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 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
Navy Pier featuring general coastal views and wildflowers as well as a couple

Streeterville

Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Streeterville. Travelers also love the fascinating museums, panoramic lake views, and popular shops.

Streeterville
Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
17 E Monroe St Chicago IL
The price is ₩206,803 per night from Jan 15 to Jan 16
₩206,803
₩279,002 total
Jan 15 - Jan 16
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,226 reviews)
Room was very clean and staff was great

Reviewed on Jan 6, 2026

Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
Hilton Chicago

Hilton Chicago

4 out of 5
720 S Michigan Ave Chicago IL
The price is ₩200,861 per night from Jan 15 to Jan 16
₩200,861
₩278,331 total
Jan 15 - Jan 16
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this historic hotel in Chicago. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,506 reviews)
The hotel property was amazing! Numerous options for dining and relaxing. The room was clean and inviting.

Reviewed on Jan 8, 2026

Hilton Chicago
Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites

Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites

3.5 out of 5
198 E Delaware Pl Chicago IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩129,549 per night from Jan 25 to Jan 26
₩129,549
₩152,078 total
Jan 25 - Jan 26
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! (3,660 reviews)
We had a wonderful stay at the Hilton. The staff was exceptionally helpful in providing any information we neede. A shout out to Latis and Christian, who were extremely friendly, always created us with a smile and we’re eager to help. We will definitely stay here again.

Reviewed on Jan 6, 2026

Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
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
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a 24-hour fitness center, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,031 reviews)
Place was very nice and clean. We enjoyed the stay there. Will book it again when we come back to Chicago visit again.

Reviewed on Jan 2, 2026

Sentral Michigan Avenue
Level Chicago – Old Town

Level Chicago – Old Town

4 out of 5
1140 North Wells Street Chicago IL
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (408 reviews)
My stay was great. The room was nice and the staff was very courteous throughout my stay. I will definitely stay again.

Reviewed on Dec 30, 2025

Level Chicago – Old Town
Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago

Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago

4 out of 5
One Superior Place Chicago IL
Stay at this aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (664 reviews)
Clean Room

Reviewed on Jan 1, 2026

Kasa Magnificent Mile 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.

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

Verified traveler

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