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Chicago

Chicago Travel Guide

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Chicago, IL - September 28, 2021: Friends hang out along Riverwalk, along the Chicago River, downtown in the Loop.
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Overview

With steely skyscrapers, top chefs, renowned museums and rocking festivals, the Windy City will blow you away with its multifaceted splendors.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 30: The Chicago Cubs defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks during a Friday afternoon game at Wrigley Field on April 30, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois

    Wrigley Field

    Chicago

    Built in 1914, Wrigley Field – aka the Friendly Confines – is the second-oldest baseball park in the major leagues. It’s home to the Chicago Cubs and…

  • July 7, 2012: Crowd gathered at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.

    Millennium Park

    Chicago

    There's free admission to Millennium Park, the playful heart of the city. It shines with whimsical public art, both permanent and temporary exhibits, and…

  • JUNE 24, 2018: Planes hanging from the ceiling inside the Museum of Science and Industry.

    Museum of Science & Industry

    Chicago

    The MSI is the largest science museum in the Western hemisphere and a place to completely geek out. Highlights include a WWII German U-boat nestled in an…

  • JUL 15, 2018: Exterior of the Art Institute of Chicago museum.

    Art Institute of Chicago

    Chicago

    The second-largest art museum in the country, the Art Institute houses a treasure trove from around the globe. The collection of impressionist and…

  • Chicago skyline at dusk.

    Willis Tower

    Chicago

    Willis Tower is Chicago's tallest building (and one of the world's loftiest). Breathe deeply during the ear-popping, 70-second elevator ride to the 103rd…

  • Navy Pier on Lake Michigan

    Navy Pier

    Chicago

    Half-mile-long Navy Pier is one of Chicago's most-visited attractions, sporting a 196ft Ferris wheel and other carnival rides ($9 to $18 each), an IMAX…

  • Dead of the Dead Art at Mexican Heritage Museum.

    National Museum of Mexican Art

    Chicago

    Founded in 1982, this vibrant museum – the largest Latinx arts institution in the US – has become one of the city’s best. The vivid permanent collection…

  • Model of Dinosaur Skeleton

    Field Museum of Natural History

    Chicago

    The Field Museum houses some 30 million artifacts and includes everything but the kitchen sink – beetles, mummies, gemstones, Bushman the stuffed ape –…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Chicago is a city that will keep you busy from dawn till long after dark. Here are 13 of our favorite things to do in the Windy City.

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Best Time to Visit

Famous for its icy winters, steamy summers and busy cultural calendar, Chicago has something going on in every season. Here are the top times to visit.

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Things to Know

From figuring out public transport to what to wear and where to stay, here's what you need to know to make your Chicago trip a success.

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Transportation

Chicago's efficient public transportation makes this busy city easy to navigate. Here's how to use the L, Metra and buses for your best experience.

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Free Things to Do

Chicago is jam-packed with fun activities and not all of them are designed to blow your budget. Here are 20 free (and nearly free) things to do there.

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Best Neighborhoods

Lincoln Park and Old Town are two of Chicago’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods. Discover the best things to do, the best places to eat and more.

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Day Trips

The Windy City offer endless delights, but that doesn't mean you need to stay in the city. Here are the 17 best day trips from Chicago.

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Money and Costs

Chicago may be big on experiences, but that doesn't mean you have to fork over big bucks. Here are our tips for navigating the Windy City on a budget.

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Traveling with Kids

With its wealth of interactive museums, fabulous parks, jaw-dropping architecture and family-friendly attitude, Chicago is tailor-made for travel with kids.

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