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The Perfect 3 Days in Chicago Itinerary (2024 Edition)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

If you’re planning a long weekend trip to the Windy City and aren’t quite sure what to do, keep reading for our epic 3 days in Chicago itinerary!

While Chicago is the 3rd-largest city in the US, it’s often overlooked by travellers who jet for one of the coasts.

In my opinion, Chicago is the best city in the country. New York and LA are great and all, but I’ll gladly take the friendly Midwestern vibe of Chicago instead.

Situated on Lake Michigan, the Chicago skyline is one of the most beautiful in the world. After all, it was here that the first skyscraper was built in 1885!

There’s so much going on here that you could spend a lifetime there and never run out of things to do.

With a solid Chicago itinerary, you can definitely check out the best of the city in 3 days. Let’s get to it!

Table of Contents

When to Visit Chicago

Chicago citypass, getting around chicago, loop walking tour, chicago hot dog, millennium park, art institute of chicago, willis tower, dinner and drinks, museum campus, riverwalk or river cruise, magnificent mile, chicago deep dish pizza, choose your own adventure, museum of your choice, 360 chicago, lincoln park, best hostel in chicago – hi chicago, best mid-range hotel – congress plaza, best luxury hotel – peninsula, brunch/lunch, how to spend a perfect 3 days in chicago itinerary.

Our 3 days in Chicago itinerary includes:

• Shedd Aquarium
• Skydeck Chicago
• Field Museum
• Adler Planetarium
• 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
• Navy PierMuseum of Science and Industry
• Ferris Wheel
• Crown Fountain

Looking for more awesome things to add to your Chicago itinerary? Be sure to read our guide to the best things to do in Chicago !

Travel Tips for Visiting Chicago

The first step in figuring out what to do during your 3 day Chicago itinerary is planning when you’ll visit.

Winter in Chicago can be painfully cold, which can definitely put a damper on your trip. Unless you enjoy frigid temperatures and cold, biting wind, I recommend skipping out on December-March.

Your best bet is to visit Chicago between May and October. It gets hot and crowded in the summer, but there’s so much going on that it’s worth dealing with those minor inconveniences.

Read Next: Don’t miss out on the best Chicago day trips !

Another huge tip I have before you visit Chicago is to purchase a Chicago CityPASS .

Essentially this is just a multi-use ticket that actually saves you a bunch of money (50% to be precise!) on many great Chicago attractions.

You buy the pass for USD$109, and it includes access to the following:

• Skydeck Chicago and
• Adler Planetarium or the Art Institute of Chicago
• 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck or the Museum of Science and Industry

Best of all, those entrances are mostly express or premium tickets included with the CityPASS , meaning it not only saves you money but saves you time as well.

We highly recommend you pick one up when using our Chicago itinerary to make the most of your time in the city.

Thankfully, getting around Chicago is a breeze thanks to the CTA network of train and bus lines. Chicagoans refer to the train as the “L” because it’s mostly on “el-evated tracks.”

If you’re spending 3 days in Chicago, your best bet is to just pick up an unlimited CTA pass. These cost $20 and are added to a Ventra card.

You can pick up a Ventra card at vending machines for $5 and it’s credited back to your account after you register the card. Read all about getting around Chicago on the CTA website .

You can count on the CTA getting you as far south as the Museum of Science and Industry all the way north to Lincoln Park.

Or consider jumping on and off the open-top bus that will take you all over the city!

In the city center, lots of Chicago attractions are all within walking distance as well.

Now that some of the logistics are taken care of, let’s get this show on the road for your 3 day Chicago itinerary!

Day 1 – Morning

For day 1 of your Chicago itinerary , you’ll need to hit the ground running if you want to maximize your time.

Get a nice early start, crush a substantial breakfast and some coffee, and get ready to rock.

The best way to kick-off your Chicago itinerary is by taking a walking tour of the Loop. This area of downtown is where you’ll find a majority of the sights in Chitown.

You have several options for exploring the Loop. If you enjoy meeting people and getting the insight of a local guide, you can sign up for one of the many options with Free Tours by Foot .

If it’s your first time in Chicago I suggest joining their 10 AM tour of the Loop and Millennium Park. Or if you’re really into architecture, check out their 10:30 Birth of the Skyscraper tour. Both are excellent options!

Those who prefer a DIY approach can check out the many self-guided tours of Chicago from MetroWalkz. This Architecture/Loop tour makes for a fantastic introduction to the city and is pretty easy to follow.

Whichever option you choose, you’ll get to see some of the most iconic places in the city in just a few short hours. A few of the highlights include the historic start of Route 66, the great Chicago Theatre.

READ NEXT: While you’re exploring the Midwest, be sure to check out the best things to do in Minneapolis, Minnesota !

Day 1 – Afternoon

At this point, the order in which you do things depends on which type of tour you chose. You can be flexible, as it’s a short walk between the next couple of destinations.

Before we move along with the 3 day Chicago itinerary, it’s time for lunch! If you’re down in the Loop and you want to try a local favourite, the choice is easy…

There are countless restaurants to choose from in the Loop, but you don’t want to travel all the way to Chicago to get stuck eating at some overrated chain or overpriced tourist trap.

Al’s is a classic local joint serving up the famous Chicago style hot dogs and their specialty Italian beef sandwiches.

One thing to know, a Chicago dog is an all-beef dog on a sesame seed bun. It comes topped with tomato, chopped onions, pickled peppers, relish, a pickle spear, and yellow mustard. Quite simply put, it’s heaven on a bun.

I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention Portillo’s. They also make one of the best Chicago style hot dogs out there.

While they’re a bit out of the way for today’s itinerary, keep them in mind if you’re craving another hot dog during your 3 days in Chicago (and trust me, you will).

Read More: Spending time exploring the Midwest? Be sure to check out our post on all of the best things to do in Kansas City !

Even if you visited on your walking tour, it’s worth it to double back to Millennium Park for further exploration.

There’s a lot of cool stuff to see here, including the Crown Fountain and the Cloud Gate.

The latter is commonly referred to as “The Bean” and is one of Chicago’s most popular places to take photos in the city. Don’t forget to snap that quintessential Chicago shot for the ‘gram and keep on moving.

Other Chicago attractions you must see in Millennium Park include the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the BP Pedestrian Bridge, the Chicago Cultural Center, and the Lurie Garden.

You can easily spend a couple of hours in Millennium Park, especially on a nice day.

Buckingham Fountain and Grant Park are within this same area as well if you want to keep exploring on foot.

While there’s plenty of amazing public art in the Loop, you can’t top the collection at the Art Institute of Chicago. Art lovers will definitely want to include this on their 3 day Chicago itinerary.

Tucked away on Michigan Avenue on the south end of Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago has a seriously impressive collection here and there are always new exhibits featuring modern and contemporary art.

Make the most of your Chicago CityPASS to gain fast entry into the Art Institute of Chicago.

The museum is open daily from 10:30 AM to 5 PM and stays open until 8 on Thursdays.

Day 1 – Evening

Before the day turns into night, it’s time to hustle over to your next destination of your 3 day Chicago itinerary. Try to time it just right so you make it there about an hour before sunset. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Whether or not you hit the museum, your next stop should be the Willis Tower. This is one of Chicago’s most iconic skyscraper in the city that invented them!

Formerly known as the Sears Tower, this was the tallest building in the world for 25 years. It stands at 442 meters (1,450 feet) tall and is currently the 2nd-tallest building in the US.

If you plan to visit Chicago in 3 days, you definitely need to check the Willis Tower off your to-do list.

Head to the 103rd floor to access the Skydeck Chicago and step out onto “The Ledge” – a glass balcony that lets you look straight down. You’ll want to see views of the city from this spectacular perspective!

Don’t forget, the best time to go to the Willis Tower is just before sunset. It stays open until 10 PM from March through September and tickets cost $25 for adults and $17 for children.

Once again though, no need to pay extra for a ticket, because the entrance to the Skydeck Chicago is included with your CityPASS .

To celebrate making it through a massive day 1 of the Chicago itinerary, it’s time for dinner and drinks! When it comes to wining and dining, the world really is your oyster in the Loop.

After such a big day, you may want to call it a (somewhat) early night. We’ve still got a lot of ground to cover with this 3 days in Chicago itinerary! Of course, if you want to go out and rage, go for it!

Day 2 – Morning

If you don’t have breakfast included at your hotel, I highly advise you to start day two off at Yolk’s South Loop location.

This is the perfect spot to load up with a big breakfast and coffee before another big day in the city. Go ahead and carb up – there’s going to be a lot of walking today!

After breakfast, walk across the street to check out Agora – a sculpture composed of 106 headless figures.

Keep walking east towards Lake Michigan to reach the Museum Campus. Here you’ll find the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium.

With just 3 days in Chicago, you’ll probably want to just visit one. Having been to all three, I’ll cast my vote for the Field Museum.

There are so many cool exhibits at the Field Museum and they’re always changing.

At the moment, they have: Inside Ancient Egypt, Bird’s of America, and Brewing Up Chicago, among others. Check their website to see what’s going on before you visit.

Tickets for the Field Museum cost $26 for adults and $19 for children for basic admission.

If you got the CityPASS, your admission is included in all three, unless you hit the Art Institute on day one. If you’ve got the pass, you might as well hit the aquarium as well.

To be honest, the aquarium is pretty sweet. Even if you don’t have the CityPASS, you should probably try to squeeze it in.

Tickets are $40 for adults and $30 for kids and you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

Day 2 – Afternoon

There are a few cafes and food stands around the museum campus, so go ahead and grab a snack and a drink before powering on.

This is one of those days where it’s best to have a big breakfast and dinner and just graze during the day. When you’re trying to cross off so many things to do in Chicago in 3 days, you gotta keep moving!

The museum campus is the southern part of Grant Park. Known as “Chicago’s Front Yard,” this massive green space is to Chicago what Central Park is to NYC.

Take a stroll through the park to see such landmarks as the Buckingham Fountain, the Rose Garden, and the Seated Lincoln Statue. There are plenty of benches if you need to sit down and chill for a bit.

Grant Park also hosts some of the biggest events in the city, such as the Taste of Chicago and Lollapalooza.

Some are free and others cost hundreds of dollars, so be sure to check the calendar of events to see what’s happening before you book your trip.

Hug the coast and keep walking north along the Lake Michigan until you reach the Riverwalk. This scenic pedestrian path along the Chicago River is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll.

If your feet are feeling a bit tired from all the walking, you can enjoy the spectacular Chicago architecture on this fantastic river cruise instead .

Taking in the sights along the Chicago River is definitely one of the top things to do in a 3 day Chicago itinerary.

Wendella Boats has an architecture river cruise that comes highly recommended. Make sure you have your camera for this one, as you’ll get some epic views of the city.

Day 2 – Evening

I’m sure you’re ready to eat your hand by now, but you’ve just got to soldier on for a bit longer. Trust me, it’s going to be worth the wait!

On the other side of the Chicago River, you’ll find the Magnificent Mile, a short stretch of Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago. This is the city’s premier commercial district, full of high-end shops, nice restaurants, and boutique hotels.

Along the Magnificent Mile, you’ll also see several historic skyscrapers, such as the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, and the Old Watertower.

The latter is home to the City Gallery, which has Chicago-focused photography exhibits. It’s totally free to visit, so you may as well check out while you’re in the area.

Even if you’re not doing any shopping, it’s worth a quick stroll along the famous Michigan Avenue. That’s because it’s leading you to…

You had the hot dog on day one, so it’s time to dig into some Chicago-style deep dish pizza.

Since it’s cooked in such a deep pan, a Chicago-style deep dish pizza can be stuffed with mountains of cheese. Of course, you can add whatever other toppings you like as well.

Now you see why I’ve been torturing you by making you walk around all day waiting for dinner! This deep dish pizza is seriously delicious and filling, so I wanted to make sure you could at least have a few slices.

There are plenty of places cooking up Chicago-style deep dish pizza, but I brought you here because two of the best are easily accessible.

Get to the corner of Michigan and Superior and you have an important choice to make. Take a left and you’ll go to Giordano’s. Hook a right and you’ll be at Gino’s East.

Just go ahead and flip a coin because you win either way. Both places are legendary for their deep dish pizzas, so you really can’t go wrong.

Not far from the Magnificent Mile, you’ll find Navy Pier. If you’re spending 3 days in Chicago on a long weekend, this is the perfect place to be on a Saturday night.

First up, you can take a ride on the Centennial Ferris Wheel. Tickets cost $18 for adults and $16 for children, but you can save a few bucks if you book online .

From the end of May until the end of August, Navy Pier also hosts bi-weekly fireworks shows. These happen on Wednesdays at 9:30 PM and Saturdays at 10:15.

To take in the spectacle, you can find a spot to stand on the Navy Pier or sign up for an evening cruise. Enjoying the fireworks as you cruise around is a great addition to your Chicago itinerary.

If you have any gas left in the tank after all of the activities at the Navy Pier, congratulations! I just ran you ragged all over Chicago on day two. That’s why it’s time to choose your own adventure!

For many, that will probably involve grabbing a casual drink from the hotel bar and getting some sleep. That’s totally fine. I’m getting to the age where that sounds like a perfect Saturday night!

For the young whipper-snappers among us, you’re probably itching to enjoy a big night out on the town. Go for it, you crazy kids!

Your options are endless. There’s live music of all varieties, comedy clubs, and just about every type of bar under the sun.

Whether you’re looking for a speakeasy that whips up creative cocktails, a classy wine & jazz joint, or just a good ole’ fashioned dive, you can find it in Chicago.

In this part of the city, one of my personal favourites is Three Dots & a Dash. This awesome tiki bar has an impressive selection of cocktails that will transport you to the Caribbean in no time.

If you’re going to go hard one night, this is the one to do it! Bars in Chicago typically close at 2 AM, but there are several that stay open as late as 4 on the weekend. You’ve been warned…

Day 3 – Morning

How early the last day of your 3 day Chicago itinerary starts depends entirely on how late your night went!

Those who already regret ordering that last round may need to sleep in a bit and smash a greasy brunch, while the go-getter set who actually slept will be up and at them. Life is all about choices, people!

Whatever you did the night before, get some food and caffeine in your system and get out there to wind down this 3 day Chicago itinerary.

Our third and final day in Chicago starts off with a leisurely museum visit. Within a few blocks of each other, you can take your pick between three excellent museums.

Art enthusiasts will gravitate towards the Museum of Contemporary Art, which highlights post-WWII art.

Those more interested in architecture and antiques may want to hit the Richard H. Driehaus Museum. It’s in a restored 19th-century mansion and brings you right back to the Gilded Age.

Chicago is very much a sports city, as people here are very passionate about their teams. Check out the Chicago Sports Museum, which is full of memorabilia and plenty of fun exhibits.

I know I already sent you to the Willis Tower on day one, but it’s still worth a trip to John Hancock’s 360 Chicago on Michigan Avenue.

This observation deck on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Building provides a whole different perspective on the city that you will definitely want to see.

Plus, if you bought a CityPASS your admission to the John Hancock building is already included! If you didn’t grab the pass, a ticket is $25 for adults or $15 for children.

Those who are feeling adventurous (and not hungover) may want to take a ride on Tilt – Chicago’s highest thrill ride.

If you need some hair of the dog instead, you can grab a ticket that includes your choice of adult beverage. Sunday Funday!

If you don’t purchase the Chicago CityPASS consider purchasing this ticket to enjoy the views from the 94th floor of the John Hancock building’s 360 Chicago.

Day 3 – Afternoon

Once you come down from 360 Chicago in John Hancock building, you have plenty of options for lunch. Within a few blocks, you can find Cuban, Vietnamese, Mediterranean, and the Chicago staple of deep dish pizza.

