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Chicago in the SF, in the winter. I think a lot of people are surprised by how clean Chicago is and how gritty San Francisco is. They're both excellent restaurant cities. As much as it pains me, I might have to give San Francisco the slight edge. San Francisco has natural beauty, and it's breathtaking in ways that Chicago simply can't be, but Chicago nightlife is much better.
This was super close for me, but I had to go with Chicago for he cleanliness alone. I like San Francisco a lot more and think it's built environment is more interesting, but Chicago does a really good job of keeping its touristy areas immaculate, and usually leaves a better impression from the people I've spoken with.
It was also the first big, classically urban core that I ever experienced, and my 8 year old mind was incredibly impressed by the canyons of tall buildings going down Chicago's perfect grid.
I personally enjoyed visiting SF more, but I would rank Chicago higher overall as a city.
But as far as tourism goes, SF just might be my #1 city in the US. I have only been once, back in 2011, but I'm dying to go back. This is just my personal opinion.
I think a lot of people are impressed by Chicago because it's such a big city, but me being from NYC neither of these places impressed me by their size. I loved the nature around SF. The hills, the scenery, the unique climate, etc. What I loved about SF is that I feel like it offers me things that I don't get in NYC, which is rare. It's such a cool, unique city. I really love that place.
And I do agree that Chicago was extremely clean, but I personally love grittiness.
Good question. Not really sure. When I visited SF for the first time (2010) I was a little underwhelmed. The hype made me think I would fall in love the second I landed. I was there for a week though. The second time I went back (2013) I shortened the trip to 3 days and enjoyed myself more. Overall I'd say they're both enjoyable to visit, but I prefer Chicago as a place to live. I would highly recommend venturing out into the Redwood Forest in SF. You'll need a car, but it's nice.
SF has the vistas for amazing views, many more prominent locations for tourists (Alcatraz, GG Bridge, Cable Cars, Fishermen's Wharf just to name a few), It's unique climate in the Summer.Though I give the edge to Chicago for museums, SF is no slouch either.
Both are excellent food cities. I give Chicago the edge for Italian food, but SF wins with Asian cuisine.
San Francisco attracts twice the amount of international tourists than Chicago. So that's a good indicator of what city brand looks more favorable from visitors abroad.
Chicago in the SF, in the winter. I think a lot of people are surprised by how clean Chicago is and how gritty San Francisco is. They're both excellent restaurant cities. As much as it pains me, I might have to give San Francisco the slight edge. San Francisco has natural beauty, and it's breathtaking in ways that Chicago simply can't be, but Chicago nightlife is much better.
The term "gritty" I think transcends a city's cleanliness. I think a lot of people use the term gritty in other contexts.
I think when an American city is described as more gritty than others, I think it might be more of a reference to the culture. Tough and/or cynical personalities might be considered to be "gritty", whereas passive aggressive or politically correct culture of its citizens/residents might make a city less gritty, all things considered. In this context, San Francisco may feel less gritty despite it having more trash and/or homeless population than Chicago.
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