Car Hire Chicago - Mini guide to Chicago

Chicago stretches for 25 miles along the southern tip of Lake Michigan's south-western shoreline. The best way to get around central Chicago is by foot. It's flat, easy to navigate and its the nicest way to get the flavor of the city. The Chicago Transit Authority is the public transportation system serving the city. It consists of the El and buses.

The Loop is the historic center of the city, drawing its name from the elevated train tracks that circle it. Its buildings constitute a virtual textbook of American architecture.

The Art Institute, on the eastern side of the Loop, is one of the world's premier galleries. A few blocks north of the Art Institute is the Chicago Cultural Center, which offers galleries, exhibitions, beautiful interior design and a permanent museum making it another very interesting place to visit.

Magnificent Mile, the grandly named stretch of Michigan Avenue that runs from the Chicago River to Lincoln Park is a shopper's paradise full of boutiques and plazas.

Shedd Aquarium has the world's largest assortment of aquatic creatures and its Oceanarium is a spectacular space, on the grandest scale.

Founded in 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo is free to visitors and enjoys considerable community support. Among its highlights are huge monitor lizards and Galápagos turtles.