Chicago Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A city skyline with modern skyscrapers and a river with boats and people in the foreground.
The Adler School's 2012 Commencement Ceremony at the Chicago Theatre.
A nighttime cityscape with illuminated skyscrapers and a river.
A modern building with a glass facade and a Ferris wheel in the background.
A cityscape with tall buildings partially obscured by clouds.

Chicago Travel Guide Video

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. Further 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.

Our guide on where to stay in Chicago

Find the best Chicago areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Chicago
Learn more about Chicago

The Loop

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.

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.

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.

West Loop

Consider a visit to The Old Post Office 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.

Lincoln Park

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.

The Chicago Hotel Collection Ambassador Gold Coast

The Chicago Hotel Collection Ambassador Gold Coast

4 out of 5
1301 N State Pkwy Chicago IL
The price is NZ$317 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$317
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very good! (1,732 reviews)
"It gets worse and worse every time we stay…"

Reviewed on 10 July 2026

The Chicago Hotel Collection Ambassador Gold Coast
Omni Chicago Hotel

Omni Chicago Hotel

4.5 out of 5
676 N Michigan Ave Chicago IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$518 per night from 26 July to 27 July
NZ$518
26 July - 27 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,901 reviews)
"Great location and nice sized room."

Reviewed on 10 July 2026

Omni Chicago Hotel
Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport

Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport

4 out of 5
O'Hare International Airport Chicago IL
The price is NZ$516 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
NZ$516
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very good! (2,338 reviews)
"Great two nice restaurants on site"

Reviewed on 10 July 2026

Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport
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! (1,208 reviews)
"Clean"

Reviewed on 8 July 2026

Sentral Michigan Avenue
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (816 reviews)
"It was a good stay."

Reviewed on 9 July 2026

Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago
The Gem Museum Suites

The Gem Museum Suites

3.5 out of 5
1555 Oak Avenue Evanston IL
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Evanston. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Ryan Field and Baha'i House of ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (157 reviews)
"Love this place. Excellent free breakfast. Friendly staff. Cute rooms :) Would highly recommend and would stay again :)"

Reviewed on 10 July 2026

The Gem Museum 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.

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