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.
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.
By Helen Rosner
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.
By Evita Robinson
What to Do in Chicago's Hyde Park
Making the most of the vibrant South Side neighborhood.
By Sarahlynn Pablo
Featured
Chicago's Andersonville Neighborhood Is the Right Kind of Retro
With its video rental stores and pie shops, the historic neighborhood stays resolutely nostalgic.
By Billie Cohen
5 Best Day Trips from Chicago
It is the gateway to the Midwest, after all.
By Joseph Hernandez and Jessi Roti
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.
By Nicole Schnitzler and Elaine Glusac
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- The Emily Hotel$$ | United States, Chicago, 311 North Morgan StreetRead full reviewBeckoning cool kids with its artist-driven design and variety of sleek spaces to hang and socializePowered By: Expedia
- citizenM Chicago Downtown$ | United States , Chicago, 80 East Wacker PlaceRead full reviewAffordable yet elevated hotel stays incorporating joyfully offbeat touches—all in one of the city's best neighborhoodsPowered By: Booking.com
- Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile$$ | United States, Chicago, 20 E Chestnut St.Read full reviewThis Mag Mile hotels is embedded in the city in the best of ways, with a convenient location and great design.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- The LaSalle Chicago, Autograph Collection$ | United States, Chicago, 208 South LaSalle StreetRead full reviewA tranquil escape in downtown ChicagoPowered By: Expedia
- Four Seasons Hotel Chicago$$$ | United States, Chicago, 120 E Delaware Pl.Read full reviewTranquil and refined with top-notch service that makes you feel like a royal.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton$$ | 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 AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Virgin Hotels Chicago$$ | United States, Chicago, 203 N. Wabash Ave.Read full reviewHipster hotel in a great location that brings that sense of fun Virgin is known for.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- The Talbott$$ | United States, Chicago, 20 E Delaware PlaceRead full reviewHidden in plain sight, the Talbott is discretion embodied, with a clubby vibe just steps off Michigan Avenue's bustling Magnificent Mile.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Chicago Athletic Association$$ | United States, Chicago, 12 S. Michigan Ave.Read full reviewThere's indoor bocce and vintage style to spare at this most classic of Windy City stays.Readers Choice Awards
Hot ListPowered By: Expedia - The Publishing House Bed & Breakfast$$ | United States, Chicago, 108 N May StRead full reviewWith clawfoot tubs, walk-in showers, and cozy bathrobes, this isn't what you think of when you hear "B&B."Powered By: Expedia
- Hotel Zachary Chicago, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel$$ | United States, Chicago, 3630 N. Clark St.Read full reviewA roster complement to Wrigley Field across the street, Hotel Zachary manages to keep the baseball references in bounds and juice the fun.Powered By: Expedia
- The Blackstone, Autograph Collection$$ | United States, Chicago, 636 S. Michigan Ave.Read full reviewSuper location with immediate access to the Art Institute, Museum Campus, and Grant Park.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Sophy Hyde Park$$ | United States, Chicago, 1411 E. 53rd St., Chicago, ILRead full reviewLet this South Side stunner be your entrée to one of the city’s most vibrant and undertouristed areas, Hyde Park.Powered By: Expedia
- The Hoxton, Chicago$$ | United States, Chicago, 200 N. Green St.Read full reviewA playful place that allocates its resources toward the things today's travelers care about.Powered By: Expedia
- The Robey$$ | United States, Chicago, 2018 W North AveRead full reviewWith this fresh urban crash pad, Mexico’s Grupo Habita has, once again, demonstrated its knack for sniffing out budding star designers and promising hot spots.Hot List Gold ListPowered By: Expedia
The Best Things to Do in Chicago
21 Best Things to Do in Chicago
How to get to know the city that’s second to none.
By Nicole Schnitzler
14 Best Museums in Chicago
Whatever your interest, from literature to art to architecture, you’ll find its expression in one of the Windy City’s top museums.
By Elaine Glusac
Things to Do in Wicker Park and Bucktown, Chicago
Booming since the early aughts, the dual hotspots prove they’re only just heating up.
By Joseph Hernandez
Editor Recommendations
- Art Institute of ChicagoUnited States, Chicago, 111 S. Michigan AvenueRead full reviewChicago's primo museum.Powered By: GetYourGuide
- Museum of Contemporary Art, ChicagoUnited States, Chicago, 220 East Chicago Ave.Read full reviewThe always-convention-challenging special shows are the big draw at this manageable contemporary art museum.Powered By: GetYourGuide
- Chicago Electric Boat CompanyUnited States, Chicago, 300 N State St
- Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Symphony CenterUnited States, Chicago, 220 South Michigan Avenue
- The Second City$$ | 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.
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.
By Nicole Schnitzler and Brad Japhe
- 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.
By Brad Japhe
- 13 Best Pizza Places in ChicagoWhere to have your mind blown by more than just deep-dish.
By Nicole Schnitzler
- 12 Best Rooftop Bars in ChicagoThese cocktail spots will make you forget all about Willis Tower.
By Nicole Schnitzler
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.
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.
By CNT Editors
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.
By Nicole Schnitzler
Places to Stay
The Best Airbnbs in Chicago, From Frank Lloyd Wright-Built Homes to Modern Lofts
For solo trips, family vacations, and more.
By Claire Volkman
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.
By Nicole Schnitzler
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.
By Mark Ellwood
Destinations
Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks in Chicago
River cruises, hotel rooftops, and and views of Lake Michigan provide ample options.
By Nicole Schnitzler
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.
By Andrew Sessa
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.
By Jessi Roti
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.
By Sarahlynn Pablo
Destinations
The Best Resort Getaways from Chicago
For when the City of Big Shoulders is crowding you.
By Nicole Schnitzler
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.
By Jessi Roti
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.
By Joseph Hernandez
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.
By Nina Kokotas Hahn
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.
By CNT Editors
Destinations
What to Do in Chicago This Spring
Here's what's happening in the city in April, May, and June 2019.
By Corina Quinn
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- 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