Chicago

North America

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United States of America

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Chicago

Chicago is the birthplace of modern-day inventions, like urban architecture, improvisation comedy, and the delicious deep-dish pizza. Aside from those three things, Chicago is indeed a bustling, vibrant, lively city with a homey feel to it and plenty of experiences to offer. An adventure in The Windy City has to include the Millennium Park, where the famous Cloud Gate—the world's largest outdoor installation—is located, and the Navy Pier for a one-stop entertainment experience. Knowledge-junkies will surely be excited with Chicago's collection of museums. After a day of learning and sight-seeing, reward yourself with a scenic walk along the Chicago River then indulge in delicious meals followed by a laugh at Chicago's best comedy club.

Get to Know Chicago

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Travel Tips for Chicago

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Chicago

A guide to Chicago's local transportation

Bus

L Train

Metra Rail

Taxi

Water Taxi

Bike Rental

Chicago has a comprehensive bus network with 130 routes plus express routes during peak hours. The main bus operator is the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). Buses can take you to various destinations in the city, including the best tourist attractions. Most buses run from 04.00 or 05.00 to 23.00 or 02.00, while some buses operate 24 hours a day. You can access the official bus map and schedules on the CTA website, CTA app, bus stops, and train stations throughout the city. A single trip costs US$2.5 in cash or US$2.25 using a Ventra card. CTA also offers a daily pass that costs around US$10-US$28, depending on the number of days. This daily pass can be used for buses, underground trains, and commuter rides in Chicago.

Practical Tips for Chicago

Things to prepare and best way to visit

When is the best time to go to Chicago?

The best time to visit Chicago is April through May and between September and October, when it is warmer. Within those months, you can see a variety of interesting festivals in Chicago. Moreover, the atmosphere during these months is not crowded.

What is the ideal length of time for a vacation to Chicago?

It is recommended to plan a stay of approximately three to five days. This duration allows ample time to explore the city's top tourist attractions.

What are the exciting things to do in Chicago?

One activity you cannot miss when you're in Chicago is trying the local beer. The city boasts over 60 breweries, each with its own unique offerings. Tourists often look forward to the Chicago Friday Night Flights event dedicated to experiencing the local beer scene. Additionally, as the birthplace of house music, Chicago hosts the Chosen Few Picnic & Festival regularly during the summer since 1990, making it the city's longest-running festival.
Another delightful experience is trying various burger offerings from celebrity chefs at the Chicago Gourmet event. And for a different kind of adventure, consider joining Bobby's Bike Hike, the city's oldest bicycle tour operator.

What interesting places should you visit while on vacation in Chicago?

Chicago is one of the largest cities in the United States. Here, you can find plenty of interesting tourist attractions. Millennium Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chicago. Explore the contemporary sculptures and installations scattered throughout this sprawling 25-hectare park on your evening stroll. Don't forget to visit the Art Institute of Chicago, where art enthusiasts can feast their eyes on over 300,000 breathtaking works of art. For shopaholics, don't miss stopping by Chicago's Magnificent Mile commercial district. This place has the world's best fashion outlets. During your visit, you can also experience a multitude of festivals. Go to the lively Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival or the enchanting Magnificent Lights Festival in the summer. When you explore Chicago, be sure to visit Cloud Gate. This extraordinary work of art is located in Millennium Park and has gained worldwide fame. Cloud Gate is one of the most popular photo spots for tourists. Another must-visit place is the John Hancock Center. You can admire the city's splendid views from a thousand feet above the ground here. You can see the five states and the famous Lake Michigan, too. Recognized as the compass of modern architecture worldwide, Chicago has a collection of iconic buildings, including the renowned Glessner House. This place steeped in history houses a collection of 19th-century artifacts and items.