Compiled by FatPassport's travel experts

Chicago is one great town. With excellent museums, fantastic shopping, great restaurants, and a happening music scene and nightlife, it’s a place that's easy to enjoy.

The city is famed for its architecture and skyline, and there are two great ways to have a look. First is to head up to either the Hancock Tower or Willis Tower - both of which are among the world's tallest buildings - and enjoy the panorama. Alternatively, take a boat ride down the Chicago River which cuts through town; its a virtual man-made canyon with a few genuine architectural wonders (such as the corn-cob-styled Marina Towers) thrown in.

Shoppers should head to the justifiably famous Magnificent Mile, a wide boulevard lined with all the big-name stores, with an emphasis on the high end and luxury brands. The shopping here is about as good as it gets.

Chicago is a great town for eating, with an emphasis on Italian and steaks. You’ll need to try Chicago’s famous Deep Dish Pizza, as well as a local hot dog (usually purchased from a street vendor) while here as well.

You can’t visit Chicago without going to one of the world class Blues clubs – it’s a must do. Buddy Guy’s is one of the best and has live sets on almost every night. Even if you aren’t a huge fan of the Blues, there’s a good chance that you’ll be impressed. There aren’t many, if any, other music genres which convey emotion like the Blues and this is a great place to see it.

The business district, called The Loop, is surrounded by fantastic parks, one of which is Lincoln Park with a free zoo. The idea of a free zoo might not lead to high expectations, but you might be surprised because it is full of exotic animals from all over the world (e.g. polar bears, gorillas, tigers and rhinos). It’s a great place to spend an afternoon. Millennium Park is also worth a visit, if only to see a giant silver jelly bean!

If you are traveling with kids, then Chicago has a lot to offer. In addition to the zoo, kids will enjoy Navy Pier with its games, rides, fireworks, and boat rides; the Shedd Aquarium, which has everything from jellyfish to sharks; and maybe a baseball game at famed Wrigley Field. There are even a few beaches if you can handle the cold water.

Considering that this is a big city, costs are generally tolerable, though nice hotels of course will not come cheap. There's a good range of accommodation for all budgets, though budget travelers will struggle a bit and may not want to linger. Helping keep costs down a bit is a great public transportation system.

The locals are some of the friendliest you’ll find in North America, though be aware that like most big US cities Chicago has some dangerous areas, so be careful about where you wander.

Few come to Chicago for great weather, and if you get good weather on your visit you should consider yourself fortunate. Winters are terrible with snow, ice, and freezing winds, and summers can be hot and humid along with bigger crowds. All things considered, May, June or September are the ideal times to be here, but if you can't make that then July/August is the next best alternative.