Visit Chicago - Chicago, the birthplace of the modern skyscraper is still a trendsetter in urban architecture and is a must for people interested in 20th century urban architecture.

But the Windy City offers a lot more than architecture alone: it is a bustling city, it is home to many great museums and it has some of the best Blues clubs.

It is also a great city to live in, especially the northern part of the city has a great lively atmosphere and even nice beaches. The last decade, more and more luxury apartments are being built downtown, luring the Chicagoans back to the downtown area (better known as the Loop) in an attempt to reverse the exodus from downtown Chicago.

The Magnificent Mile

Just a few blocks off Lake Michigan, North Michigan Avenue is home to froufrou greats Brooks Brothers, Cartier, FAO Schwarz, Gucci, Lord & Taylor, Louis Vuitton, Neiman Marcus, Tiffany, Hermes and Versace. Amid these distinguished names, you'll find plenty of other famous, but not-so-pricey establishments, plus local kids-made-good like Bigsby and Kruthers and Crate & Barrel. But be warned that you won't be alone here, especially on weekends, when the crowds can be overwhelming.

There are few more dramatic urban landscapes than the hip windy city of Al Capone and High Fidelity. Skyscrapers decked like dominoes stand tall on the banks of Lake Michigan while the Chicago River cuts through the heart of downtown, separating your business district from your shopping and entertainment on the North Side. Check out Near North and Gold Coast, the artists' lofts and galleries of River North and the charming Old Town. Cool cocktail and cigar bars roll along the streets here like smoky riffs from a jazz guitar and there's an air of classy cool to the populace. Check out spots like Signature Lounge and Sage for high Chicago style. And watch High Fidelity if you don't believe us.

Bonsoiree Cafe and Delicacies
Upscale food in a casual, smart, clean atmosphere and reasonable prices. Try the elegant lunch and dinner menus during the week or come in on the weekend for an exciting brunch.

Brazzaz
This Brazilian Steakhouse is "A Cut Above the Rest." Waiters carve a plethora of meats tableside, and there is a 30-40 item all-you-can-eat salad bar. There are about 16 meat varieties, with some specialties you won't find at the other competition. The contemporary decor features South American accents, including plasma screens in the bar area showing Brazilian entertainment. The bar offers caipirinhas and mojitos, plus a signature tropical cocktail and martini list.

The Chicago History Museum, known as the Chicago Historical Society for 150 years, reopened with a gala celebration in September 2006. After a $27.5 million complete renovation, the Museum on the southern edge of Lincoln Park takes its place again as a major tourist attraction in the city. Over 16,000 square feet of new and exciting galleries feature collections of 20 million different items that trace the history of Chicago, as well as many noteworthy events in America’s history. These remarkable collections include photographs and drawings, diaries and letters, textiles and costumes, sound recordings and films, books and newspapers, and furniture from the past. The Chicago History Museum, a privately endowed institution, provides the history through its research collections, publications, exhibitions, and online resources.