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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Lakeview

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Known for its lively bars and lake views, there's plenty to explore in Lakeview. Top attractions like Wrigley Field and Lake Michigan are major draws, and you can catch 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 ₹11,602 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
₹11,602
₹13,619 total
18 Aug - 19 Aug
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (8,909 reviews)
A Gem on Michigan Ave
"I was surprised at how nice my room was in this older building. The view of Buckingham fountain and the lake was the best. I was able to watch navy pier fireworks. Just an absolute pleasure and I will return!!!"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG

4.5 out of 5
505 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
The price is ₹21,074 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
₹21,074
₹27,503 total
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,086 reviews)
"Walking distance to a lot of great spots."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG
Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites

Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites

3.5 out of 5
198 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL
The price is ₹12,407 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹12,407
₹14,565 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a fitness centre, valet parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,512 reviews)
"Great spacious suites for hubby & I. Clean hotel. Walking distance to mostly everywhere downtown. Kind & helpful staff. Would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (841 reviews)
"Mi experiencia fue excelente, sobre todo en mo que hace a la atenciòn al cliente. El señor que me recibiò la noche que lleguè, tarde, LaShaun, fue muyyy amable, siempre predispuesto y muy calido. Tuve que devolver una compra de amazon y los empleados me Hicieron el gran favor de llevarlo a devoluciones. ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Sentral Michigan Avenue
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Market Hall Apartments West Loop

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Market Hall Apartments West Loop

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 centre and concierge services. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (328 reviews)
"Place was amazing! Loved the view from the 5th floor. Only suggestion is make sure the elevator works before you book. Would definitely book again and would love my same space. 10/10. Check for elevator though, or pack light."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Market Hall Apartments West Loop
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! (331 reviews)
"Nice rooms and amenities, we would stay here again. This was a nice place! We love the location and the fact it was dog friendly. Lots to do for eats/drinks in walking distance and they have a lovely dog area adjacent to the pool on the 8th floor. Nice not to have to go down to the street for potty ..."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 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