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With steely skyscrapers, top chefs, renowned museums and rocking festivals, the Windy City will blow you away with its multifaceted splendors.

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Wrigley Field

Built in 1914, Wrigley Field – aka the Friendly Confines – is the second-oldest baseball park in the major leagues. It’s home to the Chicago Cubs and…

Museum of Science & Industry

The MSI is the largest science museum in the Western hemisphere and a place to completely geek out. Highlights include a WWII German U-boat nestled in an…

Art Institute of Chicago

The second-largest art museum in the country, the Art Institute houses a treasure trove from around the globe. The collection of impressionist and…

Millennium Park

There's free admission to Millennium Park, the playful heart of the city. It shines with whimsical public art, both permanent and temporary exhibits, and…

Willis Tower

Willis Tower is Chicago's tallest building (and one of the world's loftiest). Breathe deeply during the ear-popping, 70-second elevator ride to the 103rd…

Field Museum of Natural History

The Field Museum houses some 30 million artifacts and includes everything but the kitchen sink – beetles, mummies, gemstones, Bushman the stuffed ape –…

Half-mile-long Navy Pier is one of Chicago's most-visited attractions, sporting a 196ft Ferris wheel and other carnival rides ($9 to $18 each), an IMAX…

National Museum of Mexican Art

Founded in 1982, this vibrant museum – the largest Latinx arts institution in the US – has become one of the city’s best. The vivid permanent collection…

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Chicago Magic Lounge

Hidden behind a wall of laundry machines is the secret entrance to Chicago's only purpose-built magic lounge. See amazing feats of prestidigitation seven…

Second City

Bill Murray, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey and more honed their wit at this slick venue with nightly shows. The Mainstage and ETC stage host sketch revues …

Steppenwolf Theatre

Steppenwolf is Chicago’s top stage for quality, provocative theater productions. The Hollywood-heavy ensemble includes Gary Sinise, John Malkovich, Martha…

Lincoln Park

The park that gave the neighborhood its name is Chicago’s largest. Its 1200 acres stretch for 6 miles from North Ave north to Diversey Pkwy, where it…

Beatrix buzzes with business types, ladies who lunch and tourists staying at the attached hotel. Light-wood tables and mason jars full of seeds form the…

Rosa’s Lounge

Rosa’s is an unadorned, real-deal blues club that brings in top local talent and dedicated fans to a somewhat derelict Logan Square block. Get ready to…

Violet Hour

Wicker Park, Bucktown & Ukrainian Village

This nouveau speakeasy isn’t marked, so look for the wood-paneled building with a full mural and a yellow light over the door. Inside, high-backed booths,…

Grant Achatz' West Loop restaurant remains one of the hottest tickets in town. And we mean it literally – you need a ticket to dine at Next, which…

Green Door Tavern

The Green Door, tucked in an 1872 building, is your place to mingle with locals over a beer and well-made burger amid old photos and memorabilia. During…

Palmer House Hilton

Palmer House has been around since 1875 and the lobby still has an awe-inspiring opulence – Tiffany chandeliers, marble pillars, ceiling frescoes – that…

Buddy Guy's Legends

Top local and national acts wail on the stage of local icon Buddy Guy. The man himself usually plays a series of shows in January; tickets go on sale in…

The top 22 free things to do in Chicago

Pritzker Pavilion

Pritzker Pavilion is Millennium Park's acoustically awesome band shell. Architect Frank Gehry designed it and gave it his trademark swooping silver…

Charnley-Persky House

While he was still working for Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright (who was 19 at the time) designed the 11-room Charnley-Persky House, which sparked a new…

TheMart, as the Merchandise Mart is now called, is the world’s largest commercial building. Spanning two city blocks, the 1931 behemoth has its own zip…

Signature Lounge

Take the elevator to the 96th floor of the building formerly called the John Hancock Center and order a (pricey) beverage while looking out over the city…

Stony Island Arts Bank

Artist-activist Theaster Gates bought a tumbledown bank building for $1 in Chicago's neglected South Shore neighborhood, and transformed it into a…

Maggie Daley Park

Families love this park’s fanciful, free playgrounds in all their enchanted-forest and pirate-themed glory. There’s also a rock-climbing wall, an 18-hole…

Lincoln Park Zoo

The zoo has been around since 1868 and is a local freebie favorite, filled with lions, zebras, snow monkeys and other exotic creatures in the shadow of…

Chicago Cultural Center

This exquisite, beaux-arts building began its life as the Chicago Public Library in 1897. Today the block-long structure houses terrific art exhibitions …

Garfield Park Conservatory

Built in 1907, these two acres under glass are a lovely spot to while away a few hours sauntering around rooms of palms, ferns, orchids and koi-filled…

Hometown indie bands, jazz combos and DJs rock this wee, arty bar most nights. There’s never a cover charge, but you’d be a schmuck if you didn’t order at…

Design Museum of Chicago

This small industrial space in the Block 37 mall puts on nifty free exhibitions about contemporary and historical design. The shows change every four…

Buckingham Fountain

Grant Park's centerpiece is one of the world's largest fountains, with a 1.5-million-gallon capacity and a 15-story-high spray. It lets loose on the hour…

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Chicago may be big on experiences, but that doesn't mean you have to fork over big bucks. Here are our tips for navigating the Windy City on a budget.

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Chicago is the US's third-largest city, but efficient public transportation makes it easy to explore. Get to know the Windy City on the L, Metra and buses.

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Chicago is jam-packed with fun activities and not all of them are designed to blow your budget. Here are 22 totally free things to do in the Windy City.

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With its wealth of interactive museums, fabulous parks, jaw-dropping architecture and family-friendly attitude, Chicago is tailor-made for travel with kids.

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24 travel tips every first-time Chicago visitor needs to know

Chicago is a friendly city for tourists, but we’ve collected a few useful things to know before you arrive.

Welcome to Chicago! We’re glad you’re here (or considering a trip, at least). Whether you’re visiting on business or pleasure, we know it can be daunting to travel to a new city for the first time. There are logistical hurdles: figuring out the public transportation options , navigating the grid system, knowing the best neighborhoods to stay in. And then there are the cultural questions: What’s the best time to visit? What should you do with your time? Is deep dish truly all it's cracked up to be? We’ve drawn from our experience as Chicagoans, and polled our own visiting friends, to help prepare you for what you should know as a new arrival.

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Chicago travel tips for first-time visitors

1.  Take the "L" to and from the airports.

Beat the traffic and surcharges and skip the taxi or rideshare when you arrive. Our regular Chicago Transit Authority "L" (short for "elevated") trains offer direct service to both Chicago airports: the Blue Line serving O’Hare and Orange Line for Midway International Airport. A $2.50 fare from Midway or $5 from O’Hare for regular service downtown in under an hour feels like a steal to us when we travel to other cities without such easy airport access.

2.  Get a three-day (or seven-day) CTA pass.

No need to rent a car if you're sticking close to the city. In the smartphone age, the CTA is easy enough to navigate even for newbies. Fares, though, can be a little harder to keep track of: You could load a dollar amount onto a Ventra card and then try to do the math every time you spend $2.50 on a train ride and $2.25 on a bus—or maybe that counted as a $0.25 transfer if it was within two hours of your last ride? Much easier to buy a three-day pass, which is $15 for 72 hours of unlimited rides. If you’re staying longer, a seven-day pass on a new Ventra card will run you just $20—totally worth it if you’re spending that much time here. All can be purchased from the Ventra vending kiosks at either airport and any CTA station, as well as many supermarkets and pharmacies.

3.  If you do drive, download the ParkChicago app.

If you’re driving into the city and want to use your car while you’re here, download ParkChicago ( parkchicago.com ) to your phone for all your street parking needs. Create an account with your license plate number and link a credit card, and you’ll pay in the app using the zone number printed on signs like this one where paid street parking is available. Rates vary by neighborhood. (Many residential streets will be marked permit-only, while a blessed few unmarked streets are actually free to park on—check carefully for signage before you assume.)

4.  While you’re at it, download all of these apps to help you get around.

Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze will give you solid directions, and the Uber and Lyft apps can find you a ride at just about any address and any time of the day or night (most rideshare drivers work for both services, in our experience). Transit Stop  is our favorite for real-time arrival projections for L trains and bus routes, and if you’re a nervous navigator, you can tell the app exactly where you’re going and it will give you a heads up when your stop is approaching. Check out more transportation apps we love here .

