chicago illinois travel guide

First-time visitor’s guide to Chicago

First time in Chicago? This guide’s for you.

Chicago is a harmonious blend of opposites — bustling big city steeped in Midwestern charm, towering skyscrapers framed by miles of tranquil beaches, a city in a garden (Chicago’s motto, in fact). In other words, everybody feels right at home in Chicago.

To make the most of your inaugural visit, add these attractions, experiences, and events to your itinerary.

Must-see attractions

Millennium park campus.

Millennium Park Campus is classic Chicago, with a long list of iconic things to see and do. Pay a visit to one of the city’s most famous public artworks, Cloud Gate, aka “The Bean.” Splash around in Crown Fountain, a shallow pool flanked by two 50-foot towers where the faces of Chicago locals spout water from pouting lips. Dine on the outdoor patio in the shadow of The Bean in the summer, or ice skate on the plaza in the winter. Hear free live music, go to summer festivals, and see films screened under the stars at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Wander Lurie Garden and meet birds, bees, and butterflies. Visit the Art Institute of Chicago , ranked one of the top museums in the world by TripAdvisor users. Then hop over to the Chicago Cultural Center , crowned by the largest Tiffany stained-glass dome in the world. Spend the evening at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance . And don’t leave without lakefront wall climbing, tennis playing, mini golfing, playground frolicking, or ribbon skating at Maggie Daley Park .

Note: All Millennium Park Campus sights with the exception of the Art Institute of Chicago and Harris Theater are free.

Navy Pier is a must-see Chicago destination. This family-friendly attraction has endless options for things to see and do: scenic boat rides on the lakes, summer fireworks displays, outposts of local food favorites, the largest rooftop bar in the county, free outdoor music, indoor gardens, carnival rides, and so much more.

The Centennial Wheel at Pier Park is one of Navy Pier’s most recognizable sights. This nearly 200-foot ride, inspired by the world’s first Ferris wheel that debuted at Chicago’s World Fair, consists of climate-controlled gondolas that take you soaring almost above the lakefront. Another favorite: summer fireworks displays every Wednesday and Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. They’re especially jaw-dropping when watched from the deck of one of Navy Pier’s many cruise boats.

A couple more classic things not to miss: A play at The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare , live music in the Miller Lite Beer Garden , having a cocktail at Offshore Rooftop , and exploring at the Chicago Children’s Museum .

Chicago Riverwalk

Whether you’re in the mood to relax, party it up, or soak in culture, the Chicago Riverwalk is a variety of interests and experiences rolled into one. Sip wine on a riverside patio, or go island style under a canopy of light-strewn trees. Kayak the Riverwalk’s skyscraper canyon, take an architectural boat tour, or kick back on a tiki party boat. Visit a working bridgehouse and view the largest video-projected artwork in the world at Art on theMART . You can even immerse yourself in nature with some pier fishing and bird-watching, right in the heart of downtown Chicago .

Museum Campus

The setting for Museum Campus couldn’t be lovelier — three Beaux-Arts-inspired buildings sitting on the shores of Lake Michigan. Set in lush parks and gardens, Field Museum , Shedd Aquarium , and Adler Planetarium (the oldest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, by the way), sit side by side, beckoning lovers of ancient civilizations, undersea worlds, and amazing universes.

Best of all, you have the option of getting there by Shoreline Sightseeing Water Taxi from either Navy Pier or Willis Tower — which is the perfect way to travel on a beautiful summer’s day.

A couple of things not to miss: Máximo the Titanosaur (the largest creature ever known to man) and SUE the T.rex at Field Museum; sharks, belugas, stingrays, sea otters, and sea lions at the Shedd; and high-powered stargazing at the Adler’s Doane at Dusk.

Observation decks

Must-do experiences

Get out on the water.

Go to the theatre

Theatre is where Chicago bares its fearless soul. From Broadway In Chicago  and Tony Award-winning companies, to legendary improv showcase The Second City and more than 200 storefront theatres, you’ll find classic, unconventional, and innovative productions all over Chicago.

For Chicago style theatre at discounted prices, plan your trip for the city’s annual Chicago Theatre Week in February. Or check out this month’s 10 Hot Shows Not to Miss, with half-priced tickets from Hot Tix .

Note: 2019 is the Year of Chicago Theatre. Check out shows, events, and celebrations.

Eat and drink up the city

Take a bite out of classic Chicago foods like deep dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and Chicago style hot dogs (hold the ketchup). Experience award-winning fine dining at the city’s star chef-led and Michelin star-rated restaurants. Get a frothy mustache at any of the Chicago metro area’s 160-plus craft breweries (you can tour most of them, too). Or sample a little of all of them at Chicago Friday Night Flights beer tasting events over the summer. Oh, and you can lift your spirits at any one of the city’s many craft distilleries, too. Vodka, whiskey, gin, brandy — pick your poison.

For something extra special, plan your trip around one of the city’s food and drink festivals and events, including Chicago Restaurant Week in January, the James Beard Awards and James Beard Eats Week in May, Taste of Chicago in July, and Chicago Gourmet in September.

Chicago Greeter: free guided tours

Taste, shop and explore the neighborhoods with a friendly local as your guide with a Chicago Greeter . Explore rich histories, diverse cultural traditions, and hidden treasures. See sides of the city you may not have adventured out to on your own, and take away a truly authentic Chicago experience. Greeter visits are customized based on your choice of neighborhoods, language, and interests.

From this article

Art Institute of Chicago

Theater & Performing Arts

Chicago cultural center.

Special Event Venues

The harris theater for music and dance.

Tours & Attractions

Maggie daley park.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Streeterville

The Field Museum

Shedd Aquarium

Adler Planetarium

Willis Tower

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

The Magnificent Mile

Broadway In Chicago

Shoreline Sightseeing Company

Food & Beverage

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Chicago Travel Guide

Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal , Departures , TripSavvy , and other publications.

