Right in the thick of Chicago’s downtown grid, amid suits and skyscrapers, you’ll find Grant Park showing off its true showstopper: one of the largest fountains in the world! And no, it's not just there to impress tourists. This aquatic giant was a lavish gift from Kate Sturges Buckingham, a 20th-century American art collector and philanthropist, who had some serious cash to splash thanks to her family's grain empire. She dedicated it to her brother, with whom she shared a deep love for art (and apparently, dramatic gestures).

What you get is less “sprinkler system” and more “sculptural fever dream.” Imagine a three-tiered marble wedding cake dressed in pink seashells, ringed with gleeful fish spraying water like it’s going out of style, and four bronze sea horses rearing back in dramatic flair - each repping one of the states touching Lake Michigan. It all came together in 1927, channeling Versailles vibes, only bigger. Because this is Chicago...

Now, if you want the full Buckingham Fountain experience, show up between May and October. That’s when the real magic happens - hourly water shows with lights that shimmer and shift like the fountain’s throwing its own rave. Stick around long enough, and you'll see the center jet shooting 150 feet into the air like it’s trying to signal the moon.

Tip break:
While here, don’t just stare at the spray. Head west across Columbus Drive and give a nod to the quietly dignified Lincoln statue - seated, reflective, and looking like he’s contemplating the next big speech. Sculpted by Augustus Saint-Gaudens in 1926, it’s the introvert to the fountain’s extrovert. Then swing by Congress Parkway near Michigan Avenue, where The Bowman and the Spearman strike a pose. These towering bronze Indian warriors aren’t just decorative-they're 17 feet of pure stoic intensity.

Standing tall above the Midway Plaisance, this massive limestone church crafted from loadbearing masonry limestone employs classical Gothic architectural elements such as arches and buttresses. Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, a nationally renowned advocate of the Gothic Revival and Arts and Crafts movements, envisioned this design as his interpretation of Modern Gothic.

The university administration played a significant role in the design process, with President Ernest DeWitt Burton even embarking on tours of famous English cathedrals to ensure the design's appropriateness. The most noticeable departure from medieval Gothic lies in the proportions, characterized by unusually wide bays and tall clerestory windows above low side aisles, as well as an abundance of smooth, flat surfaces. A central feature of the chapel is its tower, accessible via a climb of 271 steps, offering impressive views and housing a carillon frequently used for concerts. Within the main building, Bond Chapel is a popular venue for artistic and musical events.

The interior has a serene and calming color palette, along with a unique example of Guastavino tile vaulting, where the tiles serve a structural rather than purely decorative purpose. The sculptural elements encompass religious figures, allegorical representations, historical figures, coats of arms, and inscriptions. A statue of Goodhue on the east transept wall symbolizes architecture, with Rockefeller Chapel in his hands and West Point Chapel in the background. Opposite him stands Bach, representing music. Choral performances are a beloved tradition at the chapel, often featuring music associated with the traditional Church seasons.

At the shiny center of AT&T Plaza in Millennium Park, stands the Cloud Gate - or as Chicagoans lovingly call it, The Bean. Sculpted between 2004 and 2006 by Anish Kapoor, an Indian-born British artist known for making giant shiny things that you can’t help staring at, this was his first outdoor public piece in the United States-which quickly became the selfie magnet of the Midwest.

Made from over 160 stainless steel plates seamlessly fused together (so well, in fact, you'd swear it was magic), this mirror-like blob stretches 66 feet long, stands 33 feet tall, and weighs in at a casual 100 tons. It's shaped like a drop of liquid mercury but looks more like an alien lentil from a sleek future where everything is polished to perfection.

Now, here’s the kicker: when Kapoor first proposed it, the art world blinked. Some said, “Gorgeous idea,” others said, “Logistically impossible.” Welding it, polishing it, cleaning it would be a nightmare! And yet - they pulled it off, nonetheless, although not without a few delays. When Millennium Park opened in 2004, The Bean wasn’t quite ready for its big debut. It took until May 15, 2006, for the formal unveiling, and since then it’s been soaking up praise, Instagram filters, and about ten million fingerprints a year.