If you want a lunch with a view, consider eating at The Kennison. This upscale bar and restaurant offers sweeping views of Lincoln Park. The menu is modern American and they have lots of amazing cocktails and drinks.

Hop on the bus, order an Uber, or walk 30 minutes to our next destination – Lincoln Park.

There’s a lot to do in this huge park on the shores of Lake Michigan. North Avenue Beach is at the south end.

On a beautiful day in Chicago, it’s hard to beat lounging on the beach and swimming in the lake. You can also play some beach volleyball and rent a SUP or bike if you want some more activity.

In the middle is the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is totally free to visit. Sightseeing gets expensive, so this awesome free attraction is definitely one of the top things for any Chicago itinerary.

After such an action-packed 3 days in Chicago, you should definitely just take it easy and enjoy all that Lincoln Park has to offer. You’ve covered some serious ground in a short time, so congrats on that!

Day 3 – Evening

At this point in the journey, you have absolutely crushed 3 perfect days in Chicago. Order a celebratory drink or two and enjoy your last evening in the city!

What you choose to do with your final night all depends on when you’re visiting and what your interests are. That’s why it’s time once again to…

In a perfect world, the Cubs would be playing a night game while you are visiting Chicago. You could head north to Wrigley Field and enjoy America’s pastime at the 2nd-oldest ballpark in the country.

The Cubs play about 80 home games between April and September, so there’s a good chance they’ll be in town when you are. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, I recommend hitting a game if at all possible.

Chicago actually has two MLB teams. But the White Sox ballpark is way south of where you’ll be on day three and not worth the trip if you ask me.

If you’re making a trip to Chicago between October and April, you may be able to catch the Bulls (NBA), Blackhawks (NHL), or the Bears play a home game. Check their schedules to see what’s going on when you’re in town.

Those who prefer a good laugh can head back to the south end of Lincoln Park. Just a block away, you’ll find three of the city’s best comedy clubs – Second City, UP, and Zanies.

I pretty much always travel to Chicago for live music, so you know I’m going to toss that in here!

The city has an epic music scene and there’s always something playing here. Whether you’re into rock, hip-hop, jazz, electronic, blues, pop, or whatever it is you wacky Millenials listen to these days, there’s a show for you.

I usually check Jambase to see what shows are playing.

Congratulations, my friend. You made it through an insane 3 days in Chicago itinerary and experienced the best that the Windy City has to offer.

I’d say that calls for a toast! If you want to finish up with a true Chicago experience, order a shot of malort. This infamous Chicago liquor is pretty hard to describe, so I’ll let its label do the work:

“ Malort has the aroma and full-bodied flavor of an unusual botanical. Its bitter taste is savored by two-fisted drinkers .”

I’m not going to sugar coat it – this stuff is awful. It’s a rite of passage here in Chicago, though. Eat the hot dog. Drink the malort. Praise be to Ditka. You’re now a little bit Chicagoan.

After you finish that putrid shot of malort, switch to a delicious Chicago craft beer. There are plenty of choices here, including Lagunitas, Revolution, and Goose Island.

I hope you enjoyed this massive tour of Chicago!

From Navy Pier, to Millennium Park, the Chicago riverwalk, the famous Chicago hot dogs and more, visiting Chicago is never dull.

Hopefully this 3 day Chicago itinerary has been inspiring and gives you an idea of what to do in the Windy City.

Chicago Itinerary Travel Guide

Now that you know what to do with a long weekend in Chicago, I’ve gone ahead and put together a mini-guide to this awesome city to help you decide where to stay, where to eat, and of course where to drink!

Where to Stay in Chicago

You’re probably wondering where to stay, especially if it is your first time in Chicago.

Most first-time visitors choose to base themselves in downtown Chicago, and for good reason. Here are countless options for accommodation, sightseeing, dining, and nightlife.

As you might expect, staying downtown comes with a price tag. Other popular places to stay that are a bit cheaper include River North, Lincoln Park, Bucktown, and Wicker Park.

When it comes to places to lay your head, Chicago has it all. The city has 5-star luxury hotels, quaint B&Bs, dingy motels, fun hostels, and plenty of options on sites like Airbnb.

Here are a few options to suit all budgets:

Hostelling International is a trusted name in backpacker accommodation, and their downtown Chicago location is definitely the best hostel for visiting Chicago.

They have several different options for both private and dorm rooms. You can get a bunk for under $40 a night here – a steal for this fantastic location.This includes a free breakfast, and they also have free walking tours during the day and free activities at night.

That’s not all, though. They’ve also got a huge lounge with a ping pong table and a TV room with plenty of movies. Best of all, this hostel is environmentally-friendly. They have reusable products in the kitchen and recycling points all around the building.

This historic downtown Chicago hotel dates all the way back to 1893. Don’t worry – it’s had several updates over the years!

You really can’t beat the location of this place. I usually stay with friends in more residential neighbourhoods, but this is my go-to spot when I want to be in the middle of all the action.

From here, you’re just across the street from Grant Park. Many of the rooms here even boast a nice view of Lake Michigan. With rooms starting as low as $115 a night, it’s a pretty awesome deal staying here.

The 5-star Peninsula Chicago was recently named the 2nd best hotel in the country by US News & World Report. This place is fancy, people!

It’s located right on the Magnificent Mile, so it’s surrounded by high-end shops. This is definitely where the fabulous people stay.

In addition to the super swanky rooms, you can enjoy the hotel’s three different restaurants and its impressive fitness centre.

Taking up the top two floors of the building, it features a 25-meter pool and an award-winning spa. Rooms start at around $600 a night here.

Where to Eat and Drink in Chicago

I’m very fortunate to have a good friend who is heavily involved in the hospitality scene in Chicago.

I reached out to him to get a list to add to this guide. He’s never done me wrong with food & drink recommendations, so you can take these to the bank the next time you visit Chicago!

• Dove’s Luncheonette
• Joe’s Stone Crab: It’s a steakhouse and it’s hard to get into at night, but if you go for boozy brunch it’s great.
• Parson’s Chicken & Fish: Not really brunch but just a great people-watching patio.
• Big Star: Chicago classic taco joint with highly sought after patio
• 3 Arts Club

• Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf
• The Roister
• Green Street Smoked Meats: A great BBQ joint and High Five Ramen is below.
• Maple & Ash
• Nico Osteri
• Billy Sunday
• Aviary (try to get down to the office)
• Violet Hour
• Start at Scofflaw and work your way over to Best Intentions
• Longman & Eagle 
• The California Clipper: Been around since before prohibition!

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Sasha and Rachel

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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I would love to visit Chicago in 2024! This itinerary looks perfect!

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Globe Gazers

33 BEST Chicago Travel Tips From a Local for First-Time Visitors (in 2024)

Looking for the best Chicago travel tips?

As a Chicago native, let me be the first to give you a warm welcome to my city! It’s a great place with superb architecture, fine food and many nicknames: Second City, Windy City, City of the Big Shoulders, to name a few. And these Chicago travel tips will help you enjoy this city in all its glory.

Repeatedly named best big city in the United States by   Condé Nast Traveler , it’s no surprise Chicago is on your list of must-travel cities! As someone who was born in and is now living in Chicago, let me give you my top Chicago travel tips for mistakes to avoid while you’re in this major city to make your Chicago trip a great one.

I’m talking about the best things to do in Chicago and the worst, places to see in Chicago and ones to avoid.

Follow these Chicago travel tips for smooth sailing. The useful travel tips for Chicago covered in this Chicago travel guide are important things to know when planning on visiting Chicago for the first time — all from the perspective of a Chicago native. 

Planning a trip? Use my go-to resources :

• Accommodations: booking.com
• Travel Insurance: SafetyWing
• Tours & Excursions: Viator
• Flights: Skyscanner
• City Pass: Go City

Jump ahead to:

TOP Chicago Travel Tips : 33 Do’s and Don’ts of Visiting Chicago for the First Time

1. renting a car.

As you plan your visit to Chicago you’re likely wondering how you’ll get from place to place. Chicago’s public transportation system is one of the largest you’ll come across in the US.

It’s highly convenient to get around by bus or l train here using a Ventra card, and you can find fare information alongside other transit tips here .

Driving in the city can be overwhelming and you’ll easily waste valuable vacation minutes searching for reasonable parking. Public transit is a great way to get around Chicago and it’s a good idea to plan accordingly.

If you prefer car travel, stick with taxis and ride-shares. Unless you’re planning a day trip that’ll take you outside of Chicago, no need to rent a car here.

Besides, if you’re anything like me the best way to take in a new city is on foot anyway! Or, rent a Divvy bike from one of the many stalls across the city.

Even better, take a guided Chicago bike tour led by a local for a fun and unique way to experience Chicago!

2. Skipping the Deep Dish Pizza

Forget what the haters say, you can’t leave Chicago without trying our deep-dish pizza! Some love it (me!), others love to hate it so take the plunge into a thick, cheesy slice and be your own judge.

Not sure where to start? In my opinion Giordano’s is one of the best places for a slice of deep dish pizza, but everyone has their own thoughts on this. Others swear by Lou Malnati’s. Read my guide for where to get the best deep dish pizza in Chicago, here .

Some establishments are known for a crispier crust, others for the size of a slice and still others for their sauce. The only way to really uncover your favorite is to try them all when you travel to Chicago. I won’t judge!

And if you’re really big on foodie travel, sign up for a Chicago food tour ! This would be a delicious addition to your Chicago trip itinerary!

3. Missing out on Gourmet Donuts

Who knows why or how Chicago became home to a growing gourmet donut scene? Don’t question what’s good, I always say.

Swing by any one of these sweet spots for a fancy Chicago donut and smooth cup of coffee.

My personal favorite? A lemon pistachio old-fashioned from Stan’s with a cup of their coffee to cut the sweetness. Bite, sip, bliss.

Sign up for this Underground Donut Tour if you want a guide for your sweet adventure!

4. Sidestepping Museum Campus

As a certified museum avoider, I won’t blame you for not wanting to spend hours of vacation time inside. Chicago has some great museums but, unless you’re taking a longer trip or the weather is crummy I say don’t wile away your days indoors. Still, a visit to museum campus itself is well worth it.

Spend some time out in the park for some of the best skyline views Chicago has to offer. Have enough time to really explore the museum scene?

You’ll find no shortage of options including: The Museum of Science & Industry, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago — truly something to fulfill any interest.

5. Neglecting to Venture outside of the Loop

Chicago has 77 different neighborhoods but if you’re not from around here, you’re probably most familiar with the Loop or downtown Chicago.

There are plenty of worthwhile attractions in the Loop, and if you’re willing to venture outside of downtown there’s even more for you to discover.

Get a feel for all the different neighborhoods here , or check out the ‘Beyond the Loop’ video series for inspiration.

If you’re looking for free things to do in Chicago, add neighborhood-hopping to your list.

6. Not Visiting During Summer Months

You’ve heard the horror stories, right? Chicago’s winters are not to be messed with. They’re bone-chillingly cold, face-bitingly windy and seem to go on forever.

While Chicago is gorgeous any time of year, you’re better off visiting us in the summertime. This city and all its people come to LIFE in the warmer months.

After spending most of the year coated in frost and bundled in layers, both the nature and the people of Chicago are renewed in summer.

Come enjoy the many patios, rooftop bars, beach days, gorgeous blooms and sunny skyline views we have to offer. Visiting Chicago should top your list of summer destinations, no question.

If you really want to avoid visiting during peak season, early fall is the second best time to visit Chicago.

All that said, if you do somehow find yourself en route to Chicago in the winter then follow the tips in this Chicago winter survival guide !

7. Ignoring the Rooftop Bars

There are plenty of eye-level restaurants and bars to lure you in as you walk the city streets, but don’t forget to elevate your experience by checking out Chicago’s rooftop scene.

Whether you’re looking for a panoramic views of the city and Lake Michigan with great drinks or food , this city has something special in store for you.

Personal favorites of mine (all featured on the lists linked here) are: Cindy’s Rooftop, The J. Parker and Bernie’s Lunch & Supper. If you’re looking for things to do in Chicago at night, you can’t beat taking the city lights from up high.

8. Staying on Land the Entire Time

My most recommended activity to visitors is a Chicago architecture river cruise along the Chicago River. There are a variety of providers and I’ve yet to have a bad experience with any of them, but if you’re looking for the original then sign up for this one led by the Chicago Architecture Center itself.

This is a can’t-miss Chicago tourist attraction for all and even the locals love it. Grab a drink or bite to eat on the Riverwalk before or after to round out the experience.

9. Forgetting Garrett’s as Souvenirs

Chicago-style popcorn? It’s a thing, and you’ll find it at Garrett Popcorn Shops. It’s an easy souvenir or gift, and you can even have it shipped back home if you don’t want to lug a full tin around. Get the Garret Mix for a fool-proof blend of cheddar and caramel.

10. Laughing off the Comedy Scene

This city has turned out some leading comedians, and it’s worth your while to catch a show while you’re visiting Chicago.

The Second City is a no-brainer, known for launching the careers of Tina Fey, John Belushi and Steve Carell, to name a few. Buy your tickets for an upcoming show then eat, drink and laugh your way through a fun time!

11. Coming Without a Must-Eat List

Chicago’s food scene is top notch, and you won’t want to miss out. Don’t let overwhelm lead you to eat at chain restaurants (unless it’s Portillo’s).

Instead, do some research and plan ahead a bit. Where possible, make reservations before your trip.

Especially if you’re planning to dine at one of the best restaurant in the West Loop or River North neighborhoods. Not sure where to begin? Start here . No question, eating well is a must-do in Chicago.

12. Prioritizing Navy Pier

A long-held tourist hot spot, most locals will be quick to tell you Navy Pier is not really worth the visit. It’s overpriced, crowded and small without much to really do.

Instead, spend some time wandering through Millennium Park, strolling and eating along the Riverwalk or biking the Lakeshore path.

There are plenty of green spaces and beaches alike from where to enjoy this great city, so skip the tourist trap that is Navy Pier.

13. Skipping Wrigley Field

Whether you’re a baseball fan or not, Wrigley Field is an iconic site in Chicago. Especially after the Cubs broke their 108-year streak in 2016 and won the World Series championship there.

At the very least, visit the stadium and snap a picture before exploring the food and drink scene in the area.

Have more time on your hands? Show up and see if you can snag affordable, last-minute tickets for an ongoing game. Note that Chicago has two baseball teams, you could also opt for a White Sox game instead.

14. Adding Ketchup to Your Hot Dogs

The Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef hot dog nestled in a poppyseed bun and topped with mustard and relish. That’s all you need — do not ask for ketchup.

That’s just not the way it’s done here. See here for a list of the best places to try Chicago-style hot dogs .

15. Ignoring the West Loop Dining Scene

It can be easy to spend all your time in the heart of downtown Chicago has a visitor to this city but only minutes away from the central downtown area in the West Loop neighborhood you’ll find some of the best restaurants in Chicago.

Start here for a list of must-eats in the West Loop to decide where you want to make your reservations.

16. Forgetting to go Window Shopping Along Michigan Avenue

Alright, let’s be honest if you’re visiting Chicago then you’re bound to end up on the Magnificent Mile at some point.

But just in case it’s not already on your radar, a stroll along the Mag Mile is a must. Apart from the shopping, you’ll come across some iconic views including one of the castle-like Chicago Water Tower.

18. Bypassing the Chicago Observation Deck at Willis Tower

Ask any native Chicagoan and they’ll likely say the real mistake is calling it Willis Tower. At least, that’s what you’d hear from those of us who grew up calling it the Sears Tower.

