All you need to see, do and hear in Chicago

With the launch of the UK’s cheapest daily flight from London, there’s never been a better time to visit the Windy City, says Aine Fox

In 1885, the world’s first skyscraper – the 10-storey Home Insurance Building – was erected in Chicago. Since then, the skyline has grown dramatically, with structures now looming 10 times as high. “Downtown was our playground,” says 67-year-old Lynn Hughes, recalling her youth growing up in Oak Park, one of the city’s 77 neighbourhoods.

Back then, the 41-storey Prudential building reached furthest into the bright blue sky.

The former teacher is one of around 200 greeters, who volunteer their services to, in Lynn’s words, “show off our city”.

This is my first trip to Chicago, and as I settle in to my room overlooking Millennium Park, I can’t help but compare it to New York – a city which would be hard to knock off the number one spot, in my head.

So why should people visit Chicago instead?

Lynn doesn’t need a second to think before answering: “Our city is the friendly, clean, affordable New York.”

Millennium Park is one of Chicago’s many green spaces, situated within the sprawling Grant Park – known by locals as the city’s front yard.

Free activities range from weekend yoga classes on the lawn to classical music concerts performed by Grant Park Orchestra, and Chorus in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

During summer, people gather around the Crown Fountain, made up of two 50-foot-high glass towers, featuring projections of Chicagoans spouting water from their mouths, in the style of ancient gargoyles.

But with so much on offer, it’s a yearround destination – and a new direct flight from Norwegian Airlines makes it cheaper than ever.

Plan a trip to delight the senses with these essential activities...

DO... A DOWNWARD DOG IN THE SKY

The Windy City’s setting on Lake Michigan means that Chicago truly has some spectacular views. And while park yoga in the fresh air is enjoyable, striking the downward dog pose 94 floors high in 360 CHICAGO, the former John Hancock building, is a thrill.

The class takes place in a glasswalled room with a mirrored ceiling, and instructors gently offer tips as they walk around the room.

Cost: Sky Yoga is $15 (about £11), which also includes admission to the observation deck. (Bring your own mat.) Saturdays from 9am-10am, but arrive 20 minutes early. Visit 360chicago. com/360-sky-yoga.

SEE... ARCHITECTURE BY WATER

For an alternative view of the city, a trip along the Chicago River is perfect. First Lady Cruises, in association with the Chicago Architecture Foundation, offers an insight into how the impressive buildings on the banks of the river and beyond, sprung up over the course of the last century.

On breezier days, rum-spiked hot chocolate is served during the