 | Chicago today Chicago is located in northeastern Illinois and at the southwestern tip of Lake Michigan. It is truly a world-class city with immigrants from around the world. It is a city of wondrous architecture, endless shorelines, shimmering lakes and unmatched tourist attractions. It is, today, an economic powerhouse. The tourism industry of the city thrives along with the conventional industry to make Chicago the favored destination of many seeking business and pleasure. The city takes pride in its top sports teams and internationally-renowned symphony orchestra. Thousands of restaurants serving cuisine |
 | Chicago back then Chicago, in its first century, grew at a very fast rate. However, the Great Fire of 1871 almost flattened out most of the city which later rose from the ashes. The city’s population grew from about 30,000 to 1 million in the year 1890 making it the fifth largest city in the world. The 1893 World’s Columbia Exposition, commemorating the discovery of America by Columbus 400 years ago, attracted 26 million visitors, making Chicago even more famous. Fifty years later, the population in Chicago tripled. During its first century as a city, Chicago grew at a rate that ranked among the fastest g |
 | Four Seasons (Near North Michigan Avenue) Guest rooms at Four Seasons start at the 30th floor! The hotel is very close to the shopping centers |  | Hard Rock Hotel (The Loop) This energetic hotel is loud and flashy with plasma screen TVs everywhere. Their tower room has an a |
 | Ritz – Carlton Located just above the best shopping mall on Michigan Avenue, the Ritz-Carlton believes in pampering |  | Softilel Chicago Water Tower (Near North) The Sofitel Chicago is a prism shaped structure that widens as it rises. The stylish place is remark |
 | Best Western Hawthorne Terrace (Lake View) This hotel’s front terrace is a place to be in the summer, particularly when there are festivals t |  | Embassy Suites Embassy Suites is located in the heart of Chicago’s downtown area, within minutes of all the main |
 | 900 North Michigan Shops This mall is the most upscale out of the rest of the malls. It has about 70 stores, a few good resta |  | American Girl Place For those of you with little girls, don’t give this one a miss, for it is more than just a store, |
 | Chicago Place Mall Several designer names begin at the intersection of Oak Street and Michigan Avenue. Clothing, home-d |  | Macy’s This block-long store is second only to the Macy’s flagship store at New York. Its breadth of merc |
 | Magnificent Mile This area is about a mile long stretch of North Michigan Avenue between Oak Street and the Chicago R |  | Water Tower Place This is the first big indoor mall to open downtown. This mall is still very popular today. A |
 | Chicago Summerdance Tapping feet, swaying bodies, and music guaranteed to keep you on your toes, the Chicago Summerdan |  | Chicago Antique Market This is an indoor and outdoor “European-Style” antique market. More than 150 quality antique art |
 | St. Patrick’s Day Parade The entire Irish community of Chicago turns out in large numbers to join the St. Patrick’s Day cel |  | Independence Day Patriotic fervor marks the 4th of July celebrations held all over Chicago. A parade marches through |
 | Art Chicago A visual extravaganza, this annual Art Fair is a showcase of contemporary and modern art. Visitors t |  | Tree Lighting Ceremony Be part of the holiday festivities as you join thousands of Chicagoans usher in the beginning of the |
 | Grand Café Lux When the grandeur and luxury of European cafes blends with the practicalities and spirit of an all-A |  | Penny’s Noodle Shop If you want tasty, yet inexpensive food, head straight here. Packed with hip crowd each night, you m |
 | Manny's Coffee Shop & Deli A family style classic urban deli that specializes in home style deli sandwiches. It has been given |  | Everest This restaurant is one of the finest restaurants in the nation. It is located on the 40th floor of t |
 | Petterino’s Ideally located in the theatre district, just round the corner from the Ford theatre and adjacent to |  | Atwood Café Located right in the heart of Chicago’s Central business District, this restaurant offers a cozy i |
 | Fast Facts Location : In northeastern Illinois, at the southwestern tip of Lake Michigan. * Nicknames: Windy City, Second City, Gem of the Prairie, the “I will” City, City in a Garden. * Race/Ethnicity Mixture: 57% Caucasian, 19% Latino, 18% Black, 5% Asian; 1% Other * Electricity: 110 volts, 60Hz, standard two pin plugs * Businesses are usually open from 10AM to 6PM. The local shops are open till 9PM. Restaurants stop serving guests at around 10PM. * The first skyscraper was found here. * Type of government: Mayor elected every four years. City clerk and treasurer also elected to citywide positions. * Population: 2.8 million (City); 9.6 million metro * Population Density: 12,750 people per square mi. * Per capita income: $38,49 * Major industries: business services, aircraft, food processing, electronics, insurance, iron, manufacturing, machinery, meatpacking, retail, shipping, trade and steel fabricators. Dialing code Country Dialing Code: +1 (USA) 312 - City of Chicago, including the Loop the North side and central neighborhoods 773 – City limits except the central area 847/224 - North and Northwest Suburbs 630/331 - Western Suburbs 708 - Near West and South Suburbs 815/779 - (Far Northwest/Southwest Suburbs; Joliet, DeKalb, Rockford) 219 - (Northwest Indiana) 574 - (North-central Indiana) |
