Chicago

Travel Guide

Chicago showing a skyscraper and a city as well as a family
Chicago showing a skyscraper and a city as well as a family
Chicago which includes a city, heritage elements and a high rise building
Lake Michigan showing city views, a river or creek and night scenes
Chicago showing a skyscraper and street scenes as well as a family

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 which includes 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

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 showing a river or creek

The Loop

4/5(1 area review)

Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan 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
River North showing railway items, street scenes 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
Underground passage in the Chicago O'Hare airport

O'Hare

Consider a visit to Fashion Outlets of Chicago and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in O'Hare. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Cumberland Station or Remote Parking Station.

O'Hare
Lincoln Park featuring 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
Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue Chicago IL
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8/10 Very Good! (9,929 reviews)
Staff- location!

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

Congress Plaza Hotel
Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago

Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago

4 out of 5
150 East Ontario Street Chicago IL
The price is P5,761 per night from Mar 4 to Mar 5
P5,761
P8,401 total
Mar 4 - Mar 5
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Michigan Avenue and Chicago ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,396 reviews)
Super bien

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago
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 P5,723 per night from Mar 4 to Mar 5
P5,723
P6,718 total
Mar 4 - Mar 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (5,694 reviews)
The front desk staff was rude, unhelpful, they did not make an attempt to provide us with information regarding when our room would be ready. They seemed unaware about the hotels amenities and what was available. in particular it felt hosipitality, they told us that they upgraded the room after having ...

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
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
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a 24-hour fitness center, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,092 reviews)
The whole experience was wonderful only thing I wish the water was warmer in the pool. I will stay again when I return to Chicago.

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

Sentral Michigan Avenue
Level Chicago – Old Town

Level Chicago – Old Town

4 out of 5
1140 North Wells Street Chicago IL
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (431 reviews)
Had a great stay!! Kelly at the front desk was so sweet

Reviewed on Feb 22, 2026

Level Chicago – Old Town
Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago

Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago

4 out of 5
One Superior Place Chicago IL
Stay at this aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (696 reviews)
clean room, awesome view

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2026

Kasa Magnificent Mile 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Chicago

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

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.