Chicago Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Willis Tower which includes mist or fog, a city and city views

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 featuring 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

Are you interested in fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops? A visit to Magnificent Mile might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Michigan Avenue and Chicago Water Tower.

Magnificent Mile
The Loop - Downtown featuring a river or creek

The Loop

4.5/5(187 area reviews)

Grant Park and Millennium Park are a few top attractions in The Loop. Hop around the city on the metro at Washington Station or Lake Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

The Loop
Chicago featuring a city and modern architecture

Lincoln Park

5/5(5 area reviews)

Known for its ample dining options and fantastic lake views, there's plenty to explore in Lincoln Park. You can visit top attractions like Lake Michigan and Lincoln Hall, and jump on the metro at Fullerton Station or Armitage Station to see more of the city.

Lincoln Park
Shops at North Bridge featuring street scenes, cbd and a city

River North

Known for its fantastic nightlife, stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in River North. Top attractions like Merchandise Mart and Bally's Casino Chicago are major draws. Catch the metro at Merchandise Mart Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.

River North
Default Image

Lakeview

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Known for its lively bars and lake views, there's plenty to explore in Lakeview. Top attractions like Wrigley Field and Lake Michigan are major draws, and you can catch 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 ฿5,435 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
฿5,435
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (6,849 reviews)
"Great location, historic feel. Pleasant stay"

Reviewed on 4 Jun 2024

Congress Plaza Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
4 out of 5
600 N State St, Chicago, IL
The price is ฿7,704 per night from 17 Jun to 18 Jun
฿7,704
per night
17 Jun - 18 Jun
Stay at this hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,364 reviews)
"I loved everything about this property. It was easy to take public transportation with nearby buses and trains.It was close to everywhere i wanted to be and see. Food was good, everything was spotless and smelled really good in the lobby and the suite. I was very comfortable and will definitely stay ..."

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2024

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
River Hotel
River Hotel
4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
The price is ฿6,218 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
฿6,218
per night
7 Jul - 8 Jul
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,948 reviews)
"Excellent stay for us. The room was clean and comfortable. The staff was exceptional. Very professional and friendly. Couldn't ask for a better experience. Thanks."

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2024

River Hotel
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.
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 centre and concierge services. Popular attractions United Center and Willis Tower are ...
8/10 Very Good! (65 reviews)
"It was perfect for my needs for the week! Great area, right across the street from a park! Within walking distance/delivery distance to several dining options! Walking distance to Rush (about 20 minutes) & had 2 bike stations within a 10 minute walk in 2 different directions! Downside was it was ..."

Reviewed on 30 May 2024

Sonder Market Hall
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 centre, valet parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (381 reviews)
"Great experience overall."

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2024

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 centre, concierge services and in-room washers/dryers. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (291 reviews)
"Pretty nice but the outlet and few other items not functioning"

Reviewed on 4 Jun 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Chicago

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
227
" "5 - Excellent 70.27863777089783%
4 - Good
87
" "4 - Good 26.934984520123837%
3 - Okay
9
" "3 - Okay 2.7863777089783284%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
15 Mar 2020

Lincoln Park area stunning.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
12 Mar 2020

We’ve vacationed in 13 states and this was the first time in Illinois more specifically Chicago. I would go as far as to say this is now my favourite US city. I’d recommend to anyone thinking of making the trip and definitely choose the Godfrey.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
11 Mar 2020

Chicago was a fantastic City to visit, loads yo do for everyone

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
4 Feb 2020

An exceptional city that personally trumps NYC.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
15 Jan 2020

A lot of homeless and beggars.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
2 Jan 2020

Can get very busy, we explored a lot around Christmas, which helped a lot with the crowds.

Cities near Chicago