Chicago, IL

Travel Guide
Willis Tower showing cbd, a skyscraper and a city

Chicago Travel Guide Video

Watch a baseball game at Wrigley Field, snap photos of your reflection in Cloud Gate and explore the Windy city’s fascinating museums.

Discover sightseeing, shopping and sports in Chicago. Illinois’ largest city has a cultural scene that is as impressive as its skyline on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Within downtown Chicago’s Loop, visit galleries and restaurants. Snap a photo of Cloud Gate, known as The Bean, the iconic silver sculpture in Millennium Park. See the city unfold beneath you from the glass-bottomed ledge of Willis Tower.

Explore the neighborhood of Lincoln Park. Sunbathe on the namesake park’s public beaches, visit the animals in the Lincoln Park Zoo and discover exotic plants in the Lincoln Park Conservatory.

Ride the Ferris wheel in the waterfront Navy Pier district. Go shopping along the Magnificent Mile, the city’s famed shopping strip.

At Ernest Hemingway Birthplace and Museum, tour the childhood home of one of America’s most enduring authors. Visit Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio for a peek into the legendary architect’s life and work. Nearby, see the self-proclaimed “jewel” that Wright designed, Unity Temple.

Team spirit is strong in Chicago. Watch the Chicago Bears play on their home turf at Soldier Field. Root for a home run for the Chicago Cubs at iconic Wrigley Field.

Visit Chicago’s many outstanding museums. See ancient Mesopotamian carvings and art by Claude Monet at the Art Institute of Chicago. Learn about the city’s past at the Chicago History Museum. Check out the Apollo 8 spacecraft and other fascinating exhibits at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. See dinosaur bones and Egyptian mummies at Field Museum of Natural History.

Transport yourself to an African savannah, the Australian outback and the Arctic tundra at the Brookfield Zoo.

Explore beyond Downtown Chicago and visit Shedd Aquarium. Farther afield, the North Suburbs, West Suburbs and Aurora offer a break from the city bustle. Visit LEGOLAND in Schaumburg or see a polo match in Oak Brook. Spin through dozens of roller coasters and rides at Six Flags America in Gurnee.

Where to stay in Chicago

Downtown Chicago showing a city

Downtown Chicago

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views, and gorgeous architecture, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Chicago. Top attractions like Grant Park and Navy Pier are major draws. Catch the metro at State Station or Clark-Lake Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Chicago
Magnificent Mile - River North

Magnificent Mile

Upscale shopping district with luxury department stores, boutiques, and acclaimed restaurants, featuring landmarks like the Wrigley Building and Chicago Water Tower. The Magnificent Mile is easily accessible by public transit and seasonal trolley service.

Magnificent Mile
The Loop - Downtown which includes a river or creek

The Loop

4.5/5(9,481 area reviews)

Chicago's central business district boasts numerous global businesses, retail establishments, and theaters. Explore the Loop Retail Historic District, Chicago Landmark Historic Michigan Boulevard District, and visit iconic attractions like the Art Institute of Chicago.

The Loop
Shops at North Bridge showing a city, central business district and street scenes

River North

Artistic spirit thrives here, with art galleries and a design district featuring luxury interior furnishings. Explore Kingsbury Park, enjoy vibrant nightlife on Hubbard Street, and visit the iconic Contemporaine Building.

River North
Chicago which includes modern architecture and a city

Lincoln Park

4.5/5(320 area reviews)

Upscale national retailers, boutiques, and bookstores abound in this affluent area, alongside numerous restaurants and coffee shops. Must-see attractions include Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago History Museum, and North Avenue Beach. Easily accessible via CTA transit and major roads.

Lincoln Park
Lakeview featuring modern architecture

Lakeview

4.5/5(847 area reviews)

Known for its great bars and fantastic lake views, there's plenty to explore in Lakeview. You can visit top attractions like Wrigley Field and Lake Michigan, and jump on the metro at Southport Station or Addison Station (Red Line) to see more of the city.

Lakeview
Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is $127 per night from Apr 28 to Apr 29
$127
$149 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 28 - Apr 29
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (6,585 reviews)
"A great older hotel. Very happy with my stay here."

Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024

Congress Plaza Hotel
River Hotel
River Hotel
4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
The price is $139 per night from Apr 28 to Apr 29
$139
$163 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 28 - Apr 29
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,802 reviews)
"It was nice to be able to see the river view. Parking fee was also cheaper."

Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024

River Hotel
Eurostars Magnificent Mile
Eurostars Magnificent Mile
4 out of 5
660 North State Street, Chicago, IL
The price is $160 per night from Apr 28 to Apr 29
$160
$188 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 28 - Apr 29
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,859 reviews)
"A beautiful hotel n vibe I had a wonderful stay! We loved the peek a boo showers!"

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2024

Eurostars Magnificent Mile
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sentral Michigan Avenue
Sentral Michigan Avenue
4 out of 5
808 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a fitness center, valet parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (346 reviews)
"Likes having a kitchen and living room"

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2024

Sentral Michigan Avenue
Sonder Market Hall
Sonder Market Hall
3.5 out of 5
1436 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a nightclub, a fitness center, and concierge services. Popular attractions United Center and Willis Tower ...
7.8/10 Good! (70 reviews)
Loved it.
"Loved it. Great location. Lots of things local."

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2024

Sonder Market Hall
Sonder South Wabash
Sonder South Wabash
3.5 out of 5
1419 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a fitness center, concierge services, and a flat-screen TV. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (288 reviews)
"My only two complaints are that two of the three curtains had their chains off the track so you could not put them up or down. My other complaint is purely my own opinion but I feel like there should have been better placement for the outlets."

Reviewed on Apr 22, 2024

Sonder South Wabash
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Chicago

Public transportation in Chicago is comprehensive. Visitors can get just about anywhere in the city by combining various modes of transport, including the "L" train, CTA buses, taxis, rideshares, bicycle stations and walking. To visit Chicago's suburbs, the Metra Rail connects downtown with other Chicagoland hubs. This travel guide should provide more detailed answers concerning inter-city transportation options. Visit the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) website. Browse Chicago rental cars.


Best time to visit

For warm temperatures that aren’t too hot, relatively minimal lines at popular attractions and a good range of festivals and cultural activities, try to visit Chicago between April and May or between September and October. With the highest temperatures reaching around 87 F (30 C), July is the hottest time to visit, but also one of the busiest. Avoid August if you don’t like rain, as this is the wettest month.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Chicago

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
11769
" "5 - Excellent 64.34311956700016%
4 - Good
5468
" "4 - Good 29.894483625826908%
3 - Okay
871
" "3 - Okay 4.761904761904762%
2 - Disappointing
103
" "2 - Disappointing 0.5631184735662348%
1 - Terrible
80
" "1 - Terrible 0.4373735717019299%

5/5 - Excellent

SonaAkopyan
Sep 7, 2022

My first time was in Chicago and I love it definitely i I will visit again

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Jun 8, 2020

Had riots. Some locations i worked at i didnt feel safe. Going to get food was a challenge. But these are trying times.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 6, 2020

I was born and raised in Chicago. It will always be my favorite city.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 31, 2020

Being that most of everything was still closed the scenery was beautiful.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 30, 2020

None

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 30, 2020

Loved going up to Chicago and would stay at this hotel again. I was called home do to a death in the family so I left a day early -- they were to send a refund to Expedia -- will that be credited to my charge card?? call me Rex Camp 317/507-4048

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