If you are planning to explore the US in 2007, there is one place you should not miss.

A road trip around the US is really the only way to see the country as New York City can't possibly entail everything - and Chicago is a stop not to be missed.

If you're staying overnight out in the suburbs, take the commuter train, Metra, in to the city as it allows you time to eat a breakfast on the run while enjoying the views of Chicago that you can only properly see when approaching the city limits.

The Windy City has a world-famous skyline to enjoy, including the John Hancock Building, the Sears Tower, and the Prudential Building (Moreover, you probably won't want to tackle Chicago's city driving.)

Whichever direction you're arriving from, you'll terminate your train journey in the centre, what's known as "Downtown" or "The Loop", which refers to the central districts which all underground transit-the El-circulates around. From your station, which will be either La Salle Street, Union, or Ogilvie, you can wander eastward towards Lake Michigan.

If you arrive at Olgilvie station, it is worth take a stroll across the street to visit Union station. Often used as a location for many films, it is the last remaining of Chicago's great turn-of-the-century train depots. Its Great Hall dates back to 1925 and boasts marble floors and walls, Corinthian columns, and bronze torches.

Along the Chicago River are some well-known establishments, such as the Wrigley Building, Quaker Building, and many others. Boat tours, also take off from this point in the river, highly recommended for those keen on architecture. The Board of Trade is also an impressive example of 1920's relief sculpture, found in the same niche.

At State Street, you can decide whether to make your visit to Chicago a cultural expedition or one focused on shopping. State street is lined with major department stores, including the renowned Marshall Fields, which originated in Downtown Chicago.

Take the Red Line, which runs north and south along State Street, north to the El stop "Chicago Avenue" you'll be transported to shopper's paradise, or the Magnificent Mile of Michigan Avenue. The Mag Mile would be comparable to London's Knightsbridge, where all the name brands can be found as well as the historic Water Tower.

If shopping isn't your raison d'être, there is plenty to see. Walk a bit further to the Lakefront to see Buckingham Fountain, which originally established to ensure that Chicago's lakefront was kept free of buildings, as a public garden to all; it's even more impressive in the evening with the coloured lights behind the water.

Take the Red Line south to Monroe (exiting off to Adams) to see the Art Institute of Chicago, which houses excellent collections of Native American, Egyptian and Chinese artefacts, as well as Impressionist paintings and an armoury gallery.

If time is an issue, there's plenty to do near Downtown, such as a visit to Navy Pier, North Pier, the Art Institute, the John Hancock Observatory, the Chicago Public Library, and the river tours. For those who want to explore more, other sites to see on the Northside of Chicago are the Museum of Contemporary Art, Lincoln Park Zoo, the Martin D'Arcy Museum of Art-located on Loyola University's Lakeshore campus, and the Northside beaches.

The Southside includes sites such as the Museum campus: which includes the Field Museum of Natural History, the John G. Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. Further down is the Museum of Science and Industry, with several floors spanning from chemistry, biology, earth sciences and technology.