Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, on the southern tip of Vietnam, is one of South East Asia’s emerging boom cities. Still affectionately known by many as Saigon, this is Vietnam’s largest city and its economic engine room.

Ho Chi Minh City has an irrepressible soul and an entrepreneurial energy that hums day and night. Despite almost a century of colonialism and brutal conflict, today this city is renowned for its warm hospitality, which even extends to former foes. A youthful enthusiasm flows through this city, just like the stream of scooters, motorbikes and cars that flow endlessly through its chaotic streets. 

In Ho Chi Minh City, it feels as though the future has arrived… and yet the past is never far away. Wide boulevards built during the French colonial era are lined with cutting edge skyscrapers, while jasmine scented temples gently rub shoulders with chic rooftop bars.

More than 9 million people call Ho Chi Minh City home and the dynamic energy of its streets is part of its charm. The city is divided into a series of numbered districts and District One is where almost all of the city’s main attractions can be found.

As the sun goes down, find yourself a seat at one of Ho Chi Minh City’s famous rooftop bars, a perfect way to soak up the buzz of the city.

Dynamic, chaotic and energizing. Ho Chi Minh city may have burst onto the world stage as a battle zone but today, there is no better destination to plug in to the pulse of 21st century Asia.

Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei is the glittering capital of Taiwan, and one of the hottest travel destinations in all of Asia. When you visit this thriving city, you’ll find collections of stunning futuristic buildings interspersed with ancient Chinese temples and traditions.

One of these temples, Longshan, is located in Wanhua, the city’s oldest neighborhood. This is where you come to find good fortune, good health, and spiritual advice of all sorts. Once you’ve attained the guidance and wisdom you may not have realized you sought, head to 228 Peace Park, where you will find the memorial to the 1949 uprisings that eventually led to Taiwan’s independence.

Don’t worry about getting around the city; the Taipei Rapid Transit System, or MRT, will take you just about anywhere you need to go. Hop on it to pay a visit to the National Palace Museum, where you’ll find a giant collection of Chinese art and artifacts. There’s over half a million pieces related to ancient Chinese royalty here, and you can spend days exploring them all. 

To plan out your next move, make your way to Taipei 101. This is one of the world’s tallest buildings, and you can soar to the top for a breathtaking view of the city and pick out the next place you’ll visit. Do you see Elephant Mountain? It’s not far from the downtown area, and it’s a short climb to the top for another look at Taipei. Keep up with the nature theme and make your stop the Taipei Zoo, where you’ll meet the largest menagerie of animals in Asia. 

Cap off a day of Taipei sightseeing and adventure at Shilin Night Market, where you can join the locals in finding that next great meal or landing a spectacular bargain.

The city of Azaleas, Taipei has been under the spotlight of the travelers for quite a while now. This is not because it is a probable stop while changing planes. This is simply because of the late coming realization of the beauty and the livability of the city.

Although it is the capital of Taiwan, Taipei is not the most densely populated city in the country. With 2.7 million inhabitants, Taipei is the cultural, economic and social hub of the country. With a strong commitment to its roots and values, Taipei is one good example of a modern metropolitan that has a soul.

There are 7 central and 5 suburban districts in the city. The 7 central districts, all of which are shaped by their place in the history, have got numerous sightseeing spots and are hosting a lot of festivals and events, throughout the year.

The semi tropical climate of the city is a part of the modern day living in the city. Sure, there’s no doubt that it is one of the major reasons for Taipei to be this famous. During the day, you will be accompanied by nice weather while you exploring this beautiful city and forget what it is to feel cold at least for a while.

Taipei is one of the few cities in the world that has the essentials to change your ideal city definitions. Let me put it this way, we are talking about a city that has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, and where the garbage trucks are accompanied with classical music while they are on duty. I am not even mentioning the extra improved transportation system and the cleanest of streets.

Your time in the city will give you the chance to see the warm bloodedness of its locals who always walk with a huge smile on their face. I am sure, with the beauty of the city and the nature of the locals, you will find the same smile on your face while you are having one of the most remarkable trips of your life in Taipei.

