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
Lakeview featuring modern architecture

Lakeview

5/5(30 area reviews)

Known for its great bars and fantastic lake views, there's plenty to explore in Lakeview. You can visit top attractions like Wrigley Field and Lake Michigan, and jump on 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $193 per night from May 13 to May 14
CA $193
CA $227 total
includes taxes & fees
May 13 - May 14
Book a 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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (6,705 reviews)
Great hotel to start Route 66 from
"A great hotel to start our Drive on Route 66. Perfectly located to see a lot of Chicago. Just need more lights in the room"

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Congress Plaza Hotel
Warwick Allerton - Chicago
Warwick Allerton - Chicago
4 out of 5
701 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is CA $157 per night from May 27 to May 28
CA $157
CA $205 total
includes taxes & fees
May 27 - May 28
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a 24-hour fitness center, valet parking (surcharge), and in-room massages. Our guests praise the ...
7.6/10 Good! (2,574 reviews)
Great location
"Great location near shops, food outlet’s, etc"

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Warwick Allerton - Chicago
The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago
The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago
4.5 out of 5
909 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
The price is CA $257 per night from May 28 to May 29
CA $257
CA $336 total
includes taxes & fees
May 28 - May 29
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"It was close to everything"

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

The Westin Michigan Avenue 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 business-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a fitness center, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (356 reviews)
"The facility is fantastic. Really enjoyed the gym and pool. Our premium apartment was not the best. Although the corner suite offered a fantastic view the apartment was dirty and run down. Trains are very loud. Not sure that I would stay here again. For the same price you can book something in the ..."

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Sentral Michigan Avenue
Sonder Market Hall
Sonder Market Hall
3.5 out of 5
1436 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL
Stay at this aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a nightclub, a fitness center, and concierge services. Popular attractions United Center and Willis Tower are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (58 reviews)
"Gorgeous rooms. Simple and quiet property."

Reviewed on May 5, 2024

Sonder Market Hall
Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago
Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago
4 out of 5
One Superior Place, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (201 reviews)
"Kasa is good overall. However, the cleaning lady just barged in my room without knocking and pretended to be checking the place. Not good at all. No proper MANNER. There is only one person in the lobby checking in guests as well as taking luggages for storage. It would be helpful to have a separate ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 20, 2024

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

4.6
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