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 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
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 $121 per night from Feb. 23 to Feb. 24
CA $121
CA $143 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 23 - Feb 24
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (8,511 reviews)
"A comfortable historical hotel, enjoyed the bar area, cocktails were good , would not recommend dining at the hotel. On Expedia it says it has parking and in and out privileges but this is not true, once you park you cant leave unless paying again (62$) . Had a paranormal experience in room 917 so ..."

Reviewed on Feb. 18, 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
River Hotel
River Hotel
4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
The price is CA $128 per night from Mar. 6 to Mar. 7
CA $128
CA $150 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 6 - Mar 7
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! (3,795 reviews)
"I like the hotel at downtown area, it’s convenient for everything."

Reviewed on Feb. 18, 2025

River Hotel
L7 Chicago by LOTTE
L7 Chicago by LOTTE
4.5 out of 5
225 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $197 per night from Feb. 24 to Feb. 25
CA $197
CA $231 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 24 - Feb 25
Book a stay at this boutique hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,672 reviews)
"It was a great experience"

Reviewed on Feb. 20, 2025

L7 Chicago by LOTTE
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! (643 reviews)
"This is a great hotel. The rooms have a kitchenette and the staff is wonderful! Beautiful hotel, great amenities."

Reviewed on Feb. 19, 2025

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 in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Millennium Park and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (433 reviews)
"Loved the app and process for checking-in and out. The property itself could use some TLC, there were lots of scuff marks and scratches in the walls due to prior tenants. Our unit could have used a painting. There also wasn't a space to get extra toiletries per the app, would take this out if it's ..."

Reviewed on Feb. 18, 2025

Sonder South Wabash
Found Chicago powered by Sonder
Found Chicago powered by Sonder
3.5 out of 5
613 North Wells Street, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy concierge services, housekeeping, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Michigan Avenue and Millennium ...
7.6/10 Good! (180 reviews)
"It was a Great option, straight and contactless."

Reviewed on Jan. 20, 2025

Found Chicago powered by Sonder
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