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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Chicago Travel Guide
Plan Your Chicago Trip
Why the Magic of Chicago Endures
Chicago native Helen Rosner on what makes the best large city in the United States—as voted by our readers—so damn special.
With Art Hubs and Performances, Theaster Gates Is Redefining Chicago’s South Side
The artist is injecting new life—and art—into abandoned and run down spaces, and investing in community in the South Side.
What to Do in Chicago's Hyde Park
Making the most of the vibrant South Side neighborhood.
Featured
Best Weekend Getaways From Chicago
First-rate trips from the Second City.
Chicago's Andersonville Neighborhood Is the Right Kind of Retro
With its video rental stores and pie shops, the historic neighborhood stays resolutely nostalgic.
5 Best Day Trips from Chicago
It is the gateway to the Midwest, after all.
27 Best Hotels in Chicago
Since you'll need more than one visit to scratch the surface of this beautiful city, here's where we stay when we go.
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- Chicago Athletic Association Hotel$$ | United States, Chicago, 12 S. Michigan Ave.Read full reviewThere's indoor bocce and vintage style to spare at this most classic of Windy City stays.
Readers Choice Awards
Hot List - Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago$$$ | United States, Chicago, 401 N Wabash Ave.Read full reviewChicago's tallest hotel, complete with unparalleled views of the Chicago River and skyline.Readers Choice Awards
- Pendry Chicago$ | United States, Chicago, 3630 N. Clark St.Read full reviewNext-gen modern luxury with a design-centric focus.Readers Choice Awards
- Virgin Hotels Chicago$$ | United States, Chicago, 203 N. Wabash Ave.Read full reviewHipster hotel in a great location that brings that sense of fun Virgin is known for.Readers Choice Awards
- Four Seasons Hotel Chicago$$$ | United States, Chicago, 120 E Delaware Pl.Read full reviewTranquil and refined with top-notch service that makes you feel like a royal.Readers Choice Awards
- The Langham, Chicago$$$ | United States, Chicago, 330 N. Wabash Ave.Read full reviewFor the traveler, it’s Chicago’s finest address.Readers Choice Awards
Gold List - 21c Museum Hotel Chicago$ | United States, Chicago, 55 E. Ontario St.Read full reviewEverything under one cool roof: sleek rooms, an outpost of Lure Fishbar, and a contemporary art gallery.Readers Choice Awards
- Waldorf Astoria Chicago$$$ | United States, Chicago, 11 E. Walton St.Read full reviewGlossy glamour is the calling card of this downtown high-rise.Readers Choice Awards
- LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton$$ | United States, Chicago, 85 E Upper Wacker Dr.Read full reviewIt's all about the views in this landmark building, situated where the Magnificent Mile meets the Chicago River.Readers Choice Awards
- The Peninsula Chicago$$$ | United States, Chicago, 108 E. Superior St.Read full reviewThe Peninsula delivers on its luxe amenities and services; it's opulent, but not stuffy.Readers Choice Awards
Gold List Hot List - St. Regis Chicago: First InUSA, Chicago, 401 E. Wacker DriveRead full reviewA long-awaited hotel concept at the tallest building in the world by a female architect.
- Freehand Chicago$ | United States, Chicago, 19 E Ohio St.Read full reviewGood fun at a reasonable rate in this normally pricey River North location; the Freehand is a find.Readers Choice Awards
- Moxy Chicago Downtown$ | United States, Chicago, 530 N. LaSalle Dr.Read full reviewAn eight-story Downtown hotel that's a bit like a rec-room—for adults.Readers Choice Awards
- Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton$ | United States, Chicago, 900 E. Grand Ave.Read full reviewRooms frame the best shots of the city—looking back at it from the famous pier.Readers Choice Awards
The Best Things to Do in Chicago
21 Best Things to Do in Chicago
How to get to know the city that’s second to none.
14 Best Museums in Chicago
Whatever your interest, from literature to art to architecture, you’ll find its expression in one of the Windy City’s top museums.
Things to Do in Wicker Park and Bucktown, Chicago
Booming since the early aughts, the dual hotspots prove they’re only just heating up.
Editor Recommendations
- Art Institute of ChicagoUnited States, Chicago, 111 S. Michigan AvenueRead full reviewChicago's primo museum.
