Chicago Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Chicago which includes a high-rise building and a city as well as a family
Chicago showing a high-rise building, signage and a city
Chicago
Chicago showing a skyscraper and street scenes as well as a family
Willis Tower showing city views, a high-rise building 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 featuring 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

Are you interested in fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops? A visit to Magnificent Mile might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Michigan Avenue and Chicago Water Tower.

Magnificent Mile
The Loop - Downtown featuring a river or creek

The Loop

4.5/5(93 area reviews)

Michigan Avenue and Art Institute of Chicago 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
Default Image

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 featuring a city and modern architecture

Lincoln Park

5/5(4 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
Chicago which includes 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 of 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 AU$260 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
AU$260
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
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! (3,828 reviews)
"Was only in town for the night loved my stay i had 5 children with me and they loved it as well , pool was clean rooms were clean food was amazing and free drinks cant beat it ."

Reviewed on 2 Apr. 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 AU$372 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
AU$372
includes taxes & fees
16 Apr - 17 Apr
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! (2,026 reviews)
Nice view, updates needed
"Lovely view and clean room. Room was next to the elevator so a bit noisy…luck of the draw, I suppose. However the bedding felt of lower quality than the last time I stayed there. And he rooms felt a little dated compared to other hotels of this quality. Overall, a nice stay in a good hotel."

Reviewed on 3 Apr. 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 AU$171 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
AU$171
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
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! (1,010 reviews)
"It was a nice place to stay. Wasn’t happy to have to call front desk for towels due to housekeeper not having any. Parking is crazy priced a night, I suggest leaving parked at hotel and taking cta or walking around."

Reviewed on 4 Apr. 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! (683 reviews)
"We were able to walk to the Shedd aquarium, soldier field, millennium park,Ellis tower, etc. the views were incredible and check in was seamless. Only bummer was the hot tub was great one night and then wasn’t warm the next 2"

Reviewed on 2 Apr. 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! (463 reviews)
"The Hotel was very accommodating. I loved the layout. Great for single people. Would definitely rent again whenever I’m in town."

Reviewed on 2 Apr. 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! (269 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 2 Apr. 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

Activities

Reviews of Chicago

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
116
5 - Excellent 75%
4 - Good
35
4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A great place to visit, love all difference architectures.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great architecture, and a lovely walk by the lake

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great city lots to see and do

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Clean, well laid out city with lots great attractions and amenities. Excellent nightlife and shopping.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Reminded me of New York except more relaxed and Chicago sleeps

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Andy's Jazz Club. Awesome night.

Cities near Chicago