Chicago isn't just Frank Sinatra's kind of town, it's the kind of town that's got something for everyone. It's a big city that's not quite as crowded and fast-paced as New York but still filled with more things to do than you'll have time.

Chicago is home to more than 2.7 million people, making it the third largest city in the U.S. and the largest city in the midwest. It's lined with urban beaches located along Lake Michigan and is known as the birthplace of the modern skyscraper. A massive fire in 1871 destroyed much of the city center, leaving behind just a handful of structures and paving the way for Chicago to construct one of America's tallest and most beautiful skylines.

With professional baseball, basketball, football, hockey, and soccer teams, Chicago is a sports aficianado's dream come true. Catch a Chicago Bears game at Soldier Field. If football isn't for you, catch a Cubs or White Sox ball game, a round of soccer with the Chicago Fire, the Bulls for a basketball game, or a Blackhawks game for hockey fans.

Chicago isn't just about sports, though. It's also a foodie paradise with world-class museums, architectural gems, luxury shopping, and a long list of live music venues and comedy clubs. It's a place where you're sure to find plenty of things to do — and eat. Just make sure you save room for deep dish pizza and a Chicago dog.

Central Standard Time

Best Time to Go

Chicago may have freezing winters, but the Windy City makes up for it with warm, sunny summer days filled with live music, neighborhood festivals, and bright blue skies. The best time to visit Chicago is between June and September when the city's urban beaches are at their best. Runners may want to wait until October when the city hosts the annual Chicago marathon. June brings the well-known Chicago Blues Festival while July brings the Taste of Chicago, an outdoor food festival that allows for sampling of several local favorites. Each August, Chicago hosts the Lollapalooza music festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival and the Chicago Air and Water Show. For travelers brave enough to face freezing temperatures, December brings the Christkindlmarket, a chance to lace up your skates and glide through iconic Grant Park at the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon and ample opportunities to view Christmas lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo and Navy Pier.

Things to Know

Chicago is a city of more than 200 neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. Chicago and its surrounding areas are collectively referred to as Chicagoland.

Chicago hot dogs are topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato, pickled sport peppers and a touch of celery salt. Whatever you do, do not ask for ketchup.

How to Get Around

Chicago is a highly walkable city with an excellent public transit system that includes both trains and busses. Uber, Lyft and cabs are also plentiful across much of Chicago.

Trains : Chicago's train system is known as the "El" because it's elevated and runs above ground across much of the city. It's easy to get from both Chicago O'Hare and Chicago Midway to downtown Chicago via the El.

Buses : Chicago's train system is extensive, but learn to use its buses and there will be few places you can't get to via public transit. Bus information is available via text, follow the instructions posted on bus stop signs.

Taxis : Metered taxis are easy to find throughout downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, though Uber and Lyft are likely to be cheaper.

Rideshare : Uber and Lyft are your main options in Chicago. Uber tends to be a little cheaper than Lyft, though that's not always the case.

Best Hotels

Waldorf astoria.

Address: 11 E Walton Street Phone: (312) 646-1300 Book Now

If you're looking for luxury, the Waldorf Astoria in Chicago is a great place to find it. This 60-story hotel and condo tower is just 10 years old and located in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast. It's designed as an homage to the grand hotels of 1920s Paris, complete with colonnades, a cobblestone courtyard and impeccable service. Rooms are spacious and bathrooms are perfect for lounging in a bathtub full of bubbles.

The Drake Hotel

Address: 140 E Walton Place Phone: (312) 787-2200 Book Now

The Drake Hotel is a luxurious historic landmark at the top of the Magnificent Mile just a couple of blocks from the 360 Chicago and just one block south of Oak Street Beach. The hotel opened in 1920 and over the years has welcomed guests including Prince Charles and Princess Diana, Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland, Winston Churchill, Herbert Hoover, and Walt Diskey. Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe carved their initials into the wood bar of the hotel's Cape Cod Room, and those initials are still there today.

The Langham

Address: 330 North Wabash Avenue Phone: 312-923-9988 Book Now

This luxury hotel is housed within architect Mies van der Rohe's last skyscraper. The hotel occupies the building's first 13 floors, and offers some of the best bathtub views in Chicago. It is located along the Chicago River just a block from the shops of Michigan Avenue. Its Pavilion Lounge is known for its afternoon tea, and the hotel itself is something of a museum and houses 150 pieces of art.

The Peninsula

Address: 108 E. Superior St. Phone: (312) 337-2888 Book Now

If you're looking for a larger than average hotel room, The Peninsula is the hotel for you. The decor is inspired by Lake Michigan, and the in-room tech addresses every need you could have. Pets are welcome for a bargain $50 a night, and the hotel lobby is far more than what it might seem. It's also a Michelin-starred restaurant. The hotel has a rooftop pool for swimming with a view.

St. Regis Chicago

Courtesy of St. Regis Chicago

Address: 401 E Wacker Drive Phone: (312) 787-3447 Book Now

Chicago's former Vista Tower is now rebranded as The St. Regis Chicago. It sits in the Lakeshore East neighborhood, a couple of blocks from the iconic Millennium Park. The hotel offers classic St. Regis amenities like butler service and afternoon tea. But the most notable feature is its wellness floor, which has a gym with river views, a 12,000-square-foot spa, an outdoor sundeck, and a heated indoor swimming pool with views of Lake Michigan. The hotel has 192 suites, but T+L's news director Paul Brady said the presidential suite is especially memorable for its lake-view soaking tub. "Ensconced in this vertical jewel box, it’s easy to feel as if you’re the only guest in town, but the buzz of Michigan Avenue is just a few short blocks west, with the hum of the whole city beyond," said Brady.

