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 Navy Pier and Millennium Park 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
The price is CA $242 per night from Jun. 5 to Jun. 6
CA $242
CA $284 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 5 - Jun 6
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! (6,815 reviews)
"No hot water during whole stay. Had to shower in a fellow traveller's room."

Reviewed on May 27, 2024

Congress Plaza Hotel
River Hotel
River Hotel
4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
The price is CA $271 per night from Jun. 16 to Jun. 17
CA $271
CA $318 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 16 - Jun 17
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! (2,900 reviews)
Perfect for a get away weekend
"Hotel was clean, high end, with friendly and helpful staff. The Valet in particular was a kind Italian gentleman who was helpful and informative. Only issue from my end was the “parking” I paid for turned out to be a lot several blocks from the hotel. I chose just to use the valet service but save ..."

Reviewed on May 25, 2024

River Hotel
Eurostars Magnificent Mile
Eurostars Magnificent Mile
4 out of 5
660 North State Street, Chicago, IL
The price is CA $273 per night from Jun. 16 to Jun. 17
CA $273
CA $320 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 16 - Jun 17
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! (1,953 reviews)
Outstanding Front desk staff and Hotel
"Very Nice Hotel, In the heart of Chicago. Friendly and professional staff and the vallet guys are top notch not to mention cool. You are legit in walking distance of some if not all of what Chicago has to offer in terms of touristy type tings."

Reviewed on May 26, 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.
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! (368 reviews)
"This property gave me the feeling of being at home away from home. Very clean and safe and the staff was so welcoming. I definitely will be staying here again !"

Reviewed on May 26, 2024

Sentral Michigan Avenue
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (63 reviews)
"Really pleased with my stay at the Market Hall. The process was extremely easy to reserve and access the room. The room was better than expected. I would definitely stay here again. Thanks Sonder!!"

Reviewed on May 28, 2024

Sonder Market Hall
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 in-room washers/dryers. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (302 reviews)
"Everything was great!"

Reviewed on May 27, 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

4.6
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