- Museum of Contemporary Art, ChicagoUnited States, Chicago, 220 East Chicago Ave.Read full reviewThe always-convention-challenging special shows are the big draw at this manageable contemporary art museum.
- Chicago Electric Boat CompanyUnited States, Chicago, 300 N State St
- Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Symphony CenterUnited States, Chicago, 220 South Michigan Avenue
- The Second City$$ | United States, Chicago, 616 N. Wells St.Read full reviewA breeding ground for America's best comedy talent.
- Wrigley FieldUnited States, Chicago, 1060 W. Addison St.Read full reviewThe Friendly Confines is one of the only sports stadiums in America that is a tourist destination all on its own.
- Chicago Botanic GardenUnited States, Glencoe, 1000 Lake Cook RoadRead full reviewOne of the most visited public gardens in the United States (and it's free to boot).
- Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider ArtUnited States, Chicago, 756 N Milwaukee AveRead full reviewExplore the outer edges of artistic inspiration.
- Promontory PointUnited States, Chicago, 5491 S Shore Dr.Read full reviewA beautiful stop for a wish-you-were-here photo.
- Humboldt ParkUnited States, Chicago, 1400 North Sacramento Ave.Read full reviewA park you can spend the whole day in.
- The Morton ArboretumUnited States, Lisle, 4100 IL-53Read full reviewIdeal urban getaway for outdoorsy sorts looking to decompress.
- The Salt ShedUnited States, Chicago, 1357 North Elston AvenueRead full reviewExpect a robust lineup of musical talent across several genres (namely rock, pop, and hip-hop).
- Auditorium TheatreUnited States, Chicago, 50 East Ida B. Wells DriveRead full reviewAnyone seeking a dose of the arts in elevated, historic environs will do well by a visit here.
- Pizza City USAUnited States, Chicago, 1235 W. Randolph St.Read full reviewIf there's one thing this tour wants its guests to remember, it's that Chicago cares about its pizza—and that its offerings range far beyond deep dish.
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The Best Airbnbs Near Chicago for a Weekend Away
The cheese curds are calling.
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Chicago
- 35 Best Restaurants in ChicagoFrom Ethiopian to pizza, all the food that makes the Windy City one of America’s best places to eat.
- 33 Best Bars in ChicagoWhether you want rhum agricole blanc blended with coffee, or a beer and a shot, there's a bar for that—a really great one.
- 13 Best Pizza Places in ChicagoWhere to have your mind blown by more than just deep-dish.
- 12 Best Rooftop Bars in ChicagoThese cocktail spots will make you forget all about Willis Tower.
- 14 Best Coffee Shops in ChicagoThe city takes its coffee seriously.
- 16 Best Brunches in ChicagoWhere to spend your Sunday morning over easy.
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- The Omakase Room at Sushi-san$$ | United States, Chicago, 63 West Grand AvenueThe experience—with its pristine omakase menu and welcoming team—feels like a dinner party.
- Valhalla$$$ | United States, Chicago, 916 West Fulton Market, 2nd FloorThe always bustling Time Out Market now has one more reason to visit.
- Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Chicago$$ | United States, Chicago, 415 North Milwaukee AvenueThe multi-course omakase features fish flown in from Tokyo's world-famous Toyosu Fish Market.
- The Coach House by Wazwan$$ | United States, Chicago, 1742 West Division StreetFor Wazwan's Southeast Asian-inspired street food in tasting menu form.
- Eden$$ | United States, Chicago, 2734 W Roscoe St. ChicagoFresh, local, and sustainable fare is the focus, an approach that's accomplished with the help of an onsite greenhouse.
- Oriole$$$ | United States, Chicago, 661 W Walnut StAmong the city's hottest destinations for high-end dining.
- Avec$$ | United States, Chicago, 615 W. Randolph St.This West Loop pioneer still draws crowds with its vibrant Mediterranean cuisine.
- Mi Tocaya Antojería$$ | Chicago, 2800 W. Logan Blvd.A buzzy date spot that does serious, modern Mexican cuisine.
- Kasama$$ | United States, Chicago, 1001 N Winchester AveFilipino cuisine shines through a 13-course tasting menu experience that books at least 45 days out.
- El Ideas$$$ | United States, Chicago, 2419 W. 14th St.Diners have front row seats to watch the intimate, modernist cuisine here come together.
- Osteria Langhe$$ | United States, Chicago, 2824 W. Armitage Ave.A superb Italian experience in Logan Square, with stylish-casual digs and elevated Piedmontese cuisine.