The Palmer House Hilton

Address: 17 East Monroe Street Phone: (312) 726-7500 Book Now

With more than 1,600 rooms, The Palmer House is Chicago's second largest hotel. This is a luxury hotel with history. Frank Sinatra used to perform here, and former President Bill Clinton has stayed here. The current building is the third iteration of the hotel. The first structure burned down during the fire of 1871. The second was visited by Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, Grover Cleveland and Ulysses S. Grant. A meeting at that hotel is what gave way to the creation of the Big Ten Conference. A dressing area where performers used to prepare is still intact and hidden behind a door in the hotel's ballroom.

The Chicago Hotel Collection - Wrigleyville

Address: 3475 N Clark Street Phone: (773) 248-9001 Book Now

If you love baseball, this hotel was made for you. An intimate hotel with just 21 rooms, it's a 10-minute walk from Wrigley Field. Rooms and common areas are baseball themed. The lobby has baseball bats on the ceiling, and you'll find plenty of stadium signs all around.

The Robey Hotel

Address: 2018 W North Avenue Phone: (872) 315-3050 Book Now

You'll find The Robey Hotel inside a 203-foot-tall art deco masterpiece in Wicker Park. The building was designed in 1929 as an office building and has since been converted into an 89-room hotel. The hotel is just a few steps from the train to O'Hare International Airport. It has a rooftop cocktail bar with exclusive guest happy hours and epic views of the Chicago skyline. The Robey offers free bike rentals and stocks rooms with local beers.

Address: 15 E Ohio Street Phone: (312) 894-0800 Book Now

The ACME hotel in Chicago's River North neighborhood describes itself as a "lifestyle boutique hotel alternative for the tragically hip." The ACME Hotel is located in a former motel that's been gutted and turned into a trendy boutique hotel. Rooms are small but comfortable, but you may want to head straight to the basement after you check in. That's where you'll find the Bunny Slope, likely Chicago's only hot tub bar.

Best Restaurants

Address: 800 W Randolph Street Phone: (312) 929-4580 Website

Au Cheval is no ordinary diner. Menu items include chicken liver, roasted marrow bones, and a signature cheeseburger like none other. The Au Cheval burger is simple: prime beef formed into four-ounce patties and layered with Kraft American cheese. It's topped with homemade pickles and Dijonnaise, with options to add a fried egg or thick-cut peppered bacon or foie gras.

Girl and the Goat

Address: 809 W Randolph Street Phone: (312) 492-6262 Website

Girl and the Goat is the brainchild of chef Stephanie Izard, the first female chef ever to win Bravo's Top Chef . Izard is a James Beard Award-winning chef and has beaten chefs including Bobby Flay in cooking competitions. Girl and the Goat features family-style dishes with Meditteranean inspiration. Menu items include swiss chard-kale pierogis, grilled pork belly, wood oven-roasted pig face and goat liver mousse. Don't skip the handcrafted cocktails or the bourbon ice cream dessert.

Gene and Georgetti's

Address: 500 N Franklin Street Phone: (312) 527-3718 Website

If you're after a steak in Chicago, this is where to get it. Gene & Georgetti was founded by a pair of Italian immigrants in 1941 and is one of Chicago's oldest steakhouses. Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, Keanu Reeves, and Will Ferrell are among the celebrities that have dined on its giant portions of steaks, chops, and classic Italian entrees like Chicken Marsala, Eggplant Parmesan, and Veal Scaloppine.

Quartino Ristorante

Address: 626 N State Street Phone: (312) 698-5000 Website

This is the place to go for a family-style Italian meal in downtown Chicago or a takeout meal you won't forget. Don't miss the eggplant parmesan, roasted baby octopus, organic veal skirt steak, or the burrata.

Joy Yee's Noodle Shop

Address: 2139 S China Place Phone: (312) 328-0001 Website

Joy Yee's Noodle Shop has perhaps the most expansive menu of noodles in Chicago. The restaurant has three locations, one in Chicago's Chinatown and two suburban outposts in Evanston and Naperville. Joy Yee's was among the first places in Chicago where patrons could get Taiwanese-style bubble tee.

Frontera Grill

Address: 445 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654 Phone: (312) 661-1434 Website

Frontera Grill was opened in 1987 by celebrity chef Rick Bayless and is widely considered one of the best Mexican restaurants in the city. Tortillas are made with organic corn from Mexico, fish is sourced from sustainable fisheries, and season vegetables dominate the menu. Frontera Grill won a prestigious James Beard award in 2007.

Giordano's

Address: 223 W Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60606 Phone: (312) 583-9400 Website

You can't go to Chicago and not eat a deep dish pizza. Giordano's is one of several pizzerias serving up the local delicacy and has 65 locations spread across the country, but the one in central Chicago is the easiest to access. The restaurant traces its roots to a small northern Italian town where Mama Giordano made a popular Italian Easter Pie, the precursor to Giordano's modern deep dish.

Lou Malnati's

Multiple locations Website

Lou Malnati worked at Chicago's first deep dish pizzeria in the 1940s then made his way to the suburbs to open a pizzeria of his own. Lou Malnati's deep dish pizzas are made from scratch using hand-selected California vine-ripened tomatoes. Mozzarella is sourced from a small Wisconsin dairy farm that's been supplying the restaurant for more than 40 years, and sausage is flavored with an exclusive — and secret — blend of spices.

Gino's East

Address: 162 E Superior Street Phone: (312) 266-3337 Website

Gino's East is the brainchild of two taxi drivers and another friend. The trio opened their first pizzeria in 1966 and have since expanded to include locations across the Chicagoland area and Texas. Gino's East cooks their deep dish pizza with a cornmeal-like crust and the cheese on the bottom. Toppings are placed on top of the cheese, then covered in sauce.

