Chicago or Dallas? Please help a UK visitor choose
 

A friend and I (male, early 30s) are planning a trip to the US for the week commencing May 7th.

We've narrowed the choices to Chicago and Dallas and would be grateful for your feedback as to which you would recommend to British visitors.

To give you an idea of our interests we enjoy
- good restaurants
- sport (want to catch a baseball game)
- architecture
- views from the top of buildings
- water based activities (cruises etc)
- music (more classical and pop than jazz and rock)
- would be prepared to hire a car and drive to places if the scenery outside is attractive

Also as a side note the reason we narrowed the options are as follows:-

1. Chicago - because we hear it is a sophisticated and fun place for thirtysomethings and because of Wrigley Field

2. Dallas - because I have studied the JFK assassination and have always wanted to visit the 6th floor museum and because Texans I have met are very friendly and hospitable people

My friend is also very concerned about safety in the cities so that is also a factor

Please can you help us decide

Thanks
Andrew

London, To me this is a no-brainer. Chicago over Dallas hands-down. Have been to Chicago many times and can not wait to go back. Spent a week in Dallas and could not get home fast enough. I've often heard that Dallas is a great place to live but I wouldn't want to visit there. There just is not that much to do, and the downtown area was dead. I could not begin to list all the things to do in Chicago, and it meets almost everything on your list. Great restaurants, sports (a cubs game is a must), wonderfull architecture, Views (Sears tower is highest building in North America), Many cruises on Lake Michigan, Many types of music, and much more. I'm sure that there are many people who like Dallas but to me the choice is obvious.

I would choose Chicago. It is a vibrant city with so much to see and do.

Absolutely no question: Chicago. Dallas is a fine city but doesn't rank among the top 10 (or 30) U.S. destinations in my mind. Chicago is great!

Nothing against Dallas, but there's no comparison between the two. Chicago is one America's great cities. It fills every one of your criteria except the JFK connection!

Chicago! We have spent many weekends there and still have not began to see it all! Be sure to go to the Signature Lounge at the top of the Hancock Building for a drink with a marvelous Lake view!

Another vote for Chicago. If I couldn't live here - it would probably be there. Not to be rude- but Dallas, IMHO, really has very little going on - except for people raising a family.

Thanks everyone - it's pretty unanimous for Chicago so far!

I lived in Dallas and loved it...it's a great place to live and to raise a family...BUT, between those two, I'd pick Chicago for a visit, absolutely. It's a great place to <i>visit</i> (but I wouldn't want to live there :)..and we had the offer once...and turned it down to stay in Dallas).

As I read your list of interests, I kept saying to myself, &quot;Chicago&quot; after each one and didn't understand why Dallas was even in consideration (until I read about th JFK issue). Chicago in May is gorgeous; don't miss it.

As someone who does want to live in Chicago (and has lived here for many years ;), who has also been to Dallas, I'd have to echo coming to my hometown for a visit. May is a lovely month and seriously, as an Architecture fan, you really must come. The CSO is recognized around the world as one of the finest orchestra's too and has won many awards(you mentioned you liked classical music).... and seriously, Wrigley field is practically a cultural institution. Oh, and Chicagoans are also very hospitable people.

We'll not that you need more input and admittedly mine is biased being from Chicago but my sis-in-law lives in Dallas and when we visited I was extremely disappointed in the lack of things to do there, Kennedy related or otherwise. It has grown so much that the downtown is deserted and everything is suburban with little character. Like someone said, nice place to raise a family but not much tourist appeal.

Londonengland,

If you want to visit the 6th Floor Museum, you will have to come to Dallas. Chicago doesn't have one.

All in all, greater Chicago is almost half again the size of greater Dallas, and is almost the size of Greater London, so it will have more of what cities have. But whatever there is in Chicago, you will find in Dallas as well.

On the other hand, both cities have good classical music, excellent sports, restaurants, architecture. They both have views from the tops of buildings. Dallas has one of the best concert halls in the world, and its baseball park is probably more spectacular than Chicago's Wrigley field.

As for downtowns, both Dallas' downtown and Chicago's loop are primarily office building areas, and would be somewhat unused after dark. Uptown Dallas and Chicago's Miracle Mile area would be more lively, and have more interest.

I think the Chicago people are very boosterish and competitive with their city, and like to believe it is better than any other, but in absolute terms, you can find what you want in either one. So the choice should be made on other factors... such as the look and feel of the city, the friendliness and conviviality of the natives, etc.

And of course, Dallas has the 6Th Floor Museum.

xbt2316 -- Actually it is called the Magnificent Mile, and the LOOP after dark is becoming quite a bit more lively due to the huge student center in the LOOP, Millenium Park, and the recently popularity of the south LOOP residential corridor.

As far as &quot;I think the Chicago people are very boosterish and competitive with their city, and like to believe it is better than any other&quot; well, I'll be the first to admit when a visitor might be better served going elsewhere, and have often suggested other cities that might better serve the need of a traveler (e.g. a first time visitor to the US who want to see a major city should go to NYC, period) so don't get me wrong, I am not that sort. However, reading the lists of this traveler's interests, I honestly felt he'd enjoy himself better here.