Regardless, this is one of Chicago’s longer-standing tourist attractions and has received many modern upgrades over the years. Worth checking out for the sweeping 360 city views from atop this tallest building in Chicago.

19. Forgetting About the Beaches

Yes, Chicago is a major city with a gorgeous skyline. But we also have beaches! Spend some time on the ever popular North Avenue Beach or Oak street beach off of the Gold Coast neighborhood.

You’ll also find cafes and restaurants on the beach, like Whispers Cafe near Oak Street Beach. It’s pretty incredible to sit on the sand, looking out at Lake Michigan in front of you with the Chicago skyline as your backdrop.

20. Not Taking Advantage of a Walking Tour

Chicago is one of the most walkable cities you’ll experience, and a guided walking tour is a great way to get to know it better. You can explore a free walking tour (remember to tip your guide, though!). If you’re wanting a more unique experience, consider booking one of these options:

• Gangsters & Ghosts 2-Hour Walking Tour
• Underground Pedway & Downtown Secrets Tour
• Secret Food Tour Chicago
• History, Culture & Architecture Walking Tour

21. Ignoring the Free Tours of the Chicago Cultural Center

Incredible architecture, free art exhibits and events, guided tours all await you at the historic Chicago Cultural Center. It first opened in 1897 and served as Chicago’s first public library.

The stained glass domes are a photographer’s dream. Read more on the free ways to enjoy this space.

22. Buzzing Over the Coffee Scene

Chicago has no shortage of delicious specialty coffee shops with quirky and cool decor. There’s a coffee shop for every vibe here and you’d be remiss to not explore and find the one that suits you best!

23. Keeping Your Ears Away from Live Music

Chicago has a music scene, too. From Al Capone’s old favorite, Green Mill, to the House of Blues in River North and everything in between music lovers can easily find a good place to have a great time here.

24. Forgetting to Factor in the Festivals

No matter what time of year you visit, you can bet there’s at least one event or festival to add to your Chicago travel itinerary.

There’s the age-old Taste of Chicago, Grant Park Music Festival, Zoolights at Lincoln Park Zoo, ice skating at Millennium Park in winter months, Chicago Blues Festival and so much more. Consult the full schedule by Choose Chicago to plan your trip.

25. Not packing properly

Although the seasons in Chicago are defined and predictable, on a day-to-day basis the weather can be surprising. You might have 70-degree (F) weather one day and snow flurries the next as the seasons transition.

You might have blue skies and then a cloudy cool day. Layers are your best bet when packing for Chicago.

If you’re venturing here in the winter, you’ll absolutely want layers and a warm enough coat. Warm enough for Chicago is not the same as warm enough for cold weather everywhere else.

Our winters are best described as bone-chilling on their worst days! Hats, gloves, Chicago Winter Boots: Top Recommendations from A Local “>warm boots are a given as well.

Here are some of my ‘what to wear in Chicago’ essentials across seasons:

26. Missing the Magic of Buckingham Fountain

One of my favorite childhood memories includes stopping by Buckingham Fountain in the evening anytime we had family visiting from out of town. We would go to see the light show and changing colors at this pretty fountain. A simple and sweet experience.

27. Not Seeking Out The Original Rainbow Cone

You might’ve seen photos of the delightful rainbow cone. This family-owned business with tagline: life’s too short for just one flavor is expanding its presence and now you have even more opportunities across the Chicagoland area to get a taste of the 5-flavor stack.

28. Expecting Malort to Taste Good

If you’ve heard of Malort, you’ll know this liquor is considered a rite of passage of sorts in Chicago. You should also know, it’s notoriously awful.

Chicagoans have a love-to-hate relationship with Malort and this Chicagoan personally has not yet been brave enough to try Malort herself. But if you decide to take the leap at least you know what to expect.

29. Forgetting about the Italian Beef Sandwich

Another top Chicago food that’s not always discussed as often as the deep-dish pizza or hot dogs is the Italian beef sandwich. Here’s where to try one.

30. Skipping the Niceties

Chicagoans are not immune to the Midwest charm. Here you’re likely to find your hellos and good-mornings reciprocated. You can ask for directions with confidence. Chicagoans are a kind and hard-working bunch.

31. Thinking Your Chicago Trip Has to Break the Bank

There are plenty of free ways to enjoy this beautiful city. You can explore the various parks and beaches, stroll through neighborhoods with all different vibes, attend free events and festivals, sit along the riverfront and admire the architecture.

In addition to the Chicago Cultural Center mentioned previously, you can also visit the Lincoln Park Zoo or botanic gardens for free. Don’t let your budget be your barrier to visiting Chicago.

32. Missing Out on Savings With the Chicago CityPass

To get the most bang for your buck consider a city pass that allows you to explore multiple attractions while saving money. I recommend the explorer pass for the best value.

33. Assuming Chicago is Not a Safe Place

Many people associate Chicago with violent crime and question whether or not it’s a safe city to visit. I understand the fear, and I recognize that we all tend to fear the unfamiliar.

As long as you employ the same common sense you would in any other big city you’ll be safe — don’t leave your belongings unattended, don’t go out alone late at night, consider investing in an anti-theft purse, etc.

There you have it, these tips should set you up for a great trip as you prepare to travel to Chicago.

Where to Stay in Chicago

There are so many great hotels to choose from when looking for where to stay in Chicago. Here are some options for different price points, but be aware that seasonality does also affect prices:

🏨 Budget: Kasa Magnificent Mile

Kasa Hotel offers apartment-style accommodations in a great location. You’ll be within a 20-minute walk to two popular beaches, close to public transportation as well as to the city center.

👉 Click here to check prices and availability

🏨 Mid-Range: Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel

This boutique, eco-friendly hotel is centrally located in the heart of downtown Chicago. In addition to its excellent location, the rooms are comfortable and the property has a well-equipped fitness facility onsite.

🏨 Luxury: The Peninsula

If you’re longing for luxury on your visit to Chicago book your stay at The Peninsula . In addition to its great location the hotel features an award-winning restaurant, renowned afternoon tea, a half-Olympic indoor pool, a gym with fitness classes, city views from an outdoor terrace and more.

👉 Click here to book your stay at The Peninsula

When is the best time to visit Chicago

If you’re hoping for great weather on your Chicago trip, then your best bet is to visit Chicago during summer months including late May through the end of August. Early fall is another wonderful time of year to visit Chicago.

Chicago in fall is truly beautiful and the weather is still quite pleasant. If you visit Chicago in September or October you’ll also see the beauty of autumn in Chicago and likely experience some shoulder season benefits like more affordable accommodations.

While winter in Chicago is not my personal favorite season, it’s quite nice if you enjoy the festive holiday season. Chicago has fantastic Christmas markets, beautiful ice skating rinks, delicious hot chocolate places and some lights-focused festivals.

Ultimately, it depends on what version of Chicago you’re most interested in exploring. Chicago is a great destination year-round!

What to Wear in Chicago

Layers are best, because the weather in Chicago can be a bit unpredictable. Generally, summertime sees women in dresses, skirts, shorts or jeans with casual tops in light fabrics. Men are usually in shorts and t-shirts or tank tops.

Fall in Chicago still sees some people in shorts as temperatures cool down — we Chicagoans don’t like to say goodbye to summer any sooner than we have to! But this is also when we see the resurgence of ankle boots and sweater season.

If you’re wondering what to wear in Chicago Winter Boots: Top Recommendations from A Local “>winter in Chicago , it’s all about the WARMTH! Plan to wear multiple layers of both pants and tops, and to top it all off with a heavy winter coat.

Don’t forget the gloves, scarves and hats. And, quality boots that both keep you from slipping and keep your feet warm are a must.

And remember, sunscreen is needed year-round. Even when you can’t see the sun during some Chicago winter days, it’s important to protect your skin from it. This is my personal favorite sunscreen at the moment.

How Many Days in Chicago Are Enough?

There’s plenty to do and see in Chicago in 2 days through a week. If you’re planning to spend most of your time in the city center, 2-3 days in Chicago should be plenty.

If you’d like to venture out and really explore Chicago neighborhoods outside of downtown, you might want to plan to visit Chicago for a week.

How to Get From the Airport to Chicago City Center?

If you’re coming from O’hare airport, you have the option of taking public transportation. Follow signs that say ‘train to the city’ or something to this effect and they will lead you to the Blue Line train that goes to downtown.

I highly recommend consulting google maps on your phone and following the route it outlines to your exact destination.

You also have the public transportation option if you’re coming from Midway airport. From there, you’ll take the Orange Line train. If you’re traveling light and not in a rush, public transportation is the more affordable option.

Uber, Lyft and taxis are also options from either airport. Simply follow the signs to the designated pick up points for each. Note that O’Hare airport now has a shuttle to get you to Terminal 2 from anywhere else in the airport since that is where Ubers and Lyfts arrive.

What is the Best Way to Get Around Chicago?

Chicago has an excellent public transit system and is the preferred way to get around Chicago. You can also supplement public transit with ride-share options like Uber and Lyft, or taxi rides (which can often be more affordable than ride-shares!).

Chicago is very walkable, so you’ll also be able to get around by walking in some areas.

How do I prepare for a trip to Chicago?  What do I need to know about traveling to Chicago?

Reading through this list of Chicago travel tips and what NOT to do in Chicago is a great way to prepare for your Chicago trip! Before you visit Chicago, take the time to determine exactly what you want to get out of your trip and plan accordingly.

Do you want to see the museums, when will you go? Want to eat at certain restaurants? Make those reservations in advance!

Chicago is a friendly city, and like any big city it’s important to always stay aware of your surroundings and take standard safety precautions. I know you will love Chicago, there is something for everyone here!

How to Eat Like a Local in Chicago?

There are the quintessential Chicago foods to try that we covered above, including: Italian beef, deep dish pizza, rainbow cones, hot dogs and so on. But Chicago has a huge foodie scene.

The best way to eat like a local in Chicago is to simply, eat! And of course, avoid the national chain restaurants if you can. If you’re exploring different neighborhoods, you’re sure to also learn a lot about their unique vibes by exploring their food scenes.

What is Chicago famous for?

If you’re still wondering why visit Chicago? Is it worth it to visit Chicago? Well, yes! Chicago is known for its down-to-earth people, its comedy scene, foodie status and awe-inspiring architecture.

You’re sure to discover your own personal reasons for loving the windy city when you visit.

What Chicago Travel Apps Should I Download?

A great app for anyone who takes public transportation in Chicago is the Ventra app. Having both Uber and Lyft apps downloaded on your phone is also helpful so you can check prices between each if you plan to take ride shares.

These days, taking taxis is often less expensive than ride shares. Download the Curb app for taxis.

If you do plan to do any driving around Chicago, Park Chicago is a great app that allows you to pay your parking fare remotely so you don’t have to physically return to feed the meter. Spot Hero is great for actually finding parking.

Accessibility, Emergency Services and Tipping in Chicago:

For even more helpful Chicago travel tips I highly recommend consulting this information by Chicago’s own tourism board !

Final Thoughts: Chicago Travel Tips By a Local

As a Chicago native I can confirm this really is a great city both for living in and for visiting. Follow these tips and have a great visit to my city!

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Nausheen is a solo female traveler who is passionate about travel as a way to increase self love and confidence. She focuses on slow travel and bouts of digital nomadism, and has experience living abroad across several continents. As a post-divorce, South Asian woman in her 30s Nausheen aims to empower fellow women of color in particular to live life on their own terms. She shares travel itineraries, tips and inspiration on her blog and social media channels.

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

Millennium hall, related articles.

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36-48 Hours in Chicago: The Perfect 2 Day Itinerary for 2024 (From a Local!)

I am probably biased because it is my hometown, but Chicago is one of the best places to visit in the USA . Many first timers travel to Chicago for a weekend trip, so I have put together a guide for first time visitors that only have 2 days in Chicago or less. There is so much to do in Windy City, but here are the best things to do if you only have 36 or 48 hours in Chicago including what to see, where and what to eat, where to drink and where to stay in Chicago. I am including both the popular tourist attractions as well as a few off the beaten path suggestions.

36 to 48 Hours in Chicago Itinerary (2024)

36-48 Hours in Chicago Things To Do

This is a fairly packed 2 day Chicago itinerary so if you enjoy exploring at a more relaxed pace check out my one day in Chicago itinerary .

1) Visit Millennium Park and The Bean

If you have seen photos of Chicago on instagram or facebook, chances are you have seen photos of Cloud Gate (which most people call The Bean), the famous mirrored sculpture in Millennium Park. Millennium Park is a free attraction and is a portion of the Grant Park.  In addition to Cloud Gate, Millennium Park also includes the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the Crown Fountain sculpture and Lurie Garden.

Please note  that due to construction, public access and views of Cloud Gate are limited through spring of 2024.

Although The Bean is very touristy, don’t skip it.  It is a bucket list attraction and of the most instagrammable places in Chicago and it is a great photo spot to take some selfies to remember your trip to Chicago. Tip: Millennium Park is usually crowded especially in the summer and on weekends so to avoid the crowds visit early in the morning.

In the summer, kids and some adults love to splash at Crown Fountain.  In the winter, there is a free ice skating rink right in front of the park.

If you are traveling with children, you might also want to check out Maggie Daley Park , a large public park located between Millennium Park and Lake Michigan and connected to Millennium Park   by the BP Pedestrian Bridge. The park has several different play areas for kids as well as a climbing wall, mini-golf and an ice-skating ribbon in the winter.

2)   Check out the Art Institute of Chicago and other great museums

Chicago has many great museums which are worth visiting. Depending how much you enjoy museums, you might want to spend some time in one of more of them when visiting Chicago.

The Art Institute of Chicago is my top pick and is conveniently located next to Millennium Park.  It is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States and is frequently found on lists of the top museums in the world. (Click here to buy a skip the line ticket if you want to avoid long lines).

Other good museums include the  Adler Planetarium , the  Shedd Aquarium , and the  Field Museum which all located near each other on The Museum Campus. ( TIP: You can find one of the best  skyline views right outside the Adler Planetarium.)

The Museum of Science and Industry is located in in Hyde Park and is a bit out of the way from downtown Chicago but it is a really fun museum with hands-on activities and interactive exhibits.

Tip:   If you are visiting a few museums and indoor attractions , consider purchasing a Chicago CityPASS or Go Chicago Card to save money on entrance fees.

3) Take an architecture river cruise or walk along the Chicago Riverwalk

Chicago has amazing architecture and the best way to see it is by taking an architecture river cruise .  Because the river sometimes freezes in the winter, most river cruises operate only between March and November. If you are visiting Chicago when the weather is warmer, you can also do a longer combined architecture river and lake cruise to see the skyline from the lake as well.

An alternative to a river cruise is to take a walk along the Chicago Riverwalk . The Riverwalk is one of the best spots in Chicago for people watching and there are also restaurants, shops and places to sit along the way. You can also hop on a  water taxi  here.

4) Enjoy the view from above

One of the best ways to see Chicago is to check out the view from one of its tall buildings.  Chicago has two skyscrapers with observation decks.

The Skydeck at Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) is famous for The Ledge , a glass balcony extending four feet outside the 103rd floor. (Click here to buy a skip the line ticket ).

360 CHICAGO  (formerly John Hancock Observatory) on the 94th floor of the 875 North Michigan Avenue (the building formerly known as the John Hancock Center) has TILT an enclosed moving platform that tilts you out over Michigan Avenue from the 94th Floor.

Tip: To avoid long lines, you can buy a skip the line ticket here .

