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Details for Chicago

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Discover Chicago's Wonders
Chicago, known as the “Windy City,” is famous for its stunning skyline, world-class museums, and lively neighborhoods. Visitors can explore Millennium Park, take in views from the Willis Tower Skydeck, or enjoy a boat tour along the Chicago River. The city offers a thriving food scene, iconic deep-dish pizza, and diverse cultural attractions. With its mix of urban energy, lakefront beauty, and rich history, Chicago is an ideal destination for travelers looking to experience the best of the Midwest. 
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Description

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 the Guaranteed Rate Field (formerly Comiskey Park and 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 Soldier Field. 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.

Useful information
Population:

2.7 million

Currency:

Dollar, 1 $ (USD) = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

911

Opening Hours:

Events

Blues Festival (June)

Blues Festival (June)

The annual Blues Festival is Chicago's biggest music festival, and the largest one in the entire world to not charge an admission fee. Attendees number in the hundreds of thousands.

Chicago Gourmet (September)

Chicago Gourmet (September)

A celebration of all things food, Chicago Gourmet features lectures and workshops by prominent chefs, seminars on wine and mixology, VIP culinary experiences, and delightful tastings.

Chicago International Film Festival (October)

Chicago International Film Festival (October)

The Chicago International Film Festival brings motion pictures from the across the world (and the state of Illinois) to the Windy City, showcasing the best of the world's cinematographic endeavor within a space of 2 exciting weeks.

Chicago Jazz Festival (August–September)

Chicago Jazz Festival (August–September)

A Labor Day weekend celebration of the jazz genre featuring performers from all across the nation.

Chicago Marathon (October)

Chicago Marathon (October)

With up to 45,000 yearly participants, the Chicago Marathon is among the global six World Marathon Majors.

Christkindlmarket Chicago (November–December)

Christkindlmarket Chicago (November–December)

Following the European (German) tradition of open-air Christmas markets, Chicago now boasts one of its own, with an additional location in Naperville.

Gospel Music Festival (June)

Gospel Music Festival (June)

Bringing together the traditional and modern takes on the gospel genre rooted in Chicago's history, the Gospel Music Festival features performers from across the nation. Admission is free of charge.

Taste of Chicago (July)

Taste of Chicago (July)

A grand-scale happening showcasing all Chicago's vibrant dining scene has to offer, with live music and entertainment to go along.

Do & See

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

Windy City’s extraordinary observatory on the 94th floor of the historic John Hancock Center offers 360-degree views of the iconic Chicago, Illinois skyline and beyond. When the weather is clear, you can see up to 80 kilometers and all the way to four different states. Check out the newly opened TILT experience, which has you step up to a full-length window that slowly tilts from the building right out over the city at a 30-degree angle.

Adler Planetarium

Adler Planetarium

Built in 1930, The Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum in Chicago, Illinois, was the first planetarium built in the Western Hemisphere and is the oldest in existence today. From daily programs to exhibitions and special lectures, there are admission passes to fit your individual interests.

Architectural River Cruise

Architectural River Cruise

It’s one thing to gaze at Chicago’s famed skyline, and another altogether to view it on Chicago, Illinois’ popular architecture tour, the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. See the city’s iconic structures from the perspective of the Chicago River, where the skyline unfolds before you as you learn about each building’s architectural features and place in local history.

Art Institute of Chicago

Art Institute of Chicago

With over 300,000 works of art in its collection, the museum has something for everyone, and continues to be ranked among the world's best. Look for Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks” or Georgia O’Keeffe’s “Sky above Clouds” — just a few of the beloved American paintings in the collection. The museum has the largest Impressionist collection outside of Paris, including works by Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet and Georges Seurat, as well as a remarkable international modern and contemporary collections, with art and artifacts spanning 5,000 BC to the present.

Auditorium Building & Theatre

Auditorium Building & Theatre

This historic Chicago landmark has a story to tell, and is still a functioning theater where you can watch ballet, concerts and drama performances. The Auditorium Building was designed by Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler and completed in 1889.

Big Bus Tours

Big Bus Tours

With a flexible hop-on, hop-off policy, engaging guides and comfortable, open-top buses, exploring Chicago’s best attractions and sights is as easy as it gets with Big Bus Tours. Choose a one-, or multi-day ticket, and you’ll get the time and the insider’s knowledge to size up the city on your own schedule. Big Bus Tours also offers handicap accessibility, pre-recorded Spanish audio tours and even a free cup of hand-roasted coffee from one of Chicago’s finest, Corner Bakery. No worries if you want to spend hours at landmark attractions such as Navy Pier or Millennium Park; stops are frequent and many, making it possible for you to experience the key destinations in Chicago on your own terms.

Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo

Operated by the Chicago Zoological Society, the Brookfield Zoo offers several fun and educational activities for the whole family.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier

Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier

The Chicago Shakespeare Theater is beautifully located on the Navy Pier, and offers an amazing view over the city. It is a small theater full of energy and drama that puts on shows with exceptionally talented actors.

Excursions

Chicago's North Shore

Chicago's North Shore

Bordering Chicago, north along the shores of Lake Michigan, find numerous attractions including the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Baha’i House of Worship and the Illinois Holocaust Museum. Chicago’s elevated train brings you to Evanston, a lively city that’s home to Northwestern University.

DuPage

DuPage

Just 20 miles from Chicago, discover a tapestry of charming small towns with lush trails, family-friendly museums, zoos, parks and outdoor recreation. Enjoy fine dining, shopping and upscale accommodation, along with easy access to Route 66 and O’Hare International Airport.

Heritage Corridor & Route 66

Heritage Corridor & Route 66

Travel back in time on Route 66, nicknamed ‘America’s Main Street’. Revisit history along the Illinois & Michigan Canal, which is lined with state parks, historic sites and landscapes from rolling hills to bluffs. Discover the steep sandstone canyons and wooded trails of Starved Rock State Park.

Rockford

Rockford

Just 60 minutes from Chicago O’Hare Airport, Rockford is the place to slow down and relax. Explore the Anderson Japanese Gardens, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Laurent House and the Coronado Theater. Kayak on the Rock River and play golf on 11 courses.

Dining

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Indulge in authentic Spanish tapas at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. The menu also offers other traditional dishes like paella, and, to wash it all down, try the Spanish drink sangria. Every Saturday and Sunday, a Spanish brunch is served. This is a restaurant where you can enjoy quality food for a reasonable price.

Frontera Grill

Frontera Grill

Frontera Grill uses beautiful ingredients, often organic and custom-grown, to bring diners the bold flavors and immediate freshness that jump off the tongue — just as they do in Mexico. In 1994, Frontera Grill was ranked the world's third-best casual dining restaurant by the International Herald Tribune. In 2007, Frontera Grill won the James Beard Foundation's "Outstanding Restaurant" award, designating it the best restaurant in the U.S. In 2011, the Chicago Sun-Times called it "a study in the art of Mexican cookery".

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

Enjoy a good steak at this classic American steakhouse, and come with an empty stomach – the staff serve huge portions. On the menu you will also find fresh seafood, a variety of side orders and tasty desserts. The atmosphere is vibrant and friendly, and great for people-watching.

Gino’s East Pizzeria

Gino’s East Pizzeria

Gino's East is one of the best places in Chicago to try the world famous deep-dish style pizza. Foodies in-the-know consider a trip here a Chicago essential. There are multiple locations across town.

Jeong Restaurant

Jeong Restaurant

Sporting classy interiors almost entirely in dark wood, Jeong offers a tasting menu that features salmon tartare, 'bok bun ja', a fruity Korean wine, and 'goguma', a pudding made with roasted Korean sweet potatoes. There are also á-la-carte options, including pulled duck confit, sashimi and pork dumplings with fermented vegetables and spices.

Le Colonial

Le Colonial

Le Colonial offers French-influenced Vietnamese cuisine in an elegant setting. High ceilings, louvred shutters and rotating fans transport you to a time forgone, all the while treating you to an exquisite French-Vietnamese fusion menu.

Middle Brow Beer Co.

Middle Brow Beer Co.