Address: 1723 N Halsted Street Phone: (312) 867-0110 Website

Alinea is a three-star Michelin restaurant that's become regular on lists of the world's best restaurants. Chef Grant Achatz is best known for his outlandish dishes that marry creativity with phenomenal flavor. A favorite dish: an edible helium balloon made from taffy.

Address: 720 N State Street Phone: (312) 374-8995 Website

The French-Mexican fusion restaurant is from Michelin-starred chef Carlos Gaytan, who began his career as a 20-year-old immigrant dishwasher before becoming the first Mexican chef to earn a Michelin star in 2013. Tzuco is meant to tell the story of Gaytan's life through a series of unique dishes in a warm, welcoming space in Gold Coast. Dishes are meant for sharing, and you won't want to miss the spicy roasted octopus, the barbacoa, or the traditional French onion soup with a poblano pepper twist.

Billy Goat Tavern

Address: 1535 W Madison Street Phone: (312) 733-9132 Website

The Billy Goat Tavern is a Chicago institution that was established in 1934. It's founder, Greek immigrant William Sianis bought his tavern, then called the Lincoln Tavern, with a $205 check that bounced. At Sianis told it, a goat fell off of a passing truck and wandered inside, inspiring him to change the tavern's name. Billy Goat Tavern has a simple, straightforward menu that includes the Cheezeborgers made famous by "Saturday Night Live".

Things to Do

Chicago architecture foundation river cruise.

Address: 112 East Wacker Dr. Phone Number: 312-332-2505 Website

There's nothing like seeing Chicago from the water. The Architecture Foundation's boat tour offers an opportunity to do that while learning about Chicago architecture. The 1.5-hour cruise along the Chicago River passes the Merchandise Mart, a structure so big it has its own zip code; Marina City, a pair of residential towers known colloquially known as the corncobs, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and Willis Tower.

Willis Tower

Address: 233 South Wacker Drive Phone: (312) 875-0066 Website

Willis Tower, previously known as Sears Tower, is a 110-story skyscraper that was the tallest building in the world for almost 25 years. It's now the second-tallest building in the U.S. behind One World Trade Center in New York. More than 1 million people visit the Willis Tower's observation deck each year, making it one of Chicago's most popular tourist destinations. The Willis Tower observation deck is located on the 103d floor of the building and now includes retractable glass boxes that extend four feet over the street below. On a clear day, visitors can see Michigan and Wisconsin.

360 Chicago

Address: 875 North Michigan Avenue Phone: (888) 875-8439 Website

The John Hancock Building's 360 Chicago observation deck is located 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile and offers 360-degree views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. Up for adventure? Try the enclosed moving platform that tilts visitors over Michigan avenue. You don't have to head to the observation deck to check out the epic views though. Just take a trip up to the Signature Room restaurant and bar to take in the Hancock Tower's lake and city views over cocktails or a buffet brunch.

Go to the beach

Believe it or not, Chicago is a beach town where you can bask in the shadows of skyscrapers while digging your toes into the sand. Chicago has 26 miles of lakeshore and 25 beaches. North Avenue Beach, just north of downtown, is popular for yoga and beach volleyball. Oak Street Beach is closest to downtown Chicago. Admission to Chicago's beaches is free. Lifeguards are on duty between 11 am and 7 pm during the summer.

Art Institute of Chicago

Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure

Address: 111 S Michigan Avenue Phone: (312) 443-3600 Website

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the U.S. More than 1.5 million visitors pass through its doors each year to see a collection that includes Picasso's The Old Guitarist , Edward Hopper's Nighthawks , and Grant Wood's American Gothic . The museum spans almost one million square feet and is housed in a gorgeous beaux-arts building that was designed for the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893.

Frank Lloyd Wright houses

Famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright came to Chicago in search of work in 1887. Throughout his career, Wright designed more than 1,000 structures, several of which are located in the Chicago area. Two good options for architecture buffs that are easily reachable by public transit are the Robie House at the University of Chicago and the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in suburban Oak Park.

See jazz at the Green Mill

Address: 4802 N. Broadway Avenue Phone: 773-878-5552 Website

The Green Mill opened in 1907 as Pop Morse's Roadhouse. Al Capone was once a regular and his favorite booth is still standing. The booth has views of both the front and back entrances, something important to Capone and his associates, who also are said to have used a network of tunnels under the bar to evade authorities. The Green Mill has appeared in several movies, including "High Fidelity", "Prelude to a Kiss", and "Soul Food".

Field Museum

Address: 1400 S Lake Shore Drive Phone: (312) 922-9410 Website

The Field Museum is one of the world's largest natural history museums. Around two million people visit each year to explore its fossils, ancient cultures, and to meet Sue, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever discovered. Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears, is located across from the Field Museum.

The Second City

Chicago is a comedy mecca. Several of America's top comedians got their start at The Second City comedy club, among them: John Candy, John and Jim Belushi, Joan Rivers, Bill Murray, Amy Poehler and Stephen Colbert. The Second City is one of many Chicago comedy clubs.

Stroll Through Grant Park

Address: 337 E Randolph Street Website

Grant Park is a 319-acre urban park situated along Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago. The park is often called "Chicago's front yard" and includes the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the iconic Buckingham Fountain, which was featured in the title sequence of the TV show "Married... with Children" and the movie "National Lampoon's Vacation". The fountain operates from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. from mid-April to mic-October. Water shows are scheduled for every hour on the hour. Millennium Park, known for its summer concerts and winter ice skating, is located within Grant Park.

