Art Institute of Chicago
One of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, with Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, Grant Wood's American Gothic, Hopper's Nighthawks and the Modern Wing.
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About Chicago
Chicago sits on Lake Michigan where the Chicago River meets the lake, and its compact downtown, the Loop, holds the highest concentration of landmark architecture in the country. North of the river are the Magnificent Mile, River North, the Gold Coast and Streeterville; the Lakefront Trail links Navy Pier, Millennium Park, the Museum Campus and beaches such as Oak Street and North Avenue. West Loop and Fulton Market are the center of the city's restaurant scene, while Pilsen, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Andersonville and Hyde Park offer neighborhood murals, music venues, independent shops and the University of Chicago. The CTA 'L' connects both airports (O'Hare via the Blue Line and Midway via the Orange Line) to downtown, so visitors can explore without a car. Summers are warm and festival-filled, winters are cold and windy, and the best weather is usually late spring and early fall.
- Capital
- Springfield (state capital of Illinois)
- Largest city
- Chicago
- Population
- ~2.7 million (city); ~9.4 million (metro area)
- Languages
- English
- Currency
- United States Dollar
- Time zone
- Central Time (America/Chicago, UTC-6 CST / UTC-5 CDT)
Explore Chicago by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Chicago
The 25 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Millennium Park and Cloud Gate (The Bean)
Downtown's free public park, home to Anish Kapoor's mirror-like Cloud Gate sculpture, Crown Fountain, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and the Lurie Garden.
Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower
A 1,353-foot observation deck on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower with glass-floored Ledge boxes extending out from the building.
360 CHICAGO
An observation deck on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center with floor-to-ceiling windows and the TILT attraction, which leans visitors out over Michigan Avenue.
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise
A narrated 90-minute cruise on the Chicago River led by trained docents, widely regarded as the best way to see the city's skyscrapers.
Field Museum
A natural history museum home to SUE, the largest and most complete T. rex ever found, plus Egyptian mummies, gems and Pacific cultures exhibits.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Chicago Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Chicago, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Chicago
- Days 1-2Chicago city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Chicago
- Days 1-3Chicago comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Chicago, departure
Where to stay in Chicago
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $95
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $265
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $650+
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
The Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel
Historic 1871 hotel with a gilded Beaux-Arts lobby steps from Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Check rates on Booking.comHilton Chicago
Landmark 1927 hotel across from Grant Park, a short walk from the Museum Campus and Millennium Park.
Check rates on Booking.comChicago Athletic Association Hotel
Restored 1893 Venetian Gothic athletic club on Michigan Avenue across from Millennium Park.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Art Deco 1927 McGraw-Hill building hotel one block from the Magnificent Mile.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Chicago
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - River North
Family-run Chicago institution known for buttery-crust deep dish, with a full bar and online reservations at its River North location.
Pequod's Pizza
Lincoln Park pizzeria famous for its caramelized cheese crust on pan-style deep dish, open late.
Gino's East - Magnificent Mile
The original Gino's East dining room near Michigan Avenue, serving cornmeal-crust deep dish in a room covered with diners' graffiti.
Pizzeria Uno
Widely credited birthplace of Chicago deep dish pizza in 1943, in a historic brick building at Ohio and Wabash.
Pizzeria Due
Pizzeria Uno's sister restaurant a short walk away, serving the same deep dish recipe.
Giordano's - Prudential Plaza
Downtown outpost of the stuffed-pizza chain, known for a second layer of dough over a thick cheese and sausage filling.
Book a food tour in Chicago We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Chicago
Chicago has one of the most complete public transit systems in the United States. The CTA 'L' (eight color-coded lines) and a dense bus network cover the city, Metra commuter rail and the South Shore Line connect the suburbs and northwest Indiana, and Amtrak connects Chicago to Milwaukee, St. Louis, Detroit and the rest of the country. Both airports have direct 'L' stations. Visitors staying in the Loop, River North, the Gold Coast or Lincoln Park rarely need a car.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $45 | $150 | $400 |
| Food (per day) | $25 | $65 | $150 |
| Transportation | $10 | $15 | $40 |
| Activities | $15 | $35 | $60 |
| Daily total | $95 | $265 | $650+ |
Best time to visit Chicago
Weather through the year in Chicago
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C.