5.  Get the gist of the grid system.

Unlike a lot of cities, Chicago’s streets are laid out on a generally reliable grid system. Here’s the quick-and-dirty version: The intersection of State and Madison Streets, smack in the middle of the Loop, is the zero point of the grid. Street numbers fan out from there on north-south and east-west axes, and every eight blocks (outside of the Loop, at least) equals a mile. There are angle streets and river branches and historical quirks here and there to create confusion and six-corner intersections, but the grid is a solid foundation for getting around. Also, if you remember nothing else, east is always towards the Lake. 

6.  Give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going.

In a city of almost 3 million people, delays are almost bound to happen whether you’re on the L or on the expressway (which, by the way, is what we call our controlled-access highways, a.k.a. freeways, interstates or motorways). If you’re trying to make an appointment with a rigid start time—whether it’s a meeting, a dinner reservation or a theater curtain—allow more time than you think you need, just to be safe.

7.  Tipping is standard for many services. Here's how to do it.

In the United States, tipping is customary for service in several situations, and the standard rates in Chicago may be higher than you’re used to elsewhere in the country. At sit-down restaurants, where you have a server taking your order at your table and seeing to your needs through your meal, you should tip at least 20 percent of your total bill for good service. If you’re out for drinks, a dollar per drink is usually fine if you’re ordering from the bar—more if they’re complicated cocktails.

If the establishment accepts credit cards, you can add the tip onto your total when you sign the bill. Many restaurants and coffee shops also now have a payment system that allows you to add a tip automatically to your bill via credit or debit card, and calculates the percentage for you.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, some restaurants and bars will add a surcharge to your bill to compensate for lost revenue and increased costs as a result of the pandemic. This charge is not a replacement for a tip, and you should still prepare to add a tip on your bill. 

Other situations will call for cash tips: Give a valet parking attendant a couple of dollars when they retrieve your car, and tip a bellhop or skycap a buck or two for each of your bags they handle. Hotel housekeeping staff should be tipped about $5 per day of your stay, which you can leave out in the room when you check out.

8.  You might need cash in other situations, too.

While it’s increasingly uncommon, there are a remaining few cash-only venues around the city that don’t accept credit cards—among them, some of our favorite dive bars and cheap eats establishments. It’s also good to have cash on hand if you’re planning on visiting any summer street festivals or looking to make a purchase at art or craft fairs; many small vendors can now accept credit cards via services like Square, but it's a good idea to bring cash just in case (and to avoid the high fees that are often found at on-site event ATMs). 

9.  Be prepared to have your purse or bag searched at large venues.

Whether you’re a business commuter or a tourist, unless you’re driving your own car everywhere you go you’ll probably be carrying a purse, tote, briefcase or bag of some kind to lug your stuff around. Security precautions at certain large venues—stadiums and ballparks, theaters, concert venues and music festivals—will mean an agent asking to take a cursory peek inside your bag before you go in; it’s standard practice. Certain venues, though, won’t allow very large bags or specific items inside at all, and they won’t be able to hold anything for you at the gate or the cloakroom. If you don’t want to find yourself making a trip back to your car or hotel and missing part of your event, it’s best to check the rules ahead of time.

10.  Skip the chains and stay in one of these local hotels…

You can stay in a Hyatt or a Hilton anywhere you go. When you’re here, splurge instead on one of the best hotels in Chicago —unique digs like the Chicago Athletic Association or the Ace Hotel. Or look at the city’s best boutique hotels , gems like the Freehand, Hotel Lincoln or the Robey.

11.  …or try an Airbnb, like one of these intriguing options.

Rent out an extravagant apartment or a homey condo for the duration of your stay—we’ve chosen some of the city’s most attractive options  here .

12.  There’s nothing “too touristy” about taking a tour.

The Chicago Architecture Foundation’s boat tours along the Chicago River are, frankly, one of our favorite reasons to have out-of-town guests (and they're fun to check out even when we don't have out-of-town guests). It’s just one of dozens of the best tours of Chicago , including walking tours and bike tours. You can also find food tours or brewery tours to maximize your use of time.

13.  Or take a self-guided tour of our best public art.

The unnamed Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza and, more recently, Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate (a.k.a. “The Bean”) have become symbols of the city. But there’s great public art to be found all over the place in Chicago, from murals by Hebru Brantley to mosaics by Marc Chagall to sculptures like Lorado Taft’s Fountain of Time . Even the enormous facade of the Merchandise Mart  has become a canvas for video art with the Art on theMART program.

14.  Bring comfortable walking shoes.

Chicago’s terrain is relatively flat and you won't find many hills to climb, unless you’ve built a side trip to one of our nearby hiking trails into your visit. But you’ll probably wind up doing more walking than you might think. Our city blocks are long, and both CTA stations and parking spots can be a good distance from your destinations.

15.  Wear layers. Year-round.

The weather in Chicago can fluctuate wildly in a matter of hours: Summer storms roll in out of nowhere, or the temperature rises 30 degrees Fahrenheit from morning to midday. If you’re going to be out on the town all day, it’s best to dress with options to shed or layer on as the day progresses. Even at the height of summer or winter this is true: Pitchfork  or Lollapalooza summer festival attendees in tank tops and short-shorts often find themselves wishing for a hoodie when the evening chill sets in, and there’s nothing worse than the overheated feel of being too bundled up on a packed CTA car in January.

16.  But summer is what we do best.

We can make a great case for every season in Chicago, but it’s hard to deny that summer is when visitors and residents alike can take the best advantage of what the city has to offer. After a long winter, Chicagoans scramble outside to outdoor dining and rooftop bars , our great public parks , Cubs and White Sox games, and of course to one of Chicago’s finest features—the 26 miles of beaches and open lakefront that make up the city’s eastern edge. We take our summers seriously.

17.  Speaking of summer, street festivals are a must.

We’ve already breathlessly sung the praises of summer in Chicago, but summer festival season deserves a shoutout all its own. Every weekend from spring well into autumn, there are multiple lively festivals to choose from, each with delicious food, live music and other fun activities to explore. From art fairs and cultural and LGBTQ+ festivals to exuberant, jam-packed concerts and celebrations of a specific food or drink item (e.g. Ribfest, Apple Fest and something called Seltzerland), there’s truly something for every taste. 

18.  Get out of downtown.

A lot of the city’s hotels are clustered in River North, on the Mag Mile and in the Loop. Not coincidentally, so are a lot of chain restaurants and tourist traps. (It’s no surprise the only TGI Friday’s in the city is just off Michigan Avenue). Just like visiting Times Square doesn’t mean you’ve seen New York City, if you want to see how Chicago really lives, you’ll need to venture out into the neighborhoods. We like to call this a city of neighborhoods, and each area of the city has its own identity and attractions. Start here with our neighborhood guides .

19.  You could spend a week on museums alone.

Remember we said you’d be doing a lot of walking? A good chunk of that could take place inside Chicago’s must-see museums . The Art Institute alone is the second-largest museum in the United States—at over a million square feet and with 300,000 pieces in its collection, don’t expect to knock it off your list in an afternoon. You’ll have to pay admission to most of the big institutions; free days are generally offered only to Illinois residents, but a Chicago CityPASS is a good way to get discounted admission to several. And plenty of smaller free museums and galleries never charge admission and are definitely worth your while.

20.  We still love Old Style, but we’re increasingly a craft beer town.

While Chicago has always been a beer-loving city, there was a dark period of a decade or so after Peter Hand Brewing closed in 1978 when no beer was actually being made here. The closest you could get to a “local brew” was stuff from Milwaukee. But in the late ’80s and early ’90s, a few hops-headed entrepreneurs launched Chicago’s first brewpubs, where beer was made and drank on the same premises. One of these, Goose Island, made its first foray into bottling and distribution in 1995; within another decade, the craft beer boom had begun. Now, Goose sits alongside names like Half Acre, Revolution and Lagunitas on any list of Chicago’s best breweries , but there are well over 100 breweries operating in the city and suburbs, many of which have attached taprooms and offer brewery tours,  and events like FOBAB (Festival of Barrel-Aged Beers) and Illinois Craft Beer Week have become tourist draws all their own.

21.  You can (and should) skip the Magnificent Mile.

We mentioned the chain restaurants around Michigan Avenue. Well, these days most of the shops lining the pedestrian-packed sidewalks of the Mag Mile are also outposts of department stores and brands you can find elsewhere in the country (or even elsewhere in the city). For more unique retail, look where the locals do: great shopping neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Bucktown, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Logan Square or Andersonville.

