppers’ paradise, there are many other places in Chicago to grab a bargain or splash on your favourite brands. Chicago’s Oak Street District hosts major high-end brands within the fashion and jewellery industries, whereas The Maxwell Street Market provides an adequate opportunity to find your next bargain. From local street food to handmade crafts, The Maxwell Street Market provides a local Chicago shopping experience perfect for travellers looking for a unique Chicago experience.
Chicago is famous for its rich history and vibrant culture. The city is home to a range of world-renowned landmarks and sites that entice visitors from all over the world. For travellers visiting Chicago who want to experience the city differently from the rest, there are many opportunities to avoid the usual tourist trail and find a whole host of hidden gems in the city.
When planning a business trip to Chicago, SilverDoor’s extensive portfolio of serviced accommodation in Chicago provides plenty of options for the business traveller. Delve into our selection of corporate housing and Chicago apartments today.
