Chicago Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Chicago which includes a high-rise building and a city as well as a family
Chicago showing a high-rise building, signage and a city
Chicago
Chicago showing a skyscraper and street scenes as well as a family
Willis Tower showing city views, a high-rise building and a city

Watch a baseball game at Wrigley Field, snap photos of your reflection in Cloud Gate and explore the Windy city’s fascinating museums.

Discover sightseeing, shopping and sports in Chicago. Illinois’ largest city has a cultural scene that is as impressive as its skyline on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Within downtown Chicago’s Loop, visit galleries and restaurants. Snap a photo of Cloud Gate, known as The Bean, the iconic silver sculpture in Millennium Park. See the city unfold beneath you from the glass-bottomed ledge of Willis Tower.

Explore the neighbourhood of Lincoln Park. Sunbathe on the namesake park’s public beaches, visit the animals in the Lincoln Park Zoo and discover exotic plants in the Lincoln Park Conservatory.

Ride the Ferris wheel in the waterfront Navy Pier district. Go shopping along the Magnificent Mile, the city’s famed shopping strip.

At Ernest Hemingway Birthplace and Museum, tour the childhood home of one of America’s most enduring authors. Visit Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio for a peek into the legendary architect’s life and work. Nearby, see the self-proclaimed “jewel” that Wright designed, Unity Temple.

Team spirit is strong in Chicago. Watch the Chicago Bears play on their home turf at Soldier Field. Root for a home run for the Chicago Cubs at iconic Wrigley Field.

Visit Chicago’s many outstanding museums. See ancient Mesopotamian carvings and art by Claude Monet at the Art Institute of Chicago. Learn about the city’s past at the Chicago History Museum. Check out the Apollo 8 spacecraft and other fascinating exhibits at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. See dinosaur bones and Egyptian mummies at Field Museum of Natural History.

Transport yourself to an African savannah, the Australian outback and the Arctic tundra at the Brookfield Zoo.

Explore beyond Downtown Chicago and visit Shedd Aquarium. Further afield, the North Suburbs, West Suburbs and Aurora offer a break from the city bustle. Visit LEGOLAND in Schaumburg or see a polo match in Oak Brook. Spin through dozens of roller coasters and rides at Six Flags America in Gurnee.

Where to stay in Chicago

Downtown Chicago featuring a city

Downtown Chicago

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views and gorgeous architecture, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Chicago. Top attractions like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are major draws. Catch the metro at State Station or Clark-Lake Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Chicago
Magnificent Mile - River North

Magnificent Mile

Are you interested in fascinating museums, panoramic lake views and popular shops? A visit to Magnificent Mile might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Michigan Avenue and Chicago Water Tower.

Magnificent Mile
The Loop - Downtown which includes a river or creek

The Loop

4.5/5(93 area reviews)

Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan are a few top attractions in The Loop. Hop around the city on the metro at Washington Station or Lake Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

The Loop
Default Image

River North

Known for its fantastic nightlife, stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in River North. Top attractions like Merchandise Mart and Bally's Casino Chicago are major draws. Catch the metro at Merchandise Mart Station or Chicago Station (Brown Line) to see more of the city.

River North
Chicago showing a city and modern architecture

Lincoln Park

5/5(4 area reviews)

Known for its ample dining options and fantastic lake views, there's plenty to explore in Lincoln Park. You can visit top attractions like Lake Michigan and Lincoln Hall, and jump on the metro at Fullerton Station or Armitage Station to see more of the city.

Lincoln Park
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West Loop

Consider a visit to Milwaukee Avenue and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in West Loop. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Racine Station or Ogilvie Transportation Center.

West Loop
Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$230 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$230
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (9,473 reviews)
"Everything was great."

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Congress Plaza Hotel
Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites

Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites

3.5 out of 5
198 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL
The price is AU$198 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
AU$198
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy a fitness center, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,133 reviews)
"Every think was wonderful except the heater wasn’t working and the toilet was loose."

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
Freehand Chicago

Freehand Chicago

4 out of 5
19 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$147 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
AU$147
11 Nov - 12 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,494 reviews)
"Bathroom recently redone and was fabulous, but room was old and tattered. Bed was nice and comfy. Nice crisp sheets."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Freehand Chicago
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago

Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago

4 out of 5
One Superior Place, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (568 reviews)
"Comfortable room with a home away from home feel. Will recommend to anyone"

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago
Sentral Michigan Avenue

Sentral Michigan Avenue

4 out of 5
808 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a 24-hour fitness center, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests ...
9/10 Wonderful! (961 reviews)
"Loved my stay! Staff was amazing and the apartment had everything to make you feel like home."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Sentral Michigan Avenue
Level Chicago – Old Town

Level Chicago – Old Town

4 out of 5
1140 North Wells Street, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (367 reviews)
"Friendly staff and great amenities"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Level Chicago – Old Town
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Chicago

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
116
5 - Excellent 75%
4 - Good
35
4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A great place to visit, love all difference architectures.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great architecture, and a lovely walk by the lake

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great city lots to see and do

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Clean, well laid out city with lots great attractions and amenities. Excellent nightlife and shopping.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Reminded me of New York except more relaxed and Chicago sleeps

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Andy's Jazz Club. Awesome night.

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