Chicago Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Chicago showing a city and a skyscraper as well as a family
Chicago which includes a city, signage and heritage elements
Chicago
Chicago showing street scenes and a skyscraper as well as a family
Willis Tower featuring city views, 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 neighbourhood 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 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

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(187 area reviews)

Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan 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
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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(5 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 Lake Michigan and Lincoln Hall, and jump on the metro at Fullerton Station or Armitage Station to see more of the city.

Lincoln Park
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West Loop

Consider a visit to Milwaukee Avenue and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in West Loop. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Racine Station or Ogilvie Transportation Center.

West Loop
Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is ₹11,235 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
₹11,235
₹13,189 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (9,412 reviews)
"The person at the registration desk directed me to the wrong tower for my room. He even wrote it on the key holder. Otherwise hotel is fine. Excellent location near the Art Institute, parks and lakefront."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
Freehand Chicago

Freehand Chicago

4 out of 5
19 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL
The price is ₹5,910 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
₹5,910
₹8,484 total
11 Nov - 12 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,460 reviews)
"Wonderful hotel. First time staying at a place like this. Ended up having the quad room to myself for both nights I was there. Will definitely try to book there again if traveling solo."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Freehand Chicago
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

4 out of 5
600 N State St, Chicago, IL
The price is ₹13,213 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
₹13,213
₹15,511 total
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (5,096 reviews)
"Great location, clean modern rooms, friendly staff"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
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 centre, valet parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (958 reviews)
"Fantastic location across from quieter section of Grant Park/downtown. Absolutely spectacular view from 2 bedroom premium apartment. Gym was awesome, too! HIGHLY recommend this place!!!!!!"

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

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 Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (563 reviews)
"Super clean and nice"

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago
Level Chicago – Old Town

Level Chicago – Old Town

4 out of 5
1140 North Wells Street, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (367 reviews)
"Friendly staff and great amenities"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Level Chicago – Old Town
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

Reviews of Chicago

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
227
5 - Excellent 70%
4 - Good
87
4 - Good 27%
3 - Okay
9
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lincoln Park area stunning.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We’ve vacationed in 13 states and this was the first time in Illinois more specifically Chicago. I would go as far as to say this is now my favourite US city. I’d recommend to anyone thinking of making the trip and definitely choose the Godfrey.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Chicago was a fantastic City to visit, loads yo do for everyone

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

An exceptional city that personally trumps NYC.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A lot of homeless and beggars.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Can get very busy, we explored a lot around Christmas, which helped a lot with the crowds.

Cities near Chicago