What will you do in Taipei?

Cusco & Machu Picchu, Peru

In Cusco, and the Sacred Valley, magnificent ruins await the adventurous traveler. The most famous of all is Machu Picchu. 

Cusco is the former capital of the Inca Empire of the Sun. Since the 16th century, Spanish colonial buildings were built atop former Inca Palaces, of which only the foundations remain. Examples in the central Plaza de Armas are the Cusco Cathedral and La Compañia church. Another striking example is Qorikancha, the former golden courtyard of the Temple of the Sun. The Spanish used stones from Sacsayhuaman, an Inca stronghold overlooking the city.

In the Urubamba Valley, or Sacred Valley, visitors can see the mysterious Moray Terraces and the pre-Inca Salt Mines of Maras. Ollantaytambo is a living Inca city and its towering ruins form the start of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. 

The long-lost Inca bastion was uncovered from the jungle in 1911. It remains a mystery how the Incas managed to stack the heavy granite blocks that make up the city’s buildings so precisely, at high altitude.

Little is also known about how the Incas turned a multi-lingual tribal region in an empire that is now known as one of the greatest civilizations in history.

Best Time To Visit

When planning a trip to Machu Picchu, it is best to visit in April and November to avoid too much crowd. During the month of July and August, there are lots of tourists coming to witness the wonderful view of Machu Picchu. Planning to visit on rainy season needs patience and flexibility, because the weather condition is a big factor due to sudden change of climate especially in the Inca trail.

There are different means of going to Machu Picchu, first you can go by train and second is by hiking (Inca Trail). There are three train companies that provide services on going to the specific destination. They are the Inca Rail, Peru Rail and the Machu Picchu Rail.

Tokyo, Japan

Welcome to Tokyo, the capital of Japan and the epitome of the word “megacity.”

In this vast metropolis, ancient traditions blend with futuristic buildings, and your Tokyo sightseeing will take you to representations of each. Pay your respects at temples set in forested hillsides, then flex your credit card in one of the shopping districts, before sitting down to a five-star meal…all in one day.

Your Tokyo tour begins with the subway and train system, which will take you all over this sprawling city. Tokyo is home to some 35 million people, many of which you’ll meet as its public transit carries you throughout its many neighborhoods. Make a stop in Asakusa, a temple district nestled in leafy trees with skyscrapers towering in the background. There you’ll visit Nakamisi Dori, a street loaded with food vendors and religious charms. Get to know the city a little better in the Harajuku district, home to cutting-edge fashion, a thriving, youth-centered culture, and the famous Yoyogi Park. The park stands out in stern contrast to the rest of the neighborhood; this sprawling, 134-acre green space is where locals slow down after a frenzied week of work and play.

As night falls, make your way to Shinjuku. Many of Tokyo’s premier restaurants and pubs span Shinjuku’s streets, and you can indulge in succulent 5-star meals or sample with fast food from local vendors. Watch a movie, do some karaoke, and linger with fellow travelers and friendly locals alike.

Tokyo; a city of flashing neon lights, super-advanced gadgetry, Hello Kitty and about 13 million people, which makes it one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Travel in Tokyo is one of the most exciting and energy-pumping things you can do on your gap year.

But it's got more to offer than batteries, bodies and blinking lights. From the cacophony of sights, sounds and smells that is Tokyo, it is possible to make a short journey and find yourself atop a mountain with nothing other than peace and tranquillity surrounding you. It may be far to travel to but it's got a whole lot to offer - whether you like stuffed cat toys or not.

At its core the city is steeped in culture and tradition, extremely proud of its history and heritage. It's not uncommon to see geishas and locals in traditional dress alongside men in suits on the perfectly-oiled underground, and it is that. Tokyo is city that is unbelievably efficient; there are no late trains here.

With so much going on, first-time visitors should be prepared for a massive assault on the senses - just walking the streets of this hyperactive city can be an energizing experience.

Today, Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dinning to its visitors; it's safe to say that there really is something for everyone here. The city's history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa, and in many excellent museums, historic temples and gardens. And contrary to common perception, Tokyo also offers a number of attractive green spaces in the city centre and within relatively short train rides at its outskirts. Also, it can be surprisingly cheap too if you know how to look after your budget with cheap cafes and some of the world's best hostels.

In Tokyo you can quietly contemplate life beside a carp on in the Zen-like Hamarikyu Gardens one minute and get lost in the concrete jungle of Shiodome's skyscrapers. One of the best times of the year to visit the city on your gap year is the cherry blossom festival; all the gardens transform into something from a manga magazine and city seems to thrive on the turn of the season.

Tokyo is a big, bright, buzzing, bustling city that never sleeps. If there's one thing for certain, you'll have an amazing time in Tokyo on your gap year.

What was your favorite part of Tokyo?

Santiago, Chile

Santiago de Chile, a city of extremes, is surrounded by the world’s longest mountain range, driest desert, largest ocean and southernmost grassy plains. The cosmopolitan South American capital has the perfect mix of both historic and ultra-modern attractions. 

The lively Plaza de Armas houses the divine Metropolitan Cathedral and the National History Museum. Santa Lucía Hill is the place where the city was founded by the Spanish in the 16th-century and the Chilean Museum of pre-Colombian Art shows what life was like here before colonial rule.

La Moneda Palace is the seat of government and the place of Augusto Pinochet’s 1973 military coup. The Museum of Memory and Human Rights documents the dictator’s repressive regime.

Santiago has many city parks. Parque Bicentenario is in Vitacura, while the sculptures of Parque de las Esculturas are in Providencia. Centrally located Parque Forestal, houses the Museum of Contemporary Art. Nearby is Centro Cultural Estación Mapocho, in a former train station. 

Find colorful street art, craft shops and sidewalk cafés in Bellavista. From this neighborhood, you can access Cerro San Cristóbal to look back at Santiago one more time before exploring Chile’s many natural treasures.

The Best Things to Do in Santiago de Chile

Santiago is the capital city of Chile, with a population of more than 5.4 million people. Lots of travelers come to Santiago when they are headed to some other places in South America or Chile. Therefore, it’s traditionally not considered as a tourist place itself. However, Santiago is a city with so much to offer for travelers who make a stop here during their South America tours. This large area between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountain range has so many attractions which you certainly can’t miss.

If you are looking for a one-day tour with interesting things to do in Santiago de Chile, there’s a lot of great attractions available in this beautiful city surrounded by mountains. To start, you’ll definitely enjoy every bit of the Mediterranean climate over there. The raining-free season in Santiago goes from October to May, giving a good deal of windows for the traveler to enjoy the city. Let’s take a look at some suggestions for the top things to do in Santiago.

1. Shopping in Santiago’s Most Trendy Districts

If you’re in the cosmopolitan Santiago, then shopping is definitely a must. Alto Las Condes, Costanera Center or Parque Arauco, among others, are well-known modern shopping malls located in trendy areas of Santiago where you can find almost everything you need. But you can do so much more than shopping in Santiago’s shopping malls. These malls have great restaurants that serve local and international dishes. You’ll also find bowling alleys, arcades and movie theaters… to sum up, the whole entertainment pack for a traveler in search of things to do in a rush visit toSantiago!

2. Dancing and Enjoying Santiago’s Nightlife

A trip to Santiago is incomplete without some music and dancing. If you’re a fan of salsa dancing, there are many live salsa shows in Santiago where you can learn a thing or two! There are so many dance clubs with live bands. We’d suggest you to visit theHavana Salsa club, as it’s a fine place to hear and dance some old-school salsa music. But don’t worry if you’re one of those who hates that dirty-dancing thing, and just want to mingle with locals enjoying a couple of drinks. There’s a lot of things to do in Santiago for nightlife lovers, in bohemian districts like Bellavista, bustling, modern areas like Nuñoa or upscale districts like Las Condes or Paseo San Darmián. These are the nightlife hubs in Santiago, with a wide offer of bars, clubs and restaurants for every taste.