At Middle Brow Beer Co. you'll be able to couple a pint of ale with slices of pizza. Their beer selection includes their Trademark Brut, an India pale ale, and their Bloc Party Raz, a tart wheat beer with raspberries. The pizza menu rotates to feature seasonal toppings.

Pizzeria Uno

Pizzeria Uno

Uno first started in Chicago in 1943, when Ike Sewell developed deep dish pizza and opened a new type of family-friendly restaurant at the corner of Ohio & Wabash. It was here that Ike served a pizza unlike any other that had been served before.

Cafes

Atwood

Atwood

Atwood offers customers an original interpretation of American cuisine. At this stylish hotel restaurant you can find something for everyone, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options.

Beverly Bakery

Beverly Bakery

Beverly Bakery's custom coffees are brewed fresh daily and can also be ordered online. Stop by for breakfast or order a delicious pastry to go with your coffee.

Bridgeport Coffee Company

Bridgeport Coffee Company

Bridgeport Coffee Company was founded in 2004. They roast their own coffee beans, which are sold to coffee bars and restaurants in Chicago and throughout the U.S. With a commitment to providing organic, fair trade products, Bridgeport Coffee Company has been named the Best Coffee Shop in Chicago by TimeOut Chicago. Also serves breakfast and lunch.

Gallery Cafe

Gallery Cafe

Located in the Wicker Park / Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago, this locally-owned coffee shop roasts all of its own coffee beans. Affordable breakfasts and lunches are made to order, with vegetarian options available. The cafe also displays works by local artists. Wi-Fi available.

Intelligentsia Coffee

Intelligentsia Coffee

Intelligentsia branded coffee is served all over Chicago, but why not go straight to the source? Always a smart choice. While Intelligentsia is now a national chain with locations in Los Angeles and New York, this high-end coffee roaster opened its flagship location on North Broadway in Chicago in 1995.

Pick Me Up Cafe

Pick Me Up Cafe

This late-night diner and espresso bar is located close to St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery and Chase Park. A local favorite, Pick Me Up serves a wide variety of menu options, including vegan. Street parking is available.

Star Lounge Coffee Bar

Star Lounge Coffee Bar

With an ever-rotating menu of uniquely-flavored coffees, Star Lounge Coffee Bar serves Dark Matter Coffee, which is locally roasted by the owner. Come for the coffee and stay for the artsy atmosphere and friendly staff.

The Coffee Studio

The Coffee Studio

The Coffee Studio is a modern, independent espresso bar focused on expertly crafting delicious drinks and snacks from fresh locally-roasted coffee beans and simple, flavorful ingredients. Now serving wine and craft beers.

Bars & Nightlife

Billy Sunday

Billy Sunday

When mixologist Alex Bachman and Yusho eatery chef Matthias Merges joined forces, they created Billy Sunday, a cozy, high concept antique-accented cocktail bar. Their drink menu features unique ingredients such as quince, grenadine, and ambergris-laced palm sugar; their food menu has items like pig ears and a chicken liver spread. Each of their 10 signature drinks feature different spirits. If you prefer more straight up beverages, they are able to accommodate all tastes.

Buddy Guy’s Legends

Buddy Guy’s Legends

Buddy Guy's Legends is a world-famous live blues club named for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legend, Buddy Guy. This is the place to go for blues!

Davenport's Piano Bar & Cabaret

Davenport's Piano Bar & Cabaret

Davenport's is definitely the place to go for entertainment and atmosphere, with a piano bar located in the front room, and a cabaret in the back.

House of Blues

House of Blues

House of Blues is an international chain of clubs, which promote current rock bands and other various acts performing jazz, blues, soul, funk and pop music.

Jazz Showcase

Jazz Showcase

Jazz Showcase is a famous venue for live Chicago jazz since 1947, showcasing local and international talent. Matinees with special discounts for students, seniors, and musicians on Sundays.

Kingston Mines

Kingston Mines

This is the place to go for live blues music. Kingston Mines has been around since 1968, and this is one blues locale that really delivers. Stay all night, since the music doesn't stop, with bands rotating on two stages. Kingston Mines also has a late-night kitchen serving a full menu. Make sure to try the BBQ ribs.

