Chicago, IL

Travel Guide
Willis Tower showing cbd, a skyscraper and a city

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 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

Michigan Avenue and Chicago Water Tower are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Magnificent Mile. Travelers also love the fascinating museums, panoramic lake views, and popular shops.

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

The Loop

4.5/5(9,481 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 showing a city, central business district and street scenes

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 which includes modern architecture and a city

Lincoln Park

4.5/5(320 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
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
Warwick Allerton - Chicago
Warwick Allerton - Chicago
4 out of 5
701 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩157,321 per night from May 27 to May 28
₩157,321
per night
May 27 - May 28
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a 24-hour fitness center, valet parking (surcharge), and in-room massages. Our guests praise the ...
7.6/10 Good! (2,574 reviews)
Great location
"Great location near shops, food outlet’s, etc"

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Warwick Allerton - Chicago
Congress Plaza Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is ₩193,587 per night from May 13 to May 14
₩193,587
per night
May 13 - May 14
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (6,713 reviews)
"The Congress is a short wall to the Symphony, and the art museum. It's an old hotel but clean and everything worked. Mattresses were a little too firm for me."

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Congress Plaza Hotel
The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago
The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago
4.5 out of 5
909 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
The price is ₩257,186 per night from May 28 to May 29
₩257,186
per night
May 28 - May 29
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"We had a wonderful time in Chicago! This property was located in such a great area and easy walking to all the things we wanted to do...and eat. :)"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

The Westin Michigan Avenue 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 aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a nightclub, a fitness center, and concierge services. Popular attractions United Center and Willis Tower are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (77 reviews)
"It was an excellent stay. I didn’t understand the Sonder model—no front desk and electronic check in. However once I got beyond that shock I didn’t mind it. I know some folks would find the setup disconcerting. I would stay in a Sonder hotel again."

Reviewed on May 7, 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! (395 reviews)
Gorgeous apartment!
"It was amazing to have a whole apartment for the price of a hotel room... less actually. Their system is simple and painless. I will book here again!"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Sentral Michigan Avenue
Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago
Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago
4 out of 5
One Superior Place, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (203 reviews)
"Nice location and nice property. We enjoyed our visit there."

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

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 64.34311956700016%
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
Sep 7, 2022

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

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Jun 8, 2020

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
Jun 6, 2020

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 31, 2020

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 30, 2020

None

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 30, 2020

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