I just moved away from Chicago but it took me a few years to appreciate the city (and I never found visiting that compelling). I miss it now though, I think the best way to learn to appreciate the city is to go out and do things in the city and find the stuff you like. There is tons of great music, food, art museums, shows (especially improv, idk if the IO Theater is back running but the Improv Shakespeare that they did was amazing). You can find pretty much anything there, the only thing I struggled with is I like the outdoors and there isn't good hiking (but Chicago actually has really good birdwatching in the city).
The easiest bit of advice is to get out of the Loop; the city Chicago boosters won't shut up about is mostly out in the neighborhoods. Also: our real pizza is thin-crust.
> You can find pretty much anything there, the only thing I struggled with is I like the outdoors and there isn't good hiking (but Chicago actually has really good birdwatching in the city).
Lincoln Park north is not what I would call "good hiking", but I think it's nice for those who like the outdoors. Good for daytime walks, large beaches, dog beach, bird sanctuary, some small natural areas, lakefront trail (paved).
For good hiking, yes you'll have to drive out of the city.
I just moved out from Chicago. Don't miss it. Been to hundreds of big cities, Chicago is weak. There's not much to do for tourists compared to other cities. There is a decent theatre scene. Deep dish pizza is good. Lakefront can be nice.
As a lifelong native, I highly recommend one of the architecture boat tours. Never gets old, and the guides usually manage to pack in a fair bit of history. I know it changed my personal connection to the city.
I’m also convinced that if someone hasn’t connected to the city yet, they just haven’t been to the right neighborhood. They are many, and cater to many tastes.
tdb7893|11 months ago
tptacek|11 months ago
inahga|11 months ago
Lincoln Park north is not what I would call "good hiking", but I think it's nice for those who like the outdoors. Good for daytime walks, large beaches, dog beach, bird sanctuary, some small natural areas, lakefront trail (paved).
For good hiking, yes you'll have to drive out of the city.
qingcharles|11 months ago
haswell|11 months ago
I’m also convinced that if someone hasn’t connected to the city yet, they just haven’t been to the right neighborhood. They are many, and cater to many tastes.