Condé Nast Traveler readers name Chicago the Best Big City in the U.S. the seventh year in a row, Navy Pier and the Museum of Illusions unveil exciting experiences, Turner Häus Brewery opens in Bronzeville, local restaurants earn esteemed Michelin Guide recognition, and a new art installation debuts at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
- Chicago named Best Big City in the U.S.
- Flyover takes off in March at Navy Pier
- Newly expanded Museum of Illusions reopens
- Turner Häus Brewery debuts in Bronzeville
- New art installation unveiled at O’Hare Airport
Chicago named Best Big City in the U.S.
Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Chicago the Best Big City in the U.S. for a record-breaking seven years in a row — a first for the annual awards. Reasons include our 77 diverse neighborhoods, impressive architecture, world-class museums, award-winning chefs, and growing brewery scene. Condé Nast Traveler‘s editors encouraged visitors to make repeat visits to fully appreciate all of the city’s must-do experiences.
Learn more about Chicago’s Best Big City in the U.S. designation.
Flyover takes off in March at Navy Pier
The highly anticipated Flyover attraction is scheduled to open in March at Navy Pier. Guests will take a seat in a simulator that soars over the Chicago skyline, zips around skyscrapers, and dips down to street level. Before the nine-minute ride, visitors will learn about the city’s rich history, culture, and spirit. Bookings are being accepted now, so reserve a spot for your group to be among the first to experience Flyover.
Newly expanded Museum of Illusions reopens
Mind-boggling sights, sounds, and perceptions at the Museum of Illusions Chicago just got bigger and better. Recent renovations expanded the museum’s space by 30% and added 20 new exhibits, bringing the total to 80. Chicago-themed experiences, in addition to favorites such as the Vortex Tunnel, are perfect for group selfies.
Learn more about the Museum of Illusions Chicago.
Turner Häus Brewery debuts in Bronzeville
Groups can sample craft beer in the taproom of newly opened Turner Häus Brewery in the Bronzeville neighborhood. Turner Häus co-founders Steven Turner and Blair Turner-Aikens have collaborated on their brews, including a kettle sour and Scotch ale, with other Black-owned breweries and distilleries in Chicago and Tennessee.
Learn more about Turner Häus Brewery.
Chicago restaurants earn Michelin Guide accolades
The West Loop’s acclaimed Smyth, helmed by chefs John Shields and Karen Urie Shields, earned a coveted three-star rating from the Michelin Guide. Smyth joins Alinea as the only other restaurant in the city to achieve this top ranking. Receiving newly earned one-star status are Atelier, featuring a tasting menu by chef Christian Hunter in Lincoln Square, and Indienne, offering modern Indian food from chef Sujan Sarkar in River North. Five new Chicago restaurants received Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition: Boonie’s Filipino Restaurant, Cellar Door Provisions, Pompette, Union, and Yao Yao.
Learn more about Chicago’s Michelin Guide restaurants.
New art installation unveiled at O’Hare Airport
Bold, beautiful, and thought-provoking artwork greets millions of visitors arriving at Terminal 5 in Chicago O’Hare International Airport. A new public art installation unveiled in October features works by more than 20 Chicago artists. With $3.5 million in funding, it’s the city’s largest investment in local artwork in 30 years. Additional pieces can be viewed in O’Hare’s Multi-Modal Facility.
Learn more about the artwork at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
