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Patrick L. Pyszka/City of Chicago

 More than 42 kilometers of lakefront frame Chicago's stunning urban skyline. Here in the heart of the Midwest, the nation’s third-largest city boasts soaring skyscrapers and colorful neighborhoods against a backdrop of sandy beaches and beautiful parks. This cosmopolitan playground bursts with things to do. Sightseeing options range from Chicago icons — such as Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate, Grant Park’s Buckingham Fountain and Navy Pier’s Ferris wheel — to fascinating history and architecture tours.

currency

Dollar, 1 $ (USD) = 100 cents

phone

911

newspaper

Chicago Tribune — www.chicagotribune.com
Chicago SunTimes — chicago.suntimes.com
The Reader — chicagoreader.com
Time Out Chicago — www.timeout.com/chicago
(weekly magazine with event listings)

population

2.7 million (2021)

info

Chicago Office of Tourism

Chicago Cultural Center
77 East Washington Street
Open daily 10am–5pm

Chicago Water Works
163 East Pearson Street
Open Mon–Thu 10am–6pm, Fri & Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 1pm–5pm

website

www.choosechicago.com
www.chicago.gov
www.visittheusa.com/destination/chicago

Chicago at night Choose Chicago

The City

Chicago, the third largest city in the U.S., nuzzles the shores of picturesque Lake Michigan, which reflects the dazzling skyline. As a vibrant and international city, it boasts world-class museums, cuisine and nightlife. The numerous outdoor parks and miles of lakefront paths are a wonderful attraction for sporty types, while the exclusive theaters, shops and restaurants appeal to the sophisticated visitor. Chicago is also the birthplace of modern jazz and blues, so an excursion to one of its many clubs is a must for music novices and aficionados alike.

If you are a sports fan, Chicago’s world-class venues can accommodate almost every professional and amateur sport discipline imaginable. Whether you’re watching or playing, sports are an integral part of life in Chicago.
During the baseball season the town is split. The South Side lives and dies with the White Sox while the North Side cozies up with the Cubs. The National League Cubs play at historic Wrigley Field while the American League White Sox call U.S. Cellular Field home. The NFL's Chicago Bears take to the gridiron at Soldier Field and the United Center is home of the NBA's Chicago Bulls. Hockey fans can watch the NHL Blackhawks, also at the United Center, or the minor-league Chicago Wolves at Allstate Arena. And soccer fans can see the MLS Chicago Fire at Toyota Park. There are numerous college sports teams in the area, as well as horse racing and auto races in the suburbs.

And if the Performing Arts are more to your taste, Chicago is the home of over 200 theaters hosting the Chicago Symphony, Chicago and Joffrey Ballet Companies, world renowned and “up and coming” local artists and musicians, Tony Award winning Broadway world premiers, Improvisation at Second City, and edgy original plays. Plan on spending a few hours somewhere like the State Street or Downtown Theatre Districts when you’re in Chicago, and be prepared to journey through fairytale wonderlands, discover dazzling sights and sounds, soak up thought-provoking story lines, and even laugh ‘till it hurts on any given day or night.

stage at festival Choose Chicago

Events

If it’s music you’ve come for, you’ll find every genre at live music clubs and outdoor events like Millennium Park concerts, Lollapalooza and the Chicago Blues Festival. Chicago’s calendar is packed with local street festivals, holiday celebrations and special events year round.

Adam Alexander Photography/Choose Chicago

Blues Festival (June)

Andrew Miller Photography/Choose Chicago

Gospel Music Festival (June)

Andrew Miller Photography/Choose Chicago

Taste of Chicago (July)

Adam Alexander Photography/Choose Chicago

Chicago Jazz Festival (August–September)

Adam Alexander Photography/Choose Chicago

Chicago Gourmet (September)

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World Music Festival Chicago (September)

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Chicago Marathon (October)

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Chicago International Film Festival (October)

Ranvestel Photographic/Choose Chicago

Christkindlmarket Chicago (November–December)

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ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo (December)

Chicago Bus Tour Big Bus Tours/Miles Partnership Chicago

Do & See

Chicago is renowned for its cultural offerings with more than 40 museums and a dedicated Museum Campus, home to The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. Don't miss the Art Institute of Chicago, which contains 300,000 works in its permanent collection, and Museum of Science and Industry, the largest in the Western Hemisphere. As the only U.S. city with five regional Tony Award-winning theaters, Chicago’s theater scene takes center stage.

