Chicago
Virtual Walk · USA
Take a free virtual walk through Chicago, USA — no passport, no flights, no account required. Nearaway streams immersive 4K walking tour footage from Chicago's streets, letting you explore Americas's cities from anywhere in the world.
The Potawatomi name Shikaakwa described this river portage between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi for centuries. The US Army built Fort Dearborn in 1803; the town incorporated in 1833 with just 350 residents. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 burned the city to the ground in 36 hours — and the architects who arrived to rebuild it invented the skyscraper, creating the modern city form that now defines every major metropolis on Earth.
Chicago was rebuilt almost entirely after the Great Fire of 1871 — the result is one of the world's greatest collections of modern architecture. The best time for a virtual walk through Chicago is summer (june–august) — spring and fall are beautiful too. Must-try local foods include Deep dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dog, Italian beef sandwich.
Local Greeting
Hey / What's up
How locals say hello in Chicago
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–August) — spring and fall are beautiful too
Must Eat
Local Tip
Chicago's 'L' train (the elevated rail) is the best way to see the city skyline for the price of a transit ticket.
Origin Story
ModernThe Potawatomi name Shikaakwa described this river portage between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi for centuries. The US Army built Fort Dearborn in 1803; the town incorporated in 1833 with just 350 residents. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 burned the city to the ground in 36 hours — and the architects who arrived to rebuild it invented the skyscraper, creating the modern city form that now defines every major metropolis on Earth.
Fun Fact
Chicago was rebuilt almost entirely after the Great Fire of 1871 — the result is one of the world's greatest collections of modern architecture.
Cultural Dos
- ✓Walk the Riverwalk along the Chicago River
- ✓Take an architecture boat tour
- ✓Try Giordano's deep dish — call it a casserole if you want
Cultural Don'ts
- ✕Call it 'The Chi' unless you're a local
- ✕Diss the Cubs OR the White Sox around fans
- ✕Skip the Art Institute
Explore More Cities
All Americas cities →
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