5) Hang out at Navy Pier

Personally I am not a big fan of Navy Pier as it can be somewhat of a tourist trap but it is a must do if you are visiting Chicago with toddlers or kids.  There are fun attractions at Navy Pier including a Ferris wheel, rides and games , restaurants, shops and the  Chicago Children’s Museum . Navy Pier is also the starting point for various sightseeing tours and cruises.

Tip: If you are visiting Chicago in the summer, you might want to stay for the free fireworks at Navy Pier every Wednesday and Saturday night. You can also see the fireworks from fireworks lake or river cruise which will stop on the water for passengers to enjoy the show.

6) Explore the lakefront and beaches

Chicago’s Lakefront Trail is an great way to see Chicago and enjoy incredible views. Chicago’s Lakefront Trail is a paved path on a 18-mile-long stretch along Lake Michigan and it is a great spot to people watch and get some exercise. You can find a map with access points to the Lakefront Trail here . In the summer and weekends, the lakefront is packed with locals and visitors walking, running and riding bikes.

Most people don’t think of Chicago as a beach destination but Chicago has many beaches on Lake Michigan.   Oak Street Beach and Ohio Street Beach are conveniently located close to the major tourist attractions. North Avenue Beach is more of a party beach and is located close to Lincoln Park.

7) Lincoln Park

Another free attraction, Lincoln Park lies along the lakefront. Lincoln Park is large but first time visitors should focus on the section adjacent to the Lincoln Park neighborhood which contains the Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Conservatory, Theatre on the Lake, a rowing canal, the Chicago History Museum, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum , the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool and the North Pond Nature Sanctuary.

Nature Boardwalk has great skyline views of Chicago with a couple of good instagram photo spots . The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in North America and one of the only zoos in the US with free admission.

8) Watch a Cubs Game at Wrigley Field (or attend another sporting event)

Chicago is known for their love of their sports teams, so if you have time and enjoy sports you might want to attend a sporting event. To those unfamiliar, historic Wrigley Field is home to one of the city’s baseball teams – the Cubs.  Whether a fan of the Cubs, baseball in general or just a lively atmosphere, a day at the 100 year old ballpark is a must for locals and tourists alike.  You don’t need to enjoy baseball to enjoy a Cubs game – it is fun to just soak in the atmosphere while drinking and eating.  If you want to see Wrigley but are unable to attend a game, you can sign up for tours of the stadium during the off season.

Get off the beaten path:  If you visit Wrigley check out Alta Vista Terrace District a historic district in Lake View located two blocks north of Wrigley Field.  The one-block street was built in 1904 in imitation of the rowhouse style of London.

9) Go to a Festival

There is almost always one or more festivals or events going on each weekend.  Some Chicago festivals are very well known and attract tons of visitors, but there are many festivals and events in Chicago where you will mostly see locals. For great food, music and people watching, check to see if there are any festivals or events  going on while you are in town.

10) Walk The 606

The 606 is Chicago’s version of The Highline in NYC , an elevated trail goes through 2.7 miles of the city’s northwest side neighborhoods: Wicker Park, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Logan Square.  It is a bit off the beaten tourist path but it great place to walk, run or bike.  There are several access points so you can get off the trail to explore the various neighborhoods.

What and Where to Eat in Chicago

Chicago is one of the best cities in the world for food and I could easily write a whole post just about the food! Although Chicago is famous for food like deep dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs – there is so much more great food in Chicago.  Don’t limit yourself to just deep dish pizza and hot dogs, but you should try those if you are visiting Chicago for the first time.

Here are some of my recommendations for where to eat if you are a first time visitor to Chicago.

Deep dish pizza –  The best restaurants for deep dish pizza in downtown Chicago include  Lou Malnati’s  and  Giordano’s but they are very busy especially on weekends and in the summer so expect long lines during peak hours – so long you will see people waiting outside on the sidewalk. Many locals love Pequods in Lincoln Park which is said to have the best deep dish pizza in Chicago.

Chicago-style hot dog – Grab a Chicago-style hot dog for lunch (remember, no ketchup allowed).  Portillos  is a popular spot.

Italian beef sandwich  – For an Italian beef sandwich head to Al’s Italian Beef and Portillos .

Chicago Style Popcorn  – For popcorn head to Garrett Popcorn Shops . There are several locations including Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue.

Steaks – Chicago is full of great steakhouses.  My top pick for first time visitors to Chicago is Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse , a Chicago classic in the Gold Coast, and it has great people watching and you might even spot a celebrity. Another less well known option (but still busy) which gets great reviews is Bavette’s Bar and Boeuf .

Burgers – Many people claim that Au Cheval has the best burger in Chicago if not in the US.  Personally, I don’t like to make claims that something is the best because obviously I have not tried every burger but I think it is very good. They don’t take reservations and the wait is often up to 2 hours long!  Fortunately, they do use an app where you can track your spot in line so you can leave and come back (there are plenty of bars nearby where you can wait).

Ethnic  –  Chicago is a city of immigrants and some of them own restaurants which means Chicago has restaurants serving pretty every cuisine in the world.  I recommend trying some of the great ethnic food that Chicago is well known for. Little Italy and Greektown are very close to downtown Chicago and easy to visit.  You can also take the water taxi to Chinatown from the Riverwalk. One of the best places for Mexican food are the food vendors at Maxwell Street Market on Sunday mornings.  There are many more options, including Polish and Indian food, not as close to downtown Chicago.

Foodies – Foodies will love Chicago as there many great restaurants with well known chefs. Tip: Many of the top restaurants are reserved weeks ahead of time, so if you have your stomach set on one, make a reservation in advance.

Where to Drink in Chicago

Chicago has great nightlife so if going out for drinks is your thing you won’t be disappointed.  If you visit in the summer, outdoor rooftops decks are extremely popular.

Some great spots for drinks or food with views include J Parker , a bar and restaurant on the rooftop of the Hotel Lincoln with 180 degree views of the lakefront, LH Rooftop with great views of the river and  Cindy’s rooftop restaurant overlooking Millennium Park and Lake Michigan.

Where to Stay in Chicago

The possibilities are endless but most people visiting Chicago stay in the downtown area including the Loop, River North, Gold Coast, Streeterville and Michigan Avenue since they are close to most of the major tourist attractions. If you are visiting during the weekend, the Loop is a great option as it is more quiet at night.  River North (where I live), is close to nightlife and restaurants, but street noise can be a problem especially during the weekends.

If you want to stay somewhere with more of a local neighborhood feel, consider staying at a hotel or Airbnb in Wicker Park, Lakeview or Lincoln Park but you will have to use public transportation or a taxi/ lyft /uber/ Divvy bike to visit most of the tourist attractions.

Here are some of my top picks for the best hotels in Chicago :

The Peninsula Chicago.   If you are looking for a luxury hotel, The Peninsula Chicago is one of the best hotels in Chicago with a world renown spa and a half-Olympic length swimming pool overlooking the Chicago skyline. It has a central and convenient location right off the Magnificent Mile, close to shopping and less than a block from the John Hancock.  Click here to see the latest prices .

Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites.  Recently renovated all-suite hotel with fridge and microwave in room. Great location just steps from Michigan Avenue and one block from Lake Michigan.   Click here to see the latest prices .

ACME Hotel Company.  This is a new, modern, stylish and unique hotel located in downtown Chicago 2 ½ blocks from the Magnificent Mile in River North.  Offers great value and great service.   Click here to see the latest prices .

Best Western River North Hotel. Convenient located in the heart of River North close to the Chicago River as well as many restaurants and bars.  Amenities include free high-speed Wi-Fi, deeply discounted parking, room service, fitness center, indoor pool and sun deck.  Click here to see the latest prices .

Majestic Hotel.  Majestic Hotel is a bit out of the way from the major tourist attractions but it is located less than a mile from Wrigley Field in a nice residential part of Lakeview.  Offers great value as well as free breakfast, wi-fi and in room fridge.   Click here to see the latest prices .

Chicago Travel Tips 

When is the best time to visit chicago.

Chicago has plenty of things to do year round – both indoors and outdoors. Winters can be freezing some days but I think winter is a great time to visit Chicago because accommodation is cheaper and the popular tourist attractions are less crowded. Summer is the busiest time and usually has great weather (but some days can be very hot and muggy). The nice thing about visiting Chicago in the summer is that are always festivals, concerts and events going on around the city in the summer. Spring and fall are generally great times to visit – the weather is usually more pleasant and not as busy as summer. Spring temperatures vary and can be less predictable but I think fall generally has the best weather. Still need help deciding when to go to Chicago? Check out  The Best Time to Visit Chicago – A Month By Month Guide .

Getting There and Around

Chicago is an easy city to get around in with many transportation options .  Both Chicago airports Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Chicago Midway (MDW) are connected to downtown Chicago by train.

For longer distances use  public transportation , and taxis, Lyft and Uber are plentiful and easy to find.  You can also rent bikes through Divvy , Chicago’s bike share program, or take a water taxi  in the summer.

These are my top choices for the best things to do if you only have 36 or 48 hours in Chicago .

Have you visited Chicago? If so what would you recommend first time visitors see if they only have 2 days in Chicago?

Planning a trip to Chicago? Check out more of my Chicago guides and itineraries:

• Best Free Things to Do in Chicago
• Most Instagrammable Places in Chicago

If you have extra time in Chicago and want to explore more of the Midwest , here are the best day trips from Chicago .

Looking for more inspiration for visiting the United States? Check out some of our other USA travel guides and itineraries all written by locals:

• The Ultimate USA Travel Bucket List: 100+ Best Places to Visit in USA
• 2 Days in San Francisco Itinerary
• 2 Days in Denver Itinerary
• Weekend in Kansas City Itinerary
• 36 – 48 Hours in Atlanta: The Perfect 2 Day Itinerary
• Weekend in Las Vegas: The Perfect Itinerary (According to a Local!)

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savvyglobetrotter

17 comments.

This is fantastic! You’ve summed up the best things to do in a short period of time. I love the Chicago skyline, Skydeck is a place i would want to visit for the views! Thanks for sharing, this is useful information.

Love Chicago! Being so close to it, I’ve done most of these things already. I’m a huge lover of deep dish pizza, NYC pizza can’t even compare! I’ll have to try Pequods next time I’m there.

Chicago is high on my list for when I do my USA trip, although there are some bits of Chicago I do know about but you’ve noted a few I didn’t so thanks, Cant wait to have a Chicago deep dish haha 😀

The view of Chicago from the top looks similar to NYC. Anyways, does it snow in Chicago? I’ve been wanting to go but still haven’t been.

Been to Chicago several times but my biggest regret is not having gone to Millennium Park and see the Bean! But I always have deep dish pizza!

What a great post, Chicago is one of my favorite US cities! I find myself looking for flights with layovers there just so I can get some of their great food, especially Garett’s Chicago mix popcorn!

I will definitely be bookmarking this, as I’m hoping to get to Chicago sooner rather than later! It’s particularly enticing to me because I’m a massive sports fan, and I hear nothing but good things about Wrigley Field, which you also seem to suggest is something worse seeing!

When I think of Chicago food, well beside dogs and pizza, I think of Twin Anchors. I will check out your other suggestions next time I visit.

Love this post! I’ve never been to Chicago, but it’s on my bucket list!

I have done #1, #3 & #8. I visited Chicago right after Chicago won the hockey championship as the entire town was celebrating. It was such a memorable experience.

I cant believe I haven’t been to Chicago yet! It is definitely on my bucket list! I have never even heard of Maggie Daly Park but that place sounds like a hidden gem. Though I am not a cubbies fan, seeing a game in Wrigley and eating a hot dog sounds awesome. I know for a fact Darcee would love to explore the Navy Pier too…she has always wanted to ride the ferris wheel there! Such a unique city to just stroll around!

I LOVE downtown dogs! And I totally agree about navy pier! Was definitely not a fan. But I LOVE Chicago!

So thankful I found this! I am feeling more confident about my coming solo travel to Chicago. I will be there the beginning of October for 3-4 days. Not a planner, so this is a big challenge for me.

Thank you for all the great insights and information. We are planning to do a road trip that includes Chicago as Chicago has been our bucket list for a long time. We won’t be in a rush to do everything in the 48 hour itinerary timeframe and wondering how many days do you think we might want to stay without over-staying our trip? Thanks!

I don’t think you can ever over stay in Chicago because there is so much to do. If your time is short you should be able to see most of the major attractions in 2 to 3 days.

The absolute MUST stop for anyone visiting Chicago for 48 hrs…

Go to the Adler Planetarium and turn around. Best view in the entire city. Bar None.

Wow amazing guide! Chicago is such a beautiful city! Ive been to half of those places a couple of years back! would definitely visit the other places you recommended! I would also add if you’re ever back in the city you should try firecakes donuts they’re really good.

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Fun Chicago Travel Guide: Things to do in Chicago

Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links, which at no cost to you I may earn a small commission.

Chicago Travel Guide

Chicago has been on my bucket list for a while. I’ve visited numerous times before since I grew up less than 2 hours away, but I hardly ventured off Michigan Avenue. This time I made it a point to come and experience more of what Chicago has to offer. After touring around the city, I created this Fun Chicago Travel Guide complete with where to stay, what to do, and where to eat and drink! I hope you enjoy this post, I had so much fun making it!

Where to Stay in Chicago

The conrad chicago.

I had such an awesome stay at the Conrad Chicago . Let’s start with the location- it’s absolutely perfect! Everything I wanted to do was within walking distance right off Michigan Avenue! I always look for places to stay right in the middle of the action that isn’t too loud.

However, there was so much to do inside the hotel, I hardly wanted to leave. Lounging in the spacious lobby, grabbing a cup of coffee in the hotel restaurant, Baptiste & Bottle , or heading to the awesome rooftop,  Noyane,  for a glass of wine was a great way to enjoy the beauty and hospitality of the Conrad Chicago.

I stayed in a King Studio which was very spacious for two people! The style of the room and the modern bathroom was so luxurious! I also loved checking out the awesome views from the windows!

The experience as a whole was 5 Star and I would gladly return. Oh, and if you are a coffee lover, you’ll really appreciate your very own Nespresso machine in the rooms!

What to Do in Chicago

If you are spending a few days in the windy city and plan on heading to more than one attraction like the Sky Deck, the Shedd Aquarium, or a hop-on bus tour, I would recommend buying the Chicago GO pass. You’ll save 45% on over 25+ Top Chicago Attractions .

Chicago Bean

The actual name of this structure is Cloud Gate, but ask any Chicagoan and they will tell you it’s the Chicago Bean! Nicknamed after its shape, the Bean attracts many visitors for admiration and fun photo opportunities!

Skydeck Chicago

Face your fears by heading to the  Skydeck Chicago . Located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, you’ll have a panoramic view of Chicago’s Skyline! The coolest feature is the Ledge where you can be completely suspended over 1,353 feet on glass balconies!

I’m slightly afraid of heights, but I had to take advantage of this unique opportunity and conquer my fears! Click here to buy skip the line tickets. Highly recommend especially during high season .

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

Want to relax, rest your feet and learn about Chicago’s skyline? Then  Chicago’s First Lady Cruises Architecture River Cruise is right up your alley! On this 90 minute tour, you’ll go all along the Chicago River and learn about all architecture of the city! After touring all day, this was an awesome way to wind down and relax while still sightseeing!

Find the Chicago Flamingo Wall

After seeing this wall all over Instagram, I had to find it in person! It wasn’t high on my priorities, but I ended up walking by it accidentally! Of course, I had to snap a few photos. I’ll make the mystery easier for you by giving you the address:  601 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654.

Where to Eat in Chicago

I absolutely loved Mercadito ! Finding a good Mexican Restaurant is always high on my priorities when traveling and this one did not disappoint. You’ll have to order the guacamole trio that comes with traditional, mango, and tomatillo guacamole, and the mahi-mahi tacos!

