Summer and spring are usually the seasons of choice for tourists visiting a new location. Outdoor activities tend to be more enjoyable, naturally, but summer and spring have their downsides too: prices go up, crowds increase and the heat can often be a hindrance.
For this reason, adventurous travelers may prefer winter as the setting for a new and exciting experience. During the colder months, cities change both their scenery and their rhythm. Winter trips are a great opportunity to try something different and get to know how life is for local people. And if you’re lucky, you may even get to see your favorite city covered in snow!
The Windy City
Chicago is known as “the windy city”, but there are always wonderful and entertaining things to do there if you choose to visit, no matter the weather. The third most populated city in the United States, Chicago is a metropolitan hub located on the shores of Lake Michigan.
The city is well known for its financial and tech sectors, as well as its culture. Tourism is also an important source of income: Chicago welcomes nearly 50 million tourists per year. In 2021, it was named the second most beautiful city in the world. If you happen to visit, here are some of the sights which you can’t miss.
Chicago’s Winter Landmarks
Millennium Park is a public park located in the Loop community area, which attracts tourists during all seasons. At Christmas time, the park is filled with lights and Christmas trees.
The Navy Pier is located on the shores of Lake Michigan, filled with shops, restaurants and attractions that everyone can enjoy. During the winter months, the Pier will host Light Up the Lake on January 2nd.
Chicago boasts a vibrant theater scene all year round. If you enjoy taking in a show, you simply have to visit some of the most famous theaters in town: the Goodman Theatre, the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Victory Gardens Theater and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier.
Museums and art exhibitions are great ways to get to know the city better during the colder months. The best indoor locations in the city are the Field Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago History Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Adler Planetarium.
Food tours in Chicago
Chicago’s food scene is lively and diverse. The city’s Midwestern history blends with the many different cultures native to the area. One of the best ways to get to know a city is through its food, and how it relates to culture. The excellent food tours in Chicago offer a culinary journey through the city’s immigrant heritage and cuisine.
The 3-hour tour calls in at the best places in town. Six different stops provide a wide range of meals and culinary experiences, showing the strong influence of immigrants that defines Chicago’s culture to this day. During the tour, you’ll also get a glimpse of the city’s finest architectural and artistic designs.
Begin by savoring that famous Chicago specialty, deep dish pizza. To follow, you can sample three different chocolates by one of the world’s most distinguished chocolatiers.
Next on the tour, immerse yourself in the city’s Italian heritage, and learn what it takes to make the best Italian beef sandwich in town. If you have any room left, the food tour concludes in a one-of-a-kind location where you can enjoy a delicious secret dish.
This tour is perfect for winter: some city walking is involved, but most of the time you will be indoors, enjoying a warm meal. In this way you’ll be able to take in the city’s main landmarks without having to worry about cold weather.
English-language food tours are open to up to 12 people. Make sure to book in advance so you don’t miss out! If you book online, you’ll have access to special discounts, and even an upgraded drinks package.
On this food tour website you can check all the information necessary to make your booking. Are you ready to fall in love with Chicago in the winter?