Things To Do
in Chicago
Chicago is a vibrant, Lake Michigan–front city known for its bold architecture, world-class museums, and rich music and food scenes. The skyline — punctuated by iconic towers and the reflective Cloud Gate — stretches along a bustling lakefront dotted with parks and beaches. Neighborhoods range from historic Bronzeville and Pilsen to trendy Wicker Park and West Loop, each with distinct character and dining options.
The city blends Midwestern friendliness with big-city energy, offering cultural institutions, sports fandom, and year-round events.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey with a stroll through Millennium Park, admiring the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture in the crisp morning light. Pause to capture reflections and watch the city come to life across the Bean’s mirrored surface. Feel the energy of joggers and families enjoying the park’s green spaces.
Head to nearby Maggie Daley Park for lunch at a scenic picnic spot or café. Spend the afternoon exploring the park’s winding pathways, rock-climbing wall, and whimsical playgrounds. Let the urban skyline frame your adventures as you savor each moment.
As the sun sets, find a rooftop bar for a cocktail overlooking the city’s dazzling architecture. Listen to live music or join a performance at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Cap the night with a leisurely walk along the park’s lit promenades.
Begin your day at the Field Museum, exploring Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons and ancient relics in well-curated exhibits. Wander through the expansive hallways and admire the botanical specimens in the Evolving Planet section. Capture the grandeur of museum architecture as natural light streams through lofty windows.
Walk along the scenic lakefront to the Shedd Aquarium, marveling at colorful fish and playful dolphins in immersive habitats. Spend time in the Oceanarium and Caribbean Reef galleries, learning about global marine ecosystems. Grab a casual lunch at the aquarium café with panoramic lake views.
Head to the Adler Planetarium’s rooftop for sunset views over Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Engage in a star show or gaze through powerful telescopes at celestial wonders. Finish the evening with a lakeside stroll, listening to gentle waves and city lights shimmering on the water.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚇CTA single ride (bus or 'L') | $2.50 |
| 🚕Taxi / short ride-share | $10-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $120-250 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class architecture, museums, and cultural institutions
- Diverse and renowned food scene from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants
- Extensive lakefront parks and outdoor recreation
- Vibrant neighborhood variety with distinctive local character
- Winter weather can be extremely cold and windy
- Traffic congestion and expensive parking in central areas
- Safety varies by neighborhood — some areas require caution
- Popular attractions can be crowded during peak tourist seasons
Places to Visit in Chicago
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic reflective sculpture that captures the skyline and crowds; best in morning light to avoid peak crowds and for clear reflections.
Classic skyline vantage points for sunrise/sunset shots across Lake Michigan with city silhouettes and water reflections.
Offers dynamic architectural perspectives, reflections in the river, and colorful bridge operations — great during golden hour.
Panoramic cityscape views from high observation decks; the Skydeck has The Ledge glass boxes for dramatic foreground shots.
Ferris wheel, boardwalk, and lake views that are lively at dusk and lit up at night.
Historic ballpark exterior and neighborhood street scenes, especially on game days filled with fans and banners.
Elevated urban trail with murals, greenery, and neighborhood views — good for lifestyle and street photography.
Food in Chicago
Chicago Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A thick, pie-style pizza baked in a deep pan with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce; try Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, or Pequod's for classic variations.
Must-Try!
An all-beef frankfurter on a poppy-seed bun topped with mustard, onions, relish, tomatoes, a pickle spear, sport peppers and celery salt — never ketchup; Portillo's is a popular chain, and local stands serve great versions.
Thinly sliced seasoned roast beef served on Italian bread, often dipped in au jus and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera; Al's Beef and Mr. Beef are iconic spots.
Sweet and salty Chicago-style mix (CaramelCrisp + CheeseCorn) — available at Garrett Popcorn Shops and many markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekend markets and the Fulton Market area mix antiques, artisanal goods, and food stalls; Fulton Market is packed with restaurants and chefs' tasting rooms.
Historic open-air market (check current locations/dates) known for Mexican street food, tacos, and seasonal vendors.
Farmer's market in Lincoln Park with local produce, prepared foods, and chef demos — great for fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Chicagoans value personal space and orderly lines; don’t block sidewalks or the flow of foot traffic, especially along busy streets and the Riverwalk.
Sports teams inspire passionate loyalty — be respectful of fans' allegiances (e.g., Cubs vs. White Sox) and expect spirited banter around game days.
