Central Chicago Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Want to get a great view of Chicago? Walk up the Adler Planetarium pier at sunset and enjoy the show. Don't leave straight after the sun sets, let the lights come out and take it all in!
Want to get a great view of Chicago? Walk up the Adler Planetarium pier at sunset and enjoy the show. Don't leave straight after the sun sets, let the lights come out and take it all in!
Central Chicago
Iconic signage in Chicago. It's best to go when it's all lit up for the best shots. It was quite a rainy night in Chicago when I tried to take this shot.
The lighthouse just off the end of navy pier in Chicago.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

Where to stay in Central 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
River North showing railway items, street scenes and a city

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
Beautiful fireworks

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).

Theatre District
Navy Pier which includes wild flowers and general coastal views as well as a couple

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.

Streeterville
Chicago_NearNorthSide_137043_09

Near North Side

4.5/5(114 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Near North Side. Top attractions like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are major draws. Catch the metro at Clark-Division Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.

Near North Side
Gold Coast which includes street scenes as well as a couple

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.

Gold Coast
Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue Chicago IL
The price is NZ$369 per night from 13 Mar to 14 Mar
NZ$369
per night
13 Mar - 14 Mar
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (9,882 reviews)
Great location, beautiful historic hotel with clean, updated rooms.

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026

Congress Plaza Hotel
Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago

Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago

4 out of 5
150 East Ontario Street Chicago IL
The price is NZ$266 per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
NZ$266
per night
4 Mar - 5 Mar
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Michigan Avenue and Chicago Riverwalk ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,327 reviews)
The great customer service, clean room, and enjoyed the free breakfast.

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago
Hilton Chicago

Hilton Chicago

4 out of 5
720 S Michigan Ave Chicago IL
The price is NZ$318 per night from 27 Feb to 28 Feb
NZ$318
per night
27 Feb - 28 Feb
Stay at this 4-star historic hotel in Chicago. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,613 reviews)
Outdated rooms and our heater stopped working overnight and the temp fell to 60's which felt freezing given it was zero outside with snow flurries But Matt the maintenance guy came quickly at 6 am thankfully and got it back up and running. Other than that, a truly beautiful hotel and the restaurant ...

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

Hilton 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 business-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a 24-hour fitness centre, valet parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,078 reviews)
The room was great, just don’t make a lot of noise or loud music, security will come

Reviewed on 14 Feb 2026

Sentral Michigan Avenue
Level Chicago – Old Town

Level Chicago – Old Town

4 out of 5
1140 North Wells Street Chicago IL
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (427 reviews)
My girlfriend and I had an awesome time enjoying the space for a fun girls night out. Would recommend to anyone!

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

Level Chicago – Old Town
Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago

Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago

4 out of 5
One Superior Place Chicago IL
Stay at this aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (694 reviews)
clean room, awesome view

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

Kasa Magnificent Mile 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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Central Chicago

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