3. Visiting the Plaza De Armas Square

Just like in many other South america cities, walking around the main square is one of the best things to do in Santiago. The Plaza de Armas Square is the former city center, and it attracts thousands of tourists and locals every day. This place ALWAYS has some sort of event being held, as well as so many historical tales to tell you. One major sightseeing spot here is the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago). If you are passionate about taking pictures don’t forget to bring a tripod, since you’ll surely take a few nice shots in Plaza de Armas square and the beautiful cathedral over there —there is no admission fee involved there. Additionally, if you’re a history buff, then you should check out the nearby Museo de Arte Sagrado, a religious-art museum with lots of Colonial pieces to appreciate.

4. Enjoying the Andean View of Santiago

Yes, this is probably the most important thing to do while in Santiago. Since the city is surrounded by Andean hills and snow mountains, you’ll get to enjoy the amazing scenery from one of the many viewpoints in Santiago. For example, just go to San Cristobal Hill (Cerro San Cristóbal, in Spanish), from where you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the Santiago which leave you breathless! The mighty Andes in the background and the entire city extending at your feet is indeed a stunning sight. You can climb up the hill by walk, car, bike or taking the funicular. Once in San Cristobal, there are so many things to do there as well, as you can go for hiking or a bike ride around this beautiful hill. If you have enough time, don’t miss the beautiful sunsets Santiago indulge its visitors.

5. Visiting La Chascona

La Chascona literally means the tangled haired women, and it’s a museum dedicated to the world-renowned poet Pablo Neruda, who lived there once with his third wifeMatilde Urrutia. La Chascona Museum is located at Bellavista district, and it has a great collection of items from all over the world, as well as memorabilia from the 1971 Nobel-prize winner. Inside the museum, you’ll find rooms that will make you feel like you were aboard a ship. You can also enjoy a great view of Santiago from here. La Chascona is one of the 3 Santiago museums dedicated to Pablo Neruda, and the other two are not that far away, you should definitely check them out!

6. Attending to a Local Football Game

If you are a football (or soccer, for US) fan, then watching a Chilean Futbol game is one of the best things to do in Santiago, without question! People in Chile are quite passionate about football, like in many other countries in South America. Lots of chileans lose their minds about their teams and, every week, Santiago’s major stadiums like the Estadio Nacional and the Estadio Monumental bring together thousands of people from diverse backgrounds, religions and social levels, all of them with one thing in common: the football fever! Enjoying the game along with an enthusiastic crowd would be an experience you don’t want to forget, especially if it features major Chilean clubs like Colo-Colo, Universidad de Chile or the National team of Chile, known as La Roja.

Iceland

With a population of only 300,000, Iceland can feel like the most isolated place on earth, yet its capital Reykjavik, is only a three-hour flight from London and just under six from New York.

Reykjavik is relaxed and welcoming, yet possesses a cultural life that holds its own against other European capitals. Most buildings are built simple and low to beat the North Atlantic winds. However, the city is also graced with grand civic architecture inspired by Iceland’s natural beauty, such as the soaring central tower of Hallgrímskirkja.

Many of the country’s most popular sights are within easy reach of Reykjavík. Immerse yourself in the spirit of Iceland, at the Blue Lagoon. Then spend a day or two in The Golden Circle, an area which encompasses three of Iceland’s greatest natural wonders; Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Field, and Gullfoss.

Iceland’s main ring road strings together an endless series of epic landscapes. Less than two hours drive east of Reykjavik are two of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Continue eastward towards Vík, Iceland’s southern-most village, where you’ll find the dramatic landscapes of Black Beach, Reynisdrangar, and Dyrholaey. Follow the ring road for another two hours into the ethereal light of Jökulsárlón Lake, where icebergs break away from Europe’s largest glacier and float for years before tumbling out to sea.

Head north and feel the earth rumble at Europe’s mightiest waterfall, Dettifoss. Then explore the Myvatn region, a tranquil lake surrounded by nature in all its violent beauty. Take a careful walk through the boiling landscape of Namafjall, lose yourself amid the lava pillars of Dimmuborgir, and peer into the caldera of Krafla Volcano.

Known as the Capital of the North, Akureyri is the perfect place to warm up and enjoy some creature comforts, before heading off into the wilds again. In Iceland, every side road is a story waiting to unfold. So come, and live your own Icelandic story, it’s one you’ll keep telling for the rest of your days.

Venice

Rising from the waters of Venice Lagoon is the Italian city of Venice, a city like no other.
Begin your visit in the central district of San Marco, and walk upon one of the world’s great squares, St Mark’s Square. The square is surrounded by some of the city’s finest jewels such as St Mark’s Basilica, St Mark’s Campanile and Doge’s Palace. 

Just outside stand the Columns of San Marco and San Teodoro. From here, journey along one of the world’s great aquatic thoroughfares, The Grand Canal. Glide past elegant palazzos; once the homes of wealthy merchants, today many of these palaces house important museums and galleries. 

Known as The City Of Bridges, Venice has hundreds to explore. The Accademia Bridge links the San Marco district to the Accademia Gallery, and offers some of the Grand Canal’s finest views. The oldest of the Grand Canal’s four crossings is the Rialto Bridge, which today still serves as the gateway to the Rialto Markets. The most famous of all is the Bridge of Sighs, which connects Doge’s Palace to the historic prison.

Venice is a city to get lost in, so put away your map and let her surprise you. Discover waterfront promenades of The Zattere and the sleepy canals and spacious piazzas of Castello. On the tiny island of Murano, glassmakers have been creating works of incredible delicacy and color for over 700 years. Further across the lagoon, the island of Burano is famed for its brightly colored houses and exquisite lace.

Venice has shone her light into the far corners of the world for over one and a half thousand years. Just remember, this city smiles upon those who linger. So stay for a few nights, or stay for a month, and savor every moment she has to offer.

San Antonio

Welcome to San Antonio, one of America’s top travel destinations.

Start your San Antonio sightseeing with a tour of 18th century Spanish missions and several iconic attractions by the Paseo del Rio, also known as the River Walk. The River Walk is accessible by vintage trolleys or even river taxis that will offer you a unique view of this thriving downtown.

Indulge in TexMex and European food from the restaurants strewn across the city. When you’re ready to continue your San Antonio tour, you can spend hours wandering the San Antonio Museum of Art, which is housed in an old brewery. Ready for some sunshine? Head to Market Square to enjoy live performances, merchant stalls full of goods to purchase, and a perfect opportunity for people-watching. 

If you’ve brought the kids (or even if you’re on your own), you can head to the San Antonio Zoo and mingle with zebras and hundreds of other animals. Cap off your trip with a visit to the top of the Tower of the Americas, where you can see the entire city lit up beneath you.

From an African safari wilderness and fun-filled water parks to street festivals and ancient artifacts, San Antonio caters for all the family. San Antonio is one of Texas’ most popular cities to visit with a population of over 1.3 million. Its location, a mere three hours from the Mexican border, has greatly influenced the culture and heritage of this time fine city. Wander the streets and notice the heavy Spanish Colonial influence in the building and architecture. Peruse the Mexican market stalls and try some Tex-Mex cuisine for an authentic Texan experience.

Dotted along the river walk you will find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Spanish Christian gated communities that date back to the 1700s. These missions were a place of refuge for inhabitants during less peaceful times. The most popular mission, The Alamo, was the battleground for a ferocious battle during the Texas Revolution. To find out more about the rich and diverse cultural influences on San Antonio, head to the Institute of Texan Cultures, where you’ll learn about the other nations that helped from the Lone Star state. Follow that up with a trip to San Antonio Museum of Art where you can peruse art and ancient artefacts dating back to the year 400.

Escape the city noise with a visit to the San Antonio Botanical Gardens or the nearby Japanese Tea Gardens. These beautiful city centre parks officer a tranquil reprieve from the hustle and bustle of San Antonio. If you would prefer a wild safari experience, make sure to check National Bridge Wildlife Ranch where you can get up close and personal with the animals on the Drive-Thru.

There are lots of ways to explore San Antonio, with bus route seven servicing the majority of the city’s attractions. Invest in a pre-purchased ticket and jump on the off as you like. Alternatively you can hire a car and explore the stunning wilderness just outside the city. Hike or bike along kilometers of trails in Friedrich Wilderness Park. Kids will love all the water activities at Landa Park as well as all the exotic and native animals at San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium.

San Antonio really is a vibrant city with lots to see and do for all the family. Many of the attractions are open all the time, making it great destination any time of the year.

Montevideo, Uruguay

Montevideo, Uruguay

Uruguay is emerging as one of South America’s favorite destinations. Its capital Montevideo has a warm, temperate climate, pleasant sea breezes and miles of boulevards.

From Montevideo’s Telecommunications Tower you can see the hill that gave the city its name.

Another tower, the Palacio Salvo looms high above the Plaza Independencia in the City Center. Under this square is the mausoleum for the country’s revolutionary hero José Artigas.

Nearby Plaza Matriz is the city’s oldest square and home to the 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral, the focal point of Uruguay’s Old Town.

Soccer is big here and in 1930 Uruguay hosted and won the first-ever FIFA World Cup in the Estadio Centenario.

Another proud local tradition is “parrilla" and the best way to try it is to buy cuts of meat in the Mercado del Puerto, and have those cooked for you on the spot.

The 19-mile long promenade, La Rambla leads to the city’s favorite playground: De Los Pocitos Beach.

To the west along the river is the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Colonia del Sacramento, with its landmark lighthouse, sleepy Plaza de Armas, historic Portón de Campo and atmospheric Street of Sighs.

To the east of Montevideo, if you follow the coast, is Piriápolis. This beach resort offers great views from its hilltop San Antonio Temple. 

The next highlight on this road trip is the lighthouse of La Paloma on the Cabo de Santa María peninsula.
On your way to the lighthouse of Punta del Este, don’t miss eccentric Casapueblo, a wonderful hotel and art gallery designed by local artist Carlos Páez Vilaró in Punta Ballena.

Montevideo is a vibrant city of contrasts. It combines an international port and economic centre for the whole of Uruguay with a seaside resort consisting of sandy streets and pine forests.

In between these contrasting east and western ends of the city is the financial heart of the country and the well-to-do residential areas facing the coast.

The capital, which was founded in 1726, contains much of its original colonial Spanish and Italian architecture, mixed with more modern French and art Deco styles. The city is home to a cafe society full of picturesque plazas perfectly placed for hours of people watching, listening to tango music, eating pizza or asado (BBQ) and wandering around the indoor and outdoor markets.

A stroll along the metropolitan waterfront can be a pleasant experience, with the Rambla Naciones Unidas walkway connecting the nine sandy beaches that line the seafront.

Uruguay may be small, but its big heart and relaxing vibe create a lifetime of memories.

Wembley Temple

Wembley Temple (or Shri Sanatan Hindu Mandir, as it is officially known) is one of London's famous places of worship. The temple is a place of worship for all Hindus and welcomes those of other faiths. It is a landmark with outstanding architectural splendour. This spectacular free London attraction welcomes visitors of all faiths and none, although certain Hindu customs – such as the removal of shoes upon entry – are expected to be adhered to during your visit. Since opening in 2010 Wembley Temple has grown into one of the most popular north London attractions.
Famous spiritual leaders and forms of Gods from other religions are also featured in the carvings, such as Mother Teresa, Guru Nanakdevji, Meerabai, Swaminarayan Bhagvan and many more, showcasing the importance of respect, love and compassion for all religions, making the temple dynamic and universal, as well as promoting the message of Vasudev Kutumbakaum, a Hindu term to describe the world as one big family. Like North London's other famous place of Hindu worship, Neasden Temple, Wembley Temple is a symbol of London's status as one of the world's great multi-cultural cities.

