Let's Talk Chicago! Is This One of America's Most Underrated Cities?
I've recently returned from a trip to the USA, and after spending a few days exploring Chicago, it got me thinking…
Is Chicago one of the most underrated cities in the United States? I have so many people enquire about holidays to America. New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Florida… they're always popular choices. But one city I very rarely get asked about is Chicago. And after experiencing it for myself, I genuinely can't understand why! The people were so friendly, the pizza was incredible, the skyline was absolutely breath-taking, and the city itself had an atmosphere that I just loved. I honestly didn't have enough time to do everything I wanted, which means one thing… I'll definitely be going back! But there was one experience sitting right at the top of my Chicago bucket list, and I wasn't leaving without doing it.
The Chicago Architecture River Cruise – An Absolute Must!
Before I even arrived in Chicago, I knew the architecture river cruise was something I had to experience.
I'd seen photographs, watched videos and heard wonderful things about it, but nothing quite prepares you for seeing those incredible buildings from the water.
And I can safely say it didn't disappoint!
There are so many different ways to experience the Chicago River, depending on how much time you have and what kind of experience you're looking for.
You can opt for a shorter 45-minute cruise, enjoy a more detailed 90-minute architecture tour (which is the one I chose), or even head out in the evening to see the Chicago skyline illuminated against the night sky.
And if you're looking for something a little different, there are even cruises offering dinner, drinks and dancing!
Dinner, drinks, dancing and that skyline as your backdrop? Sounds pretty amazing to me!
I opted for the 90-minute architecture cruise, and I'm so glad I did.
A Skyline Like Nothing I've Seen Before - Now, I've been fortunate enough to travel to some incredible places over the years, but Chicago's skyline really is something special.
There's something about the combination of historic buildings, modern skyscrapers, unusual designs and the river running right through the heart of downtown that makes it completely unique.
Our tour guide was a very proud Chicago local, and honestly, his knowledge was unbelievable!
He could tell you the history of practically every building we passed, why it was designed the way it was, who was behind it and how the city's architecture has evolved over the years.
And believe me, there are some seriously unusual buildings lining the Chicago River!
What I loved most was that it wasn't simply a sightseeing cruise where you sit back and admire the views. You actually come away having learned so much about the city.
The stories behind the buildings, the history of Chicago and the creativity that has gone into shaping its skyline made the whole experience even more fascinating.
I spent most of the 90 minutes looking up in complete amazement.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Would I do it again? Without hesitation!
In fact, next time I think I'd love to experience an evening cruise and see the whole city lit up.
A Walk Along the Riverwalk - After an amazing hour and a half on the water, I headed down to explore the Chicago Riverwalk.
And this is another reason I fell in love with the city.
The Riverwalk is such a lovely place to spend some time. You've got the water, the incredible architecture towering above you, places to stop for food and drinks, and people simply enjoying everything the city has to offer.
There's a real buzz about the place. It's the sort of city where you can spend hours wandering around without necessarily having a plan, and still feel like you're experiencing something special.
But of course, there was another famous Chicago landmark I needed to tick off my list…
Have You Really Been to Chicago If You Haven't Seen The Bean?
Next stop… The Bean!
Officially known as Cloud Gate, this famous sculpture in Millennium Park is probably one of Chicago's most photographed attractions.
And when you see it in person, you can understand why.
Designed by artist Anish Kapoor, the sculpture was inspired by liquid mercury, which explains its unusual, seamless, highly polished appearance.
What makes it so fascinating is the way its mirrored surface reflects the Chicago skyline, the surrounding park and everyone walking around it.
You can look at the sculpture from different angles and see the city reflected back at you in completely different ways.
And here's a little fact for you… The Bean measures approximately 33 feet high, 42 feet wide and 66 feet long, weighing around 110 US tons!
It's absolutely enormous when you're standing beside it.
Of course, I had to stop for a few photographs. It would have been rude not to!
And Then There Was the Pizza…
Now, we can't talk about Chicago without talking about the food. And more specifically… Chicago deep-dish pizza!
If there's one thing Chicago is famous for alongside its architecture, it's definitely the pizza. And after a full day of sightseeing, what better way to finish than with a proper Chicago pizza?
If you've never tried deep-dish pizza before, imagine a thick, buttery crust, plenty of cheese, generous toppings and a rich tomato sauce.
It's definitely not your average pizza! And yes, it's every bit as good as people say. I couldn't possibly visit Chicago without trying one, could I? Although I will say, you might want to arrive hungry!
So, Is Chicago Really Underrated?
For me, 100% yes! What surprised me most about Chicago wasn't just the famous attractions. It was the whole feeling of the place.
The friendly people, the incredible food, the energy of downtown, the beautiful riverfront and that unforgettable skyline.
It had such a brilliant atmosphere, and I genuinely feel that so many people are missing out simply because Chicago isn't the first destination that comes to mind when planning a trip to America.
And the thing is, I've only scratched the surface! There were so many things I wanted to experience but simply didn't have time for.
From exploring more of the city's neighbourhoods and museums to spending time along Lake Michigan, visiting the observation decks and discovering more of its food scene, there's still so much on my list. Which is exactly why I know I'll be returning.
Why You Should Consider Chicago for Your Next USA Trip...
If you're thinking about visiting America, I'd really encourage you to look beyond the destinations you hear about all the time. Chicago offers an incredible city break in its own right, but it could also be a fantastic addition to a longer American adventure.
Whether you're interested in architecture, food, culture, sightseeing, shopping or simply experiencing somewhere new, there's so much to discover.
And with its location in the Midwest, Chicago can also work brilliantly as part of a multi-centre USA itinerary. You could combine it with another American city, explore more of the Great Lakes region or build it into a completely tailor-made trip.
That's one of the things I love most about travel. Sometimes the destinations you hadn't really considered end up being the ones that surprise you the most.
And Chicago certainly did that for me.
