Illinois

Travel Guide

Chicago which includes street scenes, a city and a skyscraper
Willis Tower which includes night scenes, views and a city
Willis Tower showing central business district, mist or fog and a high rise building
Starved Rock State Park featuring a cascade
Naperville featuring a river or creek and night scenes

The gleaming metropolis of Chicago made Illinois famous, but the state also offers smaller cities, including one with presidential connections, and landscapes covered in rivers and vineyards.

The most famous destination in Illinois is undoubtedly Chicago, a dazzling, multicultural city on the edge of Lake Michigan. Look beyond the Windy City to discover the rest of the state’s many delights, which include historical attractions from Lincoln’s presidency, fertile farmlands and counties glistening with grand rivers.

The city of Chicago will most likely be your first stop and point of entry into Illinois. The third-largest city in the U.S. is full of things to see and do. Mingle with locals in Millennium Park, which contains some of the city’s most famous art installations. The Adler Planetarium, the Art Institute of Chicago and the boat rides at Navy Pier are just a few of the ways to fill your days here.

Illinois is named after the Illiniwek Indians who were one of two Native American groups, alongside the Miami tribe, that lived in the state before it was settled by Europeans in the 1600s. Visit attractions such as the John Hauberg Indian Museum, in Rock Island, and the Kincaid Mounds Archaeological Site, near Brookport, to learn about the state’s earliest inhabitants.

Learn why one of Illinois’ nicknames is the “Land of Lincoln.” Abraham Lincoln, the president who oversaw the abolition of slavery, was born in the town of Springfield. Read stories about his life in Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum before wandering around the atmospheric old town. Stop by landmarks such as the Old State Capitol Historic Site.

Explore the bucolic scenery of rural Illinois. To the west, roam through Great Rivers Country, where you can relax in old-world towns such as Elsah on the banks of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. Head to the southernmost tip of the state to join the Heartland Rivers Wine Trail or to enjoy adventure sports in places such as Shawnee National Forest.

Fly into Chicago O’Hare International Airport from over 200 destinations around America and the rest of the world. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are the best times to visit Illinois, as they offer mild weather.

Where to stay in Illinois

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 Michigan Avenue 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
River North showing railway items, street scenes and a city

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
$134 nightly
The price is $157 total per night from May 26 to May 27
$157 total
May 26 - May 27
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a 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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (8,832 reviews)
"Great old hotel. I particularly like the ornate decorations like the elevator doors."

Reviewed on May 15, 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
Warwick Allerton - Chicago
Warwick Allerton - Chicago
4 out of 5
701 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
$125 nightly
The price is $147 total per night from May 27 to May 28
$147 total
May 27 - May 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a 24-hour fitness center, valet parking (surcharge), and in-room massages. Our guests praise the ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,869 reviews)
"A beautiful old hotel. Very well maintaned and staff very polite."

Reviewed on May 16, 2025

Warwick Allerton - Chicago
Ambassador Hotel Chicago
Ambassador Hotel Chicago
4 out of 5
1301 N State Pkwy, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$166 nightly
The price is $195 total per night from May 28 to May 29
$195 total
May 28 - May 29
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,023 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel in a nice neighborhood of Chicago"

Reviewed on May 15, 2025

Ambassador Hotel Chicago
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 business-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a fitness center, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (756 reviews)
"Great place to stay for visiting the city. Comfortable bed, great amenities, picturesque location, warm and welcoming staff. Plan on returning this fall."

Reviewed on May 18, 2025

Sentral Michigan Avenue
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 in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Soldier Field and Grant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (507 reviews)
"Why wasn't i awarded marriot points for my stay?"

Reviewed on May 15, 2025

Sonder South Wabash
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. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (281 reviews)
Such a great stay we already booked another one
"This was our first time at a Sonder and we loved it. I used the app to ask questions which was very helpful. Everything was very clear through emails and the app, no front desk to check in and out which was nice. Others commented that it's above a club and it's noisy. We live in the city and are ..."

Reviewed on May 13, 2025

Sonder Market Hall
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.

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Cities near Illinois