Chicago Travel Guide, Illinois

Founded in the early 1800s, Chicago is positioned between civilization and wilderness and many aspects of modern life had their start here. Chicago really does have it all, with less infrastructural problems than its coastal rivals.

• Flights
• Hotels
• Packages
• Cars
• Cruises
• Travel Deals

RoundtripOne Way

From:To:
Depart:Return:
Adults:12345Kids:01234Seniors:012345Class:EconomyBusinessFirst

City:Check-In:Check-Out:
Adults:12345Rooms:12345Kids:01234

From:To:
Depart:Return:
Adults:12345Rooms:12345Kids:01234Seniors:012345

Pick-Up:Drop-Off:Pick-Up Date:Drop-Off Date:

Cruiseline:Any cruise lineCarnival Cruise LineCelebrity CruisesCosta CruisesCrystal CruisesCunard Line Ltd.Disney Cruise LineHolland America Cruise LineNorwegian Cruise LinePrincess CruisesRadisson Seven SeasRoyal CaribbeanSeabourn Cruise LineSilversea CruisesLength of stay:Any Cruise Length1-2 Nights3-6 Nights7-9 Nights10-15 Nights15 and more NightsDestination:Any DestinationAfricaAlaskaAsiaBahamasBermudaCanada/ New EnglandCaribbeanEastern CaribbeanExotic CaribbeanSouthern CaribbeanWestern CaribbeanCosta RicaEuropeMediterraneanNorthern EuropeTransatlanticWestern EuropeHawaiiLatin AmericaMexicoBaja CaliforniaGulf of MexicoMexican RivieraPanama CanalSouth AmericaSouth PacificAustraliaNew ZealandTahitiWestern U.S.Pacific CoastMonth:Any MonthMar-2025Apr-2025May-2025Jun-2025Jul-2025Aug-2025Sep-2025Oct-2025Nov-2025Dec-2025Jan-2026Feb-2026

Though residents complain about the cold weather that lasts almost through the whole year, at least on a winter day, they can duck into such popular clubs as Andy's, where there's hot jazz even at noon. The best time to visit is between May and October when the weather is the most predictable. Then you could head out to ivy-covered Wrigley Field to catch baseball's Cubs in action, or take a cruise boat under the bridges of the Chicago River at sunset.

If you want to visit a vibrant, energetic city that's rich in heritage, culture, entertainment, and commerce, Chicago runs right up there with the big dogs. You could start by visiting downtown which is the center for government, finance, and commerce of Chicago and is encircled by The Loop, named for the elevated train tracks that loop around the central area. Tall skyscrapers such as the world's second-tallest building, the Sears Tower, and the Chicago Board of Trade are landmarks for this part of town. The North Side of Chicago encompasses Chicago's premiere shopping district, the Magnificent Mile, many historic buildings and residential areas, at least four important museums, and the John G. Shedd Aquarium. Chinatown is located in Near South Side and don’t leave out South Side home to the beautiful Washington Park, The University of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry.

Chicago is home to internationally recognized names in the entertainment scene: the Chicago Symphony, Lyric Opera, and Steppenwolf Theatre, Gutsy Steppenwolf Theater regularly showcase the talents of remarkable local actors. The Grammy-laden Chicago Symphony Orchestra is appreciated both at home and abroad and the Lyric Opera's lavish productions boast world-class singers and conductors. And let’s not forget film criticism, TV talk (who doesn't know Oprah!) and Second City Comedy Club whose talented performers have included the brilliantly funny Mike Nichols and Elaine May, Jim and the late John Belushi, Bill Murray, and George Wendt.

Chicago's self-image with criminal syndicates, run by gangsters like Al Capone, has faded as, these days, the tourist authorities play down the mobster era.

From those who enjoy arts to those who want to take in all the major museums and attractions, this city can satisfy your every request. There is a wide range of excellent museums (many of which have one day of free admission per week), restaurants, sports and highbrow cultural activities. Live music with a phenomenal array of jazz and blues is played in many clubs. The rock scene is also present with a prolific number of bands.

An excellent advantage the city offers is that almost everything is noticeably less expensive than in other US cities. For example, eating out, costs much less than in New York or LA, but is every bit as good.

With its beautiful skyline and views of Lake Michigan plus award-winning restaurants, its many architectural treasures, and some of the finest museums in the world, Chicago is a city to return to again and again.

email to a friendAsk our travel experts a question about Chicago
ask now

Things about Chicago you may be interested in

• Chicago Reviews
• Chicago Travel tips

 

+ list your site

 

ReviewsTravel TipsWrite a reviewWrite a travel tip

 

 

Read our members' reviews about Chicago

• Cemitas Puebla
  review by Shawnosaurus posted more then 30 days ago
  If you're in Chicago, have any ability to move around, and love Mexican food, then you should try Cemitas Puebla. It's not a fancy place by any means, but they serve fantastically tasty food. Definitely try the namesake Cemitas! They come in a variety of flavours and are a delicious...
• Curiosities about Chicago
  review by mohds2 posted more then 30 days ago
  The structures of today's Chicago were laid out by a number of the most important architects reconstructing the metropolis after the Great Fire. Daniel Burnham planned the primary visionary of urban diagram for a city, the 1909 Chicago plan. It was nicknamed 'Paris on the Prairie' and built-in...

view all

 

Read our members' travel tips about Chicago

• The Art Institute of Chicago
  travel tip by blackangel_66 posted more then 30 days ago
  The Art Institute has got a very nice art collection whech can be seen permanently. Apart from that they have great exhibitions. My favorite one, when I was there was the African and Amerindian collection. There are a lot of items...
• Navy Pier - A Magical Land
  travel tip by Sayuri87 posted more then 30 days ago
  As if you had stepped into the land of lights, music, people and fun. There are a lot of attractions to see in this magical land, called Navy Pier on Lake Michigan. It is said that Navy Pier is the #1 tourist attraction in Chicago...
• Binge shopping on the Magnificent Miles
  travel tip by Anonymous posted more then 30 days ago
  The Magnificent Miles on Michigan Avenue is a dream come true for shopping addicts. Literally hundreds of shops, restaurants and hotels litter the street, with a few of Chicago's famous landmarks thrown in. The shops and restaurants are...

view all

 

 

Community

Members Who Have Been to Chicago

See who has been to Chicago and ask them a question (membership required)

MadSuh ask a question add to friends

BeachCondo ask a question add to friends

Emeraldfire ask a question add to friends

Aschleck ask a question add to friends

 

show all

 

Community Galleries About Chicago

Browse our members' Chicago galleries to get a better impression of the place

view gallery

view gallery

 

show alladd gallery

 

 

the best travel deals provided by TravelZoo...