Well said Vittrad, and let's not confuse pride in our city with &quot;boosterish&quot;. Nothing against Dallas but there is no comparison between the two given the desires of the poster. That being said, if the choices were NYC or Chicago, I'd say NYC, but those weren't the choices.

xbt2316, have you ever actually been to Chicago? With all due respect Downtown Chicago and Downtown Dallas could not be more different. I spent weekday in downtown Dallas and it was like a ghost town, there was absolutely nothing interesting to do or see, and eerily few people for a big city.

Chicago's downtown area is much much larger than Dallas' and there is always something interesting to do or see. I do not live in either place and am just relaying my experiences as a traveler to both. Dallas is not in the same league as Chicago, and this is coming from someone who has no ties to either place. Granted, Dallas has the 6th floor museum but to say &quot;whatever there is in Chicago, you will find in Dallas as well&quot; is ludicrous.

i have to go to dallas periodically to visit my grandchildren who are held hostage by my children. that is the only reason i would visit that city. it is so spread out - there is no &quot;there&quot; there. the many xways are teeming with traffic all day. lovely people, nice neighborhoods, but not a fun city to visit. i think the 6th floor museum and area are grisley and not something to commemorate. some people in dallas in those days were shameful.

chicago, however, is so much fun and there is a lot to do. many posts on fodor's. you can get on a chicago web site to find out what is going on when you are coming. there is a wonderful architectural tour of the downtown area. i always feel safe. you won't need a car if you stay in chicago. expensive to park and there is good public transportation.

you could rent a car for a day and drive along lake michigan and the sand dunes to southwestern michigan, beautiful views, nice small towns.

now let me tell you about my grandchildren.....

Another vote for Chicago. Can't imagine that the 6th Floor museum would be interesting to a pair of early 30s types from the UK.

Okay...y'all....

I live in Dallas....but I suggest Chicago....

A friend of mine (from Dallas) did the architecture tour and said it was fabulous!!
You'll have direct access to water.
Wrigley Field is a classic (vs. the Ballpark in Arlington).
A real downtown with people (vs. workers). I took my family visiting from Mich to see downtown at night (their request), I warned them and yes...nobody on the street but the homeless.
We do have some good restaurants - but Chicago has Charlie Trotter and Rick Bayless.

Thanks so much to everyone for their very helpful responses. You've certainly sold Chicago to me!! I guess what this proves is you shouldn't just think of going to a city for one interest. Oh and I have had the pleasure of visiting NYC twice hence why it isn't one of the options.

Hi londonengland--looks like you've made up your mind--good choice! I've been to both and would choose Chicago. I hope you enjoy a wonderful trip!

Good choice. I live in Texas and actually like Dallas, but Chicago is more interesting. Early May is usually a good time to be in either city. Regarding your interests, be sure to go to a Cubs game, to the top of the Sears tower, and out to Oak Park to observe the numerous Frank Lloyd Wright designed buildings and homes. As for your last question, Chicago is relatively safe. There are some questionable areas (Cabrini Green), but if you ask for help from your hotel, they will tell you where not to go.

One more late vote for Chicago. I grew up in Texas and have been to Dallas many times. I've been to Chicago twice as a tourist, and I can't wait to go back.

In addition to all the interesting architecture in downtown Chicago, don't miss the Frank Lloyd Wright houses in suburban Oak Park.

Trust me, this is an easy choice .... Chicago, hands down. I assume you're looking for a classy city, urban and cosmepolitan, with good restautants, interesting sights and a great American feel to it. Many people look at Dallas and think .... well, just book Chicago and enjoy.

I've only been to Dallas on business, so I am not going to comment the which city issue.

As it appears that the decision has been made to come to Chicago, I will add a couple comments.

The architectural boat tour is a MUST do.

If you want to go to the top of a tall building, I would choose the Hancock building over Sears Tower. Yes, the Sears Tower is taller, but the views from the Hancock are better - at least I think so.

Finally, I wouldn't worry about Cabrini Green too much - while it is located near the heart of the city, it is being slowly torn down and I think the crime/problems are not what they were 10-20 years ago. Exercise caution in all neighborhoods - i.e., common sense.

my tuppence worth?

Chicago,

Visited Chicago last September &amp; am returning for another visit this May - I can't wait to return. One thing I would add to your list is museums. Chicago has world class museums. I am not a person that usually visits museums on vacation but with these I was impressed &amp; the setting near the lake is beautiful. Speaking of lake there's a promenade along the lakefront that goes for miles with beautiful skyline views at every turn. Try a deep dish pizza, a Vienna beef hotdog, have a beer at the Billy Goat Tavern in addition to the great selection of outstanding dining spots of Chicago. You will have an absolute ball in Chicago, a city filled with very friendly accommodating folks.

Absolutely no question: Chicago, one of my favorite cities in the world! You will never run out of things to see and do and the cultural mix is fascinating. Not trying to diss Dallas as I enjoyed my recent visit there, but those two cities are in no way comparable.

Have you checked to see if the Cubs are in town that week?