22.  Experience the local sports culture.

From the Michael Jordan-led Bulls dynasty in the ‘90s to recent championship titles by the Blackhawks, Cubs and Sky, Chicago prides itself on heavy-hitting sports teams and wildly passionate fans. With most stadiums easily accessible by train or bus and single-game tickets relatively affordable if you book in advance (it’s possible to get White Sox tickets for as little as $8 , for example), cheering on one of the many local teams with a hot dog and an Old Style in hand is a great way to spend an afternoon in Chicago. 

If you’re not much of a sports person, it still helps to know when the local teams are playing for getting-around purposes. If you’re heading north on the Red Line and the Cubs are in town, be prepared for a packed-to-the-gills train or bus and possible delays. There’s even a handy website for quick references.

23.  There’s way more to Chicago theater than downtown, and more to comedy than Second City.

The big musicals that visit the Loop under the banner of Broadway in Chicago are a major tourist draw; some visitors build their trips to Chicago around getting to see Broadway-style shows without having to go to New York. And hey, we’re not going to tell you not to see Hamilton  (or whatever other marquee show is playing) if that’s what brings you here. But Chicago’s homegrown theater isn’t centralized around a theater district. Instead, theaters large and small have cropped up across the city and suburbs; you can catch a show in neighborhoods from Lincoln Park to Jefferson Park, Back of the Yards to Grand Crossing, and many residents become loyal subscribers of the theaters in their own backyards. Similarly, while Second City has produced a lot of famous names, it’s not the only game in town for the improv and sketch comedy Chicago’s famous for. You’ll find a greater variety of shows (and possibly more comfortable seats) at Lincoln Lodge or the Annoyance, and many more of the city’s best comedy nights take place in bars, bookstores and other non-theater venues.

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4 Days in Chicago: Ultimate Travel Guide

Published: Mar 11, 2022 · Modified: Feb 5, 2023 by Angela Lietzke · This post may contain affiliate links · 9 Comments

So, you're going to Chicago or want to plan a trip. What to EAT in Chicago? What to SEE in Chicago? What to DO in Chicago? Keep reading to find the answers to all your questions and make the most out of your vacation in this 4 Days in Chicago: Ultimate Travel Guide.

Chicago has been on my travel bucket list for a while, so when I had the opportunity to travel there for a food blogger conference, I knew I had to go. Since I was traveling for work, I made sure to add in enough time to explore and experience the city.

Other than the two days I attended the conference, my husband and I had two and a half days to be tourists, so we had 4 days in Chicago ! We packed our days full of food and fun, and we were able to see a lot!

Where to STAY in Chicago?

We stayed at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel . This Venetian Gothic style building is a boutique hotel with 241 rooms. The architecture and ornate interior are breathtakingly beautiful. From the hotel rooftop restaurant and bar, Cindy's , you can take in the views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. This hotel is conveniently located across the street from Millennial Park and within walking distance to an "L" train station and numerous Chicago attractions and restaurants.

I found the history of the Chicago Athletic Association building to be interesting as well. It originally opened in 1893 as a private athletic club for Chicago’s most rich and powerful men. The building was repurposed as a boutique hotel in 2015 and now their doors are open to everyone.

We were thrilled with our hotel choice. The service, views, and location were exactly what we hoped for. In my opinion, the only downside to this hotel was wait time due to slow elevators and a smaller than average room size.

Where to EAT in Chicago?

I came to Chicago to eat! All of our meals were delicious and we were not disappointed with any of the food. I researched Chicago's best restaurants and made reservations at a couple. If you have a specific restaurant and date/time in mind, you should make reservations about a month in advance. I made reservations two weeks in advance and still had a difficult time getting in everywhere we wanted. Where we ate in Chicago :

The Purple Pig

Since opening in 2009, The Purple Pig has been recognized on numerous "Best Restaurant" lists around the city and the country. The chef, Jimmy Bannos Jr., was dubbed the "Prince of Pork" and named James Beard, Rising Star Chef of 2014. The Purple Pig has been on my "bucket list" of Chicago restaurants for a while. The menu showcases the Mediterranean flavors of Italy, Greece, and Spain. The service and the food were both amazing and we left with full hearts and bellies.

Favorite plates: Grilled Broccoli with Anchovy Vinaigrette and Milk Braised Berkshire Shoulder Would we return to this restaurant? YES

Girl & the Goat

Girl and the Goat was the first reservation I made when planning our trip to Chicago. I'm a huge fan of the Bravo show Top Chef, so I knew I wanted to visit the restaurant of season 4 winner, Stephanie Izard. Although the service felt very rushed (we were in and out in under an hour), the small plates they serve were innovative, delicious, and made for sharing. My husband and I ordered four plates to share.

Favorite plates: Goat Empanadas and Roasted Oysters with Sausage Butter Would we return to this restaurant? Most likely - I'm curious to return to try other dishes and hope that service won't be uncomfortably rushed next time.

The Gage was a pleasant surprise because we didn't have reservations or plan to eat there. We simply chose the restaurant for dinner one night because it was conveniently located next door to our hotel, the Chicago Athletic Association. The Gage's inventive American menu ended up being one of my favorite meals. The atmosphere was lively and romantic with candles lit at each table. We tried a lot of food here! We ordered two appetizers, two entrées, and a huge dessert to take back to our hotel room.

Favorite plates: Mussels appetizer, Salmon entrée, and Apple Cobbler with Bourbon Ice Cream Would we return to this restaurant? YES

Testaccio is Southern Italian comfort food at it's finest! My cousin lives in Chicago and she suggested we eat at this restaurant, so you know it's "local approved". Testaccio opened in the summer of 2020, and the owner has a second restaurant right up the street in Logan Square named Osteria Langhe. Since my cousin was dining with us and we wanted to try everything we could, we ordered 5 plates to share. I'm still dreaming about the table of delicious food we received.

Favorite plates: Smoked Lamb Meatballs, Roman Artichokes, and Mezze Maniche al Sugo di Manzo (red wine braised ox tail and beef ragu) Would we return to this restaurant? YES

Cindy's Rooftop

Cindy's Rooftop is the stylish restaurant and bar located at the top of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. Technically, we didn't eat a full meal here, but we did order drinks and chocolate chip cookies! Since we were staying at the hotel we went to get drinks here twice - both times were very crowded and took a little waiting at the bar. The view is worth it! Cindy's Rooftop has one of my favorite views of Chicago - from the heated outdoor patio on the 13th floor you can see Cloud Gate (aka "The Bean") in Millennial Park, skyscrapers, and Lake Michigan. The chocolate chip cookies were delicious as well!

Favorite plates: the cookies 🙂 Would we return to this restaurant? YES- The dinner menu didn't appeal to me, but it changes seasonally, so it may sound tastier next time. Whether we eat there or not, I would definitely go back for the cookies and the view!

Goddess and the Baker

The Goddess and the Baker has multiple locations all over town. We frequented the one located right around the corner from the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel and Millennial Park. Move over Starbucks (we literally walked passed a Starbucks to get coffee here!) Not only was it a convenient walk, but the coffee is a absolutely delicious any way you order it. JJ doesn't like coffee so he ordered their version of hot chocolate - it's called liquid chocolate. Their liquid chocolate is a thick, velvety drink and it almost tastes like you are drinking a melted candy bar. We went here a couple times during our stay and even ordered a quick, satisfying breakfast here one morning.

Favorite: Mayan Mocha (warning: it's spicy) Would we return to this restaurant? YES- and we did multiple times during this vacation

Rosebud Randolph

Rosebud on Randolph was another restaurant that wasn't planned but pleasantly surprised us. The restaurant we were planning to go to for brunch was packed with a line out the door on a cold, windy Sunday morning. Thankfully, we noticed Rosebud serving brunch right next door with no wait time. Of course, JJ found ice cream on the menu and ordered the Bananas Foster French Toast with Vanilla Gelato. JJ let me try a bite and it was so good I had to keep going back for more! My crab cakes were ideal - moist, flavorful, and full of crab meat!

