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Top 6 Luxury Hotels in Chicago
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Top 27 Best Things to Do in Chicago
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Chicago Travel Guide
What do you want from an unforgettable city vacation? Iconic monuments, diverse culture, exciting food scene, serious shopping, all wrapped up in a beautiful setting? Chicago has it all and more.
Chicago is ranked as the third-largest metropolitan area in the United States and the most populous city in the Midwestern. This city by the lake, also known as the windy city, is situated in the Great Lakes region of northeastern Illinois. Beyond the City of Chicago, the greater Chicagoland area extends into the neighboring states of Wisconsin and Indiana. The windy city is also culturally diverse with approximately 2.7 million residents. There are 50 districts or 77 designated community areas in the City of Chicago, the Loop is the central business district and home to the tallest skyscrapers, top attractions, and shopping areas.
Situated near the southern tip of Lake Michigan, Chicago started as a small trading post at the mouth of the Chicago River. Its ideal geographical location made it a vital link in the great waterway, and later on, with the expansion of railways, Chicago was transformed into the country’s railway hub. The rise of the city was not all smooth sailing, as in the Great Fire of 1871 about one-third of Chicago was destroyed. But it rose from the ashes like a phoenix and made itself a global center for finance, commerce, industry, transportation, and tourism.
Chicago boasts a diverse variety of tourist attractions, for example, every year tens of thousands of visitors come to the city just to marvel at its impressive and iconic buildings in postmodernist and gothic revival architectural styles. But it is not just the architecture that attracts people to the city by the lake. There are endless unique and fun experiences to be had here, such as enjoying the classic rides at Navy Pier, overcoming your vertigo at 360 Chicago Observation Deck, getting to know the urban art scene on a street art tour, and soaking in the sun and skyline on a cruise. If after all that excitement you want to escape to nature, Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago Botanic Garden, and the Morton Arboretum are your best bet.
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- Unique Experiences
Mostly Cloudy 6 – 8℃
Experience Chicago
What to Do
Looking for things to do in Chicago? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.
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The Art Institute of Chicago
7.7
4.7/5397 Review
“Museums”
“Art Museums”
Field Museum
7.6
4.6/5241 Review
“Museums”
Millennium Park
6.9
4.6/5567 Review
“City Parks”
Willis Tower
6.8
4.5/5462 Review
“Observation Decks”
Historic Route 66 Begin Sign
6.6
4.6/569 Review
“Historical Sites”
Cloud Gate
6.4
4.6/5298 Review
“Statues/Sculptures”
Chinatown
6.3
4.4/5134 Review
“Featured Neighborhoods”
Navy Pier
6.2
4.6/5307 Review
“Ports/Bays”
360 CHICAGO
6.1
4.5/54 Review
“Observation Decks”
Riverwalk
6.0
4.8/562 Review
“Hiking”
“Rivers”
Where to Stay
Discover the most popular places to stay in Chicago, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers.
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Kinzie Hotel
4.3/5105 Review
DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Magnificent Mile
4.3/5102 Review
Swissotel Chicago
4.5/5115 Review
The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center
4.0/5102 Review
Warwick Allerton Chicago
4.1/5122 Review
Holiday Inn O’Hare Area, an IHG Hotel
4.4/577 Review
Aloft Chicago Mag Mile
4.3/5124 Review
JW Marriott Chicago
4.5/546 Review
Holiday Inn Express Chicago – Magnificent Mile, an IHG Hotel
4.0/559 Review
Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
4.2/5122 Review
AC Hotel Chicago Downtown
4.5/5134 Review
Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown/Loop
4.6/5110 Review
What to Eat
Want to eat like a local? Don’t miss out on these top Chicago dishes and foodie spots.
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Untitled Supper Club
4.6/55 Review
Average price per person: $40
“Bars/Bistros”
“Open Late”
The Signature Room at the 95th
4.7/515 Review
Average price per person: $80
“Seafood”
“Open Late”
Everest
4.7/519 Review
Average price per person: $165
“Western-style”
“Spectacular Views”
Chicago Cut Steakhouse
3.0/52 Review
Average price per person: $105
“Seafood”
Sepia
4.4/511 Review
Average price per person: $124
“Western-style”
“Restaurants in Historic Buildings”
RPM Steak
4.7/517 Review
Average price per person: $130
“Western-style”
Shaw’s Crab House Chicago
4.6/532 Review
Average price per person: $81
“Seafood”
“Brunch”
Gene & Georgetti Restaurant
3.4/511 Review
Average price per person: $45
“Western-style”
“Open Late”
Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen
4.3/515 Review
Average price per person: $29
“Snacks”
“Famous Restaurants”
Tanta
4.3/510 Review
Average price per person: $45
“Japanese”
“Spectacular Views”
Michael Jordan’s Steak House
4.8/517 Review
Average price per person: $34
“Western-style”
Weber Grill Restaurant
5.0/52 Review
Average price per person: $59
“Barbeque”
Discover the Real Chicago With a Local Expert
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#Recommended
#nationalpark
#lakes
#chicago
2024wish
Staying grounded in the Windy City – Chicago
Cynthia Wild
19
Sheraton on the Chicago River| It makes me want to stay for a week without getting tired
PORTER HOFFMAN
3
wheretogo
Smart Museum of Art 🎨✨
Av.ra
4
wheretogo
Museum of Contemporary Photography 👀✨
Av.ra
6
wheretogo
River Esplanade Park 💦✨
Av.ra
4
wheretogo
Shedd Aquarium 🐋✨
Av.ra
4
chicago
Chicago’s Urban Jungle
帅哥Nomad
15
2023travelwish
#2023travelwish #mytripvlog So this time … AGU Conference in Chicago, USA A few pictures of Chicago from this last week’s AGU meeting. It was a cloudy and wet week but AGU was fun with science, colleagues, and friends. Life is getting back to normal after a couple of years of isolation. About AGU: AGU (American Geophysical Union) is an international, nonprofit scientific association whose mission is to promote discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity. my wish… I wanna travel to Austria for research conferences , or Philippine/Indonesia to look at volcanoes 🌋…
Aq**512
28
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What People Are Saying About Chicago
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The Art Institute of Chicago
云石雨
The Chicago Museum of Art was built in 1891 and is located in downtown Chicago, on the shores of Lake Michigan, and is connected by three three-story buildings. Collection of exhibits is extremely rich, mainly painting, sculpture, supplemented by architecture, photography, crafts, textiles, etc., time span from ancient Egyptian pottery in 3000 BC and even contemporary Pop art, mainly Greek, Roman, European and American art, both India, Southeast Asia, Artworks from China, Japan, Korea, Africa and the Americas can be called the Museum of the World.
