Central Chicago Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Central Chicago
Where to stay in Central Chicago
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.
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.
Theatre District
While you're in Theatre District, take in top sights like Michigan Avenue or State Street, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Washington Station or Monroe Station (Blue Line).
Streeterville
Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Streeterville. Travellers also love the fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops.
Gold Coast
The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Gold Coast. A stop by Michigan Avenue or Lake Michigan might round out your trip.
Rush and Division
If you're spending time in Rush and Division, check out sights like Newberry Library or Oak Street and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Chicago Station (Red Line) or Clark-Division Station.
Congress Plaza Hotel
Reviewed on 18 Jul. 2025
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG
Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2025
Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
Reviewed on 20 Jul. 2025
Sentral Michigan Avenue
Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2025
Level Chicago – Old Town
Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025
Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago
Reviewed on 18 Jul. 2025
Check Central Chicago hotel availability
Popular places to visit
Navy Pier
One of Chicago’s most popular attractions, especially on a hot day, with its fun fair, boats, circus and theatre.
Michigan Avenue
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
McCormick Place
Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.
Millennium Park
See mind-bending sculptures, a musically-inspired lawn and giant water fountains that double-up as video screens.
Grant Park
Chicago’s front yard is a pretty landscaped park, which is home to public art displays, museums, themed gardens and international music festivals.
Chicago Riverwalk
Stroll along the waterfront of the Chicago River to pass some of the city’s most appealing attractions and appreciate how a once grim area has been successfully revamped.
Activities
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour
Chicago By Night River & Lake Cruise
Chicago: Architecture Boat Tour with Drinks
Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket
Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Riverboat Tour
- Navy Pier
- McCormick Place
- Millennium Park
- Grant Park
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Willis Tower
- Merchandise Mart
- Field Museum of Natural History
- Water Tower Place
- Wintrust Arena
- John Hancock Center
- Cloud Gate
- Chicago Water Tower
- House of Blues Chicago
- Buckingham Fountain
- Skydeck Ledge
- Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum