Chicago

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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. 1405281535 riverwalk

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Why visit Chicago

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

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Top places to visit in Chicago

Discover the best attractions in Chicago from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

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Chicago travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next 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

From its icy winters to steamy summers and an always-packed cultural calendar, here are the top times to visit Chicago.

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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

The Chicago city council voted 46-4 to ban horse-drawn carriages by the end of the year.

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Day Trips

The Windy City offer endless delights, but that doesn't mean you can't explore the wider area. These are 11 of the 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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