Being from Chicago, that would be my vote. Chicago has something for everyone. Although I live in the suburbs, I head to the city whenever possible. I just love it. I've lived here all my life and still get giddy when heading into the city and catching that first glimps of the skyline. Just as an FYI our Field Museum is currently hosting a Jacqueline Kennedy, The White House Years exhibit. It showcases selections from the JFK Library and museum. Not quite Dallas and the assassination, but if you are into the Kennedy years, it might interest you. If it is of interest, it is only here until May 8th (unless it gets extended). I haven't seen it yet, but it is at the top of my list.

The Cubs are at home against the Phillies on 5/7-5/8 and against the Mets on 5/9-5/11.

Our May weather is usually wonderful. And if you do come, do not miss the Art Institute. All our museums are good, but I think the Art Institute is tops.

Although Mag.Mile area is the one where most tourists stay, don't rule out the Loop area. Much has changed in last ten years and also South on State is getting to seem like one big college campus area, IMHO. I just walked from South Loop to theatre district after a show and it is fine.

The 2005 tentative schedule reflects home games for the Cubs May 6 through May 11 with the Phillies &amp; the Mets. On their website, www.chicagocubs.com, it indicates that dates &amp; procedures to obtain individual game tickets will be announced soon, probably this month. If you have a seating preference, you will need to be quick to obtain the seating you want. I am visiting Chicago in latter May &amp; seeking tickets to a couple of games so I check the Cubs website daily.

A word of caution on the Kennedy exhibit at the Field Museum. I, a woman in her 30s loved it, but I was glad I didn't bring my husband along as it is very, very fashion intensive. It does put the fashions into a political perspective but the focus of the exhibit is fashion. If you aren't into that, I'd pass. In fact, there were many men who were waiting at the exit as they flew through the non-fashion related portion of the exhibit and were waiting for their wives to get through.

As one with ties to neither, but visits to both . . . it's Chicago by a Magnificent Mile (and more).

Can't pass up the opportunity to plug my favorite city in the U.S. Chicago is a place that you will truly enjoy. I've been to most major U.S. cities multiple times, and Chicago never disappoints.

Dallas is a nice regional destination, if you are ever in the area. The 6th Floor Museum is a fascinating way to spend 2 hours, but I'd never plan a trip around it.

It's a landslide vote for Chicago. So, assuming you go there, I highly recommend a boat tour of the Chicago River. Not much of a river, and the sites are a little strained (e.g., &quot;the studio from which Oprah broadcast her show&quot;); however, it is interesting and the view of the city from the lake on a clear day is spectacular.

I have lived in Dallas for almost 25 years, and would add my vote to Chicago for the folks from the UK.
However, if Texas vs. Illinois was the choice...well, I would have to reconsider.
M

xbt, reading your reply, there is no way you've ever been to Chicago. One of my very best friends lives a 1/2 block off the Mag Mile and I can tell you for a fact that it is not deserted and dark after hours and neither is the loop.

I love Chicago and like Dallas but there is no comparison. Chicago is a much greater city to visit.

OK, maybe I am reply 38, but I had to write. I have lived in Chicago 20 years. I have also traveled often to Dallas for business and to visit by sister. CHICAGO. Let me be more specific by listing some special (I think) tourist attractions that you might view on the web to see.

www.architecture.org (Chicago Architecture Foundation which runs great and really inexpensive tours on all kinds of architecture themes)

www.metromix.com (Let's you search restaurants and also special events such as concerts or theater that might be on when you are here.)

www.gangstertours.com (o.k. it's not the Kennedy assasination, but these tours of 20's and 30's Chicago are a lot of fun)

For sophisticated and fun, look into Hard Rock Hotel, Hotel 71 or House of Blues hotel, Burnham Hotel or Hotel Monaco, all well situated for downtown museums, Michigan Avenue shopping, the new multibazillon dollar Milenium Park and redline &quot;L&quot; to Wrigley Field (it is the quintessential U.S. ball park, about 100 years old). (I like www.quikbook.com for hotel reservations in the U.S. as they have good rates and flexible cancellation policies.)

You won't need a car. Public transportation is good, cabs are relatively inexpensive and there is no where to drive nearby for scenery (it's really the only downside of Chicago). The &quot;L&quot; from airport to downtown is the best bargain almost anywhere, only $1.75 one way.

Of course, if you needed a Kennedy fix, you could see the Kennedy expressway (which runs from O'Hare airport to downtown), the Merchandise Mart (an architectural marvel in its own right and owned by the Kennedy family), or if you could come a little early, the most excellent Jackie Kennedy exhibit is at the Field Museum here through May 7 (www.fieldmuseum.org) (Just in case you thought Dallas had anything on us! ;)

Finally, safety. Please don't worry. I have always felt safe in Chicago, as there are always other people around. In cities like Dallas where it is so spread out and downtown rolls up the sidewalks at sunset I actually feel more &quot;exposed&quot;.

Have fun and enjoy Chicago!

I'm gonna add to the pile-on: CHICAGO. No comparison. Dallas is just big and spread-out, and has none of the energy, creativity, charm and soul of Chicago. The downtown area is a manageable size, and the streets teem with things to do. I love Chicago!!!