If you are a margarita lover you’ll be in heaven with a large tequila-based cocktail menu. My favorite drink was the Little Market which was like a spicy pineapple margarita! And if you are looking for outdoor dining, Mercadito has a small patio!

The Hampton Social

Rose all day anyone? The Hampton Social is the perfect spot for a fun brunch! After you take your photos under life’s mantra “Rosé all Day” you can enjoy a glass of the Rose of the Day!

I opted for the Frosé which was so tasty, I had to order two. As beautiful and trendy this spot is, I was a bit worried that the food would be sub-par. However, everything we ordered was so delicious, I highly recommend the Tuna Tar Tar and the Fried Chicken Club Sandwich!

Portillo’s Chicago Hot Dogs 

It would be wrong to visit Chicago, and not have a Chicago Dog in this Chicago Travel Guide. A Chicago dog is topped with yellow mustard, white onions, green sweet pickle relish, dill pickle, and sport peppers!

Portillo’s Chicago is a classic chain that has been serving hot dogs since 1963! The interior of Portillo’s brings you back in time with the retro design. 

La Bodega del Barrio

If you’re looking for a fun dessert spot look no further than La Bodega Del Barrio! First off, the decor is so cute with many floating piñatas above your head. The churros are so wild with flavors like Fruity Pebbles & Nutella, you better not forget your camera. If you don’t want sweets they also serve tacos, coffee, and tea.

Where to Drink in Chicago

Situated above the Conrad Chicago Hotel, Noyane has an awesome food and drink menu, as well as amazing views of the city! Catch the sunset and enjoy a glass of wine with good company!

Hope you enjoyed this fun Chicago Travel Guide! I can’t wait to be back to explore more!

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Aug 15, 2023 • 8 min read

Use these top tips to help you make the most of your time in Chicago © Ryan McVay / Getty Images

I’ve lived in Chicago for more than 30 years, and these are the top tips I tell all of my visitors: take public transport, hit the neighborhoods and drink Malört at your peril.

Then you need to know about local sports culture, the ridiculous taxes and the ketchup rule… and that’s just for starters. I've gathered together all the top insider tips you need to ensure a smooth visit to the Windy City.

Plan on 3 to 5 days to visit

It’ll take you two to three days to see the highlights, like the Art Institute , Wrigley Field , Millennium Park and Willis Tower . Adding an extra couple of days to your visit allows you to move out of the center and into the neighborhoods , where Chicago’s true heart beats.

Pilsen and Logan Square welcome you with chowhound eats and vibrant street art. Bronzeville has galleries and soul food restaurants and Andersonville is a jazzy, cafe-laden LGBTQI+ hub. Hyde Park, Wicker Park and Humboldt Park are other troves of great restaurants and attractions.

Don’t drive, especially downtown

Driving in Chicago is no fun. Traffic snarls not only at rush hours but also most times in between. Road construction on the main highway through town has only added to the nightmare. What’s more, parking is hard to find and costs a fortune, particularly downtown near the sights – garages routinely charge around $45 per day. Ditch the car and use public transportation to spare yourself the annoyance.

Buy a Ventra Card for public transportation

It’s easy-peasy to make your way around Chicago on public transport – mainly the L trains, which run on both elevated and subway tracks. They’ll get you to most sights and neighborhoods into the wee hours. Buses pick up the slack in areas that the L misses.

To save time and money, buy a rechargeable Ventra Card to use on transit and add value as needed. Cards are available at any L station (including at the airports) and save around $0.75 per ride over disposable fare tickets. You can also download the Ventra app and buy a digital Ventra Card. The app has the bonus of providing L and bus times, too.

Whether using a plastic or digital card, simply tap it at the turnstile as you enter the L station or at the farebox as you get on the bus. If you’ll be riding three or more times per day, consider buying an unlimited ride day pass for additional savings.

Use the L to get to and from the airports

The aforementioned traffic is no joke. Taxis and ride-shares can take forever to get between the city and airports. Instead, use the L train. The Blue Line from O’Hare and Orange Line from Midway take 30 to 40 minutes and cost $3 to $5. Not only are travel times often quicker on the L, but it’s about 10 times cheaper than a cab.

Book museum and theater tickets in advance

Many museums, including the Art Institute , encourage tickets to be purchased online in advance from the museum’s website. A day or so prior should do it, unless there’s a blockbuster exhibit going on.

It’s also wise to book theater tickets beforehand, whether it’s for a world-class opera or booze-addled Shakespearean improv. A week ahead is usually plenty of time. Browse Hot Tix for same-week drama, comedy and performing arts tickets for half price.

Make restaurant reservations

Prepare to fork into platefuls of Michelin-starred comfort food and eat like royalty. Reservations are key, though, especially for weekend dining. Book through Tock , Open Table or Resy . A week or two in advance will work for most places, though hot spots such as Alinea and Girl & the Goat need to be reserved a couple of months out. Prime dining times are between 6pm and 8pm.

Pack a warm coat, but also a bathing suit

Chicago sits on the shore of vast Lake Michigan, which has a wild effect on the weather. It whips up heavy snow in winter and windy conditions year-round . Pack a warm coat, hat and sturdy shoes when visiting November through March. Even in summer, the temperature can drop fast, so bring a sweater when you head out for the day.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t also bring your bathing suit from June through August. The city has several beaches that beckon with sand and surf.

Where you stay depends on what you want to do

Downtown has loads of cool architectural hotels near the sights, but limited eating and drinking options after dark. Not ideal if you're looking to party but a good option if you're traveling with young kids.

Next door the Near North has hotels and evening action, but it’s pricey and a bit cookie-cutter. The West Loop, Lincoln Park, Lake View and Wicker Park all have abundant nightlife to keep you entertained into the wee hours. They’re not close to the main sights but are easy enough to access via the L. Book accommodations a month or two in advance, if possible.

Prepare for hefty taxes

A tax is levied on most goods and services in Chicago. It’s 17.4% for lodgings, 10.75-11.75% in restaurants and bars (it's higher the closer you are to downtown), and 10.25% for other items. The tax is typically not included in the price but added to the bill when you pay.

Cheer on the sports teams

Chicagoans are rabid sports fans – get to know the city's teams and you’ll make friends wherever you go in town.

Chicago’s two baseball teams inspire a diehard rivalry: the Cubs are the more moneyed North Side squad, while the White Sox are the blue-collar, working-class team on the South Side. Both have had great success in recent years. Then again, both have sucked in recent years, too! Usually, one team is up when the other is down.

The football-playing Bears ignite lots of fervor, but they’re typically not very good. They're followed by basketball's underachieving Bulls , hockey's try-hard Blackhawks , and soccer’s middling Fire .

Dress casual

Chicagoans dress informally. The apex of fashion for most men is a pair of khakis and a button-down shirt. Women's dress is similarly low-key, valuing comfort over high fashion. And don't worry about getting your best on for the evening. It's perfectly fine to wear jeans and casual clothes to dinner or the theater at night. No judgment here!

Never put ketchup on a hot dog

Weird but true: the red condiment does not go on local wieners. No one really knows why. One theory is that the famed Chicago-style hot dog – which is topped with mustard, sweet pickle relish, chopped onions, tomato slices, a dill pickle spear, sport peppers and celery salt – already has a perfect flavor balance. Adding ketchup is redundant and ruins the meaty harmony.

Grab a seat at the bar

Locals love to hang out in drinking establishments. Blame it on the long winter, when folks need to huddle together somewhere warm. Blame it on summer, when sunny days make beer gardens and sidewalk patios so splendid.

Beer is the drink of choice. No surprise given Chicago is home to more breweries than any other US city . Grab a seat in a neighborhood taproom, and you’ll be conversing about the Bears or the mayor in no time. You might even get offered a shot of Malört. It’s a local liquor famous for tasting awful . Downing one is a Chicago rite of passage.

Use the Pedway

Come wintertime, when the going gets tough and icy sleet knifes your face, head down to the Pedway . Chicago has a 40-block labyrinth of underground walkways, built in conjunction with the subway trains. The system isn’t entirely connected, and it’s confusing to figure out directions, but it’s also a dandy way to escape the elements. Look for "Pedway" signs above ground at points of entry.

Be courteous on the L

Let passengers get off the train before getting on yourself – wait beside the open door until everyone has departed. When you take the escalator in the stations, stand on the right side and walk on the left side.

Don’t smoke pot in public

Even though it’s legal to buy recreational marijuana throughout the city – at licensed dispensaries, cash only – you can only toke on private property. A backyard or balcony is fine, a car or cafe is not. Always check with the property owner to make sure they allow it.

As for cigarettes, you can’t smoke inside bars, restaurants and other public places, or within 15ft of the entrance.

Don’t let the headlines scare you away

Chicago has the unfortunate reputation of being the USA’s murder capital. While it’s true the city has the largest total number of homicides of any American municipality, it ranks much lower on the list when considered on a per capita basis .

Most of the violence is concentrated on the West and South Sides, where a handful of neighborhoods account for more than half of all shootings . These are communities where segregation and isolation have intensified inequality, and local gangs account for much of the bloodshed .

Overall, serious crime in Chicago has been dropping in recent years, according to city statistics. Still, it’s wise to take normal, big-city precautions, especially if solo at night. Many crimes involve cell phone theft, so be subtle when using yours. If driving, stay aware of your surroundings, as carjackings have been on the rise.

This article was first published September 2021 and updated August 2023

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Chicago travel blog — the fullest chicago travel guide blog for a great budget trip for first-timers.

Chicago is the third largest US city after New York and Los Angeles. The name of Chicago city derived from a Native American word that means “stinky onion”. It is also known as the “Windy City” which is famous for its fascinating attractions and unique, modern architecture with many high-rise buildings. However, no one knows the exact origin of this name. Just know that most people believe it comes from winds blowing from Lake Michigan into the city. This city is also famous for many spectacular churches and cathedrals with the world’s tallest bell towers and many museums. This is considered an expensive tourist destination in America when it comes to admission fees to attractions, traveling and accommodation, but that doesn’t mean you need a lot of money to travel to this beautiful city of Chicago. So, what to do and how to plan a budget perfect trip to Chicago for the first-time? Let’s check out our Chicago travel blog (Chicago blog) with the fullest Chicago travel guide blog (Chicago travel guide, Chicago tourist guide, Chicago visitor guide, Chicago IL travel guide, Chicago IL visitor guide) from how to get, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

• Chicago trip blog — The fullest Chicago travel guide blog on my trip to Chicago
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Today, Chicago is an cosmopolitan city with a wide variety of different ethnicities, beliefs, cultures, cuisine, parks and shopping malls. If you love shopping, the brand stores on the Magnificent Mile street are the shopping places for you. And if you love special, stunning architecture? Chicago has a lot of skyscrapers to admire with modern architectural styles mixed with the traditional styles of buildings such as Willis Tower, Aqua Tower, Tribune Tower, 875 North Michigan Avenue (formerly known as John Hancock Center) and Chicago Water Tower.

Chicago travel blog: An overview of the city of Chicago

Chicago is a large and bustling city located in the state of Illinois, USA, right next to the large lake of Michigan. With an area of 606.1 square kilometers (Chicago Metropolitan Area is 28.120 km²) and a population of more than 2.6 million people (the current metropolitan area population in 2021 more than 9.5 million people). Chicago is currently the third largest city in the United States and also the largest city in the State of Illinois and the Midwestern United States. After the civil war in 1812, the residential areas were relocated to the outskirts of the city until the 1830s people gradually returned to resettle in Chicago. Since that time, the city of Chicago has played an important role in American history.

Chicago is a modern, thrive and developed city located in the southwestern part of Lake Michigan was founded in 1837. In 1871, the city was burned mostly by the Great Chicago Fire. More than 300 people were killed, 18.000 buildings were destroyed and more than a third of the city’s residents became homeless. One of the main reasons causing this great fire is that the architecture of the city is mostly by wood and the streets are very small and narrow. From this massive disaster, the city government had to set a series of extremely strict fire safety rules including the construction of buildings, thereby it has been changing the traditional architecture of the city.

Chicago is also known for its main rail line connecting the Western and the Eastern of the US, Chicago is home to the largest meat packaging industry in the United States. Beef is shipped from Texas and surrounding areas here and is processed, packaged and shipped around the world.

Chicago travel blog: When to visit?

The best time to visit Chicago is in April and May, when summer is yet to come and less tourists. If you want to participate in prominent festivals of the city such as the Chicago Pride Parade and the Chicago Blues Festival , you should plan your trip in June to August.

The fall begins from September to October is a suitable time for nature exploration trips, hiking. From November to March is the time to take part in the exciting winter activities.

Chicago blog: How to get to Chicago?

Chicago is located in the Midwestern of the US and it owns 2 international airports, O’Hare Airport (ORD) and Midway Airport (MDW) . From Vietnam, if you want to flying to this city, you can easily buy air tickets from airlines such as Korean Air, China Airlines, Cathay Pacific, American Airlines, … Fares usually ranging from $525 to $1.200 depending on the time of travel and airline.

Getting to the city center

From O’Hare Airport to the city: The airport is about 18.1 mi from city center. You can take the Blue Line ‘L’ train is the easiest way to get from O’Hare Airport to city center which takes about 21 minutes and costs $5/way. You can take the Blue Line at Terminals 1, 2, and 3 by just following the signs at the airport that say “CTA Trains” or “Trains to the City.” See more here.

From Midway Airport to the city: The airport is about 11.6 mi from city center. You should take the Orange Line train from Midway (on the southwest side of Chicago) to city center via elevated tracks. All routes from the Midway Airport station will go to the downtown Loop. The traveling time to city center from Midway is 20-25 minutes and costs $2.50/trip or less. See more here.

You also take taxi or rent a car or using Uber or Lyft service to get to downtown Chicago. Details fares you can see the table below.

Chicago travel guide blog: Transportation in Chicago

For trips to explore the city of Chicago, you should choose the means of the Elevated train “L” (Chicago “L”) operated by Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) which serving the city of Chicago 24/24 service with 102.8 mi (165.4 km) with 8 lines, is the 4th largest rapid transit system in the US and some of its surrounding suburbs; taxi; water taxi or Uber, Lyft. For a unique and cost-effective experience, walking or using a bicycle is also a good choice. Even so, the city of Chicago is very crowded so it will be difficult to find a parking space, so be aware of this matter.

Buses have always been one of the most used types of public transport in Chicago. It is not only convenient and also very cheap. Even Chicago also has a bus system that specializes in serving people with disabilities.

This is a very unique type of transportation in Chicago. The perfect combination of sightseeing and transportation, these water taxis will help you get to the many popular tourist attractions of the city at a low cost of traveling.

Alternatively, if you want to leisurely getting around, breathing in the fresh air of Chicago with short distances, you can use the Divvy bike sharing system or walking.

In addition, you can also use technology ride-hailing service such as Uber and Lyft , which is very convenient and affordable, a bit more expensive than buses, but much cheaper than taxis.

Chicago travel blog: Where to go and what to do?

Millennium park.

This is a famous park built on an area of 24.5 acres (99.000 m2). This park currently owns a large music stage and is equipped with modern sound and light systems with a capacity of up to 11.000 people. In addition, visiting the Millennium Park, you also have the opportunity to admire many unique and impressive sculptures.

Located in the heart of the city, this large park offers a lot of green space and is where a lot of talented chess players who can defeat any chess player from elsewhere. Millenium Park also has a beautiful outdoor restaurant, a large and modern musical stage with two towering glass structures that make up the famous Crown Fountain. The park opens all-year round and this is one of my favorite spots in Chicago.

