By Deepika Shetty

Affectionately called America's Windy City and The City of Broad Shoulders, Chicago is the financial and cultural centre of the Midwest.

Situated next to Lake Michigan, the city, with a population of more than three million, is home to three of the world's tallest skyscrapers - Sears Tower, John Hancock Center and Aon Center.

'The Chicago skyline is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen and everyone falls in love with it the moment he lays eyes on it,' says Dr Priscilla How.

Dr Priscilla How

She left Singapore in 2001 to pursue her doctorate in pharmacy at the University of Illinois in Chicago. After graduating in 2004, she stayed on and completed her post-doctorate residency and research fellowship training before joining the university's College of Pharmacy as a clinical assistant professor.

She adds that natural beauty - parks and beaches - complements the urban landscape. 'I have an apartment on the 31st floor overlooking Lake Michigan, Navy Pier and the Chicago River. The view is spectacular,' she says.

Apart from the stunning beauty of the place, what keeps her here is the pace of the city. 'It's not as hectic as other American cities.'

GETTING AROUND

The best way to get around is...

On foot, since most of the attractions are within walking distance from one another. Cycling is also an option. Chicago was recently voted the best bicycling city in the US.

The best way to explore the city is by...

Public transport. Buses and elevated subway trains known as the 'L' make up Chicago's efficient public transport system. During summer, free trolleys take visitors downtown to some of the city's most popular museums, shopping destinations and tourist attractions. You should also try the water taxis that run along the Chicago River and Lakeshore.

Those who are slightly more adventurous should glide through the city on a Segway, a self-balancing, personal transportation device.

The best time to visit is...

Late spring and all summer. In May, the weather is cool and you get to see tulips in full bloom all over the city. In summer (June to Sept), the city comes alive with various music and dance festivals. During this time, fireworks at Navy Pier light up the Chicago skyline twice a week.

What's the weather like?

It is cool during spring and autumn with temperatures around 10 to 23 deg C. Summer is warm and occasionally hot and humid, with temperatures averaging 30 deg C. Winter (December to March/early April) can be brutally cold, snowy and windy with temperatures sometimes as low as minus 20 to 30 deg C.

Which places excite you?

Navy Pier is one of my favourites. I have been there many times but I never get tired of it. A historical landmark, it is Chicago's playground for people of all ages. It is also the best place to enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan. Stroll on the boardwalk and see the sailboats, cruises and big ships go by.

You will also be able to catch a glimpse of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse. Ride on the 46m-high Ferris wheel or step into the Chicago children's museum. You will also be charmed by the displays in the Smith Museum. Don't miss the lovely stained-glass windows.

CULTURE

Your favourite cultural stop is...

The city's many museums. Some offer free admission several days during the week. I am particularly fond of The Art Institute of Chicago. It has one of the largest and most extensive collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings in the world. It also collects, preserves and displays works in every medium from all cultures and historical periods. Admission to the Art Institute is free on Thursday evenings.

Art Institute of Chicago

Also worth visiting is the Museum Campus, home to three great institutions that make up Chicago's lakefront - the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium.

One can't leave without visiting...

The John Hancock Observatory, located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center in Michigan Avenue. Here, you will see Chicago in all of its glory - spectacular 360-degree views of the city and parts of Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois. Also, be sure to step on the Skywalk, Chicago's only open-air viewing platform and enjoy the breeze of the Windy City.

FESTIVAL TOWN

What are the key festivals to work into one's travel plans?

The Taste of Chicago in summer is the world's largest food festival. For 10 days in July (around Independence Day on July 4), Grant Park is transformed into a huge outdoor kitchen and picnic haven, showcasing food from over 70 restaurants and food vendors in the Chicagoland area.

My all-time favourites include the barbecue turkey leg, corn on the cob, seasoned curly fries, fried catfish, rainbow cone and Eli's cheesecake.

Music lovers will be thrilled to know there are free outdoor music concerts almost every day from June to August.

Do not miss the Grant Park Music Festival - Chicago's free classical music event - and the Chicago Gospel Music and Blues and Jazz festivals that are held in Grant Park and Millennium Park.

SHOPPING

The best shopping is at...

Magnificent Mile. Extending from the Chicago River along Michigan Avenue to Oak Street (near the John Hancock Center), it is the Fifth Avenue and Champs-Elysees of Chicago. Here, you will find all the big names in luxury shopping such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales as well as Niketown and the Apple store. You will also find discount apparel stores such as Marshall's and Filene's Basement.

If you are craving for a snack while shopping, grab a bag of Garrett's popcorn. A taste of their caramel and cheese popcorn will leave you pining for more.

Girls of all ages will be blown away by the huge collection of dolls and accessories at American Girl Place, which just moved into a new location at the Water Tower Place. You might even find a doll that looks just like you. State Street is another place I recommend for shopping.