Now, if you leave Chicago without a photo warped in The Bean’s belly, some may wonder if you've ever been to Chicago at all... Indeed, it's reflective, massive, and playful - and frankly, it’s probably already seen your face in someone else's selfie...

Strolling down the expansive stretch of Michigan Avenue north of the Chicago River is a must-do for nearly every visitor to the city. Known as one of the world's most renowned shopping districts, the Magnificent Mile boasts a rich assortment of mainstream retailers, major department stores, and shopping centers. Even if you aren't inclined to shop, there's much to captivate your interest here. The southern end of this bustling strip is anchored by the iconic Wrigley Building skyscraper, featuring two elaborately designed towers constructed between 1920 and 1924, as well as the Tribune Tower, a 36-floor neo-Gothic skyscraper. At the northern terminus stands the impressive 100-storey John Hancock Center, with the famous Water Tower situated in between.

Apart from being one of Chicago's premier spots for people-watching, the Magnificent Mile is also a haven for food enthusiasts, offering a wide array of dining choices, including renowned and critically acclaimed restaurants. However, if you come to Chicago with a specific craving for the city's famous local pizza, be sure to explore Gino's East and Lou Malnati's, among other locations, as they provide some of the finest Chicago-Style deep dish pizza experiences available in the city.

Journeying north along State Street, your path will lead you to the splendid Holy Name Cathedral, which has recently undergone an extensive restoration. Serving as the seat of the Roman Catholic archdiocese of Chicago, this majestic Gothic Revival church was originally conceived in 1875 by the prolific architect Patrick Charles Keely. By that time, his portfolio already boasted an astounding six hundred churches and sixteen cathedrals, and Holy Name Cathedral stands as a testament to his mastery. The church's grandeur is evident in the towering pinnacles and graceful arches, reminiscent of the Gothic churches that grace the landscapes of Europe.

Venturing inside, you'll encounter a treasure trove of contemporary spiritual artistry. From the suspended sculpted resurrection crucifix that hangs from the ceiling to the bronze-cast Stations of the Cross on the nave walls, every detail exudes reverence and grace. Take a moment to appreciate the vaulted ceiling, the bundled piers, and the intricate wooden tracery, all symbolizing the mystical Tree of Life. Also, cast your gaze upon the high-hung red decorations above the sanctuary – these are the cardinals' hats, or 'galeros', each representing one of the city's past cardinals.

Why You Should Visit:
Undoubtedly one of the most impressive cathedrals in the United States, standing shoulder to shoulder with its European counterparts. While it may not be the largest in size, its breathtaking stone exterior, awe-inspiring wooden interior, and resplendent stained glass, all in the classic Gothic style, make it a must-see destination for anyone with an appreciation for religious and architectural splendor.

Navy Pier in Chicago, originally known as the "Municipal Pier," was designed by well-known architect Charles Sumner Frost. Located along the shore of Lake Michigan, the Navy Pier is 3,300 feet long. It was first opened to the public in 1916 and renamed Navy Pier in 1927 in tribute to World War I Navy veterans.

There is plenty to see and do during a visit to the pier. At Pier Park, you'll find a variety of fun rides, games, and other amusements. Ride a hand-painted horse on the delightful musical carousel. You can't miss the iconic Centennial Wheel that debuted in 2016, honoring the 100th anniversary of the pier. This Ferris wheel is close to 200 feet tall and offers panoramic city views from the top.

Attractions at Navy Pier include the Chicago Children's Museum boasting three floors of exploration for kids. See live plays, musicals, and events at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Get lost in the 4,000-square-foot Funhouse Maze. During the summer, Navy Pier puts on a spectacular fireworks show that is a favorite with visitors and locals.

Hungry visitors will find a wide array of foods available, including hot dogs, burgers, pizza, popcorn, and ice cream. The waterfront Beer Garden, open seasonally, offers craft beer and live music performances. The pier also features shopping and special events.