Wembley Temple is located on 2.4 acres of land in the centre of the well-known shopping area of the Ealing Road,Wembley. The beautifully carved temple is mainly made up of mixed Jaiselmer and Bansipahadpur stones, imported from India. The stones were hand-carved in India and shipped to London to be assembled by expert craftsmen. The construction of Wembley Temple was based on the ancient Hindu Scriptures of the Shilpa Shastras that give guidance in dealing with buildings and sculpture techniques that have been followed in order to form this perfect masterpiece. Intricate patterns that have all been hand carved on the stones have been developed from famous incidences of Hindu scriptures, giving importance to legendary Hindu tales such as the Mahabharat, Ramayan, Shrimad Bhagvatam and many more.

Chicago Beaches in USA

The beaches in Chicago are an extensive network of waterfront recreational areas operated by the Chicago Park District. The Chicago metropolitan waterfront includes parts of the Lake (Lake Michigan) shores as well as parts of the banks of the Chicago, Calumet,  Des Plaines and DuOage Rivers and their tributaries.

The waterfront also includes the Illinois and Michigan Canal and the Sanitary and Ship Canal. Historically, the waterfront has been used for commerce, industry, and leisure. Leisure, such as fishing, swimming, hunting, walking and boating, was much more prevalent throughout the river sections of the waterfront system early in the 19th century before industrial uses altered the landscape. By mid century, much leisure shifted to Lake Michigan as a result of industrial influence. The first City of Chicago Public Beach opened in Lincoln Park in 1895.

Nowaday, the entire 28 miles (45 km) Chicago lakefront shoreline is man-made, and primarily used as parkland.

There are twenty-four beaches in  Chicago along the shores of freshwater Lake Michigan.

Here are 6 Reasons Why Chicago is the Greatest City in USA

1.People Mix New York hustle with mid-western generosity and you get Chicagoans. They have some of that rust-belt blue=colla edge along with the chi swagger of a major urban socialite. People make the city, and the city definitely makes the people and also they are very friendly and interest.

2. Sports – I have always been a big White Sox fan. Frank Thomas was my childhood hero and I own 78 of his baseball cards. My grandma is a die-hard Cubs and Bulls fan. Michael Jordan statues, Blackhawk fever, Solider Field, Wrigleyville… Chicago sports fans are awesome, their teams are amazing and the stadiums are national landmarks. The city is electric whenever there’s a game on and it’s my dream to one day get floor seats at a Bulls game.

3. Architecture – Like I mentioned before the entire area where Chicago is now built was once a muddy mess. In order to actually build the city we see today, engineers had to actually raise the level of central Chicago. Streets, sidewalks and buildings were either built up or else physically raised up on jacks. From there, some of the greatest American architecture was created. While don’t pretend to know a ton about architecture, there are a ton of buildings for even the untrained eye to marvel at. Just to name a few… The Chicago Avenue Pumping Station, Chicago’s home Insurance Building, The Chicago Merchandise Mart, Marina City, the John Hancock building and the Buckingham Fountain.

4. Water – Having a beach so close to the city is simply, awesome. In the summertime in Chicago the bike paths along Lake Michigan and Lakeshore Drive are mobbed with eye candy for miles and miles. At night, taking a date walking down Navy Pier or through the city along the Chicago River would automatically get you to second base. There is nothing better than a day of beach volleyball at North Beach and then some cold ones at Castaways.

5. Central Location – Unlike New York, LA, or Boston, Chicago is perfectly located for quick flights around the country. Although O’Hare Airport can be a pain in the ass, Midway is a major hub for Southwest Airlines (pretty much the only airline I fly in the US) and they offer the best deals around the States. Hopefully, they’ll get even better once they organize the AirTran purchase. 1.2 hours to Buffalo, 2.2 hours to New York City and 3 hours to Salt Lake City… can’t beat it.

6. Organized Crime – Ever since Al Capone ran the streets in the 1920s, Chicago has been the perfect place for a young entrepreneur to break into the underworld. Although Chicago has come a long way since the heavy gang violence in the 80s and 90s there are still a ton of gang-related activities you can get involved in from the Southside to Chinatown.