Service workers rely on tips; be polite and clear when ordering and resolve billing issues calmly with staff or management.
Treat each neighborhood as distinct: support local shops, follow posted signs, and be mindful of residential quiet hours at night.
Safety
Tipping in Chicago
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: 15–20% at sit-down restaurants pre-tax for good service; bartenders $1–2 per drink or 15–20% of the tab; taxi and ride-share drivers 10–15%; hotel porters $1–2 per bag; housekeeping $2–5 per night. Many places add gratuity automatically for large groups.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry some cash for small vendors, markets, or street food stalls that may be cash-only. ATMs are plentiful but check fees for out-of-network withdrawals.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot and often humid, with temperatures typically in the 70s–90s°F (20s–30s°C); perfect for lakefront activities, festivals (Taste of Chicago, Lollapalooza), rooftop bars, and outdoor concerts. Expect crowds at beaches and tourist spots; bring sunscreen, a hat, and refillable water.
Crisp, pleasant weather with colorful foliage in parks and along the lakefront; temperatures range from the 40s–60s°F (5–20°C). It's a great time for walking tours, food festivals, and lower hotel rates than summer.
Cold, windy, and snowy — temperatures often below freezing with wind chill from the lake making it feel colder. Bring warm layers, a heavy coat, hat, gloves, and sturdy boots; many attractions remain open, but plan for shorter daylight and occasional transit delays.
Variable weather — early spring can still be chilly, while late spring warms up; expect intermittent rain. Cherry blossoms and bulbs appear in parks; layering is essential and it’s a less crowded time to visit museums and neighborhoods.
Chicago at Night
Hiking in Chicago
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
About 1.5–2 hours southwest by car, known for canyons, waterfalls (best in spring), and scenic trails — popular for day trips and photography.
Roughly an hour's drive southeast along Lake Michigan, offering dunes, beaches, and trails with diverse ecosystems and great lake views.
Located southwest of the city, offering rugged woodland trails, mountain-biking paths, and a nearby nature center for half-day hikes.
Accessible within the metro area for longer multi-use trail hikes and wooded loops along river corridors — convenient for half-day outdoor escapes.
Near Starved Rock, offers slot canyons, waterfalls, and hiking paths with dramatic rock formations — ideal combined day trips with Starved Rock.
Airports
How to reach Chicago by plane.
Chicago's largest airport, about 17 miles northwest of downtown; accessible by CTA Blue Line (~45–60 minutes), express shuttles, taxis, and ride-shares.
Smaller commercial airport on the southwest side, about 10 miles from downtown; reachable by CTA Orange Line, buses, taxis, and ride-shares.
Located farther west (about 85–100 miles by road depending on route), used for some low-cost carriers and cargo; best if flying into specific budget routes or private flights.
About 75 miles north in Milwaukee; sometimes used by budget travelers willing to make a road or train transfer (Metra/Amtrak or shuttle) to Chicago.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Significant portion of the population, with many historic European-heritage neighborhoods including Polish, Irish, and Italian communities.
Large and historically influential community with deep cultural roots in neighborhoods like Bronzeville; important contributions to music, politics, and culture.
Vibrant Mexican and broader Latino communities, especially in neighborhoods like Pilsen and Little Village, with strong culinary and cultural presence.
Growing Asian communities including Chinese, Indian, Filipino, and Korean populations with cultural districts and businesses across the city.
Many immigrant groups and an active LGBTQ+ community with neighborhoods like Boystown known for inclusivity and nightlife.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Chicago is home to the Chicago Cubs (Wrigley Field) and Chicago White Sox — both have passionate fan bases and historic ballparks.
The NFL's Chicago Bears are a major part of local sports culture, with strong tailgating and community support.
The Chicago Bulls (NBA) and Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) draw devoted followings; championship histories contribute to civic pride.
Chicago Fire FC represents the city in MLS with a growing soccer culture and active supporter groups.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chicago.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available across neighborhoods, with many restaurants offering dedicated meat-free dishes and several fully vegetarian/vegan restaurants (e.g., Native Foods, The Chicago Diner). Inform servers about preferences; markets and farm-to-table spots often have seasonal vegetable-forward menus.
Vegan dining has grown substantially — specialty bakeries and vegan restaurants are easy to find, and many mainstream restaurants list vegan options or can adapt dishes.
Many restaurants offer gluten-free crusts and menu notations; for strict celiac needs, ask about cross-contamination and check specialty bakeries or dedicated GF spots.