Chicago Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Chicago which includes a high-rise building and a city as well as a family
Chicago showing a high-rise building, signage and a city
Chicago
Chicago showing a skyscraper and street scenes as well as a family
Willis Tower showing city views, a high-rise building 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. 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.

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 which includes a river or creek

The Loop

4.5/5(93 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
Default Image

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 showing a city and modern architecture

Lincoln Park

5/5(4 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
Chicago showing rides

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
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 NZ$359 per night from 24 Sept to 25 Sept
NZ$359
24 Sept - 25 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,894 reviews)
"From the moment we walked in, early for our reservation, we were treated like the number one priority by every staff member. The bellman #johnnyBravo #JimmyNeutron #JohnnyDanger thank you for your comic relief after a long morning of travel and for keeping our belongings safe! The room was very clean ..."

Reviewed on 10 Sept 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is NZ$389 per night from 4 Oct to 5 Oct
NZ$389
4 Oct - 5 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (9,162 reviews)
"The rooms need to be refurbished.,,,bathroom not as clean as I would expect. But the hotel is over 100 yrs old."

Reviewed on 10 Sept 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

3 out of 5
10 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
The price is NZ$366 per night from 2 Oct to 3 Oct
NZ$366
2 Oct - 3 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,863 reviews)
"The staff was friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 10 Sept 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
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 center, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (917 reviews)
"This is a real hidden gem, I loved the fact that there were two bedrooms and a nice living and dining room area to hang out in. The views are spectacular and you can't beat the location."

Reviewed on 10 Sept 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 WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (500 reviews)
"Great corner apartment with an amazing view. This is very close to the main attractions. I would have given 5 stars rating but for the poor noise insulation, particularly from the neighboring apartments. The balcony has a huge gap in the railing so not ideal for small kids."

Reviewed on 9 Sept 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 WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (352 reviews)
"Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 8 Sept 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

Activities

Reviews of Chicago

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
116
5 - Excellent 75%
4 - Good
35
4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A great place to visit, love all difference architectures.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great architecture, and a lovely walk by the lake

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great city lots to see and do

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Clean, well laid out city with lots great attractions and amenities. Excellent nightlife and shopping.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Reminded me of New York except more relaxed and Chicago sleeps

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Andy's Jazz Club. Awesome night.

Cities near Chicago