With several of the world’s tallest buildings located here, Chicago is a showcase for modern masterpieces and historic landmarks by America’s greatest architects including Frank Lloyd Wright, Daniel Burnham and Louis Sullivan. Go above the view at 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck in the John Hancock Center (be sure to try the TILT experience, which leans you out over Michigan Avenue). Stay grounded but still take in the beautiful cityscape with a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, where you can enjoy a delicious meal or grab a drink right on the water. The Riverwalk can also serve as your launching point for an architecture tour or canoe trip down the Chicago River. Take the kids to Lincoln Park Zoo and Wrigley Field, two iconic and family-friendly attractions.

Mercury Skyline Yacht Charters, Inc.

Architectural River Cruise

Choose Chicago

Field Museum

Choose Chicago/Miles Partnership Chicago

Shedd Aquarium

City of Chicago

Navy Pier

VICTOR TORRES/Shutterstock.com

Willis Tower — Skydeck Chicago

Clayton Hauck/Choose Chicago

Cloud Gate

alisafarov/Shutterstock.com

Lincoln Park Zoo

Adam Alexander/Choose Chicago

Grant Park

Tracie Hall/cc by-sa 2.0/Flickr

Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier

Thomas Barrat/Shutterstock.com

Lake Michigan

The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

Museum of Science & Industry

Nagel Photography/Shutterstock.com

Lincoln Park Conservatory

Kevin Kipper/Shutterstock.com

Museum of Contemporary Art

Teemu008/cc by-sa 2.0/Flickr

Auditorium Building & Theatre

forksandspoons/Shutterstock.com

Brookfield Zoo

Richard Cavalleri/Shutterstock.com

Soldier Field

Jack Richards/unsplash

Adler Planetarium

360 Chicago Observation Deck/Miles Partnership Chicago

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

Henryk Sadura/Shutterstock.com

Unity Temple

Art Institute Chicago/Miles Partnership Chicago

Art Institute of Chicago

Big Bus Tours/Miles Partnership Chicago

Big Bus Tours

Couple in Chicago Abel Arciniega/Choose Chicago

Excursions

Explore Illinois and experience both the nonstop energy of a big city and the charm of friendly small towns. Beyond Chicago, shop at outlet malls for fabulous bargains, hike on wooded trails through scenic state parks and tour incredible Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. Take a nostalgic road trip on legendary Route 66, stroll historic small-town Main Streets to stop at diners and soda fountains for a glimpse of true Americana and visit Abraham Lincoln’s home in Springfield. Watch Illinois makers in action as they craft beer at more than 80 breweries across the state and follow an Illinois wine trail.

UmFOTO/Shutterstock.com

Chicago's North Shore

Jason Patrick Ross/Shutterstock.com

Heritage Corridor & Route 66

Rock and Wasp/Shutterstock.com

Rockford

Alexander Varbenov/Shutterstock.com

DuPage

Deep-dish pizza Lou Malnati's Pizzeria/Choose Chicago

Dining

Chicago’s culinary scene is filled with star chefs, unique ethnic eateries and award-winning fine dining restaurants known around the world. Just as famous is the Chicago-style hot dog and deep dish pizza. As a top food destination, the city boasts 7,300 restaurants in every price range and cuisine.

Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com

Gino’s East Pizzeria

StockPhotosLV/Shutterstock.com

Le Colonial

klaikungwon/Shutterstock.com

Spiaggia

Carol Mellema/Shutterstock.com

Portillo's Hot Dogs

Alena Haurylik/Shutterstock.com

Tempo

White78/Shutterstock.com

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

Supitcha McAdam/Shutterstock.com

Uno Chicago Grill

Joshua Resnick/Shutterstock.com

Frontera Grill

Yulia Grigoryeva/Shutterstock.com

The Purple Pig

garetsworkshop/Shutterstock.com

Shaw's Crab House

sarsmis/Shutterstock.com

Big Bowl

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Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!