Essential travel tips
- Buy a Ventra pass or use contactless payment on the CTA; the 'L' is faster than driving downtown
- Book popular architecture river cruises and Skydeck tickets online in advance for summer weekends
- Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants and $1-2 per drink at bars; sales tax is added at the register (10.25% in the city)
- Some museums offer free days for Illinois residents only; check each museum's website for visitor discounts
- Lakefront paths and beaches are crowded on summer weekends and during festivals such as Lollapalooza (early August)
Safety information
Chicago's tourist areas (the Loop, River North, Streeterville, the Magnificent Mile, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Lakeview and the Lakefront Trail) are busy and heavily policed, and the great majority of visitors have trouble-free trips; violent crime is concentrated in specific South and West Side neighborhoods that most visitors never visit
City-wide homicides and shootings fell sharply in 2025 and 2026 to some of the lowest levels in decades according to Chicago Police Department figures, and violent crime on CTA buses and trains was down about 32 percent through September 2026 compared with the previous year; the picture is improving but still varies strongly by neighborhood
Petty theft, phone snatching and package or vehicle break-ins are the most common crimes affecting tourists; keep phones out of sight near station entrances and on the platform edge, never leave anything visible in a parked car, and do not leave bags unattended at beaches or cafes
Pay with a contactless card or phone at CTA turnstiles instead of pulling out cash; stay alert on trains, sit near other riders or in the first car with the operator late at night, and use rideshare when waiting alone at an unstaffed station after about 11 PM
Lake Michigan has strong currents, rip currents and cold water; swim only at beaches with lifeguards (Memorial Day to Labor Day), obey the flag system posted by the Chicago Park District, and never swim at piers, breakwaters or closed beaches
Winter is a genuine safety issue: wind chill can drop below -20°F (-29°C) in January, and exposed skin can freeze in minutes; wear layers, hats and gloves, avoid ice near the lake, and check forecasts at weather.gov/lot
In summer heat waves (heat index above 100°F / 38°C), drink water, avoid midday exertion and use Chicago's cooling centers; Chicago issues heat advisories through chicago.gov
Thunderstorms and tornado warnings can occur in spring and summer; if a siren sounds or a warning is issued, move to an interior room or building away from windows and leave the lakefront and Riverwalk
Drivers: do not leave valuables in the car, watch for red-light and speed cameras, and note that street-cleaning and winter overnight parking restrictions cause tickets and tows
Cyclists and scooter riders on the Lakefront Trail should keep right and yield to pedestrians; the trail is busy and crowded on summer weekends, and bike theft is common, so always lock bikes with a U-lock
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Chicago?
Entry follows United States rules. Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries need an approved ESTA before flying; most other visitors need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. Requirements vary by nationality, so check travel.state.gov and esta.cbp.dhs.gov before traveling.
What is the best way to get around Chicago?
The CTA 'L' train and bus network is the easiest way to see the city. The Blue Line runs from O'Hare Airport and the Orange Line from Midway Airport to the Loop. Pay with a contactless card, phone wallet or the Ventra app, and confirm current fares at transitchicago.com.
What food is Chicago famous for?
Chicago is famous for deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs (served without ketchup), Italian beef sandwiches, Garrett Popcorn caramel and cheese mix, and Jibarito sandwiches. The city also has a major fine-dining scene centered on the West Loop and Fulton Market.
What are the top attractions in Chicago?
The top attractions in Chicago include Millennium Park and Cloud Gate, the Art Institute of Chicago, an architecture river cruise, the Willis Tower Skydeck, Navy Pier and the Lakefront Trail. Museum Campus venues such as the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium are also popular.
When is the best time to visit Chicago?
May-June and September-early October offer mild weather and fewer extremes. July and August are warm and busy with festivals and beach days, while January and February are cold and windy.