Museum of Science and Industry

Address: 5700 S Lake Shore Drive Phone: (773) 684-9844 Website

The Museum of Science and History is located in Chicago's Hyde Park in a building that was part of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. The museum's exhibits include a full-size replica coal mine, a German submarine captured during World War II, a 3,500-square-foot model railroad, World War II airplanes, the command module from Apollo 8, and the world's first diesel-powered streamlined stainless-steel train, the Pioneer Zephyr. The Museum of Science and History is known for its interactive exhibits and has more than 2,000 pieces in its collection, some of which require an additional fee.

Address: 201 E Randolph Street in Millennium Park Website

People call it the bean, but look closely at the public sculpture that sits on the edge of Millennium Park and you may see the cloud it was intended to be. Cloud Gate was designed by Indian-born British artist Sir Anish Kapoor and constructed between 2004 and 2006. It's made of 168 pieces of stainless steel plates and has been welded in such a way that there are no visible seams.

Chicago Theater

Address: 175 N State Street Phone: (312) 462-6300 Website

The Chicago Theater is a landmark that was built in 1921 and previously served as one of the city's premier movie theaters. Nowadays, it hosts concerts, plays, touring Broadway shows, comedy, and more. The theater's famous marquee is frequently used in movies, TV and artwork depicting the city. Can't work a live performance into your Chicago itinerary? Tours of the property are available.

Best Shopping

Water tower place.

Address: 835 N. Michigan Avenue Phone: (312) 440-3580 Website

Water Tower Place sits at the northern tip of the Magnificent Mile and was one of the first vertical malls in the world. It offers 758,000 square feet of shopping in the heart of downtown Chicago. The mall covers eight levels and has more than 100 stores, including a flagship American Girl store, a Chicago Cubs Clubhouse Shop and mall staples like Victoria's Secret, Sephora, Lego and Banana Republic. Located on North Michigan Avenue along the Magnificent Mile, the mall is named after the Chicago Water Tower, one of the few structures that survived the 1871 fire that devastated the city.

If you're looking to drop some serious cash, Oak Street in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood is where you'll want to go. This shopping district sandwiched between Michigan Avenue and Rush Street is small but packs a high-end punch with retailers like Prada, Hermès, Tory Burch, Armani, and Jimmy Choo. It's also where you'll find Barney's, Harry Winston, and a Vera Wang bridal salon.

State Street

State Street is a place to find retailers including Sephora, Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters as well as the world's second largest department store — a former Marshall Field's that's now a Macy's. The 7th floor of Macy's houses a collection of restaurants from celebrity chefs including Rick Bayless and Takashi Yagihashi.

Kokorokoko Vintage

Address: 1323 North Milwaukee Avenue Website

If you're a child of the 80s or 90s, you're going to love exploring this quirky boutique. The store opened in 2009 with the goal of bringing shoppers vintage finds from the post hip-hop, pre-Internet era. Expect to find lots of T-shirts, bright prints, 80s prom dresses, and things like "90210" trading cards.

Fashion Outlets of Chicago

Address: 5220 Fashion Outlets Way, Rosemont, IL 60018 Website

If you're looking for a deal, head to the suburb of Rosemont where you'll find retailers including Neiman Marcus Last Call, Nordstrom Rack, Gucci, and Saks Fifth Avenue's Off 5th of Rosemont where you'll find the Fashion Outlets of Chicago. It's only a half-mile from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, making it perfect for a long layover shopping spree.

Wicker Park

If you're a vintage shopper, head to Wicker Park where North Avenue meets N Milwaukee Avenue. Walk southeast on Milwaukee and you'll find a number of vintage retailers including Buffalo Exchange, Ragstock, Una Mae's, and Vintage Underground.

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is a boutique shopper's paradise where you'll find one-of-a-kind retailers selling clothes, gifts, furniture and more. Among some of Lincoln Park's more popular shops: Alice & Wonder, Enzo Custom and Art Effect. Lincoln Park is also home to several chain retailers and the world's largest Lululemon.

Address: 651 W. Lake Street Phone: 312-475-1355 Website

Open Books is a nonprofit used bookstore that aims to boost literacy in Chicago. Open Books runs a number of programs for students and provides free books to schools, libraries and nonprofits across Chicago. It has two locations, one in the West Loop and another in Pilsen. The West Loop location alone has more than 50,000 books in its inventory. It's also got plenty of places to read.

Neighborhoods to Know

Magnificent Mile: The Magnificent Mile is a strip along Michigan Avenue known for its shopping. This is where you'll find high-end merchants like Burberry, Chanel, Tory Burch, and La Perla, as well as department stores Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, and Saks. Retailers including Uniqlo, The Disney Store, Patagonia, Nike, and Zara also have stores on this stretch of shopping paradise.

Wicker Park and Bucktown : Wicker Park and neighboring Bucktown are hipster havens known for their art, community, nightlife, and food scenes. Each neighborhood has a unique architectural style, but both are brimming with street art, bars, and restaurants.

Wrigleyville : If you're a baseball fan, Wrigleyville is the neighborhood for you. Wrigleyville is where you'll find Wrigley Field, home of the World Champion Chicago Cubs and a seemingly never-ending strip of bars that's the liveliest place in town when the Cubs are playing.

Hyde Park: This southside neighborhood is where Michelle Obama grew up and where she and Barack Obama still own a home (well, technically across the street from the border of Hyde Park, in Kenwood). Hyde Park is where you'll find the University of Chicago, the Museum of Science and History, the Robie House, and a number of historic mansions.

Gold Coast: Chicago's Gold Coast is a historic district born when a number of local millionaires moved to the area after the Great Chicago Fire. It's got a mixture of mansions, row houses, and high rises, and is among the richest urban neighborhoods in America.

Chicago summers can be beautiful but humid while long winters can be windy, snowy and downright brutal. Fall is generally pleasant with lots of colorful leaves.

