The city of Chicago has been voted the Best Big City in the U.S. for the seventh consecutive year. This accolade is the result of the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards where over 520,000 travelers participated. Chicago is the first city ever in the 36-year history of these awards to achieve this feat.
A host of factors set Chicago apart from other major cities in the U.S. One notable aspect, as reported by Choose Chicago, is the city's 77 unique neighborhoods, each with its distinct character, food scenes, historical landmarks, and warm locales.
Chicago's notable architecture, thriving theatre scene, and diverse musical heritage add to its distinct identity. The live music scene includes traditions in genres like jazz, blues, and house music.
In the world of fine dining, Chicago's 71 Michelin-awarded restaurants and host to the esteemed James Beard Awards ceremony, mark its echelon. The city's museums, such as the Field Museum and the National Museum of Mexican Art, offer immersive experiences to visitors, according to a Choose Chicago article.
Chicago's accessibility features contribute to its appeal, offering a range of resources that help city dwellers and visitors alike, to conveniently move around the city and engage in innovative programs such as the SoundShirt at the Lyric Opera smoothly navigate.
The city's wonderfully diverse community also plays a pivotal role in to welcoming outsiders and encouraging exploration. It is a hub for inclusivity, with numerous landmarks, neighborhoods, and vibrant nightlife that celebrates its dense LGBTQ+ history, marked by the world-renowned Pride festivities each June.
Lastly, Chicago's vast green spaces and bustling waterfronts constantly offer visitors new experiences, contributing to its continuous ranking as the Best Big City in America for seven years running. It seems the world is continuously drawn to the Windy City's compelling allure.
