Things To Do
in Chicago
Chicago, located in the state of Illinois, is a vibrant city renowned for its impressive skyline, which includes iconic skyscrapers such as the Willis Tower and the John Hancock Center. It boasts a rich cultural scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and music venues, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
The city is also famous for its diverse culinary scene, including deep-dish pizza, and significant sports culture, being home to historic teams like the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Cubs.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $7
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Millennium Park and take a photo with the Cloud Gate sculpture. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the surrounding gardens.
Visit the Art Institute of Chicago to admire world-class artwork. Grab lunch at a nearby café and explore the Museum Campus afterward.
Dine at a rooftop restaurant with views of the skyline. Wrap up your evening with a night walk along the Chicago Riverwalk.
Explore the vibrant streets of Lincoln Park, starting with the beautiful Lincoln Park Zoo. Enjoy breakfast at a local diner.
Head to Wicker Park for boutique shopping and street art. Don’t miss trying a famous deep-dish pizza for lunch.
Experience the nightlife in Logan Square, where you'll find a mix of bars and live music venues. Sample local craft beers to unwind.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant cultural scene with numerous museums, theaters, and music venues
- Rich history and architectural beauty, including iconic buildings like the Willis Tower
- Diverse cuisine, famous for deep-dish pizza and a variety of ethnic foods
- Strong job market with opportunities in finance, technology, healthcare, and more
- Beautiful parks and lakefront areas, including Grant Park and Lake Michigan beaches
- Harsh winters with cold temperatures and significant snowfall
- High crime rates in certain neighborhoods
- Traffic congestion and long commute times
- High cost of living compared to other U.S. cities
- Political challenges and issues related to governance and public services
Best Activities in Chicago
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful gardens, the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, and enjoy free outdoor concerts and events.
Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the shores of Lake Michigan with stunning views of the city skyline.
Stroll along the river, grab a bite to eat, or take a river cruise to enjoy the city from a different perspective.
Relax by the beach, play volleyball, or take part in water sports activities.
Experience the lively atmosphere of music festivals like Lollapalooza or outdoor events like Taste of Chicago.
Tours
Uncover the best of Chicago with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Chicago
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of the city from the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower
Glass balconies extending 4 feet out from the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, providing unique photo opportunities
Located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center, offering stunning views of the city and Lake Michigan
Food in Chicago
Chicago Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
This iconic Chicago dish features a thick, buttery crust filled with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. Lou Malnati's Pizzeria and Giordano's are revered spots to savor this famous pizza.
Must-Try!
An all-beef hot dog topped with mustard, relish, onions, tomato slices, a dill pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt, served in a poppy seed bun. Portillo's and Superdawg Drive-In are go-to places to indulge in this classic delight.
Tender, thinly sliced beef layered in an Italian roll, often garnished with sweet or hot peppers and dripping with flavorful jus. For an authentic experience, Al's Beef and Mr. Beef are highly recommended.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Chicago better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This vibrant market is a hub for diverse street food vendors dishing up everything from Mexican elotes and tacos to Polish sausages and Greek gyros, creating a melting pot of flavors and cultures.
Offering an array of artisanal products, gourmet sandwiches, crepes, and pastries, this European-style market lets visitors indulge in delectable treats and grab-and-go culinary delights.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Chicago, it is customary to tip 15-20% at restaurants, bars, and for other services such as taxi rides and hotel staff.
Respect for personal space is valued in Chicago, so it's important to maintain a comfortable distance and avoid standing too close to others in public settings.
When meeting someone in Chicago, a firm handshake and direct eye contact are generally considered respectful. It's also common to exchange a friendly greeting such as 'hello' or 'how are you?'
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Chicago with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Chicago
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Chicago is generally expected in the service industry, with customary rates ranging from 15-20% of the total bill. Some restaurants may include a service charge, so it's important to check the bill before adding an additional tip.
In Chicago, cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment options are widely accepted for transactions. Contactless payment methods are also becoming increasingly popular in various establishments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Chicago.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for blooming flowers, mild weather, and fewer tourists. Expect occasional rain showers.
Peak tourist season with numerous festivals, outdoor events, and warm temperatures. Expect crowded tourist attractions.
Ideal time for vibrant fall foliage, pleasant weather, and fewer crowds. Expect fluctuating temperatures.
Cold temperatures, occasional snowfall, and holiday celebrations. Expect fewer tourists but limited outdoor activities.
Chicago at Night
Hiking in Chicago
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located about 90 miles southwest of Chicago, this park features stunning canyons and waterfalls, with a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging.
Located in the Palos Forest Preserve, this extensive network of trails offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding within a wooded landscape.
A large forest preserve in Elk Grove Village, Busse Woods features several miles of trails along rivers and through wooded areas, ideal for hiking and enjoying nature.
Situated in Lisle, this expansive garden showcases beautiful trees and plants with miles of hiking trails, including scenic views and educational opportunities.
Located in Darien, this forest preserve has a 9.5-mile loop trail that winds through forests and scenic views of the Des Plaines River, perfect for a day hike.
About an hour south of Chicago, this park offers trails along the scenic Kankakee River with various hiking options and beautiful natural areas.
Located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, this national park features trails that showcase sandy dunes, wetlands, and diverse ecosystems, offering a unique hiking experience.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Chicago through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Chicago by plane.
Located approximately 17 miles northwest of Downtown Chicago, O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world and serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights.
Situated about 10 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, Midway primarily serves domestic flights but also offers international connections, mainly to destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico.
Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, approximately 90 miles north of Chicago, Mitchell International Airport serves as a secondary option for flights to and from the Chicago area, with both domestic and international services.
Situated about 30 miles from downtown Chicago in Gary, Indiana, this airport offers limited commercial flight options and serves as an alternative for travelers in the Chicago area.
Located in South Bend, Indiana, about 90 miles east of Chicago, this airport offers a range of domestic flights and some international options, catering to the northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan regions.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Chicago, comprising a significant portion of the city's population.
Comprised mostly of European descent, this group includes various ethnicities such as Irish, Italian, and Polish.
A diverse group with origins primarily from Mexico, Puerto Rico, and other Latin American countries.
This group includes individuals from various Asian backgrounds, such as Chinese, Indian, and Filipino.
Includes various smaller ethnic groups including Native American, Middle Eastern, and others.
The Soul of Chicago
Discover the essence of Chicago through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Chicago is home to the Chicago Bulls, an NBA team with a rich history and a passionate fan base. The sport is widely played and celebrated in the city.
Chicago has two major league baseball teams: the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox. Both teams have a loyal following and are an integral part of the city's sports culture.
The Chicago Bears are one of the NFL's oldest franchises and have a storied history. Football is a major attraction in the city, especially during the fall and winter months.
The Chicago Blackhawks are a successful NHL team with a dedicated fan base. Hockey is popular in the city, particularly in the winter season.
The city has a growing interest in soccer, with the Chicago Fire as the city's Major League Soccer team. Youth and recreational soccer leagues are also widely participated in.
Chicago is known for its strong running community, hosting events like the Chicago Marathon, which attracts participants from all over the world.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chicago.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Chicago is vegetarian and vegan-friendly, with numerous eateries such as The Chicago Diner and Green Zebra offering dedicated menus showcasing innovative plant-based cuisine.
Many restaurants in Chicago cater to gluten-free diners, with places like Wildfire and Beatrix featuring extensive gluten-free menus to cater to various dietary needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Chicago with these cultural adventures.