FOOD

A visit to Chicago is not complete...

Until you've tried the Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Much thicker and heavier than normal pizzas, it is piled high with cheese, tomato sauce and a myriad other toppings, including sausage, onions, green peppers, mushrooms and ground beef.

My favourite deep-dish pizzas are from Giordano's (http://www.giordanos.com/).

This has several branches. The one downtown is at 730 N. Rush St. Chicago, tel: 1-312-951-0747.

The Chicago hotdog is another must-try for visitors. It is an all-beef Chicago dog, steamed and served on a poppyseed bun with condiments such as mustard, onion, sweet pickle relish (usually neon green), a dill pickle spear, tomato, sport peppers and a dash of celery salt. I always recommend to friends the hotdog at Portillo's, a restaurant chain located all over the Chicagoland area.

The best breakfast and brunch is at...

Ann Sather (http://www.annsather.com/), located at 909 W. Belmont. Chicago, tel: 1-773-348-2378. Its other locations are in the Lakeview and Andersonville neighbourhoods near the north-side of Chicago. Ann Sather offers exceptional Swedish and American breakfasts and brunches. I always get the Swedish pancakes, which are thin and full of flavourful lingonberries.

Another place is Lou Mitchell's, a popular restaurant not far from Sears Tower and Chicago's Union Station, which serves breakfast and brunch all day (http://www.loumitchellsrestaurant.com/) at 565 W Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, tel: 1-312-939-3111. The breakfast menu is extensive. If you like eggs, try its huge and fluffy omelettes. All other egg dishes are cooked and served in a skillet with toast and hash browns. Yummy.

The best lunch is at...

The Chicago Burger Company in The Chicago Sheraton Hotel at 301 E. North Water Street, Chicago, tel: 1-312-464-1000. It is located along the scenic Chicago River next to the Centennial Fountain. It has the best and juiciest Angus beef burgers in town, served generously with your choice of toppings.

If you are in the mood for ethnic cuisine, Chicago has numerous ethnic neighbourhoods that add to the variety of dining choices. I once read that you could eat at a different Chicago restaurant every day for 20 years and never eat at the same one twice. And that is absolutely true. There are more than 7,000 restaurants to choose from.

The best dinner is at...

Everest, an elegant restaurant located on the top floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange (http://www.everestrestaurant.com/), 440 S. LaSalle Street, 40th Floor, Chicago, tel: 1-312-663-8920. It offers exquisite wine and sumptuous French cuisine as well as magnificent views of the city. I will never forget the roast rack of lamb and sauteed beef tenderloin that I ate here. And since there is always room for dessert, indulge in the crown of light chocolate with vanilla centre and mocha sauce or the warm chocolate souffle with pistachio sauce.

If you crave some steak, I highly recommend Keefer's Steakhouse (http://www.keefersrestaurant.com/), located downtown in the River North neighbourhood on Kinzie and Dearborn. It is at 20 W. Kinzie, Chicago, tel: 1-312-467-9525. The restaurant has enormous picture windows that overlook the Chicago River, so the view is beautiful. The food is great, too.

SUNDOWNERS

The best drinks are at...

Fulton Lounge (http://www.fultonlounge.com/), 955 W. Fulton Market, Chicago, tel: 1-312-942-9500. Located in the Fulton Market District, this used to be a century-old book-binding company.

Do not be deceived by its surroundings of warehouses and delivery trucks. Inside is a huge, warm, inviting living room with swivel chairs and sofas. And it has the best martinis I have ever tasted.

The one must-try drink in town is...

The key lime pie martini at Fulton Lounge. This is a mix of Absolut vodka, KeKe Beach liqueur and pineapple juice, served in a Graham cracker-rimmed glass. Like the menu says, it is 'better than a slice of the real thing'.

The one place you always take your friends to is...

The Signature Lounge (www.signatureroom.com/lounge) on the 96th floor of the John Hancock Centre. There is nothing better than having a drink on the top floor of one of Chicago's tallest buildings and being mesmerised by the breathtaking city view. It is at 875 N. Michigan Avenue, 96th floor, Chicago, tel: 1-312-787-9596.

FURTHER OUT

What more is there to explore?

Spend a day with nature in the Starved Rock State Park, about two hours' drive south-west of Chicago.

Sites that would definitely appeal to Singaporeans are...

Outlet malls, of course. Who can resist the sales and discounts at Coach, Ferragamo, BCBG, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy and Nike - just to name a few - at the Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora (45 minutes west of downtown Chicago), Gurnee Mills Outlet Mall (50-minute drive north) and the Prime Outlets in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin (one-hour drive north)?

deepikas@sph.com.sg