Chicagoland is one of the most interesting places in the world to visit, from its historically significant – yet thoroughly modern-- epicenter, the City of Chicago, to its neighboring communities, many of which serve as the homes of corporations, parks, zoos, musical venues, and shopping and residential centers.

Arriving by automobile, train, bus or airplane is easy since the region boasts one of the nation’s finest public transportation systems – including extensive mass transit that serves most corners of the region 24/7. Both of the city’s airports (O’Hare International and Midway) are linked to downtown Chicago by 24/7 rail service.

Chicago offers some of the finest attractions, live entertainment and cultural experiences in the world, along with hotel, dining, parking, recreation/entertainment and shopping facilities to fit nearly every taste and budget.

Highlights within the city of Chicago include:

• Renowned architecture, including the world’s first skyscrapers
• World-class museums (The Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art, The Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium and others)
• Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the few remaining zoos with free admission 
• Professional sports teams (Bears football, Bulls basketball, Cubs baseball, White Sox baseball, Rush football, Black Hawks hockey, Fire soccer) 
• Parks, including the world-famous Millennium, Grant, Lincoln and Garfield Parks 
• McCormick Place convention center with 2.2 million square feet of exhibit space
• Navy Pier convention, cultural and recreational center (Chicago’s #1 tourist destination) 
• Four dozen theaters offering music, dance, opera, dramatic productions, and other forms of live entertainment

Highlights in surrounding communities include:

• Chicago Botanical Garden 
• Ravinia Music Festival 
• Brookfield Zoo 
• Theater and music venues 
• Parks, lakes and waterways 
• Historical locations, including the designs of architect Frank Lloyd Wright

For a listing of current events and attractions, including schedules and timetables, visit:

	Chicago’s official website. The Mayor’s Office of Special Events can be reached at 312-744-3315.
	Chicago’s official tourism website. The Department can also be reached at 877-244-2246.
	Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau. The Bureau can also be reached at 312-567-8500.
	Information on venues, directions, schedules, etc.
	Information on buses and trains of the Chicago Transit Authority. CTA can also be reached at 312-836-7000.
	Illinois Bureau of Tourism. The Bureau can also be reached at 800-406-6418.