Address: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602, United States Opened: July 16, 2004 Access: Millennium Station (Washington/Wabash and South Shore Line)

Cloud Gate (The “Bean”)

Cloud Gate is considered the most signature symbol of the city of Chicago and is a highlight in the architecture of Millennium Park. The Cloud Gate was designed by British Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor, inspired by liquid mercury crystal drops. The construction is made of stainless steel weighing 110 tons, 11 meters high, 20 meters long and 13 meters wide. From the outside, the Cloud Gate is like a giant bean that reflects the sky and the skyline of the city of Chicago, so it is also known as “The Bean”.

Navy Pier, formerly a US navy base, has now become a tourist dock with many restaurants, bars, theaters, parks and souvenir shops. It also holds the record for being the world’s longest pier. Navy Pier can be said to be the most bustling entertainment hub of the city. When coming here, visitors can strolling on the busy streets, watching interesting circus performances at Pepsi Skyline stage, enjoy lunch and experience the city of Chicago by taking a sightseeing boat tour along Chicago river or sit on the giant ferris wheel while watching the tranquil of Lake Michigan.

Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Chicago

Opening hours from 10am to midnight depending on the season and especially without entrance tickets, only admissions to access a few special spots.

Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States Area: 14 ha Year built: 1916 Hours: 10AM–12AM

The Art Institute of Chicago

Located in Chicago’s Grant Park, was founded in 1879 and it owns one of the most impressive art collections in the United States, the Art Institute of Chicago is a must-visit place of the city. There are more than 300,000 works from all over the world and many art exhibitions are held every year which giving you a meaningful tour.

Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, United States Hours:11AM–6PM/Tuesday; Wednesday: Closed

One of the Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions is its museums. Some of the interesting museums include: Art Institute of Chicago , Field Museum , Museum of Science and Industry , Chicago History Museum … These are large-scale museums with lots of valuable workarts and entrance tickets are quite expensive. However, these museums often offer free days of visit and coupons, so as long as you plan in detail, free admission is not impossible at all.

Shedd Aquarium

Although it was built in 1930, the indoor public aquarium Shedd Aquarium is still considered one of the largest aquariums in the world. The aquarium will give you a very detailed view of marine life. The aquariums here are extremely huge and the explanations and descriptions are also very detailed. There are more than 32,000 marine species living here including about 1500 species of fish, large and rare species such as whales, white dolphins, sea lions, …

Address: 1200 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, United States Hours: 9AM–5PM Total volume of tanks: 5 million US gallons (19,000 m3) Admission fee is 39.95 USD / adult and 29.95 / child under 11 years old.

Chicago Water Tower

This is a beautiful water tower designed by William Boyington with a height of up to 115m and was built in 1869. The water tower of Chicago is not only beautiful but also considered one of the two oldest water towers in the United States. In addition to playing an important role in providing water source for the entire city, the Chicago Water Tower is also a popular tourist spot.

In 1872, a great fire broke out and destroyed all the structures surrounding this water tower, only it remained. Currently, this place is also a museum as a name City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower which displaying many unique works of famous photographers and artists around the world.

Address: 806 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States Hours: 10AM–7PM Architectural style: Gothic Revival architecture

Willis Tower

Having came Chicago without visiting the Willis Tower is a biggest regret. With a height of up to 442, 527 m to tip, Willis Tower held the record for the tallest tower in the world for 25 years. And to this day, it is still considered the tallest steel structure in America.

Willis Tower (Former name: Sears Tower (1973–2009)) has 110 storey and possesses a very unique architecture covered in a prominent black appearance, dominating the sky of Chicago. Standing at its skydeck, you can panoramic view of the beautiful city of Chicago from above. The best time to visit this tower is at night when the whole city starts to light up creating a very sparkling, fanciful scene.

Located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, Skydeck Chicago offers guests a great view of the city. Therefore, this is a prominent tourist attraction, attracting more than 2 million visitors each year.

Address: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, United States Construction started: 1970 Skydeck ticket price: Adult – Ages 12 and up: $26.00-$30.00/Youth – Ages 3 to 11: $14.00-$18.00/Children under 3 are FREE!

• Chicago CityPASS

To save your money when visit Chicago attractions, you should buy Chicago CityPASS is an all-inclusive pass. With this pass you can freely access and skip-the-line of many attractions such as the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, and Skydeck Chicago. Moreover, it will grant you a choice to be able to access the Adler Planetarium or the Art Institute of Chicago. You’ll also be able to select an admission to freely visit the Museum of Science and Industry or the 360 Chicago Observation Deck.

You can also refer Go Chicago – All Inclusive Pass and Go Chicago – Explorer Pass with a lot of privileges even better Chicago CityPASS.

Frederick C. Robie House

This masterpiece was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1909 and is a prime example of the Prairie School design school. Wright contributed to the shaping of Chicago’s architectural style and this place became one of the most famous works in Chicago.

Address: 5757 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, United States Opened: 1909 Hours: 10AM–3PM/Tuesday, Wednesday: Closed Admission: 18 USD / adult, discounts for students, the elderly, soldiers and children.

Lake Michigan

The famous Chicago tourist attraction not to be missed is the beautiful Lake Michigan that is considered the air conditioner of the city. It helps to keep lakeside neighborhoods warmer in winter and cool in summer. Michigan is one of the North America’s Five Great Lakes ( Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario) is a precious freshwater resource from melting ice and no algae. Especially if you come to the Wind City in August, visitors will be witnessed the spectacular performances of jets above the blue lake.

Movable Bridges

It is also one of the many features and will make visitors delightful when coming to Chicago. There were 56 movable bridges in the past, but due to the city’s development they were gradually being replaced, so up to now, there are only about 38 remains.

Chicago is famous for its many stunning churches with unique architectural styles. Chicago can be considered as home to the churches with the tallest bell towers in the world. Even there is a bell tower up to 180m high and it is the tallest bell tower in the world. Chicago’s cathedrals are very beautiful, notably St. Josaphat Parish , St Adalbert’s Catholic Church, and especially St. Mary of the Angels . If there are churches built in the style of Byzantin, it is not difficult to find Ukrainian or Icelandic churches such as St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral.

Grant Park and the Buckingham Fountain

Also known as Chicago’s front yard, Grant Park is a huge park covering an area of up to 129 ha, loved by locals and tourists. At the center of the park is the Buckingham fountain – one of the largest fountains in the world.

Buckingham Fountain which opened in 1927 in Beaux-Arts architecture, Historicism architectural styles was built in 1927 and inspired by the Latona fountain at the Palace of Versailles in France. This fountain has a total of 193 jets, every 20 minutes, these jets begin to push water gradually higher, the highest water column can be up to 46m. Buckingham fountain only operates from April to October, in winter months, it will be decorated with colorful lights.

Address: 301 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, United States

Magnificent Mile Avenue

Chicago has a special street called the “Magnificent Mile” that connects the north part of the city to near Lake Michigan which is very wide and beautiful. On this avenue there are more than 450 stores, supermarkets, high-rise buildings… selling everything from household appliances to fashion.

This shopping street has long been considered one of the symbols of Chicago. This is the most shopping and entertainment place in Chicago with hundreds of luxury stores such as Nike, Apple, Disney, Tommy, Gucci, Hermes, … Not only that, you can also enjoy many delicious dishes in luxury restaurants along the Magnificent Mile Avenue.

In addition, the avenue is also home to the Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago, world-class 5-star hotels, first-class bars and pubs along with many famous media and press centers for visitors to explore.

Chicago River

Admiring the architecture along the Chicago River is the fun thing to do in Chicago. However, the boat tour price is not cheap, the fare per person for a cruise trip is about $20, but you can completely apply the tip to save money by taking a water taxi which running from Michigan Avenue to Chinatown. Traveling by water taxi not only saves you money but it also free offer the opportunity to see famous buildings along the banks of Chicago river and visit best restaurants in Chicago.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Nestled in lagoons and mature (old-growth) forests, the Lincoln Park Zoo is one of America’s most exciting stops. It offers a close-up view of the world-class wildlife. Moreover, the zoo is also an interesting weekend stop with a quiet space, bring you temporarily away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Established in 1868 the Lincoln Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. The place is sought-after for recreational, educational and conservation activities. Here, you will find the slogan “Lincoln Zoo is everyone’s zoo” and is open daily with a free admission.

Lincoln Park Private Photo Shoot and Walking Tour in Chicago

Address: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, United States Hours: 10AM–5PM

Chicago blog: What and where to eat?

The city of Chicago is famous for many famous restaurants, of course the cost of eating is also not cheap at all, the price of a meal at these restaurants is about $85 to more than $150 / meal. You can absolutely enjoy the delicious and famous dishes from the top chefs prepared right at the restaurants with prices ranging from $10 – $20 per dish.

Here are some signature dishes you should try.

Chicago-style Stuffed Pizza

Chicago stuffed pizza is one of Chicago’s famous dishes and you can easily find it anywhere in the city whether it’s a sidewalk eaterie or at restaurants. It is prepared following several different styles that developed in Chicago. The most famous version is the deep-dish pizza. The pan in which it is baked gives the pizza its characteristically high edge which provides ample space for large amounts of cheese and a chunky tomato sauce.

Some famous places where you can taste it such as:

• Burt’s Place (8541 Ferris Ave, Morton Grove, IL 60053)
• Bartoli’s (1955 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613)
• The Art of Pizza (3033 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60657)
• Pequod’s (2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614)
• Milly’s Pizza in the Pan (1801 N Spaulding Ave, Chicago, IL 60647)

Jibarito Sandwiches

The jibarito is a Puerto Rican staple of Chicago cuisine, is a sandwich made with flattened, fried green plantains instead of bread, garlic-flavored mayonnaise, and a filling that typically includes meat, cheese, lettuce and tomato and may have a few copycats out there.

Some best places to eat jibarito:

• El Picosito Jibaro (3216 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625)
• La Cocina Boricua De La Familia Galarza (2420 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647)
• Casa Yari (3268 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647)
• Jibaritos y Mas (3400 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647)
• The Jibarito Stop (1646 W. 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608)

Chicago-style hot dog

This dish is known as the “tycoon of street food” in Chicago because of its popularity. The hot dog is placed in the steamed bun, topping with yellow mustard, chopped onions, sweet green pickle relish, onion, tomato wedges, a dill pickle spear, pickle spear, sport peppers, … and a dash of celery salt.

Chicago also has a bustling nightlife with countless of bars, pubs opening through the night, the perfect places to sip a cocktail, beer or wine and witnessing a vibrant nightlife of the city. If you want to try the signature Chicago drink, call Chicago Fizz Cocktail is a classic and stylish cocktail which is made from rum, ruby port, egg white and soda to create a delicious drink. Or try The Chicago Cocktail is a brandy-based mixed drink probably named for the city of Chicago and is made from spirits and champagne (Lemon wedge, superfine sugar; Brandy; Fresh lemon juice; Orange curacao; Maraschino liqueur).

Chicago travel blog: Where to stay?

If you have a tight budget when traveling to this expensive city, you should not rent hotels in central areas or on Magnificent Mile avenue because the room rates is very high. To rent cheap hotels, you should stay in Lakeview, Lincoln Park and Bucktown neighbourhoods or hotels near Michigan Avenue or rent hotels far from the city center, the price is cheaper. However, it is advisable to rent hotels near main roads to conveniently travel to tourist attractions which located around city center.

Below we recommend more best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• The Langham, Chicago , a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $449/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile , a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $188/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites , a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $143/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $161/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• The Talbott Hotel , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $161/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Chicago you can refer to

• Go Chicago – All Inclusive Pass
• Go Chicago – Explorer Pass
• 360 Chicago Observation Deck Ticket
• Chicago Broadway Show Ticket in New York
• Chicago Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top)
• Chicago Segway Tours
• The North Of Chicago Tour
• Best of Chicago Grand Tour with River Cruise/Chicago Style Pizza Combo
• Shared Chicago Airports (ORD/MDW) Transfers for Chicago

Are you looking for more top things to do in Chicago: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here . And My Chicago trip blog — The fullest Chicago travel guide blog on my trip to Chicago.

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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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28 Fun Things to Do in Chicago

Chicago shines for its world-class museums, various shopping districts, vibrant neighborhoods and lively nightlife venues. Explore the city's innovative roots at the Museum of Science and Industry, where you can walk inside the U-505 submarine.

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Millennium Park and Cloud Gate Millennium Park and Cloud Gate free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Construction around the Cloud Gate sculpture will limit the public's access to this top tourist attraction until spring 2024. While you might not be able to snag a selfie with "The Bean," many other attractions are available within the park. – Cortney Fries

A first-time visit to Chicago isn't complete without a stop at Millennium Park. Situated in the Loop just north of the Art Institute of Chicago , this 25-acre space is used to showcase cutting-edge art, architecture and landscaping; it also acts as a backdrop for concerts and festivals. Most visitors come to Millennium Park to see the Crown Fountain and Cloud Gate, better known as "The Bean." Designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, the Crown Fountain features two 50-foot towers that face each other at opposite ends of a shallow reflecting pool. The towers' LED screens project the faces of 1,000 different Chicago residents, which are perfectly aligned with spouts so that it appears they are spitting water on passersby. The water flows mid-spring through mid-fall, while the faces are projected year-round. Cloud Gate – created by British-Indian artist Anish Kapoor – is a 110-ton bean-shaped sculpture forged from stainless steel. The Bean's elliptical shape reflects the Chicago skyline. A quintessential Chicago souvenir is a photo of your reflection in The Bean.

Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're visiting Chicago Sept. 8 through 10, head to Grant Park early – around 11 a.m. to avoid the lines – for the Taste of Chicago. Enjoy the park and eat the best cuisine the city has to offer. Admission is free. – Sarah Estime

Often referred to as "Chicago's front yard," Grant Park is an approximately 313-acre swath of green space that starts at the eastern edge of the Loop and stretches down to the northern fringes of the Near South Side. First-time visitors should plan on spending a fair amount of time in Grant Park: This is where you'll find several of Chicago's most popular things to do, including The Field Museum , the Art Institute of Chicago and Shedd Aquarium . ( Millennium Park also rubs elbows with the northwest corner of Grant Park.) Baseball diamonds, flower gardens, walking paths and wide-open grassy terrain are available as well.

Art Institute of Chicago Art Institute of Chicago

Home to one of the country's most impressive collections of impressionist and post-impressionist art (plus works from numerous other genres), the expansive Art Institute of Chicago features nearly 300,000 works from all over the world in its permanent collection. You'll find pieces created in the Byzantine era, as well as paintings completed just a few decades ago. Highlights include Jacob Lawrence's "The Wedding," Georgia O'Keeffe's "Sky above Clouds IV" and Grant Wood's "American Gothic." The Art Institute's exhibits also include all sorts of intriguing artifacts, from European armor to the Thorne Miniature Rooms, which showcase interior design and furnishings in Europe and America from the late 13th to early 20th centuries. In addition to the permanent collection, the Art Institute hosts traveling exhibitions covering a variety of subjects and showcasing a diverse array of artists and genres.

The Art Institute of Chicago earns high praise from recent visitors, thanks in part to its impressive collection. Art enthusiasts particularly commend the museum's impressionist collection, which features pieces from famous artists like van Gogh, Monet and Renoir.

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The Magnificent Mile The Magnificent Mile free

U.S. News Insider Tip: The Magnificent Mile, known for its world-class shopping, also has plenty to offer architecture buffs. Book a walking tour with the Chicago Architecture Center and hear the untold stories of North Michigan Avenue's architectural icons. Tours start at $30. – Sarah Estime

For shopping at more than 450 retailers within walking distance in downtown Chicago, make your way to The Magnificent Mile. This portion of Michigan Avenue – which stretches between Lake Shore Drive and the Chicago River – beckons to shopaholics with department stores and luxury retailers like Bloomingdale's, Marcus, Macy's, Tory Burch and Nordstrom. Additionally, The Magnificent Mile is home to several top-notch eateries and luxury hotels, including The Drake , the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile and the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile .

