The stylish cities of North America's East Coast are once again appealing to bargain-hunting Brits, as the pound continues its slow recovery against the dollar.

New York is always an unforgettable adventure in itself, and attracts record visitor numbers throughout the year. But its days as America's No. 1 shopping destination could be numbered.

Just two hours’ flying time further west, on the banks of Lake Michigan, lies a city with the boutiques and department stores of the Big Apple, but minus the noise, aggression and stress that comes with a break in the city that never sleeps.

It’s a lot cheaper to rest your head here too.

Known to many as the Windy City, Chicago has been under the intense glare of the world’s media in the past year.

As the hometown of Barack Obama, it was here that thousands of people descended upon the city's Grant Park for his epic celebratory speech on election night.

On the trail of the US President, you can see the famous mural in North Halstead Street, which attracts photographers in their thousands these days, and the campus where he taught law – although the security men make it pretty difficult to approach the family home in Greenwood Avenue.

But is the city as charming as its current most famous resident?

Like many, I’d been under the impression Chicago was essentially hard, gritty and industrial.

But I soon realised that was an unfair misconception of this chilled and cosmopolitan city. Chicago combines all you want from a city – there's even a beach for warmer weather – and all within an easily walkable area, in stark contrast to some sprawling US cities.

And you won't be jostled, pushed around and shouted at for walking at tourist speed while you crane your neck to take in the impressive skyline.

Also, Chicago's hotels offer better value – particularly in the middle-upper reaches of the market – than you are likely to find in Manhattan.

My own visit was really 'made' by two great places to stay: the stylish yet unpretentious The James Hotel, where the bed was possibly the most comfortable I've ever had the pleasure of lying in; and the luxuriously genteel Peninsula Hotel, with its bellboys in starch white suits and caps.

Located in downtown Chicago, they both make great bases from which to explore Michigan Avenue, dubbed the Magnificent Mile for good reason.

Stretching as far as the eye can see, here are all the stores a shopaholic would ever need – and pretty good value too, if the pound is anywhere near $1.60.

What's also engaging is the space you have in which to enjoy the shopping experience –- which, back in Britain, often leaves me heavily out of pocket and with dangerously high blood pressure.

On Chicago's wide sidewalks, manic crowds are few and far between. Plus that mid-western vibe emanates through the streets, so if you bump into someone, there’s a polite interchange and off you go with a spring in your step.

If you're looking to treat someone to something special, try the designer boutiques lining Michigan Avenue such as Chanel, Gucci and Ralph Lauren.

I visited the eye-poppingly impressive Apple store to find a gift for a gadget fiend I know (an iPod Nano for around £80 less than I'd pay in the UK) and, thinking hopefully ahead to my next fitness plan, bought trainers for myself from the Nike store (for about £50 less than you see on UK shelves).

If you're looking to the mid-range market, stores to target include Gap, Urban Outfitters and Banana Republic, where you can expect to pay on average about 30 per cent less than you do here.

For much of the year, visitors to Chicago are aware of the wind-chill factor, hence the city's nickname, but that doesn't mean you have to cut short your shopping spree. Just take shelter more frequently in one of the impressive department stores, such as Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s.

For a true bargain, make a beeline for Chicago Premium Outlets (www.premiumoutlets.com).

Located about 45 minutes west of Chicago, it’s a village dedicated to all things discounted, with 120 stores including Calvin Klein, Diesel, Giorgio Armani, Michael Kors and Timberland, offering savings of 25-65 per cent on last season’s clothing.

And if you don’t fancy tackling the highway, you can just hop on the Metra Rail from Union Station to Aurora, and then take the Pace bus or a taxi shuttle to the complex.

Back in downtown Chicago, having ticked off my ‘to get’ list, it was time to see what else the city had to offer.

Even while shopping, it’s impossible not to be impressed by the buildings that surround you.

From the gothic to the art deco, the city boasts some of the world’s most magnificent architecture, and one of the best vantage points is from the river that snakes its way through the city.

On the 90-minute boat cruise (www.architecture.org), our group remained in an appreciative silence as our guide from the Architecture Foundation talked us through the city’s history.

Another treat for the senses is the Millennium Park, a green oasis in which to enjoy a walk or a warming coffee. It’s open daily from 6am to 11pm, so visit the Welcome Centre first to arm yourself with maps and information to explain the stunning sculptures you’ll discover within the park’s gates.

Each of the outdoor installations promises an interactive element for visitors to enjoy, and we found ourselves seemingly walking on water at Jaume Plensa’s Crown Fountain and gazing at the reflections in Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate sculpture.

In winter, visitors can don skates to take some tentative steps on the park's ice rink.

Linked to the park by Nichols Bridgeway, the Art Institute of Chicago houses treasured collections spanning 5,000 years, including masterpieces such as Grant Wood’s American Gothic.

Once dusk falls, check out a blues bar to experience the music for which the city is famous.

One of the best is Blue Chicago (www.bluechicago.com), where you can sip a beer and listen to the likes of Linsey Alexander – a man whose gravelly tones and craggy face merely hint at the life he’s led – sharing the stage with blues legends such as BB King.

Chicago is delightful – just be prepared to fall under its charms.