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Plan Your Trip to Chicago: Best of Chicago Tourism

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Chicago, Illinois

Chicago’s got the big-city vibes you want, but friendly locals and a walkable layout make it homey and accessible all at the same time. With 77 neighborhoods to explore, your best bet is starting with the Loop or Gold Coast to hit the highlights, then fan out. Wander among the architecture that made the city famous or eat your way through town. You’ll hear a lot about deep-dish, but the tacos are also next-level, thanks to Chicago’s thriving Mexican community. If you’re there in spring/summer, spend a do-nothing day lounging lakeside or grab a patch of grass at one of its many parks. At night, both the music and comedy scenes have put Chicago on the map. (You can't go wrong, but Lincoln Hall and Second City are always a good time.) There’s lots more to dig into. We’ve got options below.

Travel Advice

How to spend 3 days in Chicago

Architecture, comedy, and craft cocktails you can't miss
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A high-low eating tour of Chitown

Chicago is one of the great American restaurant towns, smashing at every level from gravy-drenched sandwiches to molecular theatrics. The city has mastered the high-low food experience like no other and it's what keeps me coming back again and again (I'm a food writer, after all). So if you're like me and love both, here's my list of recs. Bring your appetite.
Adam Erace, Philadelphia, PA
  • Cellar Door Provisions
    22
    High: Cellar Door is clicking again post-pandemic with dinner-only hours and a no-reservations policy. While I miss their exquisite morning pastries (it used to open for breakfast, too), it’s good to be back in this stripped down Logan Square spot. My go to's: the Med-inspired treasures like flat-iron marsala, a white-out of burrata and blanc asparagus, and brown butter-rosemary gelato for dessert. A tip: Get there before they open at five, it gets crowded.
  • Pequods Pizza
    1,121
    Low: There are plenty of options in town for deep-dish diehards, and this Lincoln Park outpost of Pequod’s is mine. Order a beer or two as you wait (a while) for the ferociously hot pan pizza to land on your table—its ring of caramelized cheese around the rim is gold.
  • Sun Wah BBQ
    208
    High: The Cheng family is Chicago royalty, and Sun Wah is their kingdom. This sprawling institution is iconic and the menu is massive, but the thing to order is not on it: the Beijing duck dinner, a grand multi-course feast (go with a group) starring a roasted duck whose skin is as bronzed and crackled as the top of a crème brûlée. While you can order it once you arrive table, I recommend putting in the request when making a reservation.
  • Dove's Luncheonette
    100
    Low: This is the Tex-Mex fantasy diner of my dreams. Crispy hash, brisket tacos on house-made flour tortillas, chicken-fried-chicken, and horchata pie coexist with communal tables, penny-tiled floors, and friendly service. love Dove’s for lunch/brunch, but it’s also a terrific late-night pop-in for al pastor fries and a $5 mezcal shot.
  • Virtue Restaurant & Bar
    80
    High: There are a hundred details that make Chef Erick Williams’s Hyde Park restaurant a pillar of Southern cooking in Chicago. Among them: the smoked turkey perfuming the collards, the turnip chow-chow on the salmon, the Carolina grits with the shrimp and crawfish etouffee. If you can’t get a reservation, hang at the bar, which has a stacked wine list, as well as a handful of inventive non-alcoholic cocktails.
  • Johnnie's Beef
    238
    Low: You didn’t think you were getting out of this list without an Italian beef recommendation, did you? Everyone in Chicago has a favorite held close to their heart, but it’s hard to do better than Johnnie’s. Their beef is shaved so thin you can almost see through it, and their giardiniera pops like the Bangsnaps you used to throw at the sidewalk as a kid.It's cash only and a little out of the way in Elmwood Park but so worth it. I like to go on my way to/from O’Hare airport.
  • Mi Tocaya Antojeria
    56
    High: “Nuestro cocina, nuestro amor” (our cooking, our love) is the motto at Mi Tocaya. If you ask me, Diana Dávila is maybe the most talented Mexican chef in a city jam packed with terrific Mexican restaurants. Her colorful, casual dining room in Logan Square is the ideal spot for dishes like braised pork shank in a secret mole sauce and chiles en nogada (made here with Brussels sprouts). Bonus: the drink list is as comfortable around natural wine as it is margaritas.
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Chicago Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Chicago

