Chicago Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Willis Tower featuring mist or fog, a city and city views
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 neighborhood 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 Grant Park 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(93 area reviews)

Grant Park and Millennium Park 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
Shops at North Bridge featuring street scenes, cbd 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
Chicago featuring 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
Magnificent Mile - River North which includes street scenes, signage and night scenes

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 Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue are major draws. Catch the metro at Clark-Division Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.

Near North Side
Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is NZ$239 per night from 25 Apr to 26 Apr
NZ$239
per night
25 Apr - 26 Apr
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 rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (6,544 reviews)
"I really enjoyed our view of the lake."

Reviewed on 16 Apr. 2024

Congress Plaza Hotel
River Hotel
River Hotel
4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
The price is NZ$261 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
NZ$261
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,782 reviews)
"Very nice location"

Reviewed on 13 Apr. 2024

River Hotel
Eurostars Magnificent Mile
Eurostars Magnificent Mile
4 out of 5
660 North State Street, Chicago, IL
The price is NZ$296 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
NZ$296
per night
23 Apr - 24 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,847 reviews)
"The city view was so beautiful. The room was clean. And staff was pleasant. The restaurant right when you walk in was amazing, fast service."

Reviewed on 14 Apr. 2024

Eurostars 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.
Sonder Market Hall
Sonder Market Hall
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 center, and concierge services. Popular attractions United Center and Willis Tower ...
7.8/10 Good! (68 reviews)
Excellent!
"Great stay! Room was comfortable and clean. Communication was excellent! Would stay again!"

Reviewed on 11 Apr. 2024

Sonder Market Hall
Sentral Michigan Avenue
Sentral Michigan Avenue
4 out of 5
808 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a fitness center, valet parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (341 reviews)
"Wonderful stay"

Reviewed on 12 Apr. 2024

Sentral Michigan Avenue
Sonder South Wabash
Sonder South Wabash
3.5 out of 5
1419 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a fitness center, concierge services, and a flat-screen TV. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (286 reviews)
"Enjoyed my stay will be booking again soon !"

Reviewed on 3 Apr. 2024

Sonder South Wabash
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 74.83870967741936%
4 - Good
35
" "4 - Good 22.580645161290324%
3 - Okay
4
" "3 - Okay 2.5806451612903225%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
16 Feb 2020

A great place to visit, love all difference architectures.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
1 Feb 2020

Great architecture, and a lovely walk by the lake

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
24 Jan 2020

Great city lots to see and do

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
1 Jan 2020

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
27 Dec 2019

Reminded me of New York except more relaxed and Chicago sleeps

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
14 Dec 2019

Andy's Jazz Club. Awesome night.

Cities near Chicago