Chicago Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Chicago which includes a high-rise building and a city as well as a family
Chicago showing a high-rise building, signage and a city
Chicago
Chicago showing a skyscraper and street scenes as well as a family
Willis Tower showing city views, a high-rise building and a city

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 featuring 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 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

Are you interested in fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops? A visit to Magnificent Mile might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Michigan Avenue and Chicago Water Tower.

Magnificent Mile
The Loop - Downtown featuring a river or creek

The Loop

4.5/5(93 area reviews)

Michigan Avenue 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
Default Image

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 featuring a city and modern architecture

Lincoln Park

5/5(4 area reviews)

Known for its ample dining options and fantastic lake views, there's plenty to explore in Lincoln Park. You can visit top attractions like Lincoln Hall and Armitage Avenue, and jump on the metro at Fullerton Station or Armitage Station to see more of the city.

Lincoln Park
Magnificent Mile - River North which includes street scenes, signage and night scenes

Near North Side

4.5/5(114 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Near North Side. Top attractions like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are major draws. Catch the metro at Clark-Division Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.

Near North Side
Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is NZ$217 per night from 1 Jan to 2 Jan
NZ$217
includes taxes & fees
1 Jan - 2 Jan 2025
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (8,252 reviews)
"The bathroom was beautiful and clean. We ordered room service for dinner. The lamb chops were absolutely perfect and probably the best I've ever had; my partner had never had potatoes au gratin and loved them. We had a lovely view of the park & Lake Michigan; sadly the fog that morning made it hard ..."

Reviewed on 18 Dec. 2024

Congress Plaza Hotel
River Hotel
River Hotel
4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
The price is NZ$194 per night from 20 Jan to 21 Jan
NZ$194
includes taxes & fees
20 Jan - 21 Jan 2025
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! (3,620 reviews)
"This hotel is great! The staff helped us check in early and provided us with a river view room. My friend and I were both very happy^^ Although it’s close to the busy road, the room is not noisy. The location of the hotel is also very good, making our travel convenient."

Reviewed on 17 Dec. 2024

River Hotel
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Hyatt Regency Chicago
4 out of 5
151 East Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
The price is NZ$358 per night from 5 Jan to 6 Jan
NZ$358
includes taxes & fees
5 Jan - 6 Jan 2025
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,114 reviews)
"I loved my stay. One of the best hotels in the city."

Reviewed on 18 Dec. 2024

Hyatt Regency 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! (624 reviews)
"I have stayed at this property 3 times now and every time has been amazing. They have become the only place I will stay at in the city. The location is great with a parking garage around the corner at is very cheap. You get so many more amenities than a hotel and is an overall great experience. I ..."

Reviewed on 19 Dec. 2024

Sentral Michigan Avenue
Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago
Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago
4 out of 5
One Superior Place, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (330 reviews)
"The property location was great. The room was very spacious. The only knock was there was not a tv in the bedroom."

Reviewed on 18 Dec. 2024

Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago
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. Popular attractions Soldier Field and Grant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (407 reviews)
"The stay was great."

Reviewed on 14 Dec. 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

Activities

Reviews of Chicago

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
116
" "5 - Excellent 75%
4 - Good
35
" "4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
4
" "3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A great place to visit, love all difference architectures.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great architecture, and a lovely walk by the lake

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great city lots to see and do

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Clean, well laid out city with lots great attractions and amenities. Excellent nightlife and shopping.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Reminded me of New York except more relaxed and Chicago sleeps

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Andy's Jazz Club. Awesome night.

Cities near Chicago