Navy Pier Navy Pier free

Extending out onto Lake Michigan, Navy Pier offers plenty in the way of family-friendly entertainment. The first thing you'll spot once you set foot on the pier is the towering Ferris wheel (which stands 196 feet tall); you'll also find a drop tower and a carousel. Once the kids have had their fill of thrill rides, you can spend some time cruising the Chicago River on a sightseeing or speedboat tour or spend a few hours exploring the Chicago Children's Museum , with hands-on exhibits ranging from treehouses to fire trucks.

But you don't have to be a kid to enjoy a visit to Navy Pier. Grown-ups can catch a show at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, flex some credit card muscle at a variety of shops or grab a drink at the Navy Pier Beer Garden. And be sure to check Navy Pier's website for a list of events: Concerts are often held here, and from Memorial Day to Labor Day (as well as New Year's Eve), impressive fireworks displays light up the skies on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Many of the city's top Segway tours offer special summer evening tours to the pier to catch the semiweekly fireworks show.

Lincoln Park Zoo Lincoln Park Zoo free

U.S. News Insider Tip: North Avenue Beach is a short walk over the North Avenue Bridge when you park at the southern end of the Lincoln Park Zoo lot. Explore the zoo, then stroll over to the beach for an afternoon in the sand. – Cortney Fries

Located 2 miles north of the Loop in the North Side neighborhood of Lincoln Park, the Lincoln Park Zoo is home to nearly 200 species, such as zebras, sloths and hippos. Visitors can view the zoo's furry (or scaly) friends in their natural habitats: Check out the gorillas in the sprawling, award-winning Regenstein Center for African Apes, or head to the Kovler Seal Pool to get up close and personal with harbor seals. Seal training and feeding occurs daily at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

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360 CHICAGO Observation Deck 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

One of Chicago's most notable attractions is its skyline, and one of the best places to experience it is at the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck. Formerly known as the John Hancock Observatory, 360 CHICAGO towers 1,000 feet over The Magnificent Mile from its location on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center (or 875 North Michigan Avenue as its more formally known). Encased by floor-to-ceiling windows, 360 CHICAGO boasts expansive views of the city; on a clear day, you can see four states. Meanwhile, the interactive screens will help you identify different landmarks that appear in your panorama.

For a different point of view (and an adrenaline rush), test out 360 CHICAGO's TILT. In this mechanized room, visitors hold on to handlebars as the top of the room's windows extend outward, tilting you toward bustling North Michigan Avenue down below. For another memorable way to immerse yourself in the views, try ClouldWalk, a 3D art experience introduced in 2022. Mural artist Nate Baranowski created an optical illusion on the observation deck that makes visitors feel as though they are standing on a crane platform in the clouds.  Should you prefer to experience the view without feeling your heart skip a beat, grab a cup of coffee, a glass of wine or a snack at the cafe and bar, or look for souvenirs in the gift shop.

The Field Museum The Field Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip: After hours of museum hopping, grab a kid-approved lunch at Kim & Carlo's Hot Dog Cart. The no-frills stand offers everything from vegan dogs to the traditional Chicago hotdog. Enjoy your lunch on the water. – Sarah Estime

This extensive natural history museum occupies half an acre of Grant Park 's Museum Campus and houses exhibits that showcase artifacts from multiple eras and destinations, making it a must-see for kids (as well as any fans of the "Indiana Jones" movies). Some of the most popular parts of the museum include the "Inside Ancient Egypt" exhibit, which features a reconstruction of a three-story replica of an Egyptian tomb, one of the largest collections of mummies in the United States and interactive representations of life on the Nile. There's also the Restoring Earth area in the Abbott Hall of Conservation, where visitors can learn more about sustainability through hands-on activities. But no visit to The Field Museum would be complete without some quality time with SUE, the facility's T. rex who just happens to be the largest, most complete T. rex ever discovered. SUE is 40 feet long from nose to tail and boasts 55 terrifying teeth.

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Chicago Architecture River Cruise Chicago Architecture River Cruise

A visit to 360 CHICAGO or Skydeck Chicago will give you a good overview of the city's layout. But if you want to learn more about Chicago's sky-high buildings, tag along on an architecture river cruise. During a river cruise, you'll gain great views and historical insight about well-known structures like the Wrigley Building, the Leo Burnett Building and the Fulton House.

Though several companies, including Wendella Sightseeing Co. and Chicago Line Cruises, offer architecture river cruises, most travelers recommend climbing aboard a Chicago's First Lady Cruises boat with a Chicago Architecture Center docent. You'll learn tons of information about the area's architecture, plus catch superb skyline photo-ops.

Maggie Daley Park Maggie Daley Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: There are many restaurant options around the park, but Wildberry Pancakes & Café is a satisfying brunch spot. Choose from creative pancake options, a variety of omelets, crepes, sandwiches and salads. Go hungry and leave happy. – Cortney Fries

Opened in 2014, Maggie Daley Park is an expansive property located just east of Millennium Park in downtown Chicago. The 20-acre green space offers numerous activities for both kids and adults alike, including a climbing wall, a mini-golf course, a 3-acre playground, a public garden, an ice-skating skating "ribbon" during the winter and scooter and rollerblade rentals in the summer, not to mention a tennis facility. Whatever you choose to do, you'll get to enjoy fantastic views of the Chicago skyline. Recent visitors loved that the park is free to access, and they noted that the attraction is excellent for family fun.

Museum of Science and Industry Museum of Science and Industry

U.S. News Insider Tip: Mid-November through the first week of January, experience the annual "Christmas Around the World" and "Holidays of Light" exhibits. Volunteers decorate more than 50 trees in celebration of holiday traditions from around the globe. – Cortney Fries

Chicago's extensive Museum of Science and Industry is the Western Hemisphere's largest science museum, showcasing more than 35,000 artifacts and a variety of hands-on exhibits meant to inspire creativity. The museum resides in the 14-acre former Palace of Fine Arts, which hosted the famous World's Columbian Exposition in 1893. The fair brought together some of the world's greatest scientific minds, including Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla, who at the time were competing to prove which type of electricity – direct current or alternating current – was more effective. 

Wrigley Field Wrigley Field

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're visiting during the holiday season, don't miss Winterland at Gallagher Way for family-friendly rides and games inside and around the ballpark. Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville is free to enter. Enjoy festive shopping and international food and beverage selections. – Cortney Fries

Chicagoans take their love of sports very seriously. So, for a real taste of Chicago culture, head north of the Loop to Wrigley Field to watch the Chicago Cubs play ball at the Friendly Confines. History buffs will also appreciate this sports treasure, which first opened in 1914 and holds the honor of being the second-oldest Major League Baseball stadium in the country (after Fenway Park in Boston ).

Shedd Aquarium Shedd Aquarium

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're visiting in the summer (June through August), check out Jazzin' at the Shedd. You can enjoy jazz music and drinks with incredible views from the terrace. Plus, the lights dim in the aquarium for a unique experience. – Elizabeth Von Tersch, Senior Editor

Shedd Aquarium is one of the world's largest indoor aquariums, housing around 32,000 creatures. While you're here, you can feel stingrays float beneath your fingers, listen to sea lions bark and learn all about a variety of turtles. A visit to Shedd Aquarium will lead you through a cornucopia of habitats, where you'll find additional animals like penguins, piranhas, sharks and beluga whales. Or, for an additional fee, you can participate in specialty experiences like animal encounters, feeding experiences and virtual reality.

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The Chicago Riverwalk The Chicago Riverwalk free

U.S. News Insider Tip: During the summer, there is nothing better than watching the boats go by as you relax at City Winery Riverwalk Wine Garden. Rent a retro boat from Chicago Electric Boat Company and cruise the river yourself. – Cortney Fries

When the weather warms up in Chicago, there are few better places to enjoy the outdoors than the Chicago Riverwalk. The 1.25-mile pedestrian walkway on the south bank of the Chicago River is the perfect place to take a stroll and observe the city skyline. Plus, there are numerous activity options to enjoy directly on the water, such as a boat or kayak tour . If you prefer to explore on your own two feet, visit the public gardens and art displays, or grab a meal at a popular restaurant or bar overlooking the Chicago River. And if you want to learn more about the river's unique history, check out the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, which celebrates the city's famous movable bridges. What's more, Art on theMART – a massive digital art projection on the facade of theMART (formerly The Merchandise Mart) – is best viewed from the Riverwalk.

Skydeck Chicago at the Willis Tower Skydeck Chicago at the Willis Tower

More than 1.7 million people make their way to Willis Tower's Skydeck Chicago each year, and it's easy to see why. Occupying the 103rd floor – that's nine floors higher than 360 CHICAGO – of the 110-story Willis Tower (the third-tallest building in North America after One World Trade Center and Central Park Tower), Skydeck Chicago boasts breathtaking views of the city. Visit on a sunny day and you may be able to see far beyond Chicago's borders to Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and other parts of Illinois.

The highlight for most visitors is the Ledge. Extending 4.3 feet beyond the building's exterior, this platform is made entirely of glass – even the floor. Travelers also liked the video screens that show what it would be like to stand 103 floors above other Chicago attractions, including Wrigley Field and Millennium Park . However, long lines quickly form for Skydeck Chicago, so plan on arriving early or purchasing a Chicago CityPASS, which covers expedited admission into the attraction. Or, simply pay extra for expedited entry, which features an express line to the elevators. For the best views, it's advised that you visit just after opening or after sunset. If you'd like to enjoy the sunset from the tower, plan on arriving 30 to 45 minutes before sunset to ensure you have enough time to get through the elevator line and up to the top.

North Avenue Beach North Avenue Beach free

Located in Lincoln Park directly on Lake Michigan, North Avenue Beach is one of the most popular swimming spots in Chicago. The sandy beach has volleyball courts, plenty of space for visitors to stretch out and multiple things to do near nearby. Plus, it offers spectacular views of the city skyline. Beachgoers can also find restaurants, sports rental companies, restrooms and more inside a 22,000-square-foot beach house adjacent to the shore.

Recent visitors said the beach is a nice spot that is perfect for relaxing, biking and running, but they warned that it can get busy on warm summer days.

The Second City The Second City

If you've seen a sketch comedy show or hilarious movie in the last 40 years, it's likely that someone from The Second City appeared in it. The Second City is one of the world's most iconic improvisational comedy theaters, and it has helped launch the careers of numerous famous comedians, including Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert. If you're in the mood for a laugh, check out a live show on any night of the week at any number of The Second City's seven stages (which are all housed in its facility at the northwest corner of North Avenue and Wells Street in Old Town). 

Recent reviewers said that everyone in their group could not stop laughing during the shows, which typically last 90 minutes to two hours. Ticket prices vary by the show and date, but run anywhere from $30 to $100.

The Chicago Theatre The Chicago Theatre

Aside from Cloud Gate and Buckingham Fountain , The Chicago Theatre's red and yellow marquee is perhaps one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Illuminating North State Street at the northern edge of the Loop, The Chicago Theatre first opened its doors in 1921 as an extravagant movie theater and performance venue. Throughout its history, the theater has hosted such big names as Duke Ellington, Diana Ross and Prince, in addition to screening blockbuster flicks. Though the theater fell into disuse in the 1970s, new management and a full renovation in the 1980s helped return the venue to its former glory. Today, the theater is still used for a variety of comedic, theatrical and musical performances.

According to past patrons, the theater's historic appearance enhances the overall experience of catching an event here. Just remember, cameras and video cameras, including those on cell phones, cannot be used during tours or performances. If you're not in town for a show, consider signing up for one of the venue's guided tours. Tour tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for kids ages 12 and younger. Tours are available Monday and Tuesday at noon and 2 p.m. and last about an hour.

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Chicago Children's Museum Chicago Children's Museum

Located at Navy Pier , the Chicago Children's Museum offers temporary and permanent play-based exhibits for babies, toddlers and kids ages 4 and older. Founded in 1982 by the Junior League of Chicago as a response to cuts in arts programming, the museum was originally housed in two hallways of what is now called the Chicago Cultural Center . Today, children can dig for "teeth" and "bones" in "Dinosaur Expedition," climb through tunnels of "Cloud Buster," test their STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) skills in the Tinkering Lab and paint, draw or sew in the art studio.

Recent visitors appreciated the interactive, hands-on exhibits, which they recommend for young children.

American Writers Museum American Writers Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip: Across the street from the museum, you will find the first Nutella Café, where you can savor French and Italian dishes featuring the heavenly hazelnut spread. The gelato is roll-your-eyes-to-the-back-of-your-head good. – Cortney Fries

The first museum in the United States dedicated to celebrating the diverse voices and influence of American authors, the American Writers Museum is an interactive journey through more than five centuries of written and spoken word. This relatively small museum, which opened in 2017, features thoughtful and reflective exhibits that you can touch, smell, hear and see. 

DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center

U.S. News Insider Tip: If driving in Chicago isn’t your thing, consider taking the No. 55 bus to the museum. The bus drops you off within just a five-minute walk of the museum. – Sarah Estime

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, named for Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable, the entrepreneur who is credited with founding Chicago, is a must-visit for anyone looking to learn more about African American history in the city of Chicago and America. It celebrates its 62nd anniversary in 2023, and is full of thought-provoking exhibits, including those that showcase fine art created by influential African American artists and historical materials. Note that visitors hoping to enjoy “The March” exhibit, an immersive experience depicting the historic March on Washington and Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech, can go in groups of no more than four at a time.

Adler Planetarium Adler Planetarium

The first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, the Adler offers unrivaled insights into our solar system. Indeed, "Our Solar System" is one of its permanent exhibits, along with "Mission Moon," "The Universe: A Walk Through Space and Time," "Telescopes: Through the Looking Glass" and "Astronomy in Culture," among others. Its facilities include the Doane Observatory, which has the largest telescope available to the public in the Chicago area, through which visitors can glimpse celestial objects trillions of miles away. The Adler also has three full-size theaters – the 3D Universe Theater, the Definiti Space Theater and the Grainger Sky Theater – in which it screens programs like "Destination Solar System," "Planet Nine" and "One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure."

Space enthusiasts invariably find the Adler's presentations both informative and entertaining, if somewhat pricey. Most visitors suggest setting aside a few hours to explore the various exhibits and shows. Travelers recommend maximizing your parking expenses by also visiting the Shedd Aquarium or The Field Museum , which also sit on the Museum Campus. Reviewers also appreciated the Lake Michigan and skyline views as seen from the planetarium.

Offbeat Street Art Tour Offbeat Street Art Tour

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you’re looking for unique souvenirs from your Chicago trip, consider The Goddess & Grocer for its gift baskets. – Sarah Estime

In Chicago, you can find eye-catching street art nearly everywhere. As you sightsee, you’ll be greeted with unique, thought-provoking art on the sides of buildings and underneath bridges. If you’re looking for an experience that walks you through the history and cultural significance of Chicago's street art scene, look no further than the Offbeat Street Art Tour. On this two-hour tour, you’ll discover new artists and learn the inspiration behind their colorful works, along with some interesting neighborhood history. You’ll also be able to take great photos along the way.