4 PM production/Shutterstock.com

Middle Brow Beer Co.

Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com

Jeong Restaurant

Beet Salad Choose Chicago

Cafes

Locating a great cafe in Chicago poses no difficulty. Choose from large American chains or smaller, more intimate cafes that serve artisan coffee and hand-made pastries. They are scattered across the city, so enjoy one while taking a break from sightseeing and shopping.

Elena Veselova/Shutterstock.com

Cafe Selmarie

Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock.com

Atwood

Natalia Deriabina/Shutterstock.com

Gallery Cafe

Stay_Positive/Shutterstock.com

The Wormhole Cafe

VGstockstudio/Shutterstock.com

Pick Me Up Cafe

illustrissima/Shutterstock.com

Bridgeport Coffee Company

george photo cm/Shutterstock.com

Intelligentsia

Kichigin/Shutterstock.com

Star Lounge Coffee Bar

Cyndi58/Shutetrstock.com

Julius Meinl Restaurant & Cafe

Sundays Photography/Shutterstock.com

The Coffee Studio

kaband/Shutterstock.com

Beverly Bakery

creativesunday/Shutterstock.com

Grand Lux Cafe

Steve Cukrov/Shutterstock.com

The Perfect Cup

Barman making drink Clayton Hauck/Choose Chicago

Bars & Nightlife

For nightlife, head to the many cocktail lounges, sports bars or dance clubs that dot the entertainment landscape. Or get tickets to legendary comedy club The Second City. Famous jazz and blues clubs abound, as well as smaller venues that represent local musicians and quiet bars with small bands playing music from around the world. Keep in mind that the legal drinking age is 21.

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The Signature Room/Signature Lounge

alexpro9500/Shutterstock.com

Le Colonial Lounge

Daxiao Productions/Shutterstock.com

Luxbar

Jacob Lund/Shutterstock.com

The Original Mother’s

donatas1205/Shutterstock.com

House of Blues

aodaodaodaod/Shutterstock.com

Buddy Guy’s Legends

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Jazz Showcase

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The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

Denis Rozhnovsky/Shutterstock.com

Cubby Bear Lounge

archimede/Shutterstock.com

Redhead Piano Bar

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Kingston Mines

Syda Productions/Shutterstock.com

Metro/SmartBar

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Davenport's Piano Bar & Cabaret

Andrei Mayatnik/Shutterstock.com

The J. Parker

Bochkarev Photography/Shutterstock.com

Three Dots & a Dash

Arina P Habich/Shutterstock.com

Billy Sunday

Tarik Kaan Muslu/Shutterstock.com

The Berkshire Room

Shane W Thompson/Shutterstock.com

Parson's Chicken & Fish

Tarik Kaan Muslu/Shutterstock.com

Punch House

Couple shopping Ivanko80/Shutterstock.com

Shopping

Shopping is a big deal in Chicago. Don’t miss Michigan Avenue’s 13-block stretch, The Magnificent Mile, with more than 300 stores to explore, including major department stores, luxury boutiques and the can't-miss, multi-level Water Tower Place mall.

Ken Lund/cc by-sa 2.0/Flickr

The Magnificent Mile

Marketing900/cc by-sa 4.0/wikimedia

Bloomingdale’s Building

Diego Cervo/Shutterstock.com

Water Tower Place

View Apart/Shutterstock.com

Broadway & Clark Street

michaeljung/Shutterstock.com

Piper's Alley

Lou Stejskal/cc by 2.0/Flickr

Andersonville Galleria

Liam McGarry/unsplash

Randolph Street Market

conejota/Shutterstock.com

Leaders 1354

imtmphoto/Shutterstock.com

Chicago Premium Outlets

Ksenia Chernaya/pexels

The Shops at Northbridge

gpointstudio/Shutterstock.com

Woodfield Mall

Nomad_Soul/Shutterstock.com

Garrett Popcorn Shop

michaeljung/Shutterstock.com

American Girl Place

cottonbro studio/pexels

Fashion Outlets of Chicago

Lakefront Chicago Clayton Hauck/Choose Chicago

Tourist Information

Passport / Visa

Citizens of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Kingdom of Brunei can visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa (as well as citizens of Andorra, Lichtenstein, Monaco and San Marino). Citizens of these countries must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. All other travelers must obtain a visa before visiting the United States. International travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the country.