January: Average temperatures 18 to 32 February: Average temperatures 20 to 34 March: Average temperatures 29 to 43 April: Average temperatures 40 to 55 May: Average temperatures 50 to 65 June: Average temperatures 60 to 75 July: Average temperatures 66 to 81 August: Average temperatures 65 to 79 September: Average temperatures 58 to 73 October: Average temperatures 47 to 61 November: Average temperatures 34 to 47 December: Average temperatures 23 to 36

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Chicago Travel Guide

Second City? Not by our count. Chicago is world-class in so many categories—magnificent architecture, stunning museums, brilliant chefs, a massive brewing scene, and so much to do that you'll never see it all. But it's worth a shot: Scratch the surface in the Loop and on the Gold Coast, which are the major hubs for visitors, then go deeper into the city's 77 neighborhoods, where you'll find cutting-edge restaurant and chilled out corner bars everywhere from Bridgeport to Logan Square. It's a wide and varied city, but no matter where you go, one thing is constant: here, you'll meet some of the most pleasant people you'll find anywhere. 

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Chicago   Travel Guide

Courtesy of jaskoomerovic | Getty Images

Why Go To Chicago

"It is hopeless for the occasional visitor to try to keep up with Chicago – she outgrows his prophecies faster than he can make them," wrote Mark Twain in "Life on the Mississippi." Although Twain made up his mind about the Windy City before it even reached its 50th year, his impression of Chicago has proven long-lasting. America's third-largest city has been described in a myriad of ways throughout its lifetime. When Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla were competing for the right to use their forms of electricity to illuminate the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition (also known as the Chicago World's Fair), Chicago was known as a city of industry. When Prohibition set in, notorious mobsters like Al Capone transformed Chicagoland into their own dangerous playground. And intense immigration surges throughout the 20th century brought a host of new identities to the Windy City, including Greek, Polish, Italian, Irish and Jewish.

Today, Chicago remains just as diverse, boasting a thriving arts scene, various shopping districts and a cornucopia of eateries. First-time Chi-Town visitors are sure to have their eyes to the sky for at least a day or two. Chicago's skyscrapers and public art are absolutely worth admiring: Tag along on a  Chicago Architecture River Cruise  or pass a few hours in  Millennium Park  and you'll find yourself spending lots of time looking upward. For a bird's-eye perspective, head to Willis Tower's  Skydeck Chicago  or the John Hancock Center's  360 CHICAGO Observation Deck . After, dive headfirst into all the city has to offer – from exceptional museums to a thriving sports culture and deep-dish pizza that takes delicious to whole new depths. If you need a little help navigating Chi-Town, consider signing up for one of the best Chicago tours .

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• # 3 in Best Food Cities in the U.S.
• # 3 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
• # 7 in Best Party Cities in the U.S.

See All 7 Rankings

Best of Chicago

Best hotels in chicago.

• # 1 in The Langham, Chicago
• # 2 in The Peninsula Chicago
• # 3 in Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

Best Things to Do in Chicago

• # 1 in Millennium Park and Cloud Gate
• # 2 in Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain
• # 3 in Art Institute of Chicago

Popular Tours

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

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Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour

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Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile

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from $ 28.00

Chicago Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best times to visit Chicago are April through May and between September and October, when the temperatures are warm, a variety of festivals take place and crowds are manageable. Summer marks Chicago's peak tourist and  festival season , with travelers from around the country hoping to take advantage of the warm weather and abundant activities. You'll find higher lodging rates during these seasons, but you'll also escape Chicago's notoriously bitter winters. Chicago experiences frigid temperatures from November to March, but if you can hack it, hotel and airfare deals are easy to find.

Weather in Chicago

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Winter is no walk in the park Winter temperatures in the teens and 20s are made worse by biting wind chills. Come prepared with a warm hat, a reliable pair of gloves, a thick coat and sturdy boots if you're visiting during this season.

You don't need wheels Forget the car: Chicago's extensive public transportation system is a much better (and easier) way to get around. A Segway tour is another fun way to sightsee without having to rely on your own two feet. The city also has a bike-share program called Divvy.

You've got a lot to see So schedule wisely. Group the things you want to do by neighborhood to avoid wasting time in transit.

Consider a tour For a local's perspective of the city, book a tour . Whether you're looking for a food tour, a boat tour  or a walking tour , you'll find a variety of experiences to choose from.

How to Save Money in Chicago

Bundle up  The weather outside may be frightful, but there are plenty of deals to be found during the winter months. Many  hotels slash their rates, and cheap flights are easy to come by.

Head north  Hotels in the Loop cater to business travelers staying on the company dime. For a more down-to-earth (and affordable) place to hang your hat, check out the bed-and-breakfasts in North Side neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Lakeview.

Invest in an all-access pass  The  Chicago CityPASS  and the  Go Chicago Card  grant access to Chi-Town's most popular  attractions  for one set price. This will help you shave big bucks off your entertainment expenses.

Culture & Customs

Chicago boasts its fair share of fine restaurants , but don't miss your chance to sample the regional fare. Chicagoans strongly believe that their pizza and hot dogs are better than those in  New York City  – you may simply want to agree rather than spark a debate. And when you're ordering a beverage, remember that in Chicago soda is called "pop."

Residents of Chicago are also dedicated to their sports teams. You should have no trouble finding a fellow fan of "da Bears" or "da Cubs" (phrases made famous by "Saturday Night Live") at one of the many sports bars scattered throughout Wrigleyville.

If you prefer performing arts to sports,  The Reader  and  Time Out Chicago  can point you to musical and theatrical performances taking place around the city. And don't forget to check out one of the city's famous comedy shows, which are offered regularly through local comedy groups like  The Second City  and  UP Comedy Club .