Mom's Guide To Travel

If you're visiting Chi-Town during the late fall and winter months, dress for brisk and cold weather — hats, scarves, gloves, and a warm outer layer.

boltsnnuts

Buy a Chicago City Pass that includes several attractions at a very reasonable price.

deyurdin

Chicago is a first-class restaurant city so make reservations as soon as you can. Check out the listings online or in Chicago Magazine.

Mom's Guide To Travel

Chicago has a well-developed transportation system. Getting around is quick and inexpensive. Consider a one-day visitors pass for unlimited bus and train rides.

Diana R

Deep dish pizza isn't meant to be picked up. In fact, sometimes there's so much cheese it just isn't possible! Don't be shy about using a knife and fork — there's no other way.

ZafferB

Chicago is a big city and a lot of history and beauty. Every time I explore the city, I learn and find something new. It's a great city to come and see and spend some time in.

deyurdin

Chicago is a feast for the eyes, the mouth, and the ears.

GitchSup

There are a lot of things to do for the budget-minded traveler. History, architecture, art, food and family activities all can be found for less than you might think in a city like Chicago.

Mom's Guide To Travel

Chicago's location along the waters of Lake Michigan gives it an automatic head start for romance. The Windy City offers couples everything they need to celebrate their affections in a picturesque, diverse, and energetic environment: Historic landmarks, trendy restaurants, iconic skyscrapers, and a vibrant city buzz represent the landscape that is Chicago.

What is the best way to get there?

flying

O'Hare International Airport, 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, is a hub for United Airlines. Ten miles southwest of downtown, Midway International Airport is primarily served by low-cost carriers and a few Delta flights. The CTA Blue Line train runs between the Loop and O'Hare every 5-15 minutes, 24 hours a day. The CTA Orange Line train runs between the Loop and Midway from before dawn to after midnight.

train

Chicago is one of the most convenient U.S. cities to visit by train. Amtrak services from all around the country use Union Station (Canal Street and Jackson Boulevard).

bus

Greyhound, Megabus, and others offer low-cost bus services to Chicago from around the Midwest and beyond.

driving

Drivers usually approach Chicago off the I-90 or I-94. Be prepared for tolls.

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting Chicago from overseas, use the State Department’s Visa Wizard to see if you need a visa.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and fall: The best times to visit Chicago are from April through May and September to October. These seasons bring warm temperatures — a contrast to the sweltering heat of summer and bitter cold of winter. Spring temperatures typically range from the mid-50s°F (12.7°C) in April to around 70°F (21°C) in May. Fall temperatures average around 70°F (21°C) in September, drop into the low 60s°F (15.5°C) in October.

Get around

on foot

Downtown Chicago is very walkable. In the winter months, the Chicago Pedway System leads walkers through a system of passages that connect buildings and let them avoid the cold.

l train

The L (a system of elevated and subway trains) is fast, frequent and will get you to most top attractions. Purchase a Ventra Ticket at station vending machines or a Ventra Card, which you can recharge and save money with.

metra

Metra commuter trains run on 12 routes serving the suburbs from four terminals ringing the Loop. Buy tickets from agents and machines at major stations.

bus

City buses are useful for getting to certain locations including Hyde Park and Lincoln Park’s. You can use a Ventra Card or pay the driver with exact change. Buses are particularly useful for reaching the Museum Campus, Hyde Park, and Lincoln Park Zoo.

taxi

Taxis are plentiful, inexpensive, and can be hailed on the street almost anywhere.

bicycle

Divvy is Chicago’s bike-sharing program. Its blue bikes can be found at 580 stations around Chicago and the neighboring suburbs. A day pass allows unlimited rides in a 24-hour period, up to three hours each, or you can buy a single-ride pass that is good for 30 minutes.

ridesharing

Uber and Lyft are available in Chicago on your smartphone.

driving

Driving in downtown Chicago should be avoided if possible: Traffic is almost always heavy, parking is expensive, and drivers tend to be aggressive.

