Chicago

Travel Guide
Willis Tower featuring a high-rise building, mist or fog 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.

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

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(725 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
Shops at North Bridge showing a city, central business district and street scenes

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

5/5(20 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
Magnificent Mile - River North showing night scenes, a city and signage

Near North Side

4.5/5(820 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 CA $145 per night from Apr. 1 to Apr. 2
CA $145
CA $170 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (6,355 reviews)
"Stayed in a double and the room was absolutely massive. The building was built in the late 1800s, so the hallways are very wide and some guest rooms are huge like where they would have had a sitting room included back in the day. Everything was well maintained and the staff was super polite. Would ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 18, 2024

Congress Plaza Hotel
River Hotel
River Hotel
4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $140 per night from Mar. 31 to Apr. 1
CA $140
CA $165 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 31 - Apr 1
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! (2,655 reviews)
"Love it"

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 2024

River Hotel
Club Quarters Hotel, Central Loop, Chicago
Club Quarters Hotel, Central Loop, Chicago
4 out of 5
111 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL
The price is CA $121 per night from Mar. 24 to Mar. 25
CA $121
CA $142 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 24 - Mar 25
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,875 reviews)
Efficient Staff
"The staff and how things are run are very efficient! Friendly and helpful people working the desk. I found my stay to be very comfortable and the location was perfect to get around Chicago! They have a great system in place to store your luggage before and even checkout time if you need to venture ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 2024

Club Quarters Hotel, Central Loop, 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 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! (337 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay and will definitely stay there again!!"

Reviewed on Mar. 9, 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! (272 reviews)
10/10 stay
"Fantastic space and loved the location."

Reviewed on Mar. 14, 2024

Sonder South Wabash
The Neighborhood Hotel-Little Italy
The Neighborhood Hotel-Little Italy
2 out of 5
1431 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL
Stay at this aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and a Smart TV. Popular attractions Grant Park and Soldier Field are located nearby. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
5 stars
"Amazing experience! Loved it"

Reviewed on Feb. 24, 2024

The Neighborhood Hotel-Little Italy
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

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
765
" "5 - Excellent 66.75392670157068%
4 - Good
352
" "4 - Good 30.715532286212916%
3 - Okay
26
" "3 - Okay 2.268760907504363%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 0.17452006980802792%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.08726003490401396%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Apr. 21, 2020

Love Chicago at any time of year.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Mar. 17, 2020

Love Chicago.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Feb. 29, 2020

Food great

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Feb. 26, 2020

Always love coming here-it's my Happy Place!! Checkout Angry Crab, Eataly, Big Bowl..and Wow Bao!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Feb. 23, 2020

very beautiful city, friendly people, transit is good, very clean.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Feb. 22, 2020

We all loved it even though it was very cold (February). Nice people, interesting architecture, good food and lots to do.

Cities near Chicago