Field Museum
_TI***x0
The Field Museum in Chicago offers an unforgettable journey through natural history and cultural exploration. From towering dinosaur skeletons to ancient artifacts from civilizations around the world, the museum provides an immersive experience for visitors of all ages.One of the museum’s highlights is Sue, the largest, most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever discovered. Standing in awe of Sue’s massive bones is a must-do for any dinosaur enthusiast. Additionally, the Evolving Planet exhibit takes visitors on a journey through the history of life on Earth, showcasing fascinating fossils and interactive displays.Beyond paleontology, the Field Museum boasts an impressive array of cultural artifacts from civilizations across the globe. From Egyptian mummies to intricate Native American artifacts, the museum offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of human history.The museum’s dedication to education is evident throughout, with informative exhibits and knowledgeable staff on hand to answer questions and provide insight. Families will appreciate the hands-on learning opportunities available in the Crown Family PlayLab, where young explorers can engage in interactive activities and experiments.With its diverse collection and engaging exhibits, the Field Museum offers something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re a history buff, a science enthusiast, or simply curious about the world around you, the Field Museum promises an enriching and memorable experience.
Millennium Park
云石雨
Millennial Park is located in the heart of Chicago, USA, relying on the beautiful Lake Michigan, one of the most popular attractions in Chicago. The “cloud gate” in the park is a chic landscape, like a haha mirror to the whole Chicago, which is amazing.
Willis Tower
_TI***pg
It’s absolutely amazing. 103 floors up. Don’t be a wimp go out into the glass box! Enjoy the view. You can get back in line after your 1 minute is up. They time you based on your group size to move the line. It’s such a cool experience. Worth the $30. On the way to the elevator they give you a cool back history lesson on the fires of Chicago that led to the architectural renaissance and his Chicago started a lot of America’s modern style of construction. Take your time, savor every moment. I’d recommend going into the box and taking crazy pictures but then get back in line and savor the minute or two you get without the worries of taking pictures. Just absorb the view it’s worth it. love this tower view
Historic Route 66 Begin Sign
云石雨
Route 66 was affectionately called the Mother’s Road and Main Street, the early artery of the United States, and today the “pilgrimage road” of freedom, dreams and hope. Although Route 66 has been removed from the U.S. highway system, coming to Chicago to see the starting point of Route 66 will definitely be the beginning of your healing journey.
Cloud Gate
云石雨
The mirror effect of the statue is reminiscent of the haha mirror in the amusement park in Chicago, USA, but these effects have a more serious purpose, and the huge “cloud door” looks quite lightweight. The “Cloud Gate” is considered Kapoor’s most ambitious work because of the complex structure of this mirror-shaped artwork.
Chinatown
Shirley Liu
I haven’t come for 4 years. After the epidemic, I still have a sense of intimacy in Chinatown in Chicago. There are more shops, and there are many tourists at 7 pm. Dinner in Phoenix Restaurant, is one of the best choices in Chicago. The dishes taste very authentic and deeply feel the friendly human touch.
Navy Pier
palettes_ny
If you want to unlock the different night view of Chicago, you must come to the Navy Pier. There are not many tourists in Chicago at night. Everything is quiet. Sitting on a bench by the sea, blowing the sea breeze, overlooking the dimly lit city skyline in downtown Chicago. It is also an iconic attraction in Chicago. It will have a different atmosphere during the day and night. The brightly lit Ferris wheel, order a beer and sit outdoors, look up at the starry night sky. The pier was built in 1914-1916, and it was the world’s largest pier in that year. It was used as a naval training base, so it was named the Navy Pier. Today, the pier is mainly used as public transportation and short-haul passenger ships. There is also the Chicago Children’s Museum and an amusement park nearby. It is also very suitable for family and children. A large pier park
360 CHICAGO
LinaAmalina
The view was great! We managed to catch the sunset from there it was beautiful.
Riverwalk
_TI***6e
One of my favorite places in Chicago! The Riverwalk is very well maintained, and the night view is very beautiful. There are some bars that you can sit down the enjoy the view. It can get crowded during summer (but was closed temporarily due to COVID). On one side is the great view of the art projection on Merchandise Mart, and if you continue walking toward the lake, it can get pretty close to navy pier (still requires some additional walking, but wouldn’t be too far). St Patrick’s day will be very fun to see the green river! maw mandi dulu ah
What People Are Asking About Chicago
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What’s the most popular attractions in Chicago?
Here are the best places to visit in Chicago, including: Millennium Park,Art Institute of Chicago,Willis Tower
Any dishes can’t you miss in Chicago 2020?
Try Beefsteak,American style pizza,Hamburger
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