Chicago

Travel Guide
Chicago showing a high-rise building and a city as well as a family
Chicago featuring heritage elements, signage and a high-rise building
Chicago
Chicago which includes street scenes and a skyscraper as well as a family
Willis Tower which includes central business district, a high-rise building 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 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

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
River North showing railway items, street scenes and a city

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)

Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier 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 $132 per night from Jan. 16 to Jan. 17
CA $132
CA $154 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 16 - Jan 17, 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! (8,261 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel with a great location"

Reviewed on Dec. 19, 2024

Congress Plaza Hotel
River Hotel
River Hotel
4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
The price is CA $134 per night from Jan. 20 to Jan. 21
CA $134
CA $157 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 20 - Jan 21, 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 Dec. 17, 2024

River Hotel
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Hyatt Regency Chicago
4 out of 5
151 East Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
The price is CA $200 per night from Jan. 10 to Jan. 11
CA $200
CA $277 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 10 - Jan 11, 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 Dec. 18, 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! (591 reviews)
"We stayed at the Sentral with friends to take in the holiday sights around Chicago. The room was spacious and clean, though a little worn in areas. Having a kitchen, plus a washer & dryer was great. And the city views were incredible. The amenities (pool, gym, game room) on the 7th floor were phenomenal! ..."

Reviewed on Dec. 16, 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (342 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 Dec. 18, 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! (385 reviews)
"Outstanding accommodations! Will choose this property again for my travels."

Reviewed on Dec. 5, 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 67%
4 - Good
352
" "4 - Good 31%
3 - Okay
26
" "3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love Chicago at any time of year.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love Chicago.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Food great

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Cities near Chicago