The Ultimate Chicago Quiz

In 1885, the Home Insurance Building was constructed, the first steel frame high-rise in America. Its considered to be the world's first skyscraper and started the building boom that made Chicago's skyline among the world's tallest and most dense of any city.

Americas two tallest buildings are both located in Chicago. Willis Tower (often referred to by its former name, Sears Tower) is the tallest at 1,451 feet (442 m), followed by the Trump International Hotel and Tower at 1,389 feet.

Chicago is the third most populous city in the United States with about 2.8 million people. The greater Chicago metropolitan area has a population of 9.7 million.

Chicago is a popular destination, with O’Hare International Airport being the second busiest in the world. Approximately 45.6 million visitors came to visit the city in 2008 from domestic locations and foreign countries.

All Chicago address numbers originate at the corner of State and Madison streets. The city's grid system is simple to follow, especially with the downtown skyline and Lake Michigan on the eastern edge to help re-orient you if you get lost.

The heart of Chicago's downtown business district is The Loop, named for the elevated train tracks that circle overhead through the area. You will also hear the locals also refer to the elevated trains as the El.

Chicago has several popular nicknames, the most popular of which is the Windy City, followed closely by Second City. People debate the origin of the name Windy City, which is commonly both attributed to the almost constant breeze coming off Lake Michigan or natural wind tunnels created by the large buildings built in a grid system.

Michigan Avenue is Chicago’s best-known thoroughfare and contains The Magnificent Mile, a one-mile stretch between the Chicago River and Oak Street Beach that is downtown Chicago’s most popular shopping destination.

The weather can change quickly in Chicago, so it is best if you prepare to dress in layers that you can add or remove as needed. Winters can be quite cold, especially with the common winds, and summers can be very hot. The most pleasant weather is in the fall.

The Blue Line on the El or elevated train will cost you only $2 per ride and is the best value if you do not have a lot of luggage. Your next best bet is the Continental Airport Express shuttle for about $24, which can be found just outside the baggage claim area.

Driving in Chicago is competitive, so prepare to be cut off by aggressive drivers in a hurry and taxis can be unpredictable. Local drivers often speed up to pass through yellow lights, so try not to let yourself be followed too closely when you slow down at intersections.

Chicagoans often give directions by telling you to head north or south and the key is to keep track in which direction Lake Michigan lays. If the lake is to your right, you are heading north, and if it is to your left, you are heading south.

Time Out Chicago has an up-to-date bulletin on El schedules and routes, and includes detailed public transportation directions to attractions, restaurants and nightlife throughout the city. You can also find maps, route information and trip planners at the Chicago Transit Authority Web Site.

Chicago is almost perfectly flat so it is an easy place to walk and all the attractions are within easy walking distance of The Loop and Michigan Avenue.

The city has an aggressive parking violation patrol, meters have two-hour limits and cars in tow away zones will definitely be towed, sometimes within minutes. Parking fines are high and if you car is towed it will cost more than $100 to get back in addition to any parking fine.

The Chicago Blues Festival is the world’s largest free blues festival, where there are five stages and about 500,000 die-hard blues fans gather to see world class performances. Past performers have included Bonnie Raitt, Ray Charles, B.B. King, Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy and Koko Taylor.

The city's St. Patrick's Day celebration in March is a huge draw, with a large parade that snakes through downtown and the Chicago River dyed green for the occasion. Parties featuring green beer, traditional Irish costumes and Irish music abound.

The Lincoln Park Zoo does not charge admission and is open every day. Among other things, this zoo features chimps in the Regenstein Center for African Apes and a giant John Deere tractor inside the farm that kids can climb.

Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park features 133 jets spraying 14,000 gallons (53,000 liters) of water as high as 150 feet every minute. Every hour on the hour, there is a 20-minute water display that is accompanied by lights and music at dusk.

The Great Fire of 1871 left Chicago in urgent need of office space. With technical innovations in cast iron, construction and elevator safety, architects such as Louis Sullivan were inspired to create the country's first skyscrapers in Chicago.