THE DESTINATION EDIT PLACE GUIDE
Illustrative view of Chicago

NORTH AMERICA✳UNITED STATES

Chicago.

Riverfront architecture, lake views and a lively city culture.

EXPLORE THE GUIDE
EXPLORELIO · ILLUSTRATIVE VIEW
01 / PLACEChicago
02 / REGIONNorth America
03 / THE FEELArchitecture & lakefront
04 / IN THIS GUIDEHighlights & a flexible route
01 / GET TO KNOW THE PLACE

Find your
Chicago.

Riverfront architecture, lake views and a lively city culture.

Chicago offers a first visit shaped by its architecture, museums and Lake Michigan waterfront. Choose a central area to explore, then make time for the neighborhoods beyond the best-known sights.

Use the ideas below as a starting point and shape the days around your interests and travel dates.

Start with the highlights
02 / SEE & DO

The places that
stay with you.

Three starting points for a first visit to Chicago.

Illustrative view of Chicago01
UNITED STATES

Riverwalk

The river gives a close view of downtown architecture.

Chicago · a flexible first visit
02
UNITED STATES

Art Institute

A major collection that deserves a focused visit.

Chicago · a flexible first visit
03
UNITED STATES

Lakefront

Parks and paths put Lake Michigan at the center of the trip.

Chicago · a flexible first visit
03 / A SIMPLE ROUTE

Two days,
your way.

A relaxed starting route through Chicago. Check distances and current access before you set the order.

AN IDEA TO MAKE YOUR OWN, NOT A FIXED SCHEDULE.
DAY 01FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Find the rhythm.

  1. MorningStart with Riverwalk; give yourself time to look around.
  2. AfternoonMove on to Art Institute if the journey fits comfortably.
  3. EveningTry Deep-dish pizza and leave room for an unplanned walk.
DAY 02GO A LITTLE DEEPER

Make it yours.

  1. MorningExplore Lakefront at a pace that suits the day.
  2. AfternoonChoose another neighborhood or return to the part of Chicago that caught your attention.
  3. EveningLook for Italian beef or another local food experience.
04 / PICK YOUR MOMENT

When to go.

Choose dates around the kind of days you want to have.

☼WEATHER & LIGHT

Match the season.

Summer is lively along the lake; spring and autumn can change quickly, while winter calls for warm layers and indoor options.

✳YOUR DATES

Keep room to adjust.

Check seasonal weather and book any architecture tour or museum visit that matters most to you.

05 / TASTE THE PLACE

Make room
for one more.

Food is another way into Chicago. These are a few local flavors to look for; menus and availability vary.

01

Deep-dish pizza

A thick, filling local pizza style.

02

Italian beef

A seasoned beef sandwich with peppers or giardiniera.

03

Chicago-style hot dog

A loaded hot dog with a distinctive set of toppings.

06 / BEFORE YOU GO

Now make it yours.

Check seasonal weather and book any architecture tour or museum visit that matters most to you. Use the route above as a guide, then check current opening hours, transport and conditions for your dates.

Explore trip options Compare destinations
Prices, access and local conditions change. Confirm details with official sources and providers before booking.
Illustrative view of ChicagoILLUSTRATIVE VIEW ✳
GOOD TO KNOW

A few last
questions.

Where should I start in Chicago? ＋

Riverwalk is one possible first stop. Pair it with Art Institute if the journey works for your day.

Is two days enough for a first visit? ＋

Two days can give you an introduction, but the route above is deliberately flexible. Add time if you want to slow down or explore beyond these starting points.

What should I check before booking? ＋

Check seasonal weather and book any architecture tour or museum visit that matters most to you. Check final prices and availability with each provider.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Make Chicago happen.

Find experiences, choose a place to stay and compare flights. Check current details with each provider before you book.

THINGS TO DO
01 / EXPLORE

Discover Chicago.

Three ways to start exploring. Open an idea to see current activities and availability.

01 / ChicagoExplore the highlightsFind activities and sights for your visit.Explore activities 02 / ChicagoGo with a local guideBrowse guided tours and small group experiences.Explore activities 03 / ChicagoTickets and experiencesSee available tickets and things to do.Explore activities
STAYS
02 / STAY

Find your place to stay.

Explore accommodation near Chicago, then choose dates and check availability on Booking.com.

Explore stays in Chicago

Compare places that fit your dates and budget.

See available stays
FLIGHTS
03 / GET THERE

Find a route that works.

Choose your departure point and dates, then compare flights on Expedia. You can edit the destination if another airport works better.

Check baggage and final prices on Expedia before booking.Browse all flights ↗

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