MOVE over, New York! Chicago will win your heart (and stomach), says writer Qin Xie.
“Is this place famous or something?” I overhear someone ask as our camera-wielding tour group files into Mr Beef.
The low-key Chicago sandwich shop is a cult favourite, serving wafer-thin slices of roast beef in gravy-dipped bread since 1979.
But thanks to TV show The Bear, which is inspired by the eatery, its popularity has sky-rocketed and now fans are flocking here on food tours.
At £96 plus tips, the half-day bus tour is a pricey day out – but as I bite into my flavour bomb of a sandwich, there’s nowhere I’d rather be (Chicagofoodtours.com).
Pizza the action
I’ve visited Chicago a few times and I always book a food tour, because the city is home to some of the best restaurants in the US.
First-timers should try the gut-busting Original Chicago Pizza Tour, £66 for a half-day, where the classic deep dish is the star (Chicagopizzatours.com), though the fabulous half-day tacos and tequila tour in Pilsen, the city’s Mexican neighbourhood, is better for making friends.
I met a local improv comedian on mine and ended up going to his show.
Fantastic food aside, I love checking out the artworks scattered around Millennium Park, free fireworks displays at Navy Pier every Wednesday and Saturday night, plus quirky attractions like the Museum of Ice Cream, where you can try the hot-dog flavour!
It’s certainly an experience, but the strawberry cheesecake flavour is so much better.
Entry costs £18 per person (Museumoficecream.com).
Top of my list of places to revisit on this trip is Skydeck Chicago.
Located on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, it’s the highest observation deck in the US, with sweeping views of the city.
There’s only one problem – I’m terrified of heights.
On my last visit, I hovered around the edge of the glass-bottomed viewing platform, too scared to step forward for a better view.
This time, as soon as I get close to the edge, my palms start to sweat and I’m ready to leave.
Then, out of the blue, a complete stranger offers me their hand to hold.
Something about it gives me the courage to step on to the glass and, between cold sweats and hot flushes, I manage to get a decent selfie.
Tickets cost £24 per person (Theskydeck.com).
Beach happy
On gloriously sunny days, it’s utter bliss to cycle along the Lakefront Trail next to Lake Michigan, stopping to flop out at the sandy beaches beside the city skyline.
I use bike-share scheme Divvy – there are bikes everywhere and they cost just £13 a day (Divvybikes.com).
The best place to refuel is Whispers at Oak Street Beach, right on the sand, although an iced coffee here will set you back close to £7 (Whispersgroup.com).
I’m staying at L7 Chicago By Lotte, a hotel in the heart of the city with rooms that come with yoga mats and free weights (Lottehotel.com).
It’s steps away from Chicago Riverwalk, the waterside footpath where the locals hang out, and it’s here that I join Urban Kayaks for a paddle past towering skyscrapers as a guide shares stories about the architecture.
A two-hour tour costs £44 per person (Urbankayaks.com).
My fave thing about coming to Chicago?
Exploring the neighbourhoods, like leafy Lincoln Park with its free zoo, or trendy Wicker Park and Bucktown, which are packed with cool street art and edgy boutiques.
It’s why I can’t get enough of this city – each of its 77 neighbourhoods feels like somewhere new.
FYI
A five-night trip with return flights, a room at L7 Chicago By Lotte and selected tours costs from £1,575 per person (Audley travel.com).