Explore the arts, sports and entertainment of Chicago

The Windy City is a place like no other. Anyone who visits discovers an abundance of surprises, from its friendly atmosphere unnatural for a bustling city of 3 million to its incredibly diverse array of neighborhoods outlying the Loop, where many tourists cling to from fear of straying. But a true exploration of Chicago requires an adventurous attitude and good set of wheels - fortunately, Chicago rental cars help visitors make the most of their trips. Hop in your vehicle and check out some of these top Chicagoland sites:

Toyota Park

Many outsiders are unaware, but Chicago is home to its own soccer club: the Chicago Fire. The team is a Major League Soccer competitor and has won the U.S. Open Cup four times as well as the MLS Cup and MLS Supporters' Shield. From the city center, a drive of less than 15 miles in a Chicago car rental can get you front and center of the action - the home of the Chicago Fire Soccer Club, Toyota Park, is situated in nearby Bridgeview. The facility was opened in 2006 and has served as the heart of Midwest soccer in the decade since. With a capacity of 20,000, it sees more than a half-million visitors each year, a testament to the club's massive popularity and solid reputation in the world of sports. The park also hosts concerts and other special events.

Grant Park

Park your Chicago rental car downtown and take a stroll to Grant Park, which has been dubbed the "front yard" of Chicago. The public park is laid out in the city's central business district, but it's all fun and entertainment here, with nearly 320 acres of open park, trails and outdoor venues. It's divided into several parts, including the Museum Campus, Maggie Daley Park, the Field House and Millennium Park. Among the many features include the beautiful Buckingham Fountain and the Pritzker Pavilion, where open-air concerts, theatrical performances and other special events are held year-round, particularly during the warmer months. In winter, you'll find a skating rink among the expanse of nature - an opportunity to sip hot cocoa, put on your skates and glide across the ice.

Art Institute of Chicago

Leave your Chicago car rental parked and take a stroll from Grant Park to the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago. It began as a tiny teaching institution in the late 1800s and blossomed into what is now one of the largest permanent collections in the country. More than 260,000 artworks and artifacts are held here, giving visitors a look into a massive array of cultures, from ancient Egyptian art to Medieval sculptures to Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. The institution recently underwent a massive expansion with the addition of a Modern Wing spanning 264,000 square feet, aimed at showcasing photography, paintings and architecture of modern and contemporary ​artists.