5 Reasons Why Chicago Is the Best City in the USA

Chicago is known as America's "Second City" but for many it's the best in the USA. Kaplan has two English schools in the Windy City. One is located in downtown Chicago and the other is a short train ride away on the Illinois Institute of Technology campus.

Discover the top five reasons why hundreds of Kaplan students travel to learn English in this amazing city.

1: Amazing Architecture

Chicago is home to first ever skyscraper and boasts one of the best skylines in America. One great way to explore the city is to take an architecture river tour cruise.

It's a great way to relax and learn more about the history of the city and its famous buildings such as the John Hancock and Willis Tower.

Chicago is such an attractive city that many TV shows and movies are filmed there. You may recognize it in ER, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and Public Enemies.

Take a look at this great motiongraphic of the best buildings in Chicago by Al Boardman:

We love Al's videos. Check out the 8 Great Things to do in New York and 8 Great Things to do in London videos, which he created for Kaplan.

2: Culture

Chicago has so much culture to offer. It has historically had a major theater and comedy scene, which is still thriving today. There is also a strong musical tradition. The city is famous for its blues, soul, jazz and gospel. House music was also born in Chicago.

The food is also amazing! Chicago lays claim to the best hot dogs and pizza in America. Look out New York!

5 Chicago attractions you must visit:

• Millennium Park
• Navy Pier
• Museum of Science & Industry
• Lincoln Park Zoo
• John G. Shedd Aquarium

3: Super Sports Teams:

Chicago is the place to be for sports fans! It's the city that brought us Michael Jordan, after all. Chicago's sports stadiums are national landmarks. The city is electric whenever there’s a game. There's a sport for everyone so make sure to get down to a game if you're in town.

Chicago's top 5 sports teams:

• Blackhawks (Ice Hockey)
• Bulls (Basketball)
• Bears (American Football)
• Cubs (Baseball)
• Fire (Soccer/Football)

4: Four Seasons:

Being known as the "Windy City", Chicago is famous for its weather. It's the ideal place for people who appreciate all four seasons. The winters can be incredibly cold but the city looks amazing covered in snow. Chicago summers are worth waiting for because ...

5: Life's A Beach:

Probably the best things about Chicago are Lake Michigan and North Ave. beaches. Having a beach so close to the city is simply... awesome. In a matter of minutes you can walk from the heart of downtown to the sandy shores of a great lake.

There's so much happening on Chicago beaches during the summer. You can prepare your summer body with lakefront runs and bike rides.

If you're more relaxed, there's plenty of weekend festivals, boat parties, and concerts to keep you happy. There is no better city for summer than Chicago.

What do you think? If we've forgotten to mention anything that's great about Chicago, please remind us by leaving a comment!