Share the article
Last updated
The United States is a country the size of a continent and surprisingly diverse in terms of tourism offerings. From the towering skyscrapers of New York to the glitz and glamor of Los Angeles, there is something for every type of traveler.
With no fewer than 50 states, and who knows how many exciting city breaks, it is a challenge to select the very best and reach that one destination that appeals to the majority.
Fortunately, readers of Conde Nast traveler helped us reach a more democratic decision.
This surprising city was voted the best city to visit in the United States, ranking higher than all other tourist favorites, from east to west:
Chicago is the best American city
According to CN Traveler readers who took part in their annual survey: the best city for visiting the US is Chicago, Illinois.
Although it is a city best known for its excellent connections to other global destinations via the busy O’Hare International Airport, which officially serves as a stopover for many Americans heading abroad, Chicago is so much more than just a transit hub.
Topping CN Traveler’s list ‘again’, it is the third largest city in the United States, home to beautiful architecture, an inspiring underground music scene and, most importantly, great local cuisine.
Incredible cuisine
Not that many American cities are known for their local food.
The US may be a colossal state, but because it is a nation built by and for migrants, food is heavily influenced by third cultures or imported directly from other countries, thus lacking its traditional aspect.
Chicago is no exception, as it does not have a wealth of native ingredients and dishes, but on the other hand is known for its creative take on world cuisine and numerous delicacies.
These include the Chicago-style hot dog, the Italian-inspired beef sandwich and Chicago Barbecue.
The most iconic of them, deep dish pizzais baked around a steel pan and resembles an upside-down pie filled with mozzarella.
Some of the best restaurants where you can try deep-dish pizza are Giordano’s, with 9,721 impressions on TripAdvisor so far, mostly positive, Spacca Napoli Pizzeria, and Piece, a place where you can both taste the unique creation and perform songs on karaoke nights.
An electric nightlife
When it comes to nightlife, Chicago is probably one of America’s most vibrant cities, with an abundance of entertainment venues, dive bars, nightclubs and pubs, and no visit would be complete without a night out in trendy Andersonville.
Besides being a bohemian neighborhood that bustles with life after sunset, it’s also popular for its Swedish architecture, further proof of Chicago’s undeniable multiculturalism.
It’s home to the Swedish American Museum, which showcases artifacts from Scandinavian migrant communities, and Clark Street, a commercial zone full of cute antique shops, rustic-looking cafes, and historic row houses.
In fact, Chicago’s architectural display is one of the reasons it is so admired by outsiders.
A fascinating mix of old and new
As you stroll along the Chicago River, which runs through the heart of the city and branches into several smaller canals, you’ll come across clusters of modern skyscrapers, including the landmark 110-story Willis Tower.
In other parts of the city you’ll also find ‘Polish cathedrals’ – a North American architectural style, despite their name – reminiscent of the Old World, and the castle-like Chicago Water Tower, built 154 years ago, and one of the oldest existing structures.
The best area for viewing historic buildings is the Old Town, settled by the Germans in the 1850s, and a conservation area with a well-preserved Victorian-era cityscape.
St. Michael’s Church in Old Town is, along with the Water Tower, one of the few buildings in Chicago to survive the Great Fire of 1871, which was responsible for the destruction of much of the former historic settlement.
If you’re a museum type and want a deeper cultural immersion beyond sightseeing, don’t miss the Art Institute of Chicago and the lesser-known Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures.
Chicago’s greatness lies in its diversity
As CN Traveler notes, there are a whopping 77 neighborhoods to choose from, and whether you’re a culture nerd or just looking for an epic weekend getaway, you can rest assured that Chicago will deliver.
This year also saw the opening of a new, stunning luxury hotel in a privileged city center location, near the iconic Chicago Bean, with panoramic views of both the skyscraper-studded skyline and the winding Chicago River.
Read more about Chicago and the fun, off-the-beaten-path things to do in the Windy City here.
Read more:
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans for 2023 from $10 per week
How to easily earn points for free travel
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