Le Colonial Lounge

Le Colonial Lounge

Le Colonial isn't only a refined dining establishment, but also a lounge featuring a chic bar popular with the young, clubby set. It is located upstairs from the restaurant of the same name. The staff serve tasty cocktails in a comfortable and romantic setting.

Luxbar

Luxbar

Luxbar is a sophisticated two-story bar that features elegant marble floors and tables, mahogany walls and a stunning marble staircase that makes you feel like a movie star. Serves dinner as well as inventive cocktails.

Shopping

American Girl Place

American Girl Place

If you have a fan of dolls in your life, you must stop and visit the American Girl Place while in Chicago. Specializing in custom dolls to fit given physical descriptions as well as story-centric dolls, American Girl has the perfect gift for any little girl. Choose from hundreds of options including skin color, hair color and style, outfit, eye color, and a plethora of other options. Also on-site is a restaurant, photo studio, doll hair salon, and plenty of souvenirs. Check their website before visiting for special offers.

Andersonville Galleria

Andersonville Galleria

Part gallery, part boutique mall — find virtually everything at one of the nearly 100 locally-owned shops located at Andersonville Galleria. Located in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood, it features a deli, clothing, accessories, and home furnishings at some of its unique stores.

Block 37

Block 37

Five stories and an entire city block of shopping, dining and entertainment, Block 37 (also known as 108 North State Street) is located in the heart of the Loop in downtown Chicago. Browse contemporary goods at shops like Akira, Eileen Fisher, and Sabon.

Bloomingdale’s Building

Bloomingdale’s Building

This is an eight-story shopping structure with upscale, luxury shops, including the Chicago flagship Bloomingdale’s location. It also houses restaurants and cinemas.

Broadway & Clark Street

Broadway & Clark Street

An assortment of chic, funky shops extend for several blocks west on Broadway, and north and south on Clark Street. Vintage clothing shops, stylish one-of-a-kind boutiques, and edgy shops with motorcycle gear inspired clothes and accessories all converge in these few blocks.

Chicago Premium Outlets

Chicago Premium Outlets

Enjoy discounts on your favorite brands at 120 outlet stores, such as Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, J. Crew and Kenneth Cole.

Fashion Outlets of Chicago

Fashion Outlets of Chicago

Dive headfirst into some of the best shopping in town at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, located only 24 kilometers from downtown Chicago. This expansive, indoor outlet destination is packed with over 130 designer stores featuring savings of up to 75% off. Anchored by Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Nordstrom Rack, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th and Forever 21, the Fashion Outlets stands apart as the only multi-level shopping outlet in the U.S. Midwest.

Garrett Popcorn Shops

Garrett Popcorn Shops

What makes Garrett Popcorn special? They hot air pop their signature blend of kernels, which they then mix into their secret family recipes. Every batch is handmade daily and the result is an irresistible snacking sensation, which has generated lines of historic proportions outside of their retail locations for decades.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

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.

Passport & Visa

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.

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

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. 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.

Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD)

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), 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.

Public Transport

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 1am for travel information on CTA, PACE and Metra.

Taxi

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.

Electricity

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.

Pharmacy

Pharmacy

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago offers a rich mix of sightseeing, guided tours, and local activities. On Keytours you can browse the most popular tours and experiences in Chicago and book them instantly.

The ideal time to visit Chicago depends on the experience you're after. Check the current weather and seasonal information on this page to plan your trip around the best conditions.

You can arrange private airport transfers and local transport for Chicago directly through Keytours, ensuring a comfortable arrival and easy travel throughout your stay.

Chicago has accommodation for every style, from boutique city stays to seaside resorts. Explore our handpicked hotels in Chicago to find the right base for your trip.

Yes. With Keytours you can combine tours, activities, hotels, and transfers for Chicago in a single booking, making it easy to plan your entire trip in one place.

Simply choose your preferred tours, hotels, or activities in Chicago on this page, select your dates, and complete your secure booking online. Our team is available to help at any step.

Trips
Chicago Discovery