United States

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Chicago

Big-shouldered lakefront city of architecture and blues

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Best time to visit: May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Currency: USD
Time zone: UTC-5
Country: United States

Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0

Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States, set on the western shore of Lake Michigan, known for its skyline, architecture, museums, lakefront beaches and deep music and food culture. Visitors come for the Loop's landmarks, world-class art and science museums, neighborhood food and jazz and blues clubs.

Largest cities

New York
Los Angeles
Chicago
Houston
San Francisco
Miami

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: United States
Capital: Washington, D.C.
City population: 2.7M
Population of United States: 340M
Country area: 9,833,520 km²
Official language: English
Currency: US Dollar (USD) · 1 USD ≈ 1 USD
Time zone: UTC-5
Calling code: +1
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 228 m
Plugs: A / B · 120V
Emergency numbers: 911
Best time to visit: May, Jun, Sep, Oct

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	0°	3°	10°	15°	20°	27°	28°	27°	24°	18°	10°	4°
Low	-7°	-6°	1°	5°	11°	17°	20°	19°	16°	10°	3°	-2°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$88
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$185
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$430

Plan a trip to Chicago

Top things to do

Free
Millennium Park and Cloud Gate
Walk through the park to the reflective 'Bean' sculpture and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, best in the early morning before crowds arrive.
- Half day
- The Loop
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $32
Art Institute of Chicago
See iconic works from Seurat, Hopper and the Impressionists in one of the country's leading art museums; buy a timed ticket online to skip the line.
- Half day
- The Loop
- Good for kids
- Indoors
≈ $50
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
A 75-minute boat tour along the Chicago River explains the city's famous skyline and skyscraper history; book an evening departure for the best light.
- Half day
- The Loop
- Good for kids
≈ $35
Willis Tower Skydeck
Ride to the 103rd floor for views over the city and Lake Michigan, including the glass Ledge balconies; go near sunset for the clearest skies.
- Half day
- The Loop
- Good for kids
- Indoors
- Good in the evening
Free
Navy Pier
Stroll the lakefront pier with its Ferris wheel, boat rides and fireworks on summer nights; it is free to enter, with individual attractions ticketed.
- Half day
- Near North Side (Magnificent Mile and Gold Coast)
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory
Visit the free zoo and the adjacent glasshouse conservatory, then walk the lakefront paths; the zoo is open daily and free of charge.
- Half day
- Lincoln Park
- Good for kids
≈ $45
Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium
Spend a day in the Museum Campus with dinosaur skeletons at the Field Museum and aquatic exhibits at the Shedd; separate tickets are needed for each.
- Full day
- Hyde Park
- Good for kids
- Indoors
Free
Wicker Park food and music walk
Explore the shops, cafes and bars along Division Street and Milwaukee Avenue, with live music venues nearby; evenings are liveliest on weekends.
- Half day
- Wicker Park and Bucktown
- Good in the evening

Before you go

Entry and visas

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, including the UK, most of the EU and Qatar, need an approved ESTA, which costs $40 since 30 September 2025; apply at least 72 hours before travel on the official CBP site. Others, including Indian, Saudi and Emirati citizens, need a visitor visa, and appointment waits can be long.

Official website

From the airport

O'Hare International Airport is the main gateway, with direct trains on the CTA Blue Line to the Loop taking about 45 minutes; Midway Airport is closer to downtown, about 30 minutes by CTA Orange Line.

Getting around

The CTA 'L' trains and buses cover the city well, with contactless fare payment and a day or multi-day pass; downtown is also very walkable.

Local tips

Winters from December to March are very cold with wind chill, so pack layers, a heavy coat, hat and gloves; summers are hot and humid.
Tipping is expected: about 18-20% at restaurants and a dollar or two per drink at bars.
Crime is concentrated in some outlying neighborhoods; stay aware downtown and on transit at night, and keep valuables out of sight.
Many museums and attractions sell timed tickets online, and the CityPASS or similar passes can cut costs if you plan several visits.