On the ground

What is the timezone?

Central Daylight Time

What are the voltage/plug types?

The standard voltage in the United States is 120 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. The plug has two flat parallel pins.

What is the currency?

The U.S. dollar

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Yes.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Yes.

Is it easy to find a bank?

Yes.

How much do I tip?

Bartender

$1 a drink or $2 for a more labor-intensive cocktail

Restaurant

18-20%

Bellman

$1 to 3 per bag

Housekeeper

$2-$3 per night

Taxis/rideshare

15-20%

Shuttle driver

$1-$2 per person

Tour guide

10-20%

Are there local customs I should know?

Drinking

The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21 years old.

Escalators

Stand to the right on the escalators; walk on the left.

Hot dogs

Chicago takes its hot dogs seriously and it’s a local rule that you don’t put ketchup on them.

Walking

Walk to the right of the sidewalk and step off to the side of the sidewalk if you want to stop to check your phone, look up directions, or want to take in a view.

Public transport

Allow others to disembark before boarding, don’t take up more than one seat and stand to offer seating to pregnant women or someone with a disability.

Spitting

Spitting is considered rude in any public setting.

Find more information about local customs and etiquette in the United States generally here.

Chicago travel advice

Powered by AI
These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travelers ask in the forums.

Popular Choices

According to forum posts, popular hotel options in Chicago include the Langham, Park Hyatt, and the Sofitel. The Langham is highly praised for its spa facilities and proximity to lively areas, especially on weekends. The Park Hyatt is favored for its more masculine decor and quiet atmosphere.

Location and Amenities

Some travelers mentioned the importance of location, with hotels like the Langham and Park Hyatt being close to Michigan Avenue's shopping district. The Sofitel is noted for its unique architecture and central location just off North Michigan Avenue, though some users found it a bit dingy.

Considerations for Quiet Stays

For those seeking quieter options, the Park Hyatt is recommended for its serene ambiance, complemented by its spa facilities. The Langham, despite being in a lively area, is well soundproofed, providing a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

User Experiences

Travelers have called out specific hotels for their exceptional service and amenities. For instance, the Langham is repeatedly recommended for anniversary stays due to its luxurious offerings and prime location, making it a top choice for special occasions.

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Public Transport Availability

According to forum posts, Chicago offers a variety of public transportation options including buses and trains managed by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). The CTA's network includes the L train service with lines like the Orange Line to Midway Airport and the Blue Line to O'Hare Airport.

Train Specifics

Travelers have called out specific train lines useful for navigating the city. For example, the Orange Line is recommended for a direct route from Midway Airport to downtown Chicago, while the Blue Line is suggested for travel from O'Hare Airport to downtown areas.

Bus Routes

Some users suggested utilizing specific CTA bus routes for convenient travel around the city. The #6 Jackson Park Express bus and the #146 bus are mentioned as effective ways to reach major attractions like the Museum Campus.

Pass and Fare Information

For many users, purchasing a multi-day CTA pass is considered a cost-effective way to explore the city. These passes are valid on all CTA buses and trains, enhancing the convenience for tourists.

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Music and Bar Scene

According to forum posts, Kingston Mines and Blue Chicago are recommended for blues enthusiasts. For a more eclectic mix, Phyllis' Musical Inn in Wicker Park offers a variety of music genres, though primarily punk. Travelers have called out the Redhead Piano Bar and The Green Mill for jazz lovers.

Neighborhood Recommendations

Some travelers said neighborhoods like River North and Lincoln Park are vibrant areas with lively nightlife options, including dive bars and music venues. Lakeview is suggested for country music bars near Wrigley Field and a younger, lively bar scene in North Halsted.

