Chicago, IL

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

Chicago Travel Guide Video

Where to stay in Chicago

The Whitehall Hotel
The Whitehall Hotel
4 out of 5
105 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL
The price is $120 per night from Jul 24 to Jul 25
$120
per night
Jul 24 - Jul 25
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall value ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,170 reviews)
"Hope bottle water provided. Anyone would need one after a long day out"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2023

The Whitehall Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $143 per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
$143
per night
Jul 30 - Jul 31
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.4/10 Good! (4,420 reviews)
"Great location. Hotel rooms are dated - very much like staying in a European hotel. Dated but charming. Location is great and I would stay here again."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2023

Congress Plaza Hotel
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Hyatt Regency Chicago
4 out of 5
151 East Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
The price is $192 per night from Jul 3 to Jul 4
$192
per night
Jul 3 - Jul 4
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,705 reviews)
"The Hotel is centrally located and well accessible to all the major sight seeing. Comfortable, clean, well ambienced."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2023

Hyatt Regency 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.
Sonder at Found Chicago
Sonder at Found Chicago
3.5 out of 5
613 North Wells Street, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, concierge services, and a flat-screen TV. Popular attractions Millennium Park and Navy Pier are ...
7/10 Good! (13 reviews)
"My stay at Sonder at Found in Chicago was a delightful experience, combining safety and tranquility. The bustling bar on the first floor was offset by the peaceful ambiance of my fourth-floor room, a testament to the excellent soundproofing. The rooms, bathed in abundant sunlight, offered sturdy ..."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2023

Sonder at Found Chicago
Level Chicago – Old Town
Level Chicago – Old Town
4 out of 5
1140 North Wells Street, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (138 reviews)
1 night stay, 2bedroom Deluxe room
"Amazing property, amazing room and views. The gym and sauna are top notch. The attached parking garage is very convenient. Felt safe and welcomed throughout our stay. Definitely will look into booking again."

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2023

Level Chicago – Old Town
Sentral Michigan Avenue
Sentral Michigan Avenue
3.5 out of 5
808 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, valet parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Grant Park and Soldier Field are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (166 reviews)
"Safe, convenient and walkable"

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2023

Sentral Michigan Avenue
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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Cities near Chicago