Chicago

Travel Guide
Willis Tower showing city views, a high rise building and mist or fog

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

Michigan Avenue and Chicago Water Tower are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Magnificent Mile. Travelers also love the fascinating museums, panoramic lake views, and popular shops.

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

The Loop

4/5(1 area review)

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

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
Chicago which includes modern architecture and a city

Lincoln Park

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
Magnificent Mile - River North showing night scenes, a city and signage

Near North Side

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue are a few top attractions in Near North Side. Hop around the city on the metro at Clark-Division Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) and check out the area's fascinating museums, panoramic lake views, and popular shops.

Near North Side
Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is P6,207 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
P6,207
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
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! (6,542 reviews)
"I like it"

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2024

Congress Plaza Hotel
River Hotel
River Hotel
4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
The price is P7,009 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
P7,009
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
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! (2,771 reviews)
"My one night stay here was great! I arrived well before check in time, but since there was a room available they let me check in early. They even gave me a slight room upgrade to make that possible. The room itself was clean and the bed was comfortable. The hotel is within easy walking distance from ..."

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2024

River Hotel
Eurostars Magnificent Mile
Eurostars Magnificent Mile
4 out of 5
660 North State Street, Chicago, IL
The price is P8,580 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
P8,580
per night
23 Apr - 24 Apr
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! (1,849 reviews)
"Property was very nice"

Reviewed on Apr 18, 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.
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! (69 reviews)
Excellent!
"Great stay! Room was comfortable and clean. Communication was excellent! Would stay again!"

Reviewed on Apr 11, 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 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! (378 reviews)
Another great experience
"We always love staying at Sentral! Clean, quiet, and incredible amenities. So close to everywhere we needed to be."

Reviewed on Apr 17, 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 center, concierge services, and a flat-screen TV. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (286 reviews)
"Enjoyed my stay will be booking again soon !"

Reviewed on Apr 3, 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
2
" "5 - Excellent 66.66666666666667%
4 - Good
1
" "4 - Good 33.333333333333336%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
6 Aug 2019

It's a place good to visit every now and then. Love the architecture of its buildings especially along the river.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
19 Jun 2019

Downtown Chicago had several homeless and crazy people just like any big city. Just be aware of your surroundings and don’t go too far from the touristy parts of the city.