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I agree.... just my addition would be international tourist. Then may visit the US once in a lifetime? Then their choices end up NYC and seeing Chicago as too similar (yes I know not really). They would choose LA with its Cali/Hollywood mystic alive a well in the worlds.
This is why Chicago gets a fraction of international tourist vs. NYC. Though Chicago my actually surpass NYC by Domestic tourist. Internationally .... NYC is the quintessential American city to see .... at least first and LA next.
I agree that in reality? Seeing NYC should never rule out a Chicago. Its seen as much less flyover today as its tourism hit 52-million.
The blue hues of lake Michigan are clearly seen in this video.
Absolutely! Anyone that says otherwise is narrow minded. In regards, to what particularly is distinctive about Chicago?
1. Well, while New York is on a grid in many places, it has some areas, like Lower Manhattan, that aren't completely. Chicago is almost perfectly laid out that way, in fact I think many claim it is one of, if not the best designed cities in the world.
2. The Waterfront: Certainly, the Hudson Riverfront makes for very picturesque views, and the ocean isn't too far, but Chicago's urban waterfront might be the best of anywhere in the world. Doing the Lakefront Trail by bike is a must, with all the incredible views and park spaces you'll see (like Millennium)
3. Wrigley Field: There are other sports pilgrimages to make here (Soldier Field has a beautiful exterior, Michael Jordan's arena (United Center), etc.), but this one (from what I've heard, haven't actually been), is truly almost a life changer. The oldness and intimacy of the stadium, the atmosphere, the Ivy/organ, the surrounding neighborhood bars and pizza joints, etc. Definitely something worth checking out.
4. The Architecture: I know this was kinda touched on in regards to the waterfront, but so many of the buildings in Chicago over the past century have become world famous and started new architectural trends on a global basis altogether. The two most famous architects, Daniel Burnham, and Frank Lloyd Wright, who are globally famous, have their base here.
5. While I think NYC is probably still entrenched as America's (and the world's possibly) cultural capital, Chicago is outstanding on a global scale as well (likely top 10), and in some ways matches (or exceeds) NYC.
The AIC I believe is widely beloved, ranked perhaps only below the Met, but definitely world class. The theater scene is outstanding as well, and I believe the Symphony and MOSI outrank any similar ventures in NYC. Also many free museums.
6. The George Lucas Museum, and Obama Museum in coming years will also likely be appealing. But, in the meantime, history of the prohibition movement, and Al Capone, in Chicago is likely top notch and worth seeing.
7. Beyond the city, there are some cool offerings also. Due west, you will run into leafy suburbs and park spaces of Chicago, wide prairies and farm country (which has it's own type of beauty and experience worth seeing), and if you get far enough (about 3 hours I think), the Mississippi River, stunning topography, and towns like Galena and Dubuque. If you go East, especially along Lake Michigan, there are also outstanding sights. The Dunes around Lake Michigan (Indiana Dunes, an hour without traffic, is closest) are incredible on a global scale. The water is so clear, and the dunes are much bigger than you could ever expect. Nothing remotely on their scale exists on the East Coast that I know of.
Chicago has a very different feel than NYC. The only part that feels similar is parts of the Loop during business hours. Otherwise, Chicago's broader boulevards and wider street grid lends for a very different urban experience. It allows you to see more of the architecture and more of the sky. Chicago's parks along the lake and now river also change the feel of the city, where Manhattan is incredibly dense aside from Central Park.
NYC has an around the clock energy that Chicago does not match, except along maybe a few major corridors like Michigan Ave and parts of State Street. But huge events (often free) at Millenium and Grant Parks create unique memories that make any time in Chicago worthwhile... at least in the Summer And as mentioned, the major cultural institutions in Chicago or absolutely world class, and there is a range of offerings that have a breadth and affordability that is world class (improv, Blues, Jazz, theater, free classical music.) And of the 60 or so plays/shows on a given night, the majority can be seen for $15-25 with 1/2 price tickets that are always on offer. NYC has similar offerings (much better in terms of large scale shows) but I'm not sure they are as accessible on a budget.
Chicago has a very different feel than NYC. The only part that feels similar is parts of the Loop during business hours. Otherwise, Chicago's broader boulevards and wider street grid lends for a very different urban experience. It allows you to see more of the architecture and more of the sky. Chicago's parks along the lake and now river also change the feel of the city, where Manhattan is incredibly dense aside from Central Park.
NYC has an around the clock energy that Chicago does not match, except along maybe a few major corridors like Michigan Ave and parts of State Street. But huge events (often free) at Millenium and Grant Parks create unique memories that make any time in Chicago worthwhile... at least in the Summer And as mentioned, the major cultural institutions in Chicago or absolutely world class, and there is a range of offerings that have a breadth and affordability that is world class (improv, Blues, Jazz, theater, free classical music.) And of the 60 or so plays/shows on a given night, the majority can be seen for $15-25 with 1/2 price tickets that are always on offer. NYC has similar offerings (much better in terms of large scale shows) but I'm not sure they are as accessible on a budget.
I feel that as far as big cities go, Chicago is the largest one that feels most accessible to visit. New York and Los Angeles feel a bit more daunting and intimidating in terms of planning a trip. New York, if you're driving to it, it seems like it'd be a nightmare with traffic and parking, and its very expensive. Los Angeles is more drivable but has terrible traffic, and is also expensive. Thats just my perspective. I feel planning a vacation to Chicago would be a lot easier than to New York or Los Angeles.
As everyone else has said...yes. Ive been to NYC 3 times, but Chicago is where I want to go for my birthday in October. Having just been to LA, itll be cool to say Ive been to the Big 3.
Chicago has its cons over NY, but also its pros. Its definitely worth a visit. Its a tourist place.
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just my addition would be international tourist. Then may visit the US once in a lifetime? Then their choices end up NYC and seeing Chicago as too similar (yes I know not really). They would choose LA with its Cali/Hollywood mystic alive a well in the worlds. 
And as mentioned, the major cultural institutions in Chicago or absolutely world class, and there is a range of offerings that have a breadth and affordability that is world class (improv, Blues, Jazz, theater, free classical music.) And of the 60 or so plays/shows on a given night, the majority can be seen for $15-25 with 1/2 price tickets that are always on offer. NYC has similar offerings (much better in terms of large scale shows) but I'm not sure they are as accessible on a budget.