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The Green Mill The Green Mill

U.S. News Insider Tip: For visitors looking for a bite to eat after a night of jazz music, head across the street to Damera for an authentic Ethiopian meal, or down the block to the Fat Cat for a burger. – Sarah Estime

Best known for serving gangsters during its speakeasy days, the Green Mill invites travelers to step back in time. The long bar that runs along the club's left side sits in front of smokey mirrors and is peppered with decor reminiscent of the Prohibition era. The entire place is cast in a warm reddish glow while old-time jazz plays from the jukebox. The bar – one of Al Capone’s favorites – has no set menu; order whatever cocktails you like (though the chocolate martinis are delicious). There is also a selection of beer and wine.

Garfield Park Conservatory Garfield Park Conservatory free

One of the biggest botanical conservatories in the United States, the Garfield Park Conservatory houses thousands of plant species in eight indoor gardens, as well as 10 acres of outdoor gardens.

Each indoor space has a distinct focus. The Aroid House features varieties of its namesake, which are among the most popular houseplants; it also features sculptures by the world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly made specifically for the Aroid House. As its name suggests, the Desert House boasts cacti and succulents, while the Fern Room arranges ferns around an indoor lagoon. The Palm House, the conservatory's largest structure, recreates a tropical landscape complete with more than 70 palm trees. Meanwhile, the Elizabeth Morse Genius Children's Garden aims to educate little ones about plants. Horticulture Hall displays a range of flowers and plants and also has tables where visitors can take a seat and have a rest.

The Richard H. Driehaus Museum The Richard H. Driehaus Museum

Occupying a restored mansion built in 1883, the Richard H. Driehaus Museum presents exhibitions relating to architecture, art and design from the 19th century to the present day.

The Nickerson Mansion containing the museum boasts an entrance hall made with so much marble that the building was nicknamed "the Marble Palace." (The museum takes its current name from the philanthropist who founded it in 2003.) Its reception room features intricate woodwork as well as items from the museum's permanent collection, such as a Tiffany Studios lamp that dates back to the early 1900s. Meanwhile, the front parlor displays Renaissance Revival furniture original to the Nickerson Mansion. The dining room, fitted with elaborately carved oak, houses a silver punch bowl first exhibited at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Other highlights from the permanent collection include a gem-encrusted inkstand, a ceramic clock, multiple chandeliers, paintings, sculptures and an array of decorative items.

Chicago Cultural Center Chicago Cultural Center free

The "People’s Palace," a popular destination occupying a full city block in the downtown Loop neighborhood, is a stunning architectural marvel as well as a venue for a great deal of cultural programming, including art exhibits and concerts. Among its features are one of the largest Tiffany stained-glass domes in the world (made with around 30,000 individual pieces of glass) and a marble lobby adorned with mosaics made of gold, glass and precious stones.

Visitors invariably rave about the impressive structure and its elaborate decorations, saying it’s worth it to pop in for free to see the ornate ceiling.

University of Chicago University of Chicago free

Founded in 1890 by John D. Rockefeller, the University of Chicago is an urban research university in the city's Hyde Park neighborhood close to Lake Michigan. Currently, it has more than 7,000 undergraduate students and more than 10,000 graduate, professional or other students as well as nearly 2,400 full-time faculty members.

Impressive as those statistics may be, they aren't reasons to visit. But the university's 217-acre campus, which was designated a botanic garden in 1997, and its mixture of English Gothic and modern architecture are. Some of the newer structures were designed by celebrated architects like Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Eero Saarinen, while some of the older ones are adorned with gargoyles that date back to the 1893 World Columbian Exposition. The university welcomes visitors to explore its campus, and provides information about its architecture on its website. Those who've visited before routinely call the buildings diverse and beautiful, and many recommend stopping by in the spring when flowers bloom across campus, or fall when amber leaves transform the grounds.

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Chicago-area solar eclipse hunters plan trek south to take in totality: ‘You have to experience it’

An estimated 100,000 to 200,000 people are expected to descend on southern illinois, where the eclipse’s path of totality will pass early monday afternoon. southern illinois university is holding a four-day party..

Lorey Sanchez, left, Reyes Sanchez and Lorena Perez, stand outside their home in North Riverside. The family plans to travel south to experience the solar eclipse.

Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

Seven years ago, Reyes Sanchez stood with his girlfriend in downtown Carbondale, amazed by a solar eclipse turning day into night in a matter of seconds.

He was equally astonished to learn that day about another solar eclipse that would pass the exact same area in southern Illinois on April 8, 2024.

“We kind of joked about it, like we’ll end up together and we’ll come back again, and probably we’ll have kids by that time,” Sanchez said, “... and now it’s happening.”

Sanchez, his wife and their 3-year-old daughter, along with his brother’s family will leave their home in Riverside about 4 a.m. Monday to drive to Carbondale, take in the eclipse, then drive home.

It should take about five and a half hours to drive there, he said. Sanchez expects about an eight-hour trip home, plus he wants to find some souvenirs for his daughter to “look back on this experience” that he described as “extraordinary.”

“I’m pretty sure a lot of people are going to travel,” said Sanchez, a 34-year-old welder. “We’re planning to get some snacks, sodas, waters and everything so we only have to stop just to pump some gas and keep going.”

Around 100,000 to 200,000 people are expected to converge in southern Illinois for the phenomenon, the Illinois Department of Transportation said.

The eclipse’s path of totality, where the moon aligns perfectly with the sun and casts a shadow over Earth, will traverse about a quarter of the state, entering southern Illinois just after noon. Totality will begin about 2 p.m. and last about four minutes in Carbondale — in the crossroads of this year’s eclipse and the one in 2017.

The path of the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse over North America. An estimated 44 million people live inside the 110-mile-wide path of totality stretching from Mazatlán, Mexico, to Newfoundland, Canada.

Associated Press

Joshua Frieman, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics at University of Chicago, and about 50 of his students will travel by bus to an eclipse event at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Total eclipses aren’t rare — there’s about three each year somewhere on Earth — but it is “quite rare” for one to pass over the exact same area within as little as seven years. That typically happens “every few hundred years,” Frieman said.

Joshua Frieman, professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of Chicago.

University of Chicago/Provided

Carbondale also lucked out in having one of the longest periods of totality in this year’s eclipse.

“The duration of what’s called totality — when the sun is completely blocked out — that varies from eclipse to eclipse, and it varies also along the path of the eclipse, and one thing exciting is that in Carbondale, the totality will last about four minutes, and that’s on the long end of typical solar eclipses,” Frieman said.

Maureen Joy, 66, of Batavia, is looking forward to witnessing totality for the first time.

“I’m interested to see what happens with the birds, you hear they think it’s nighttime, and the bugs and the crickets,” Joy said. “Just that feeling, some people say it’s just otherworldly when this happens.”

The retired teacher, with two friends, is loading up her RV and taking it to a shared campground in Pomona, about 100 miles southeast of St. Louis, near the Shawnee National Forest, where the 75 people camping and a bluegrass band will generate the atmosphere of a small festival.

Maureen Joy, 66, of Batavia, will travel with two friends in her RV to a campsite near the Shawnee National Forest to see Monday’s solar eclipse. They’ll be joined at the site by a bluegrass band.

The stunning few minutes of totality is why Greg King, a police officer from Tinley Park, is going back again this year.

“I’ve had this event on my calendar since Aug. 22, 2017 — the day after the last one,” King said, adding that his one takeaway from the previous eclipse was, “You have to experience it.”

“If you have the ability to, you need to experience a complete solar eclipse,” King, 60, said.

He booked a hotel four months ago in Evansville, Indiana, for $140 a night, before room rates skyrocketed up to $500 per night. But he’ll drive about an hour west to Burnt Prairie, Illinois, a small village in northern White County, for the eclipse.

• Staring at solar eclipse can damage your eyes for months if you don’t use protection, Chicago doctors say

“My parents and grandparents, everybody’s from southern Illinois, so I’m very familiar with the area,” King said. “I think I should find a nice quiet, fairly secluded spot where there won’t be tens of thousands of other people.”

King drove down Wednesday night, then hopes to wait out traffic and drive home Tuesday.

One uncertainty, however, has most travelers crossing their fingers.

“Hopefully it’s not cloudy. If it is, then it’s just a big bust,” King said.

Monday's forecast for Carbondale is mostly sunny with a high of 73 degrees, but there is a slight chance of rain that night that has some people making backup plans.

Chris Chong, of Buffalo Grove, is continuing to keep his eyes on the forecast for southern Illinois and Indiana, as he has yet to choose a first-come, first-served campsite to pitch his tent. His tentative plan is to drive to the Carbondale area, but if the weather is poor, then he’s considering Indiana.

Chris Chong is one of many Chicago area residents who’ll be traveling to Carbondale, Illinois, to see the total solar eclipse next week. This will be his first solo trip to southern Illinois.

Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times

Chong, hearing how “magnificent” it is to witness an eclipse in totality, was swayed by other people online to make a “spur-of-the-moment” decision last week to road trip south for the event.

“I’m definitely trying to put myself out there in more unique situations I’m not very used to,” Chong, 30, said. “Not only is this my first road trip by myself, I’ve never been that far south in Illinois.”

“I just hope that this will be another way for me to experience new things,” Chong added. “Hopefully it’ll motivate me to do more of that in the future.”

Frieman, the professor, said this would be the year for Chicagoans to roadtrip to experience totality.

“The next total eclipse visible from the United States [Montana and North Dakota] or Canada won’t be until 2044, so this is the last opportunity for people in our region to see this without traveling long distances,” he said.

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Travel | Ed Perkins on Travel: What’s with the airlines?

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You’re more likely than ever to fly somewhere this summer, and when you do, you may find some surprises. As usual, for passengers the bad surprises often outnumber the favorable, but either way, they’re coming at you.

Overall airfares are holding firm this summer. Airlines are better than ever at tweaking fares to meet changes in demand, so you’ll see some great flash sale deals where they think demand needs a boost and some real sticker shock at popular times for popular places.

One big change that could ultimately make things a bit easier is that both airlines and security agencies are serious about using facial recognition to replace pieces of paper, app images, and physical screening. The confidence is high enough that facial recognition could actually be all you need to get through an airport and get on a plane. It’s in use in only a few places so far, but you might well encounter it this year and for sure will encounter it in following years. It could make the process easier – let’s hope it works out that way.

Everybody involved is expecting a record year for European travel. Among the low-fare options, Norwegian Atlantic remains a standout with its nonstops in 787s. The latest addition is Las Vegas-London, which adds to its impressive list of US gateways: Los Angeles, Miami, New York/JFK, Orlando, and Washington. French Bee continues its nonstops to Paris/Orly from Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco. But beware: It flies some of the narrowest, tightest seats anywhere in the air. Meanwhile, the two lines based in Iceland – old timer Icelandic plus newcomer Play – continue to serve a bunch of transatlantic routes with one-stop connections at Reykjavik. As I’ve said before, these look best when you take advantage of an Iceland stopover – otherwise, you can usually get as good a deal on somebody’s nonstop.

Here at home, Frontier is tackling the challenge of “main cabin” misery by offering what the blogosphere calls “European-style business class.” That means ordinary economy seating but with the middle seat blocked off. In my view, Spirit’s “big front seat” is a better option – a few genuine first-class seats at the front. Pricing will vary depending on demand, but the idea is good.

Recent start-up Avelo seems to have struck gold at New Haven airport, with flights to an expanding bunch of cities mainly in the South. Its initial Los Angeles/Burbank base is expanding, too, but its big new winners are Sonoma, California, and Wilmington, Delaware.

Unfortunately, Avelo is guilty of an ongoing trend of deceptive airport names. It didn’t start the trend; we’ve had Chicago/Rockford, New York/Stewart, Boston/Manchester, and Frankfurt/Hahn for years now. Avelo has added Portland/Salem, Oregon, and Philadelphia/Wilmington. The good folk of Oakland are also thinking about renaming their airport as “San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport.”

In cases where an airport enjoys good ground transportation, the result is harmless and even beneficial: Getting to Manhattan from Newark isn’t much more of a problem than getting there from JFK, and if you live in North Bay, Sonoma beats San Francisco International by a wide margin. But some renames put a hapless arrival a long way from the major city and no easy way to get there. If you’re dumped in Rockford, you have a tough time getting into Chicago; ditto Manchester to Boston, Salem to Portland, and Stewart to Manhattan.

All is not well with other low-fare and niche lines. Newcomer Breeze is struggling to find the right way to use its extremely capable A220 planes. Although not a true low-fare line, JetBlue is also in big trouble. Carl Icahn just bought into the line, and Icahn’s record with TWA leads observers to think an Icahn investment means the vultures are circling.

You can’t spend more than a few seconds in airline-land without encountering some learned treatise or other on Boeing. The focus is understandable: safety, which beats even low fares and convenience. As a traveler, if you’re worried, you can often avoid Boeing planes. But the company needs a major reboot, which travelers really can’t provide.

(Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at [email protected]. Also, check out Ed’s new rail travel website at www.rail-guru.com.)

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Citing a YouTube Video in Chicago Style | Format & Examples

Published on May 17, 2021 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on December 5, 2022.

Chicago Reference Generator

In Chicago notes and bibliography style , it’s recommended to cite YouTube videos (and other online videos, except for movies ) only in your notes and omit them from the bibliography .

List a video in your bibliography if it’s crucial to your argument, you cite it often, or your university requires you to.

Including the video length is optional. In a note, a specific timestamp or range may be included to show the relevant location in the video. Pay attention to the punctuation (e.g., periods or commas ) in your citations.

If you use author-date style instead, any videos cited must appear in the reference list.

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Table of contents

Optional details to include in youtube citations, where to find citation information for a youtube video, citing youtube videos in author-date style, frequently asked questions about chicago style citations.

Since YouTube videos can cover a wide variety of different content, a lot of different information may be relevant to your citation. In general, use your own judgment to determine what, if any, additional information is relevant to your citation. Some examples are given below.

• Music video

In this music video citation, the musician is listed as the main author, the director of the video is listed after the title (relevant if you discuss the video content rather than just the song), and the words “music video” are included for the sake of clarity.

• Recorded lecture

When citing a recorded lecture , information about when and where it was recorded, as well as any course or series it was part of, can be relevant. In this case the date of recording, which is shown in the video, replaces the upload date.

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YouTube’s interface makes it simple to find the key information needed for a citation: the channel name, video title, publication date, video length, and URL. All of this can be found below the video.

Use a specific author name if one can be identified from the video or description; otherwise, list the channel name. The name of the channel is italicized if it is also the name of a blog or print publication, such as the Wall Street Journal . The video title is enclosed in quotation marks .

In author-date style , in-text citations consist of the author’s last name and the publication year, as well as a timestamp if relevant.

The corresponding reference list entry is identical to a bibliography entry, but with the year added after the channel name. In this style, it’s mandatory to include all the videos you cite in your reference list.

• YouTube video

In a Chicago footnote citation , when the author of a source is unknown (as is often the case with websites ), start the citation with the title in a full note. In short notes and bibliography entries, list the organization that published it as the author.

In Chicago author-date style , treat the organization as author in your in-text citations and reference list.

To automatically generate accurate Chicago references, you can use Scribbr’s free Chicago reference generator .

In Chicago notes and bibliography style , the usual standard is to use a full note for the first citation of each source, and short notes for any subsequent citations of the same source.

However, your institution’s guidelines may differ from the standard rule. In some fields, you’re required to use a full note every time, whereas in some other fields you can use short notes every time, as long as all sources are listed in your bibliography . If you’re not sure, check with your instructor.

• A reference list is used with Chicago author-date citations .
• A bibliography is used with Chicago footnote citations .

Both present the exact same information; the only difference is the placement of the year in source citations:

• In a reference list entry, the publication year appears directly after the author’s name.
• In a bibliography entry, the year appears near the end of the entry (the exact placement depends on the source type).

There are also other types of bibliography that work as stand-alone texts, such as a Chicago annotated bibliography .

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