Chicago, IL

Travel Guide

Chicago which includes a city and a high rise building as well as a family
Chicago which includes heritage elements, signage and a skyscraper
Lake Michigan showing city views, a river or creek and night scenes
Chicago which includes a skyscraper and street scenes as well as a family
Willis Tower showing a high rise building, mist or fog and cbd

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 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 showing 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

Upscale shopping district with luxury department stores, boutiques, and acclaimed restaurants, featuring landmarks like the Wrigley Building and Chicago Water Tower. The Magnificent Mile is easily accessible by public transit and seasonal trolley service.

Magnificent Mile
The Loop - Downtown which includes a river or creek

The Loop

4.5/5(9,481 area reviews)

Chicago's central business district boasts numerous global businesses, retail establishments, and theaters. Explore the Loop Retail Historic District, Chicago Landmark Historic Michigan Boulevard District, and visit iconic attractions like the Art Institute of Chicago.

The Loop
River North showing railway items, street scenes and a city

River North

Artistic spirit thrives here, with art galleries and a design district featuring luxury interior furnishings. Explore Kingsbury Park, enjoy vibrant nightlife on Hubbard Street, and visit the iconic Contemporaine Building.

River North
Chicago which includes modern architecture and a city

Lincoln Park

4.5/5(320 area reviews)

Upscale national retailers, boutiques, and bookstores abound in this affluent area, alongside numerous restaurants and coffee shops. Must-see attractions include Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago History Museum, and North Avenue Beach. Easily accessible via CTA transit and major roads.

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 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 ₩191,974 per night from Apr 20 to Apr 21
₩191,974
₩225,358 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 20 - Apr 21
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. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,880 reviews)
"Good clean room. Great breakfast service."

Reviewed on Apr 13, 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
Swissotel - Chicago
Swissotel - Chicago
4.5 out of 5
323 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL
The price is ₩221,590 per night from Apr 16 to Apr 17
₩221,590
₩301,817 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 16 - Apr 17
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Chicago. Enjoy 2 bars/lounges, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,046 reviews)
"Nice place, staff was very friendly. I would definitely recommend staying!"

Reviewed on Apr 13, 2025

Swissotel - Chicago
Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop by IHG
Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop by IHG
3.5 out of 5
25 South Halsted Street, Chicago, IL
The price is ₩130,681 per night from Apr 20 to Apr 21
₩130,681
₩153,405 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 20 - Apr 21
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"Excellent property. Safe location. Convenient check in and check out."

Reviewed on Apr 10, 2025

Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop by IHG
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! (699 reviews)
"Great family place to stay."

Reviewed on Apr 4, 2025

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 in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Soldier Field and Grant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (465 reviews)
"Great location to restaurants, grocery and easy to get to convention center or downtown"

Reviewed on Apr 7, 2025

Sonder South Wabash
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. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (259 reviews)
"Very clean l, quiet and well thought out. Had everything we needed and the bed was super comfortable! Great having a 12 cup coffee pot! Parking was close and although not a lot of close options to restaurants or shopping, there were many more options within a 15-20 min walk. Would definitely stay ..."

Reviewed on Apr 2, 2025

Sonder Market Hall
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

Reviews of Chicago

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
11769
5 - Excellent 64%
4 - Good
5468
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
871
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
103
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
80
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

SonaAkopyan

My first time was in Chicago and I love it definitely i I will visit again

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Had riots. Some locations i worked at i didnt feel safe. Going to get food was a challenge. But these are trying times.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I was born and raised in Chicago. It will always be my favorite city.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Being that most of everything was still closed the scenery was beautiful.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

None

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Loved going up to Chicago and would stay at this hotel again. I was called home do to a death in the family so I left a day early -- they were to send a refund to Expedia -- will that be credited to my charge card?? call me Rex Camp 317/507-4048

Cities near Chicago