What to Eat

Most people associate Chicago cuisine with three things: pizza, hot dogs and steak. They wouldn't be wrong. The Windy City has an ongoing rivalry with  New York City  over who can serve up the better slice – while New Yorkers prefer wide and flat, Chicagoans like their pizza with a deep crust that can carry loads of toppings. For hot dogs, New Yorkers like their hot dogs simple with potato buns and ketchup, mustard or relish, while Chicagoans enjoy their beef franks on a poppy seed bun with yellow mustard, chopped white onion, tomatoes, dill pickles, pickled peppers and a dash of celery salt.

Chicago is also known for its  steakhouses  – the Loop and the North Side are littered with fine dining establishments that serve prime cuts of beef. Some of the most reputed steakhouses include Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab  just off The Magnificent Mile and  Bavette's Bar & Boeuf  in the River North area. Just be warned: A good steak doesn't come cheap in this town.

Another Chicago dish that's popular with locals, but not as well-known to tourists is the Italian beef sandwich. Created by Chicago's Italian immigrant community in the early 1900s, this seasoned roast beef sandwich soaked in meat drippings and topped with spicy giardiniera or sweet Italian peppers is found on many hot dog stand and restaurant menus. But, if you want to enjoy an authentic Italian beef sandwich, locals recommend visiting  Portillo's . Two locations – one on West Ontario Street in River North and another on West Taylor Street near the South Loop – are available in the downtown area.

If you're looking to save on dining (but don't want to survive on pizza, hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches alone), move away from the downtown area into Chicago's more immigrant-dominated neighborhoods. Travel west for the hummus and tzatziki in Greektown, pasta in Little Italy or tacos in the Lower West Side. Or, head south of downtown to Chinatown for Asian specialties. If you're not sure what you're in the mood for, North Side neighborhoods like Streeterville, Lakeview and Lincoln Park boast eclectic restaurant scenes. Authentic Indian and Pakistani fare are also available west of the North Side's Rogers Park neighborhood along West Devon Avenue. Another great way to explore Chicago's wealth of culinary options is on a  food tour  or one of the best Chicago walking tours .

When you've got a hankering for a cold, crisp beer, consider touring one of the  city's top breweries . Or, head out for a night on the town to one of the  bars locals love , such as Cindy's rooftop bar or Jake Melnick's Corner Tap . And if you have time, locals say you should make reservations for brunch. Chicago is home to an array of brunch spots, including Lincoln Park's Batter & Berries , home of the French toast flight, or West Town's Beatnik , with its globally inspired menu and popular boozy slushies .

As you would in any big city, exercise caution when you're out and about. Keep your valuables with you at all times. Make sure to have a clear sense of your surroundings when traveling after dark, and avoid walking alone as much as possible. Neighborhoods in the South and West sides are prone to gun violence and are best avoided, especially after dark. Keep in mind that the White Sox stadium is located in the South Side, but visitors coming to games should consider using the L, which makes a stop right outside the stadium. Neighborhoods like South Loop, Kenwood and Hyde Park are not as affected as areas west of Lake Michigan (where poverty is more prevalent), but it's still best to stay alert at all times.

Getting Around Chicago

The best way to get around Chicago is via public transportation – specifically the L train. Operated by the Chicago Transit Authority, the L (short for "elevated train") is cheap and easy to use. The CTA also operates an extensive bus system with routes servicing nearly every attraction, but the bus may be difficult for newcomers to navigate. There's also the Metra regional train system that makes stops throughout downtown Chicago and in neighboring cities and suburbs. You can use public transit to reach the city from both nearby airports. O'Hare International Airport (ORD) sits 18 miles northwest of downtown and can be accessed via the L's Blue Line, and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is located about 11 miles southwest of downtown and can be reached using the L's Orange Line. Cabs and ride-hailing services are also available, although high starting rates and extra charges make this option a bit expensive. Parking garage and street parking fees are pricey as well, but if you decide you need a set of wheels, rental agencies can be found at both airports.

For some of the best views of the Chicago skyline, head just north of the city to the Lincoln Park Zoo .

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Things To Do

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Your Trip to Chicago: The Complete Guide

Trips to Chicago: A Complete Guide

Duane Walker/Getty Images

Chicago is a pulsating and diverse city full of art, culture, top-rated restaurants, and outdoor fun along the lakefront and Chicago River. Known for its architecture, travelers can get an up-close look at notorious buildings , like 875 North Michigan (previously known as the John Hancock Center) or the Willis Tower, through guided cruises along the river or via narrated walking tours. Professional sports, deep dish pizza, Navy Pier, and Chicago-style hot dogs are also big magnets for visitors.

Planning Your Trip to Chicago

Best Time to Visit:  The best time to visit Chicago is in the spring or fall when temperatures are the most pleasant and when crowd sizes are smaller. These seasons often offer the best deals at hotels and area attractions.

Language:  While English is widely spoken, more than 19 percent of the population in Chicago speaks another language , including Spanish, Polish, Chinese, and German.

Currency:  The Standard US dollar is widely used as well as all major credit cards.

Getting Around :  The "L" train (short for “elevated train”) is the quickest, cheapest, and easiest way to get around the city. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) also operates the bus system. The Metra Rail regional train system makes stops around the city as well as to neighboring suburbs and cities.

Travel Tip:  Most of Chicago’s museums have a "free day", which is worth looking into, especially if you have multiple people in tow and are looking for extra savings. Visit museums early, or just before closing, to avoid crowds.

Things to Do in Chicago

The top things to do in Chicago include visits to Millennium Park and the Cloud Gate sculpture, Willis Tower, Navy Pier, Chicago Riverwalk , The Art Institute of Chicago and museum campus, and beaches along the lake front. Be sure to try a slice of deep dish pizza and order a Chicago-style hot dog from a food cart. Take a cruise with the Chicago Architecture Foundation on the Chicago River to learn about famous buildings. Festivals and events like Lollapalooza in Grant Park and Taste of Chicago are also popular.

