Why Visit Chicago?
Chicago commands as America's architectural capital where glass-and-steel skyscrapers pioneered by Sullivan and Wright line the Chicago River, Lake Michigan's 26-mile shoreline provides urban beaches and parks, and deep-dish pizza piled with cheese debates thin-crust supremacy in endless neighborhood taverns. The Windy City (2.7 million in city, 9.6 million metro) earned its nickname not from weather but 19th-century long-winded politicians—yet winds do whip off Lake Michigan creating brutal winters (-10°C) and glorious summers (25-30°C) when Chicagoans embrace outdoor festivals. Cloud Gate (The Bean) in Millennium Park reflects the skyline in its mirror-polished steel, becoming Chicago's most photographed icon since its 2006 unveiling.
Yet architecture defines Chicago—the 1871 Great Fire cleared the way for visionaries to invent the skyscraper: Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) held world's tallest building title 25 years, and Chicago Architecture Center boat tours reveal Frank Lloyd Wright's influence while cruising beneath bridges on the Chicago River (dyed green for St. Patrick's Day). Museums rival the world's finest: Art Institute houses Impressionist masterpieces and Grant Wood's American Gothic, Field Museum's Sue the T-Rex skeleton towers over ancient civilizations, and Museum of Science and Industry fills former 1893 World's Fair palace with U-boats and coal mines.
Yet Chicago's soul beats in its neighborhoods: Wicker Park's hipster boutiques, Pilsen's Mexican murals, Lincoln Park's zoo and beaches, and Ukrainian Village's Eastern European heritage. The food scene transcends deep-dish: Portillo's Italian beef sandwiches, Rick Bayless's modern Mexican, Alinea's molecular gastronomy (3 Michelin stars), and 77 distinct neighborhoods each with their own character. Navy Pier's Ferris wheel, Wrigley Field's ivy-covered walls hosting Cubs games, and 606 Trail's elevated park showcase city transformation.
With The Loop's 'L' trains rattling overhead, blues clubs on South Side, and Midwest friendliness tempering big-city edge, Chicago delivers architectural innovation and authentic American urbanism.
What to Do
Iconic Architecture
Cloud Gate (The Bean)
Anish Kapoor's mirror-polished stainless steel sculpture in Millennium Park. Free and accessible 6am-11pm daily; best visited early morning (6-8am) before crowds or at sunset when the skyline reflects beautifully. Walk underneath the 12-foot arch to see the mirrored ceiling. Security present but generally allows tripods off-peak. Combine with Crown Fountain's interactive video faces nearby.
Architecture Boat Tour
90-minute Chicago River cruise showcasing 50+ buildings. Book Chicago Architecture Center river cruise (around $55–$60 for adults) or Wendella's 90-minute tour (around $45). Departs from Michigan Avenue or Riverwalk. Tours run April-November; reserve 1-2 weeks ahead for weekend slots. First departure (10am) or late afternoon (4-5pm) have better light and smaller crowds. Dress in layers—it's windy on the water.
Willis Tower Skydeck
103rd floor observation deck (412m high) with glass ledges extending 4 feet out. Tickets from low $30s to mid-$40s depending on time slot and package (cheaper online). Typically open around 9am until 8-10pm depending on season, with last entry 30 minutes before closing. Visit sunset for day-to-night transition, or go right at opening to avoid 1-2 hour waits. The Ledge glass boxes can have 30-45 minute queues even after reaching the top—patience required.
World-Class Museums
Art Institute of Chicago
World-renowned museum with Grant Wood's American Gothic, Seurat's A Sunday Afternoon, and the largest Impressionist collection outside Paris. Admission $32 for adults (standard admission; some passes and bundles cost more). Open Mon, Wed, Fri-Sun 11am-5pm; Thu 11am-8pm; closed Tuesdays. Visit Thursday evenings for smaller crowds. Allow 3-4 hours minimum. The Modern Wing and Thorne Miniature Rooms are highlights beyond the famous paintings.
Field Museum
Natural history museum starring Sue, the largest and most complete T. rex fossil. Basic adult admission around $30 all-access passes around $40–$45 Open daily 9am-5pm (last entry 4pm). Get there right at opening to see Sue without crowds, then explore Ancient Egypt and gem halls. Museum campus includes Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium—combo tickets available but exhausting in one day.
