I moved to Chicago from London in January 2015 for work. My English company transferred me to our North American office. I never went to Chicago before and it was love at first sight. I arrived during the coldest time and a blizzard. I never experienced such a snow storm before, but the warmth of the people here, warmed up my heart and made me feel home straight away.

I remember my first day in Chicago, walking around my block and thinking to myself I know this city! I also remember being amazed by the architecture of the buildings. This city is truly BEAUTIFUL. I felt like I was living in a movie! Even if it was my first time ever in Chicago, it was like I’ve been there before. Then I realized I knew this city from the movies. So many movies have been filmed here. Two Batman movies (Batman Begins and Dark Night), The Blues Brothers and Home Alone (Maman, j'ai raté l'avion!) are a few of the famous movies, that were filmed in Chicago. The list is very long. You can check out the list of movies, using the link below.

List of Movies Filmed in Chicago

Chicago is rich in history, art and culture. You might have heard of the great fire of 1871. The fire lasted two days and devastated the center of Chicago. At the time almost two-thirds of the buildings were made of wood. “The Great Rebuilding” set Chicago as a center for architectural experimentation and innovation. Famous architects helped build Chicago, like Frank Llyod Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. They are the pioneers for mid-century modernism. You can see some of their work throughout the city. Chicago is also famous for Blues and Jazz music as well as improvisational comedy. Many comedians and award-winning actors like Tina Fey, Steve Carell or Bill Murray, started here in Chicago at the famous comedy club and school of improvisation: The Second City. Last but not least Chicago is famous for its deep dish pizzas! It was invented here and the name refers to its cooking style. It’s deep in the crust and baked in a round steel pan. You have to try it when in Chicago! Go to Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta located at 864 N. State Street to eat one. This is my favorite place for this.

My City Guide C’est Ici! (it’s here)

There are different things I like to do depending on the season we are in. Chicago has 3 seasons: summer, fall and winter. We don’t really have a spring here. It’s super cold, cold and then suddenly hot. It can even snow in May! My guide is by season and neighborhood.

CHICAGO SUMMER/FALL:

Summer calls for bike rides along the lake, walks by the river, eating out on patios & terraces, and drinks on rooftops. When the summer comes, the lake is the main attraction. Fall is very nice and my favorite season here. The temperatures are still nice and even warm. It’s an extension of the Summer with no rain.

Things to do:

Go biking on Lakefront Trail. You have stunning views on the city going South and nice beaches going North
Walk around Campus Museum and take the taxi boat from there to go to Navy Pier
Watch free Fireworks at Navy Pier (every Wednesday and Saturday night)
Have a picnic at the beach. My favorites are Foster Beach and the 12th Street Beach on the right of the Adler Planetarium
Go to Street festivals. They are free and take place in different neighborhoods every week-end
Listen to free Summer concerts in Grant Park
Take pictures in front of the Bean (Cloud Gate). The famous sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor
Do the Architecture Boat Tour follow by a walk on riverwalk and an aperitif at City Winery
Enjoy a drink on a rooftop. My favorites are Raised and Cerise
Explore the different neighborhoods. My favorites are Lincoln Park, Wicker Park and the West Loop
Have fun shopping on Magnificent Miles, Oak Street and South State Street
Visit Lincoln Park Zoo. It’s free!
Check what’s in bloom at the Botanic Garden. The admission is free but you have to pay $25 for parking

CHICAGO WINTER:

Things to do:

Visit Museums: The Art Institute and the Field Museum are my favorites
Listen to live music at Blues and Jazz Clubs: Kingston Mines, Andy’s Jazz Club
Laugh at Comedy Clubs: The Second City, Laugh Factory
Catch a Broadway show at one of the many Chicago Theaters
Watch a Sports Game. Chicago is home of the Bulls (basket), the Blackhawks (Ice hockey) and the Bears (Football)
Grab a drink at Speakeasies. They are hidden retro bars that popped up during the Prohibition
Be amazed at the Chicago Skyline from an Observation Deck. I like the one at the Hancock Tower