Chicago, IL

Travel Guide
Chicago which includes a city and a high rise building as well as a family

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
Magnificent Mile - River North showing night scenes, a city and signage

Near North Side

4.5/5(12,034 area reviews)

Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are a few top attractions in Near North Side. Hop around the city on the metro at Clark-Division Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) and check out the area's fascinating museums, panoramic lake views, and popular shops.

Near North Side
River Hotel
River Hotel
4 out of 5
75 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥19,902 per night from Nov 21 to Nov 22
¥19,902
per night
Nov 21 - Nov 22
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! (3,495 reviews)
"Great and right downtown. Lobby is shared with the hotel next to it, they are merged older buildings. They’ve done a great job with them being older hotels."

Reviewed on Oct 22, 2024

River Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥21,583 per night from Oct 31 to Nov 1
¥21,583
per night
Oct 31 - Nov 1
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! (8,020 reviews)
"Location! We selected this hotel for its proximity to the downtown and attractions we wanted to see. The hotel is a historic property. We had a room with king size bed. Fairly basic but clean and bed was comfortable. Check in was painless. We didn’t interact with staff too much because we were out ..."

Reviewed on Oct 22, 2024

Congress Plaza Hotel
Club Quarters Hotel, Central Loop, Chicago
Club Quarters Hotel, Central Loop, Chicago
4 out of 5
111 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL
The price is ¥20,109 per night from Nov 7 to Nov 8
¥20,109
per night
Nov 7 - Nov 8
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,237 reviews)
"Very close to many attractions."

Reviewed on Oct 20, 2024

Club Quarters Hotel, Central Loop, Chicago
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. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (165 reviews)
"Perfect for staying close to the United Center!"

Reviewed on Oct 15, 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 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! (567 reviews)
Stay at Sentral
"Our late checkin was easy. The room had amazing views of Grant Park/Navy Pier out one window and the city from another window. Apartment was spacious with good facilities. Bed was comfy. Only downside was that the shower had low pressure, but for us that was not a major. Location is really good with ..."

Reviewed on Oct 16, 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 in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Soldier Field and Grant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (382 reviews)
Fine
"It was fine for what I needed (a crash pad while in town for a conference) but I didn't appreciate the floor to ceiling windows and see through blinds. Not the most private place"

Reviewed on Oct 18, 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

Things to do

Reviews of Chicago

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
11769
" "5 - Excellent 64.34311956700016%
4 - Good
5468
" "4 - Good 29.894483625826908%
3 - Okay
871
" "3 - Okay 4.761904761904762%
2 - Disappointing
103
" "2 - Disappointing 0.5631184735662348%
1 - Terrible
80
" "1 - Terrible 0.4373735717019299%

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