Parks & Local Life
Millennium Park
Free 24-acre park featuring Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, and Pritzker Pavilion for summer concerts. Lurie Garden offers peaceful escape behind the pavilion. Free concerts and events June-August (check schedule). Ice skating rink operates November-March. Combine with a walk along the Lakefront Trail or lunch at Goddess and the Baker.
Deep-Dish Pizza
Chicago's signature dish takes 35-45 minutes to bake—order ahead or arrive early. Top picks: Lou Malnati's (butter crust), Pequod's (caramelized edges), or Giordano's (stuffed style). Expect $25–$35 for a large pie. One slice is a meal—locals use fork and knife. Avoid Uno's and Gino's East downtown—they're tourist traps. Get it 'well-done' for crispier crust.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: ORD, MDW
Best Time to Visit
May, June, September, October
Climate: Moderate
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°C | -4°C | 8 | Good |
| February | 1°C | -7°C | 9 | Good |
| March | 8°C | 0°C | 12 | Good |
| April | 11°C | 2°C | 16 | Wet |
| May | 17°C | 9°C | 14 | Excellent (best) |
| June | 25°C | 17°C | 14 | Excellent (best) |
| July | 28°C | 20°C | 14 | Wet |
| August | 27°C | 19°C | 9 | Good |
| September | 22°C | 14°C | 9 | Excellent (best) |
| October | 14°C | 6°C | 12 | Excellent (best) |
| November | 12°C | 3°C | 6 | Good |
| December | 3°C | -3°C | 5 | Good |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
Budget
Excludes flights
Visa Requirements
Visa required
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (November 2025): Best time to visit: May, June, September, October.
Practical Information
Getting There
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is 27km northwest. Blue Line 'L' train to Loop $5 (45 min, 24/7). Airport Express bus $32 Uber/taxi $40–$60 Midway Airport (MDW) closer for domestic—Orange Line 'L' $3 (30 min). Union Station serves Amtrak nationwide. Megabus connects Midwest cities cheaply.
Getting Around
'L' trains (elevated) operate 8 lines—Red/Blue 24/7. Ventra card or $3 fare, day pass $5 (likely $6 from 2026 due to announced fare increases). Downtown walkable. Buses comprehensive. Uber/Lyft available. Divvy bike-share $3/30min, $15/day. Taxis yellow-medallion only. Don't need cars—traffic and parking ($25–$50/day) nightmares. 'L' covers tourist areas well. Water taxis in summer ($10).
Money & Payments
US Dollar ($, USD). Cards everywhere. ATMs plentiful. Tipping mandatory: 18-20% restaurants, $2–$5/drink bars, 15-20% taxis. Sales tax 10.25% added to prices. Parking meters enforced aggressively. Chicago expensive but manageable.
Language
English official. Chicago diverse—Polish, Spanish, Chinese communities. Most signs English. Midwest accent friendly and clear. Communication easy everywhere.
Cultural Tips
Winter harsh—layers, warm coat, waterproof boots essential November-March. Locals tough about cold but summer sun-worshippers. Sports passionate—Cubs vs White Sox, Bears football, Bulls basketball. Deep-dish pizza: use fork and knife, eat slowly (it's heavy). Tipping expected everywhere. 'L' trains: stand right on escalators. Lakefront paths busy—bikes and pedestrians separate. Friendly Midwest hospitality—strangers chat. Book restaurants ahead weekends. Italian beef 'dipped' or 'dry'—locals say dipped.
Perfect 3-Day Chicago Itinerary
Day 1: Downtown Icons
Day 2: Museums & Lakefront
Day 3: Neighborhoods & Culture
Where to Stay in Chicago
The Loop & Millennium Park
Best for: Downtown, museums, architecture, hotels, Bean, tourist hub, 'L' trains converge
Lincoln Park
Best for: Zoo (free), beaches, residential, tree-lined streets, safe, families, lakefront
Wicker Park & Bucktown
Best for: Hipster cafés, vintage shops, nightlife, trendy restaurants, younger crowd, artsy
West Loop
Best for: Restaurant district, former meatpacking, trendy, Randolph Street dining, food scene
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Chicago?
What is the best time to visit Chicago?
How much does a trip to Chicago cost per day?
Is Chicago safe for tourists?
What are the must-see attractions in Chicago?
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Chicago
Ready to Visit Chicago?
Book your flights, accommodation, and activities
