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
Lakeview featuring modern architecture

Lakeview

4.5/5(847 area reviews)

Known for its great bars and fantastic lake views, there's plenty to explore in Lakeview. You can visit top attractions like Wrigley Field and Lake Michigan, and jump on the metro at Southport Station or Addison Station (Red Line) to see more of the city.

Lakeview
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG
4.5 out of 5
505 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥23,216 per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
¥23,216
¥31,883 total
Jul 2 - Jul 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,948 reviews)
"Nice place, service unremarkable. My one pet peeve - the bathroom light automatically turns on when you enter. In the middle of the night, quite jarring. A night light would be preferred"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG
Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
3.5 out of 5
198 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥20,779 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
¥20,779
¥24,393 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a fitness center, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,355 reviews)
"Hard to located without sign took us 30 minutes to find hotel"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥14,489 per night from Jul 1 to Jul 2
¥14,489
¥17,009 total
Jul 1 - Jul 2
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! (8,892 reviews)
"It was in a great location. My friends and I had a great stay here and were super close to Millenium park. Bus stops were close and the hotel was great overall. Parking was expensive so make sure to book it somewhere else beforehand as well. You will find better deals that way."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
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! (795 reviews)
"This was our first visit to the property. We were so impressed we will definitely be back. The beds were comfortable and amenities were awesome. We will tell everyone how wonderful it was!"

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Sentral Michigan Avenue
Level Chicago – Old Town
Level Chicago – Old Town
4 out of 5
1140 North Wells Street, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (321 reviews)
"Hotel was nice"

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

Level Chicago – Old Town
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Market Hall Apartments West Loop
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Market Hall Apartments West Loop
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! (310 reviews)
"It was comfortable and felt like hotel/apartment living. Communication with Sonders was easy and see less. They where responsive when concerns and questions needed to be answered. They went above and beyond to help when needed. Only downside is when young adults/ kids caused the fire alarm to go ..."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Market Hall Apartments West Loop
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

Things to do

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