- Ever$$$ | United States, Chicago, 1340 West Fulton Street
- Sun Wah BBQ$ | United States, Chicago, 5039 N. BroadwayIts Chinese barbecue is a Windy City institution.
- Smyth + The Loyalist$$ | United States, Chicago, 177 N. Ada St. #001Fine dining upstairs, dive bar downstairs: It’s a split personality in the best way.
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Say I Sent You: A Chicago Sunday Funday
In Say I Sent You, Chicago-based creative entrepreneur, Nathan Michael, explores his favorite local Chicago spots for a Sunday Funday.
More from Chicago
Readers' Choice Awards
2023 Readers’ Choice Awards: The Top Hotels in Chicago
The properties you voted the best in Chicago—which has once again been crowned the best large city in the United States.
Destinations
Where to Watch the Chicago Fourth of July Fireworks 2023
From Navy Pier to hotel rooftops, here are the best places to catch 4th of July fireworks in Chicago.
Places to Stay
The Best Airbnbs in Chicago, From Frank Lloyd Wright-Built Homes to Modern Lofts
For solo trips, family vacations, and more.
Destinations
The 8 Best Spas in Chicago
It’s important to consider all the wonderful ways to be indoors in the Windy City—and spending a day (or three) at the spa tops our list.
Inspiration
The Best Weekend Getaways in the U.S. for a Quick Escape
From Catalina Island to the Florida Keys, here are some road trip ideas out of Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas, and more.
Destinations
Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks in Chicago
River cruises, hotel rooftops, and and views of Lake Michigan provide ample options.
Destinations
Chicago’s Thoughtful New Spaces Make the City Worth Revisiting
A slate of new hotels and restaurants, as well as innovative new cultural experiences, give you plenty of reasons to return to this Midwestern giant.
Destinations
Christmas in Chicago: 17 Festive Things to Do This Season (Safely)
Whether in-person or at home, the Windy City has lined up a season's worth of ways to celebrate safely.
Destinations
What to Do in Chicago Labor Day Weekend 2020
Here's how to enjoy the long weekend—even in an outlier of a year.
Destinations
The Best Resort Getaways from Chicago
For when the City of Big Shoulders is crowding you.
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Destinations
How to Support Local Business in Chicago During COVID-19
From restaurants offering local delivery to special-edition art and fundraisers, here's how you can help.
Destinations
Reader's Choice Awards: Why We Love Chicago, the Best Large City in America
It was named the best large U.S. city for the third year in a row.
News & Advice
Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks in Chicago
Stay along the shores of Lake Michigan for the best views or head inland to get away from the crowds.
News & Advice
'Women Who Travel' Live Podcast: Chicago, Here We Come
Next up, we're heading to Chicago—joined by our friends over at Pitchfork.
Destinations
What to Do in Chicago This Spring
Here's what's happening in the city in April, May, and June 2019.
More Destinations
- Phoenix Travel GuideAbundant sunshine, potent summer monsoon storms, and the Suessian cactuses and ancient petroglyphs of the Sonoran Desert.
- Miami Travel GuideWarm temperatures—and hotter beaches
- Charleston Travel GuideWhere Lowcountry meets high charm
- Key West Travel GuideWarm temperatures—and hotter beaches
- Los Angeles Travel GuideWelcome to the West Coast's cultural epicenter
- Yellowstone National Park at 150Wonderland: The early nickname of America’s first national park is as apt today as when Yellowstone was founded, in March of 1872. On its sesquicentennial, we celebrate this miraculous place—while exploring a history that has too often excluded its original stewards—and consider how to ensure its survival for generations to come.
- Boston Travel GuideCharming and legitimately historic
- San Francisco Travel GuideDon't forget to pack an extra layer
- Dallas Travel GuideHard to crack. Easy to love.
- Washington, D.C. Travel GuideIt all starts at the Capitol.
- Seattle Travel GuideOysters and craft beer so good you won’t notice it’s drizzling
- Savannah Travel GuideFamous for its ghosts, but plenty full of life
- Portland, Oregon Travel GuideBeverly Cleary, Matt Groening, and James Beard are all from here. Enough said.
- Portland, Maine Travel GuideCome for the lobster, stay for literally everything else
- Philadelphia Travel GuideIt’s not a city—it’s a fan club