Favorite plates: Bananas Foster French Toast and Crab Cake Benedict Would we return to this restaurant? YES

Lou Malnati's

Of course, a classic Chicago-style deep dish pizza was on my " food bucket list" and I heard Lou Malnati's was the best. It was... fine. It was a fun experience and I'm happy to check it off my bucket list. If you go, give yourself enough time as the pizza takes about 40 minutes to make. We ordered two personal sized deep dish pizzas - one with sausage (the "Malnati Chicago Classic") and one with pepperoni. We both thought the sausage pizza was better. The sauce was flavorful, but the cheese was a little too chewy for my liking and the crust wasn't as buttery soft as I was hoping for.

Favorite plate: Sausage deep dish pizza Would we return to this restaurant? No - but it was a good one-time experience

A Chicago-style hot dog was another item on my "food bucket list". A classic Chicago-style hot dog includes mustard, relish, celery salt, onions, sliced tomatoes, kosher pickle and sport peppers piled onto a poppy seed bun. I read that Portillo's had the best, and it did not disappoint! Their menu is huge and offers a variety of sandwiches, burgers, and pasta, in case you're not in the mood for a hot dog.

Favorite plate: Chicago-style hot dog Would we return to this restaurant? YES - the hot dog was delicious and I'm curious to try more food items on their menu

What to DO in Chicago?

Chicago has so many fun and unique activities to keep you entertained. Although we were only there for a few short days, we packed in as much as we could. To be honest, I was exhausted at the end of this trip, but happy that I was able to see (almost) everything on my Chicago bucket list. Keep in mind, there are hundreds of things to do, but this is what we did in Chicago:

Chicago River Architecture Boat Tour

The Wendella Architecture Boat Tour along the Chicago River was one of our favorite activities in Chicago . We boarded a large open air boat and sailed comfortably down the river listening to a humorous, knowledgeable tour guide. The narrated tour focused on Chicago's architecture and history. We sailed on the 90-minute boat tour, but they also offer shorter 45-minute tours as well. The boat was great, no seat had a bad or obstructed view.

Cost: $40 per adult on the 90-minute tour

The Second City - Comedy Club

Get ready to laugh! The Second City opened it's doors in 1959 and has grown to be a comedy empire. Many well-known comedians got their start and performed at Second City, such as: John Belushi, John Candy, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Chris Farley, Amy Sedaris, Stephen Colbert, Bonnie Hunt, Steve Carell, Tina Fay, and seriously, the list goes on and on. They offer a wide variety of hilarious stand-up, sketch, and improv shows. We saw two comedy shows at Second City - "Clued In" and "Together at Last." Both shows were fun, engaging, and had us laughing out loud.

Cost: around $25 - $60 depending on the date and show you chose

The Art Institute of Chicago

Founded in 1879, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world . It houses the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art outside of the Louvre. It's home to more than 300,000 pieces of art, including some of the world's most well-known masterpieces. The walls are filled with artists, such as Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, O'Keefe, Pollock, and Warhol. It's amazing to be standing so close to a piece of art history. You could spend an entire day walking through this museum. Give yourself enough time to explore everything - we visited on a Sunday morning and spent about 3 hours in the museum.

Cost: $25 for out of state adults

Observation Decks: Skydeck Chicago vs. 360 Chicago

Both observation decks offer breathtaking, expansive views of the city and an educational experience before the main event. Skydeck and 360 Chicago are similarly priced and offer similar views. Personally, I preferred the interactive educational experience and The Ledge experience at Skydeck making that my favorite observation deck of the two.

Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower

The Skydeck is located on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, the eighth tallest building in the world. Before getting on the elevator to the Skydeck, visitors walk through an interactive and educational attraction that highlights the iconic building and celebrates Chicago sports, architecture, pop culture, history, food, music and people. Although we went to the Skydeck during the middle of a workday on a Wednesday, the elevator to the top was packed full of people. From the Skydeck you can look down to see beautiful, extensive views of the city and surrounding buildings.

My favorite part of the Skydeck experience was walking out on The Ledge. The Ledge is a fully enclosed window that juts out a few feet and allows you to walk over the city for a daring and unique view from 103 floors in the air. Luckily, The Ledge was not too busy when we visited which allowed us to spend more time standing above the city. Keep in mind that during busy hours you are limited to 60 seconds on The Ledge.

Cost: $30 per person (prices can vary by day and age)

360 Chicago at John Hancock Building

360 Chicago allows you to view the city and Lake Michigan from the 94th floor of the John Hancock building. Similar to the Skydeck experience, 360 Chicago walks you through an educational tour of the city before you take the elevator to the main attraction at the top. Personally, I preferred the more interactive attraction before the Skydeck experience. The view from 360 Chicago differs slightly from the Skydeck because at 360 Chicago you are at the edge of Lake Michigan, while Skydeck is in the heart of the city. We enjoyed being so close to the water and looking out at one of the Great Lakes.

360 Chicago offers the TILT experience which is known as "Chicago's highest thrill ride." TILT extends over the side of the building giving visitors a unique downward view of the city below. Unlike the Skydeck, the 94th floor of the John Hancock building has a bar and numerous tables and chairs. After walking all over the city, I enjoyed being able to sit for a while with a drink in my hand at Bar 94.

Cost: $30 (more if you add a drink ticket or TILT experience)

FREE Attractions in Chicago

Cloud Gate (aka "The Bean") in Millennial Park

Millennial Park offers many attractions (ice skating, rock wall, putt putt golf, etc.) and Cloud Gate is one of the most popular. Cloud Gate was unveiled in 2004 and is one of the largest permanent outdoor art installations. The shiny, stainless steel exterior reflects city skyscrapers on one side and the green space of the park on the other. The Bean is 33 feet high, 42 feet wide, and 66 feet long. It weighs about 110 tons.

Chicago Riverwalk

Get your walking shoes on! The Chicago Riverwalk is a 1.25 mile long multi-use public space. Public art, water activities, playscapes, and restaurants can be found along the Riverwalk. Each section of the Riverwalk has its own theme.

Magnificent Mile

Keep your walking shoes on and head to the Magnificent Mile . The Magnificent Mile is a 0.8 mile strip of Michigan Avenue and is Chicago’s premier commercial district. The vibrant, bustling area is home to upscale shops, trendy restaurants and posh hotels.

Save Money with CityPASS

If you plan to visit multiple top Chicago attractions, consider buying a CityPASS ticket. You can pay to get entry into either 3 or 5 top attractions and save money by buying in bulk.

Transportation

Chicago is a very walkable city, so make sure to pack comfortable shoes to walk around town. If your destination requires a longer commute, try to ride the "L" train everywhere you can. The "L" stands for elevated because most of the trains run elevated above the city streets.

Taxis and Uber are very easy to find as well, but they will be much more expensive than a train ride. Originally, I had planned to Uber around town until I realized how convenient and cheap the "L" was to ride. We bought the $5 day pass daily which allowed us unlimited use of the train and bus system. You can get to almost any destination I mentioned above by riding the train or a bus. At the end of our vacation, we even rode the train to the airport.

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March 20, 2022 at 11:19 pm

Chicago has so much culture. I would love to check out the art and the food scene looks amazing

March 20, 2022 at 8:15 pm

I love visiting Chicago! I didn't realize how cheap a day pass was for the train, great to know. Thank you!

March 20, 2022 at 5:19 am

Wow, the view from the outdoor patio at Cindy’s is amazing! In general, I would love to see the bean with my own eyes - such a unique place and great photo spot. And good job with this article!

March 16, 2022 at 7:39 pm

Great post! I'll definitely make use of your restaurant recommendations when I visit Chicago. They all look soo good.

March 16, 2022 at 10:10 am

Chicago is one of my favorite cities, and you included so many of my favorites! I haven't been in a few years but counting down until I get to go back!

simplyjolayne

March 16, 2022 at 10:05 am

Not sure how I would stay trim if I was a travel foodie. There are so many good things out there to try and I am sure I would say, "Well, I need to try this for my blog! And this. And this. And this!"

March 16, 2022 at 2:32 am

This is a great review, the food and views sound amazing.. That alone is reason to add to the 'DO' List... thank you for sharing

March 12, 2022 at 10:59 am

Would love a trip back to Chicago. Been 20 years and far too long.

March 12, 2022 at 10:51 am

Chicago has been on my bucket list for so long! It looks like such an incredible city! I'd love to see Cloud Gate and soak up the views from the Skydeck. I can't wait to get there one day! Thanks for the great guide!

