Chicago: An Urban Adventure

Chicago: An Urban Adventure

My home town is Chicago. I’ve lived there all my life and still do. Chicago is a great place for people to visit because of its diversity and many things to do. It is the third largest city in the U.S. with a population of about 2.7 million living inside the city. One defining trait of Chicago is its many neighborhoods. Also, here in Chicago, we have some of the best museums in the nation, if not the world. Yet another reason you definitely should come pay us a visit is our food.

Ethnic diversity is spread around the city, mostly in specific neighborhoods or sections of neighborhoods. Some of the great ethnic neighborhoods of Chicago include Chinatown, south of downtown, New Chinatown, on the North Side, Devon Avenue, on the far North Side, and Little Village, on the Southwest side. My neighborhood is Albany Park, and it is on the North side. Albany Park is a blending of all cultures, such as the Arab, Hispanic, and Asian cultures, but all kinds of people from around the world live here. Chinatown is a very interesting neighborhood to visit, and I do often. The countless restaurants, gift shops, grocery stores, cooking supply stores, herbalists, and heritage sites make Chinatown a must-do in Chicago. New Chinatown includes people from all across Asia. Further north, Devon Avenue is a cultural adventure through India. There are three main grocery stores, shops, and restaurants that make a visit to Devon Avenue very worthwhile. Little Village is a large Mexican community in the southern part of the city. It may be exciting but it is a bit dangerous. As long as you keep your eyes peeled, Little Village can be a really fun experience. These are just some of the many ethnic experiences to be had in Chicago.

Chicago also has some of the best museums in the nation. The Museum of Science and Industry is a favorite among locals, and definitely among kids. At MSI, you can explore many scientific principles regarding weather, chemicals, human anatomy, and much more. My favorite museum is the Field Museum in Grant Park. It shows a wide display of natural and historic artifacts, dioramas and exhibits, from ancient Egypt, to the Hall of Gems, to “Plants of the World.” The most popular zoological institution in Chicago is probably the Shedd Aquarium, and is said by many to be the best aquarium in the country. The Shedd has countless cases of marine life, and dolphin shows that will leave you breathless. Another popular attraction is the Lincoln Park Zoo. It is inside the city and has hundreds of types of animals. The Art Institute of Chicago offers a wide variety of famous paintings and ancient artifacts to see, along with the new addition of the modern art wing.

Chicago food will not disappoint and offers every type of food you can imagine. We have signature Chicago versions of the hot dog, pizza, and many other foods. A taste of real Chicago food and a great atmosphere will surely be found at Portillo’s, a restaurant downtown. If you are more into ethnic cuisine, ethnic neighborhoods have their own unique restaurants sharing the genuine flavors of the country they came from. My best suggestions for ethnic cuisine are in Chinatown and Devon Avenue.

From neighborhoods to museums, restaurants to stores and shops, all of these things to do, see, and taste make it impossible not to put Chicago on your travel bucket list.