Hotel and Proximity

For many users, proximity to good nightlife is crucial. Hotel Blake and the Hyatt in Wicker Park are mentioned as accommodations with easy access to local bars and music scenes. The Hotel Versey and the Willows Hotel are also noted, though it is mentioned that most music clubs aren't within walking distance, suggesting the use of ride shares or taxis.

Rooftop and Lounge Spots

Travelers have also highlighted rooftop dining and drinking spots across Chicago, ranging from swanky downtown locations to casual neighborhood spots, enhancing the nightlife experience with scenic views.

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Shuttle and Taxi Services

According to forum posts, travelers can hire a van taxi directly at the official taxi line at O'Hare Airport. This service is convenient for those traveling with large amounts of luggage or in bigger groups.

Rideshare Options

Many users recommend the use of rideshare services such as Uber XL, which can be a practical choice for families or groups with multiple large bags. This service offers the flexibility of a larger vehicle that can accommodate more passengers and luggage.

Public Transportation

For those looking to use public transportation, the Blue Line train is accessible from O'Hare and provides direct connectivity to downtown Chicago. This option is highlighted as both economical and efficient by travelers on the forum.

Parking and Driving

For travelers considering driving, forum discussions suggest using remote parking lots at O'Hare, which offer shuttle services to the terminals. Websites like SpotHero are mentioned for pre-booking parking spaces, especially during peak travel times when lots fill up quickly.

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Annual Halloween Events

According to forum posts, Chicago hosts a variety of Halloween events, including major ticketed events and bar celebrations. The Arts in the Dark parade, mentioned by a traveler, is a notable event held on State Street.

Irish Halloween Traditions

Some travelers highlighted the Irish American Heritage Center's celebration of ancient Irish Samhain traditions on October 29, which marks the end of the harvest season and is open to families.

New Year's Eve Celebrations

Forum posts indicate that Chicago offers several New Year's Eve activities such as Zoo Year's Eve at Lincoln Park Zoo and various parties listed on Eventbrite. First Night Evanston is another popular outdoor event.

Chicago Theatre Week

According to traveler discussions, Chicago Theatre Week is an annual event around February that features discounted tickets to a range of performances, celebrating the city's rich theatrical scene.

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Family-Friendly Attractions

According to forum posts, family-friendly activities in Chicago include visiting the Museum of Science and Industry, Lincoln Park Zoo, and taking a bike ride along the lakefront. Travelers have also recommended enjoying the Navy Pier for its Ferris wheel and the Children’s Museum.

Interactive Experiences

For more interactive experiences, some users suggested taking water taxis, experiencing the sights from the top of the Sears or Hancock buildings, and enjoying sports events or tours like those at Wrigley Field. Additionally, riding the L and Metra trains has been highlighted as an enjoyable way for kids to see the city.

Unique Activities

Unique activities mentioned by forum contributors include visiting the Nutella Cafe and playing games like Uno at the Signature Room. During special events like the Air and Water Show, the Navy Pier offers exceptional views and a vibrant atmosphere that can be a highlight for visiting families.

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Popular Attractions

According to forum posts, must-see locations in downtown Chicago include the Art Institute of Chicago, known for its comprehensive art collections. The Museum of Contemporary Art also garners interest for its modern artworks. Additionally, Millennium Park, home to the iconic Bean sculpture, is a recommended spot.

Architectural Highlights

Travelers have called out the Chicago Riverwalk and the Chicago Architecture Center as key places of interest. The Riverwalk offers scenic views and leisure walks, while the Architecture Center provides insights into Chicago's famous buildings and historical development.

Cultural Venues

Some users recommend the Chicago Cultural Center, which hosts a range of arts and cultural activities and is noted for housing the world's largest Tiffany dome. The Center's diverse programming caters to a wide array of interests, making it a cultural hub in downtown Chicago.

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