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23 Best Things to Do in Chicago

By Nicole Schnitzler

Home to 77 neighborhoods, a robust lineup of festivals, a sprawling waterfront, and charming parks and walkways throughout, Chicago packs in something for every one of its locals. Add to that list award-winning theaters, iconic architecture, and a dynamic dining scene, and you’re looking at a world-class destination, too—smack dab in America’s heartland. The city’s draws only continue to grow, thanks to arrivals in everything from music venues to Michelin-starred restaurants—and the town’s hospitality remains strong, invested in helping others to enjoy those experiences across the board. From an education in the arts to an entirely outdoors itinerary (and plenty of easy-to-elegant noshes along the way), here are some of the best things to do in Chicago now.

Read our complete Chicago travel guide here.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Garfield Park Conservatory Arrow

Step into the humid, glass-enclosed domes of Garfield Park where the air is clean thanks to thousands of jewel-toned plant specimens filtering toxins throughout. The space is fashionably untamed across its verdant showcase of flora from wet and dry environments, and those between. Spread across twelve acres, there's abundance year-round, from the colorful spring flower show to permanent indoor exhibits and holiday displays. Plant and garden enthusiasts should make the conservatory—easily accessed by Green Line—one of their stops.

Pizza City USA Arrow

In writing his book Pizza City USA , James Beard Award-winning food reporter Steve Dolinsky had organized the city into 10 different styles of pizza, quickly understanding Chicago’s wide array of pie styles. That research led him to start a tour showcasing that range, offering him and a team of “doughcents” a chance to tout Chicago’s diverse pizza scene to visitors and locals alike. There are four different kinds of tours, each exploring 3-4 styles of pizza. A walking tour Friday nights (downtown), a bus tour (various neighborhoods), and a walking tour (West Loop) on Saturdays, and a walking tour on Sundays (Bucktown/Wicker Park). Though the venues vary by tour, you can expect stops at favorites like Labriola (deep pan), My Pi (deep-dish), Robert’s (artisan), Paulie Gee’s Logan Square (Detroit-style), Eataly, and Bar Cargo (Roman). Get ready to grow your pizza IQ—in addition to discussing the range of pie styles, the team shares plenty of ‘za terminology and local history.

Urban Kayaks Arrow

Kayaking on the Chicago River or lake front is one way to shake up your perspective while visiting. Urban Kayaks offers tours along either. Move through the pulsing heart of the city on the river or travel Lake Michigan and circle Museum Campus (featuring the Field Museum , Adler Planetarium , Shedd Aquarium and Soldier Field). A night tour on the river boasts views of the glowing Merchandise Mart, which is showered in rotating, digital art displays projected onto the building. A one and a half hour skyline paddle in Lake Michigan gives you all the tourist sites without the foot traffic and crowds, showing you Grant Park and Navy Pier on a route few tourists trek.

The Salt Shed Arrow

The team responsible for some of Chicago’s best restaurants and concert halls is behind this hugely popular newcomer, housed within the iconic Morton Salt building on the North Branch of the Chicago River. The indoor-outdoor space made a soft debut last summer and continues those rollouts this year, with indoor shows this past winter and a full lineup this summer (including acts like First Aid Kit, Pretty Lights, Caamp, and Tash Sultana). Multi-level ticketing tiers help guests in selecting their vantage point for shows. Even if you don’t have prime sightlines every time (now considered the largest independent concert venue in Chicago, the space has a capacity of 5,000 for outdoor shows and 3,500 for indoors), you’re still in luck: They feature a state-of-the-art sound system by L-Acoustics. The venue also features a solid lineup of local food options, including Pizza Friendly Pizza and Café Tola. Find them in the outdoor Fairgrounds space (perfect for grabbing a bite pre-show).

Olivia Morelli

Tony Perrottet

Jahnavi Bhatt

Federica Bocco

The Morton Arboretum Arrow

Located about 30 minutes west of downtown Chicago, the Morton Arboretum feels like a world away. It's a pastoral escape that feeds the mind and heart. Art installations on site are rotated seasonally, several of them are dedicated to the natural sciences, such as the living exhibit dedicated to tree growth. 'Human+Nature' is the current installation here, showcasing the work of acclaimed sculptor Daniel Popper. Five pieces are currently on display in various locations across the arboretum's 1,700 acres, making this Popper's largest exhibition to date anywhere in the world. Open from 7:00 a.m. to sunset, daily—it's a relative bargain at $16 a ticket. With a maze garden and over 16 miles of hiking trail, this is the ideal urban getaway for outdoorsy sorts looking to decompress.

Wrigley Field Arrow

Iconic Wrigley Field is arguably one of Chicago's most storied landmarks, with millions of baseball fans flocking to the stadium just to get a photo in front of the iconic Wrigley Field Marquee (whether they’re rooting for the Cubs or not). The stadium anchors the Wrigleyville neighborhood, which has experienced a boon in development. A new outdoor plaza, luxury hotels, and an influx of restaurants/bars have boosted the area's cultural cachet, so it's worth hanging around before or after your stop at the stadium.

Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago Arrow

The MCA is one of the city’s museums that’s in a near constant state of transition. With its relatively small permanent collection, it relies on special shows—from large scale installations to video, fashion, music, photography, and more—that showcase just as many rising local talents and underground, avant-garde renegades as recognizable names. Past exhibits include David Bowie Is, Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg, and Virgil Abloh: Figures of Speech.   It also has one of the best gift shops (ever) and is home to Marisol, where chef Jason Hammel puts forth thoughtful, seasonal cuisine. Come summer, visit for their “Tuesday on the Terrace” music series, along with 21 Minus, an annual festival celebrating the next generation of artists.

Midway Plaisance Arrow

Known simply as the Midway, this mile-long natural stretch on the South Side connects the east end's Washington Park to Jackson Park on the west. Once the site of amusements during the 1893 Columbian World's Exposition (AKA World's Fair), the Midway is flanked by Hyde Park's noted gothic architecture, particularly the University of Chicago campus, and tree-lined boulevards, as well as outfitted with an ice skating rink and other facilities to keep folks visiting year-round.

Lincoln Park Zoo Arrow

Located in the heart of Chicago's Lincoln Park, this zoo offers free, family-friendly entertainment year-round including the festive Zoolights around the holidays (reservations are required for all visits though). The sprawling grounds are seamlessly woven into the park’s landscape, balancing open, natural spaces and numerous animal exhibits. If you skip the pricey concessions (but maybe spring for a paddle boat ride), Lincoln Park Zoo is a great option to keep all ages occupied while staying on a budget. Visit the animals, take a spin on the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel or the Lionel Train Adventure, and enjoy family-friendly dining options, such as Bird’s Eye Bar & Grill or the Patio at Café Brauer. 

Art Institute of Chicago Arrow

If you're coming to Chicago for culture, you're hitting the Art Institute first. It is the city's grandest museum, a Beaux Arts gem flanked by two bronze lions that are as much a symbol of the city as the Willis Tower and it has as fine an impressionist collection as you'll find anywhere. While you're there, plan to take a stroll through Millennium Park next door.

Bloomingdale Trail (The 606) Arrow

Chicago's answer to New York's High Line , the Bloomingdale Trail—a.k.a. The 606—is a nearly three-mile, elevated greenway running west and east on the city’s North Side. Unlike its NYC counterpart, the trails are wide enough to accommodate active patrons running, walking and cycling without running off more casual strollers, the formerly abandoned rail line is also lined with public art installations and gardens. During fairer weather, the trail also hosts various free events for families with young children.

3 Arts Club Cafe Arrow

Today there are more than 15 RH restaurants across the nation, but Chicago’s 3 Arts Club Café, which opened in 2015, was the first. Guests will discover it within Restoration Hardware’s 70,000-square-foot design gallery, which formerly functioned as the Three Arts Club, a residence built in 1914 for young women studying music, drama and the visual arts. Today, that space has been royally reimagined in the hands of RH, turning the six-story building into a lavishly outfitted labyrinth featuring its myriad décor whimsies (from the brand’s Design Atelier line to its children’s collections). Come here with friends or a special plus one, and arrive early—you'll want to factor in time for grabbing a coupe and perusing the historic property as you await your table.

Humboldt Park Arrow

One of Chicago's prettiest parks, this nearly 200-acre green space is located within the larger neighborhood of Humboldt Park (both are named for German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt). It's home to several statues—including one of its namesake, and two bison that were placed there during the 1893 World's Fair—as well as the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture, located in the park's former stables. It's easy to drop in if you're headed down the 606 trail, but the park is big enough that it could take more than half a day to do all of it, so it's best if you're not in a rush.

