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 & 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 & 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 & the Mets. On their website, www.chicagocubs.com, it indicates that dates & 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 & 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., "the studio from which Oprah broadcast her show"); 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 "L" 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 "L" 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 "exposed".

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!!!