• Navy Pier is one of the most-visited sites in Chicago as it offers plenty of shopping and dining options as well as events and attractions. Ride Centennial Wheel , visit the Chicago Children’s Museum , see a show at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre , and enjoy a classic river cruise. Don’t miss the Crystal Gardens, located in a six-story glass atrium, a unique-to-Chicago experience.
•  Reaching 110-stories, Willis Tower is one of the most recognizable buildings in the city. Step outside the building into a glass box for an experience on the Skydeck’s Ledge .
•   Museum Campus is home to three of the city’s most popular museums: Adler Planetarium , Field Museum , and Shedd Aquarium .

Explore more attractions with our full-length articles on Chicago’s most impressive architecture , thebest tours of the city, and the top things to do .

What to Eat and Drink

From Michelin-rated restaurants to hot dog stands serving up Chicago-style dogs (steamed poppyseed bun, relish, celery salt, chopped onions, large slices of tomatoes, sport peppers, pickle and mustard) to Italian beef sandwiches to deep dish pizza from Lou Malnati’s , Chicago has it all. Latinos and Latinas make up the second largest ethnic population in Chicago and Mexican food is widely popular. You can try the Michelin-starred Topolobampo or explore Pilsen, Little Village, Humboldt Park, and the Lower West Side neighborhoods for fantastic food options. With more than 7,300 restaurants to choose from, you won’t go hungry in this city.

Chicago has a bustling night life, full of bars and restaurants perfect for sipping a cocktail, beer, or wine. If you want to try a Chicago-specific drink, order The Chicago Fizz, made with rum, port wine, lemon juice, and an egg or try The Chicago Cocktail, made with brandy and champagne. Beer is also a staple in Chicago. Goose Island , Revolution Brewing , Lagunitas Brewing Company , Half Acre , and Dovetail Brewery are all celebrated breweries and they all offer tours.

Explore our articles on the best restuarants , top breweries , and foods to try .

Where to Stay in Chicago

Staying downtown, close to city attractions, restaurants, and nightlife, is a good bet, especially if you’re new to the city and want to visit the top tourist sites. You may want to consider, however, staying in one of Chicago’s trendy neighborhoods, close to the “L” for public transportation, to have a more authentic "local" experience. Logan Square, West Loop, Pilsen, Bucktown and Wicker Park, and Andersonville are all fun neighborhoods with loads of restaurants, shopping, and streets perfect for wandering. You’ll find that there’s a variety of hotels, no matter where you stay in the city, with available nights at diverse price points.

Get some ideas on where to stay with our full-length articles on the top neighborhoods and best hotels.

Getting There

No matter which direction you're coming from,  driving into Chicago is simple . It's a major hub for the Midwest, so all of the major interstates in the area run through the city. Rush hour is quite congested, however, so try to plan around the morning and evening commutes.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport both have nonstop flights from many U.S. cities and a few international destinations. You can rent a car, take public transportation, or book a cab or rideshare to get anywhere in the city. The Blue Line “L” train will take you from O’Hare International Airport to downtown. 

Another option is to take the train into Chicago. Amtrak uses the city as a main hub for the area and their trains go directly to Union Station in downtown.

• Chicago Midway International Airport is situated on Chicago’s south side, eight miles from downtown. You may want to fly into this airport if you’re on Southwest Airlines for decent domestic flight deals. Fewer flight routes are offered at this airport compared to Chicago O’Hare.
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), located in northwest Chicago, is the largest airport in the Midwest, providing connections to more cities more often than any other airport in the world. ORD is a hub for United and American. Give yourself plenty of time to navigate this airport as it’s large, often crowded, and there’s usually traffic coming in and out of the airport.

Money Saving Tips

• Explore many architectural sites and buildings, as well as outdoor landscapes like parks and beaches, for free. Marvel at Buckingham Fountain , the Chicago Cultural Center , Millennium Park, the South Shore Cultural Center , and more.
• The Chicago Architecture Center offers discounts at restaurants and hotels around the city. You can also use their maps and take yourself on a walking tour to see some of the most prominent buildings and sites.
• Venture through the Lincoln Park Zoo, free of charge, all year long. Don't miss the zoo's animal farm.
• Most museums in the city have a “ free day ”: Adler Planetarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Chicago History Museum, Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier, Museum of Contemporary Art, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, DuSable Museum of African American History, and many more. Special exhibits are excluded.Visit the National Museum of Mexican Art , which is always free, and see 10,000 works of art.
• Bike or run on the Lakefront Trail or the Northerly Island Trail to enjoy lake views, beaches, and the Chicago skyline.
• Visit Chinatown and see the Chinatown Gate, Nine Dragon Wall, and Ping Tom Memorial Park—all free. If you time it just right, you can see a Dragon Boat race.
• Be sure to check potential savings that are being offered at your hotel. Many packages include discounts or free tickets at area attractions as well as at restaurants and bars that are located in the same building.
• One of the best ways to save money in Chicago is to walk, bike, or take public transportation to get where you’re going. The “L” is cheap, fast, and easy to use. Rent a Divvy bike and explore the city on two wheels with their app full of maps and resources—a day pass is $15 per day.
• The Chicago Riverwalk is fun to stroll, and you can often take part in free events and listen to live music while enjoying the views on the Chicago River. The City Winery is a popular spot for live entertainment, enjoyed with a glass of wine and a cheese board.
• Street markets, food trucks, and hotel and bar happy hours are a great way to experience the city at a discount.
• Chicago has multiple free seasonal trolleys. Take the free trolley from the Art Institute of Chicago to Navy Pier, with many stops along the way. The Randolph Street Market also offers a free trolley.

Learn more about the cheapest ways to have fun by exploring the Top Free Things to Do in Chicago and Great Things to Do in Chicago for Under $10 .

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