The Second City Arrow

Tina Fey, Bill Murray, and Chris Farley all grew out of the scene at Second City and it continues to nurture some of the country's best comedy talent. Over three stages and four intimate studio theaters, there's plenty to see. The Mainstage show, featuring that season's top billed act, features long-form improv sketch, and is often packed on marquee nights. The same can be said for the e.t.c. Theater, which showcases up-and-comers, and the Up Comedy Club, for stand-up comic acts. The shows tend to be full, and ticketed for general admission, so come early to snag a prime seat. (Pro-tip: Avoid front row if you don't want to crane your neck all night.)

Chicago Lakefront Trail Arrow

The 18-mile long trail hugs the coast of Lake Michigan, offering almost all manner of activity along the shore. From sandy beaches and sprawling parks, to some of the best views of the Chicago skyline, the Lakefront Path is one of the city's great public treasures, enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. Runners and cyclists love the width and ease of use of the trail, while intramural type teams make use of the many open spaces found up and down the path. If you don't want to run around, there’s plenty of room to just sit and people watch, as well as check out a number of art installations that pop up throughout the year.

Chicago Electric Boat Company Arrow

Auditorium Theatre Arrow

Inspired to build a theater that would benefit the city and serve as the world’s largest and most ornate building, Chicago businessman Ferdinand Wythe Peck began plans for the Auditorium Theatre and debuted the venue in 1889. Since then, the theater has been the site of major historical events and performances and earned impressive titles along the way (including a National Historic Landmark designation). Keep an eye on this season's calendar for events with Tom Hanks, The National, and Loreena McKennitt, among others. Anyone seeking a dose of the arts in elevated, historic environs will do well by a visit here. Gather friends for a speaker event or concert, or make it a date night.

Green Mill Arrow

Do not come here expecting fancy drinks—or anything fancy, really. This is living, breathing history. And it's a rocking good time. The Green Mill is a warm and inviting throwback to a bygone era. There’s live jazz, cheap drinks, and loads of local history (Al Capone used to have a booth reserved here during Prohibition); what's not to love? Bar eats are not on the menu here. Bring your own potato chips if you think you'll need a snack (no one will judge you). The craft beer list has expanded commendably over the past few years. So grab yourself a cold one or a whiskey soda and see where the night takes you.

Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise Arrow

Run by the Chicago Architecture Center, the Architecture River Tour is one of the most polished operations in town ( and a wonderful alternative to some of the cheesier tours ). Taking place on a barge in spring, summer, and fairer fall weather, the cruise explores Chicago's beginnings from various branches of the Chicago River—offering both day and evening tours. While groups are typically large, the Architecture Center-trained docent speaks via loudspeaker, audible from throughout the boat. (Pro-tip: Head straight upstairs when you board and snag a seat in the rear for optimal views.) In 90 minutes, you'll get to know 50 buildings along the Chicago River, hear secrets about a map of the river's topography hidden in plain sight, and learn about the only skyscraper in the skyline designed by an award-winning female architect.

Promontory Point Arrow

This man-made peninsula in Burnham Park has become a favorite gathering and photo shoot spot for locals due to its manicured landscape and rock formations along the lakefront. Our plan of attack here is to have a picnic at the point, then walk among a number of public art works edging the surrounding park. Some of the most interesting  public art installations and gathering spaces, such as Sounding Bronzeville and La Ronda Parakata, are actually within the Burnham Wildlife Corridor, which is composed of the Burnham Centennial Prairie, Burnham Nature Sanctuary, and McCormick Bird Sanctuary.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Center Arrow

Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art Arrow

Among the only museums in the world dedicated wholly to outsider art, Intuit is an impressive shrine to self-taught creators across all forms of media. Beyond an unassuming, brick facade, you’ll brush up against a concise-yet-vibrant collection of paintings, sculptures and assorted ephemera. The collected work draws you in with an air of unconventional audacity. This is a whimsical environment with an industrial edge. Exhibits are spread out with ample room for wandering and gazing at your leisure. The museum is curated by passionate docents who are committed to the cause of promoting the artistic output of marginalized creatives.

Chicago Botanic Garden Arrow

The Chicago Botanic Garden, a 385-acre living plant museum, features 28 distinct gardens and four natural areas. Those figures are impressive enough to draw more than one million visitors annually, making it one of the most frequented botanical gardens in the United States . Inside the gates, the Garden’s living collections feature more than 2.8 million plants from around the world that grow well in the Chicago area and are adapted to Midwest climate and soils. Expect to see a lush array of trees, shrubs, vines, and tropical plants, among other varieties.

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Chicago   Travel Guide

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28 Fun Things to Do in Chicago

Chicago shines for its world-class museums, various shopping districts, vibrant neighborhoods and lively nightlife venues. Explore the city's innovative roots at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, where you can walk inside the U-505

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
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Millennium Park and Cloud Gate Millennium Park and Cloud Gate free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Construction around the Cloud Gate sculpture will limit the public's access to this top tourist attraction until spring 2024. While you might not be able to snag a selfie with "The Bean," many other attractions are available within the park. – Cortney Fries

A first-time visit to Chicago isn't complete without a stop at Millennium Park. Situated in the Loop just north of the Art Institute of Chicago , this 25-acre space is used to showcase cutting-edge art, architecture and landscaping; it also acts as a backdrop for concerts and festivals. Most visitors come to Millennium Park to see the Crown Fountain and Cloud Gate, better known as "The Bean." Designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, the Crown Fountain features two 50-foot towers that face each other at opposite ends of a shallow reflecting pool. The towers' LED screens project the faces of 1,000 different Chicago residents, which are perfectly aligned with spouts so that it appears they are spitting water on passersby. The water flows mid-spring through mid-fall, while the faces are projected year-round. Cloud Gate – created by British-Indian artist Anish Kapoor – is a 110-ton bean-shaped sculpture forged from stainless steel. The Bean's elliptical shape reflects the Chicago skyline. A quintessential Chicago souvenir is a photo of your reflection in The Bean.

Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're visiting Chicago Sept. 8 through 10, head to Grant Park early – around 11 a.m. to avoid the lines – for the Taste of Chicago. Enjoy the park and eat the best cuisine the city has to offer. Admission is free. – Sarah Estime

Often referred to as "Chicago's front yard," Grant Park is an approximately 313-acre swath of green space that starts at the eastern edge of the Loop and stretches down to the northern fringes of the Near South Side. First-time visitors should plan on spending a fair amount of time in Grant Park: This is where you'll find several of Chicago's most popular things to do, including The Field Museum , the Art Institute of Chicago and Shedd Aquarium . ( Millennium Park also rubs elbows with the northwest corner of Grant Park.) Baseball diamonds, flower gardens, walking paths and wide-open grassy terrain are available as well.

Art Institute of Chicago Art Institute of Chicago

Home to one of the country's most impressive collections of impressionist and post-impressionist art (plus works from numerous other genres), the expansive Art Institute of Chicago features nearly 300,000 works from all over the world in its permanent collection. You'll find pieces created in the Byzantine era, as well as paintings completed just a few decades ago. Highlights include Jacob Lawrence's "The Wedding," Georgia O'Keeffe's "Sky above Clouds IV" and Grant Wood's "American Gothic." The Art Institute's exhibits also include all sorts of intriguing artifacts, from European armor to the Thorne Miniature Rooms, which showcase interior design and furnishings in Europe and America from the late 13th to early 20th centuries. In addition to the permanent collection, the Art Institute hosts traveling exhibitions covering a variety of subjects and showcasing a diverse array of artists and genres.

The Art Institute of Chicago earns high praise from recent visitors, thanks in part to its impressive collection. Art enthusiasts particularly commend the museum's impressionist collection, which features pieces from famous artists like van Gogh, Monet and Renoir.

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The Magnificent Mile The Magnificent Mile free

U.S. News Insider Tip: The Magnificent Mile, known for its world-class shopping, also has plenty to offer architecture buffs. Book a walking tour with the Chicago Architecture Center and hear the untold stories of North Michigan Avenue's architectural icons. Tours start at $30. – Sarah Estime

For shopping at more than 450 retailers within walking distance in downtown Chicago, make your way to The Magnificent Mile. This portion of Michigan Avenue – which stretches between Lake Shore Drive and the Chicago River – beckons to shopaholics with department stores and luxury retailers like Bloomingdale's, Marcus, Macy's, Tory Burch and Nordstrom. Additionally, The Magnificent Mile is home to several top-notch eateries and luxury hotels, including The Drake , the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile and the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile .

Navy Pier Navy Pier free

Extending out onto Lake Michigan, Navy Pier offers plenty in the way of family-friendly entertainment. The first thing you'll spot once you set foot on the pier is the towering Ferris wheel (which stands 196 feet tall); you'll also find a drop tower and a carousel. Once the kids have had their fill of thrill rides, you can spend some time cruising the Chicago River on a sightseeing or speedboat tour or spend a few hours exploring the Chicago Children's Museum , with hands-on exhibits ranging from treehouses to fire trucks.

But you don't have to be a kid to enjoy a visit to Navy Pier. Grown-ups can catch a show at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, flex some credit card muscle at a variety of shops or grab a drink at the Navy Pier Beer Garden. And be sure to check Navy Pier's website for a list of events: Concerts are often held here, and from Memorial Day to Labor Day (as well as New Year's Eve), impressive fireworks displays light up the skies on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Many of the city's top Segway tours offer special summer evening tours to the pier to catch the semiweekly fireworks show.

Lincoln Park Zoo Lincoln Park Zoo free

U.S. News Insider Tip: North Avenue Beach is a short walk over the North Avenue Bridge when you park at the southern end of the Lincoln Park Zoo lot. Explore the zoo, then stroll over to the beach for an afternoon in the sand. – Cortney Fries

Located 2 miles north of the Loop in the North Side neighborhood of Lincoln Park, the Lincoln Park Zoo is home to nearly 200 species, such as zebras, sloths and hippos. Visitors can view the zoo's furry (or scaly) friends in their natural habitats: Check out the gorillas in the sprawling, award-winning Regenstein Center for African Apes, or head to the Kovler Seal Pool to get up close and personal with harbor seals. Seal training and feeding occurs daily at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

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360 CHICAGO Observation Deck 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

One of Chicago's most notable attractions is its skyline, and one of the best places to experience it is at the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck. Formerly known as the John Hancock Observatory, 360 CHICAGO towers 1,000 feet over The Magnificent Mile from its location on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center (or 875 North Michigan Avenue as its more formally known). Encased by floor-to-ceiling windows, 360 CHICAGO boasts expansive views of the city; on a clear day, you can see four states. Meanwhile, the interactive screens will help you identify different landmarks that appear in your panorama.

For a different point of view (and an adrenaline rush), test out 360 CHICAGO's TILT. In this mechanized room, visitors hold on to handlebars as the top of the room's windows extend outward, tilting you toward bustling North Michigan Avenue down below. For another memorable way to immerse yourself in the views, try ClouldWalk, a 3D art experience introduced in 2022. Mural artist Nate Baranowski created an optical illusion on the observation deck that makes visitors feel as though they are standing on a crane platform in the clouds.  Should you prefer to experience the view without feeling your heart skip a beat, grab a cup of coffee, a glass of wine or a snack at the cafe and bar, or look for souvenirs in the gift shop.

The Field Museum The Field Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip: After hours of museum hopping, grab a kid-approved lunch at Kim & Carlo's Hot Dog Cart. The no-frills stand offers everything from vegan dogs to the traditional Chicago hotdog. Enjoy your lunch on the water. – Sarah Estime

This extensive natural history museum occupies half an acre of Grant Park 's Museum Campus and houses exhibits that showcase artifacts from multiple eras and destinations, making it a must-see for kids (as well as any fans of the "Indiana Jones" movies). Some of the most popular parts of the museum include the "Inside Ancient Egypt" exhibit, which features a reconstruction of a three-story replica of an Egyptian tomb, one of the largest collections of mummies in the United States and interactive representations of life on the Nile. There's also the Restoring Earth area in the Abbott Hall of Conservation, where visitors can learn more about sustainability through hands-on activities. But no visit to The Field Museum would be complete without some quality time with SUE, the facility's T. rex who just happens to be the largest, most complete T. rex ever discovered. SUE is 40 feet long from nose to tail and boasts 55 terrifying teeth.

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Chicago Architecture River Cruise Chicago Architecture River Cruise

A visit to 360 CHICAGO or Skydeck Chicago will give you a good overview of the city's layout. But if you want to learn more about Chicago's sky-high buildings, tag along on an architecture river cruise. During a river cruise, you'll gain great views and historical insight about well-known structures like the Wrigley Building, the Leo Burnett Building and the Fulton House.

Though several companies, including Wendella Sightseeing Co. and Chicago Line Cruises, offer architecture river cruises, most travelers recommend climbing aboard a Chicago's First Lady Cruises boat with a Chicago Architecture Center docent. You'll learn tons of information about the area's architecture, plus catch superb skyline photo-ops.

Maggie Daley Park Maggie Daley Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: There are many restaurant options around the park, but Wildberry Pancakes & Café is a satisfying brunch spot. Choose from creative pancake options, a variety of omelets, crepes, sandwiches and salads. Go hungry and leave happy. – Cortney Fries

Opened in 2014, Maggie Daley Park is an expansive property located just east of Millennium Park in downtown Chicago. The 20-acre green space offers numerous activities for both kids and adults alike, including a climbing wall, a mini-golf course, a 3-acre playground, a public garden, an ice-skating skating "ribbon" during the winter and scooter and rollerblade rentals in the summer, not to mention a tennis facility. Whatever you choose to do, you'll get to enjoy fantastic views of the Chicago skyline. Recent visitors loved that the park is free to access, and they noted that the attraction is excellent for family fun.

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

U.S. News Insider Tip: Mid-November through the first week of January, experience the annual "Christmas Around the World" and "Holidays of Light" exhibits. Volunteers decorate more than 50 trees in celebration of holiday traditions from around the globe. – Cortney Fries

Chicago's extensive Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the Western Hemisphere's largest science museum, showcasing more than 35,000 artifacts and a variety of hands-on exhibits meant to inspire creativity. The museum resides in the 14-acre former Palace of Fine Arts, which hosted the famous World's Columbian Exposition in 1893. The fair brought together some of the world's greatest scientific minds, including Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla, who at the time were competing to prove which type of electricity – direct current or alternating current – was more effective. 

Wrigley Field Wrigley Field

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're visiting during the holiday season, don't miss Winterland at Gallagher Way for family-friendly rides and games inside and around the ballpark. Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville is free to enter. Enjoy festive shopping and international food and beverage selections. – Cortney Fries

Chicagoans take their love of sports very seriously. So, for a real taste of Chicago culture, head north of the Loop to Wrigley Field to watch the Chicago Cubs play ball at the Friendly Confines. History buffs will also appreciate this sports treasure, which first opened in 1914 and holds the honor of being the second-oldest Major League Baseball stadium in the country (after Fenway Park in Boston ).

Shedd Aquarium Shedd Aquarium

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're visiting in the summer (June through August), check out Jazzin' at the Shedd. You can enjoy jazz music and drinks with incredible views from the terrace. Plus, the lights dim in the aquarium for a unique experience. – Elizabeth Von Tersch, Senior Editor

Shedd Aquarium is one of the world's largest indoor aquariums, housing around 32,000 creatures. While you're here, you can feel stingrays float beneath your fingers, listen to sea lions bark and learn all about a variety of turtles. A visit to Shedd Aquarium will lead you through a cornucopia of habitats, where you'll find additional animals like penguins, piranhas, sharks and beluga whales. Or, for an additional fee, you can participate in specialty experiences like animal encounters, feeding experiences and virtual reality.

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The Chicago Riverwalk The Chicago Riverwalk free

U.S. News Insider Tip: During the summer, there is nothing better than watching the boats go by as you relax at City Winery Riverwalk Wine Garden. Rent a retro boat from Chicago Electric Boat Company and cruise the river yourself. – Cortney Fries

When the weather warms up in Chicago, there are few better places to enjoy the outdoors than the Chicago Riverwalk. The 1.25-mile pedestrian walkway on the south bank of the Chicago River is the perfect place to take a stroll and observe the city skyline. Plus, there are numerous activity options to enjoy directly on the water, such as a boat or kayak tour . If you prefer to explore on your own two feet, visit the public gardens and art displays, or grab a meal at a popular restaurant or bar overlooking the Chicago River. And if you want to learn more about the river's unique history, check out the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, which celebrates the city's famous movable bridges. What's more, Art on theMART – a massive digital art projection on the facade of theMART (formerly The Merchandise Mart) – is best viewed from the Riverwalk.

