Probably the best way to see Chicago first is by road. For mile upon mile across the flat prairies you watch the towering edifices of the Windy City drawing ever closer. Chicago's buildings are not just big, they are also some of America's greatest architectural achievements.
It was here that the first skyscraper was built back in 1885. The city still has three of the world's ten tallest buildings; the Sears Tower, the Hancock Center and the Amoco building. No visit to Chicago could be complete without checking out the view from the top of one of these.
The Chicago Art Institute is home to the world's largest collection of impressionist paintings outside Paris along with a stunning collection of classic American works.
The quality of theater and classical music should kill the mistaken belief the Midwest is without culture.
For those who like their music a little more casual, there is plenty here. The legacy of the urban blues, which was born in the city's South Side, lives on in the huge variety of bars and clubs. The rock scene continues to thrive, as can be seen from the bands it has produced in recent years including the Smashing Pumpkins and Wilco.
Prices for a night out are pretty good too. The quality of food reflects the ethnic diversity of the city and is every bit as good as New York or LA. But people used to eating in those cities will get a pleasant surprise when the check arrives.
Finally, though, it is the people that count. This is a mostly friendly place and pleasantly lacking in big city attitude. Come and see that culture and the Midwest are not opposites.
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