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Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

Midway Airport is 6.5 miles (10 km) southwest of the city center. The Orange Line train takes passengers to and from Midway airport and downtown Chicago and also runs 24 hours.

Chicago Midway Airport is a domestic airport located on the southwest side of Chicago. It is the second-largest airport in the Chicago metropolitan area, after O'Hare.

The Orange Line train provides direct service between Midway Airport and downtown Chicago. The train station is located right outside of the airport terminal and offers a convenient and affordable way to get to the city.

Various taxi and ride-sharing services are available at Midway Airport. You can find them at designated areas outside of the terminal.

If you prefer to drive, Midway Airport offers a variety of rental car options.

There are also several bus services that operate to and from Midway Airport, including the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus system and the airport shuttle service.

You can find out more about transportation options at the information booth on the bag claim level near Door 3 LL.

Address: South Cicero Avenue, Chicago

Email:

Phone: +1 773-838-0600

Website: www.flychicago.com/midway

More Information:

Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD)

The Chicago O’Hare International Airport is the main airport serving Chicago. O’Hare is approximately 18 miles (30 km) northwest of the city center. You can take the new Airport Transit System (ATS) to navigate between Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5, as well as the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) for rental cars, Economy Parking Lot F, Kiss ‘n’ Fly, Pace buses and Metra. The Blue Line train takes passengers to and from O’Hare and downtown Chicago and runs 24 hours a day.

Taxis take about 20-30 minutes to get to the city center.

Address: 10000 West Balmoral Avenue, Chicago

Email:

Phone: +1 800 832 6352

Website: www.flychicago.com/ohare

More Information:

Best Time to Visit

Contrary to what its nickname "Windy City" implies, the winds aren't too much of a concern, and the nickname itself ties in with Chicago's political history more than its climate. The best times to visit are around the Christmas season (for the festive lights and holiday atmosphere), or, if higher temperatures are what you prefer, any time from late spring (April) to early fall.

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Public Transport

Chicago has an excellent system of trains, buses and a commuter rail. Pay in cash on the bus and in exact change. Transit cards may be purchased at selected outlets, which eliminates the hassle of needing exact change. You may also call and get exact directions on public transport to and from any destination in the city. RTA Travel Information service is available seven days a week, including holidays, from 4:45am to 1 am for travel information on CTA, PACE and Metra.

Address:

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Phone: +1 312 836 7000

Website: www.transitchicago.com

More Information:

Taxi

Traditional taxis are widely available throughout the city, and they can be hailed on the street or booked through a dispatch service. It is very easy to find a taxi downtown or near the Miracle Mile. There is no extra charge for baggage or credit card use, and tipping is optional. Credit cards are accepted in all taxis. Alternatively, you can hail a cab and pay using CHICABS-approved apps ARRO and CURB.

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Website: www.choosechicago.com/plan-your-trip/getting-around

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Pharmacy

Walgreens is open 24 hours, seven days a week and there are a number of Walgreens in downtown Chicago.

Address: 757 North Michigan, Chicago

Email:

Phone: +1 312 664 8686

Website: www.walgreens.com

More Information:

Post

The Main Post Office is located on 433 West Harrison Street. Visit the website for more information.

Address: 433 West Harrison Street, Chicago

Email:

Phone: +1 312 983 8030

Website: www.usps.com

More Information:

Telephone

Country Code: +1
Area Code Chicago: 312 or 773

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Electricity

All power sockets in the United States provide a standard voltage of 110–120V with a standard frequency of 60Hz. Plug type A has two flat parallel pins.

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