Wyndham Wisdom

Best City in the U.S. for Solo Travel: Chicago

Frank Sinatra famously crooned, "Chicago is my kind of town," but we think he was secretly talking to all the single women out there. Why? Chicago is one of the best cities in the U.S. for solo travel, thanks in most part to its friendly disposition and endless opportunity for activities.

You'll find it almost impossible to stay still once you arrive the Windy City. Whether you're here to take in some championship sports or amazing art and trendy shopping, there's plenty for a solo traveler to do.

Renowned sports teams include the Chicago Cubs, White Sox, and Blackhawks. While you're here, make a trip over to Wrigley Field, one of the oldest ballparks in baseball history. Take in a game or, if you're here during the off-season, enjoy a tour of the famous stadium.

During the warmer weather months, you'll enjoy roller-blading, jogging, walking or just lazying around Lake Michigan. Millennium Park is where you'll find art, music and theater, including the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the interactive Crown Fountain. Enjoy some of the free outdoor programs, like Music Without Borders and Home Cooked Jazz, which are held in the park throughout the year.

For the cultural traveler, Chicago has more museums than you shake a stick at. The famous Art Institute of Chicago showcases photography, architecture, oils, and textiles, and is free on Thursday evenings. The City Gallery is where local photographers to display their work. The Museum of Contemporary Art is free on Tuesdays, and the National Museum of Mexican Art is always free to wander around the exhibits.  Inside the Museum of Contemporary Photography, also free to the public, you'll find various exhibits throughout the year that highlight the strength in photography and light. Chicago's Shedd Aquarium is where you'll meet sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles, as well as hundreds of other amphibians and sea creatures.  Mondays are free at the Chicago History Museum, where you'll find everything from cultural artifacts to historical etchings and documents.

One of the best things to do in Chicago is simply walk around. Don't miss the water display that happens every hour at the Buckingham Fountain. The water dances from mid-April to mid-October, and is set to music and lights. Nearby is Navy Pier, arguably one of Chicago's most happening entertainment hubs.  This 3,000-foot-long playground features a Ferris wheel and winter ice-skating rink. There are a few museums inside Navy Pier, as well and endless bars and restaurants.

Of course, no trip to Chicago is successful without a little shopping. Save some time to walk down Michigan Avenue, home of the Magnificent Miracle Mile, where you'll find every retailer, boutique, art gallery and souvenir stor.e you can want.