The Unwritten Rule Every Tourist Should Know Before Visiting Chicago

Established as a city almost 200 years ago and now the third largest city by population in the U.S., Chicago has plenty of iconic buildings past and present. Add this to its incredible lakefront location, and it makes for an easily recognizable skyline. However, New York City is famous for its skyline too, and there is a debate regarding which city has the best. But when you take in Chicago's stunning skyline for yourself, perhaps avoid sharing your opinion on the matter. The unwritten rule tourists should know is not to compare Chicago's skyline to New York's.

Locals of Chicago are proud of their city's skyline, and rightfully so. Historians often credit Chicago's Home Insurance Building, completed in 1885 – before being torn down in 1931 — as the world's first skyscraper. Historic buildings such as the Chicago Board of Trade and the Wrigley Building reveal the city's storied brick-and-mortar past. Of course, New York City's skyline features historic skyscrapers as well, but Chicago's building history is significant to worldwide urban development. Some argue that the New York City versus Chicago debate extends further than just the skyline. In the subreddit r/Chicago, Redditor u/emccaughey stated, "Don't say New York is better ... in fact just don't talk about NYC at all."

Historic and pioneering buildings aside, Chicagoans also love their skyline's varied architecture. According to a Quora discussion, even some New Yorkers tip their hats to the Windy City's captivating architecture. For example, New York native James Moses wrote that Chicago is "a real architectural mecca." Check out the city's different building styles by walking along the Chicago Riverwalk, one of many fun free things to do in Chicago. To go more in-depth, book a tour with Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours. Learn about buildings designed in the styles of Art Deco, Neo-Classical, and more, all in one trip.

Another place to enjoy views of the Chicago skyline is from the shores of Lake Michigan. The Museum Campus juts out onto the lake and features two perfect spots for skyline views: Adler Planetarium and Northerly Island. Aside from taking in the panorama, you can see the world's largest Tyrannosaurus Rex at the neighboring Field Museum, one of the best museums to visit in Chicago.