Skydeck Chicago at the Willis Tower Skydeck Chicago at the Willis Tower

More than 1.7 million people make their way to Willis Tower's Skydeck Chicago each year, and it's easy to see why. Occupying the 103rd floor – that's nine floors higher than 360 CHICAGO – of the 110-story Willis Tower (the third-tallest building in North America after One World Trade Center and Central Park Tower), Skydeck Chicago boasts breathtaking views of the city. Visit on a sunny day and you may be able to see far beyond Chicago's borders to Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and other parts of Illinois.

The highlight for most visitors is the Ledge. Extending 4.3 feet beyond the building's exterior, this platform is made entirely of glass – even the floor. Travelers also liked the video screens that show what it would be like to stand 103 floors above other Chicago attractions, including Wrigley Field and Millennium Park . However, long lines quickly form for Skydeck Chicago, so plan on arriving early or purchasing a Chicago CityPASS, which covers expedited admission into the attraction. Or, simply pay extra for expedited entry, which features an express line to the elevators. For the best views, it's advised that you visit just after opening or after sunset. If you'd like to enjoy the sunset from the tower, plan on arriving 30 to 45 minutes before sunset to ensure you have enough time to get through the elevator line and up to the top.

North Avenue Beach North Avenue Beach free

Located in Lincoln Park directly on Lake Michigan, North Avenue Beach is one of the most popular swimming spots in Chicago. The sandy beach has volleyball courts, plenty of space for visitors to stretch out and multiple things to do near nearby. Plus, it offers spectacular views of the city skyline. Beachgoers can also find restaurants, sports rental companies, restrooms and more inside a 22,000-square-foot beach house adjacent to the shore.

Recent visitors said the beach is a nice spot that is perfect for relaxing, biking and running, but they warned that it can get busy on warm summer days.

The Second City The Second City

If you've seen a sketch comedy show or hilarious movie in the last 40 years, it's likely that someone from The Second City appeared in it. The Second City is one of the world's most iconic improvisational comedy theaters, and it has helped launch the careers of numerous famous comedians, including Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert. If you're in the mood for a laugh, check out a live show on any night of the week at any number of The Second City's seven stages (which are all housed in its facility at the northwest corner of North Avenue and Wells Street in Old Town). 

Recent reviewers said that everyone in their group could not stop laughing during the shows, which typically last 90 minutes to two hours. Ticket prices vary by the show and date, but run anywhere from $30 to $100.

The Chicago Theatre The Chicago Theatre

Aside from Cloud Gate and Buckingham Fountain , The Chicago Theatre's red and yellow marquee is perhaps one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Illuminating North State Street at the northern edge of the Loop, The Chicago Theatre first opened its doors in 1921 as an extravagant movie theater and performance venue. Throughout its history, the theater has hosted such big names as Duke Ellington, Diana Ross and Prince, in addition to screening blockbuster flicks. Though the theater fell into disuse in the 1970s, new management and a full renovation in the 1980s helped return the venue to its former glory. Today, the theater is still used for a variety of comedic, theatrical and musical performances.

According to past patrons, the theater's historic appearance enhances the overall experience of catching an event here. Just remember, cameras and video cameras, including those on cell phones, cannot be used during tours or performances. If you're not in town for a show, consider signing up for one of the venue's guided tours. Tour tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for kids ages 12 and younger. Tours are available Monday and Tuesday at noon and 2 p.m. and last about an hour.

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Chicago Children's Museum Chicago Children's Museum

Located at Navy Pier , the Chicago Children's Museum offers temporary and permanent play-based exhibits for babies, toddlers and kids ages 4 and older. Founded in 1982 by the Junior League of Chicago as a response to cuts in arts programming, the museum was originally housed in two hallways of what is now called the Chicago Cultural Center . Today, children can dig for "teeth" and "bones" in "Dinosaur Expedition," climb through tunnels of "Cloud Buster," test their STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) skills in the Tinkering Lab and paint, draw or sew in the art studio.

Recent visitors appreciated the interactive, hands-on exhibits, which they recommend for young children.

American Writers Museum American Writers Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip: Across the street from the museum, you will find the first Nutella Café, where you can savor French and Italian dishes featuring the heavenly hazelnut spread. The gelato is roll-your-eyes-to-the-back-of-your-head good. – Cortney Fries

The first museum in the United States dedicated to celebrating the diverse voices and influence of American authors, the American Writers Museum is an interactive journey through more than five centuries of written and spoken word. This relatively small museum, which opened in 2017, features thoughtful and reflective exhibits that you can touch, smell, hear and see. 

DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center

U.S. News Insider Tip: If driving in Chicago isn’t your thing, consider taking the No. 55 bus to the museum. The bus drops you off within just a five-minute walk of the museum. – Sarah Estime

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, named for Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable, the entrepreneur who is credited with founding Chicago, is a must-visit for anyone looking to learn more about African American history in the city of Chicago and America. It celebrates its 62nd anniversary in 2023, and is full of thought-provoking exhibits, including those that showcase fine art created by influential African American artists and historical materials. Note that visitors hoping to enjoy “The March” exhibit, an immersive experience depicting the historic March on Washington and Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech, can go in groups of no more than four at a time.

Adler Planetarium Adler Planetarium

The first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, the Adler offers unrivaled insights into our solar system. Indeed, "Our Solar System" is one of its permanent exhibits, along with "Mission Moon," "The Universe: A Walk Through Space and Time," "Telescopes: Through the Looking Glass" and "Astronomy in Culture," among others. Its facilities include the Doane Observatory, which has the largest telescope available to the public in the Chicago area, through which visitors can glimpse celestial objects trillions of miles away. The Adler also has three full-size theaters – the 3D Universe Theater, the Definiti Space Theater and the Grainger Sky Theater – in which it screens programs like "Destination Solar System," "Planet Nine" and "One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure."

Space enthusiasts invariably find the Adler's presentations both informative and entertaining, if somewhat pricey. Most visitors suggest setting aside a few hours to explore the various exhibits and shows. Travelers recommend maximizing your parking expenses by also visiting the Shedd Aquarium or The Field Museum , which also sit on the Museum Campus. Reviewers also appreciated the Lake Michigan and skyline views as seen from the planetarium.

Offbeat Street Art Tour Offbeat Street Art Tour

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you’re looking for unique souvenirs from your Chicago trip, consider The Goddess & Grocer for its gift baskets. – Sarah Estime

In Chicago, you can find eye-catching street art nearly everywhere. As you sightsee, you’ll be greeted with unique, thought-provoking art on the sides of buildings and underneath bridges. If you’re looking for an experience that walks you through the history and cultural significance of Chicago's street art scene, look no further than the Offbeat Street Art Tour. On this two-hour tour, you’ll discover new artists and learn the inspiration behind their colorful works, along with some interesting neighborhood history. You’ll also be able to take great photos along the way.

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The Green Mill The Green Mill

U.S. News Insider Tip: For visitors looking for a bite to eat after a night of jazz music, head across the street to Damera for an authentic Ethiopian meal, or down the block to the Fat Cat for a burger. – Sarah Estime

Best known for serving gangsters during its speakeasy days, the Green Mill invites travelers to step back in time. The long bar that runs along the club's left side sits in front of smokey mirrors and is peppered with decor reminiscent of the Prohibition era. The entire place is cast in a warm reddish glow while old-time jazz plays from the jukebox. The bar – one of Al Capone’s favorites – has no set menu; order whatever cocktails you like (though the chocolate martinis are delicious). There is also a selection of beer and wine.

Garfield Park Conservatory Garfield Park Conservatory free

One of the biggest botanical conservatories in the United States, the Garfield Park Conservatory houses thousands of plant species in eight indoor gardens, as well as 10 acres of outdoor gardens.

Each indoor space has a distinct focus. The Aroid House features varieties of its namesake, which are among the most popular houseplants; it also features sculptures by the world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly made specifically for the Aroid House. As its name suggests, the Desert House boasts cacti and succulents, while the Fern Room arranges ferns around an indoor lagoon. The Palm House, the conservatory's largest structure, recreates a tropical landscape complete with more than 70 palm trees. Meanwhile, the Elizabeth Morse Genius Children's Garden aims to educate little ones about plants. Horticulture Hall displays a range of flowers and plants and also has tables where visitors can take a seat and have a rest.

The Richard H. Driehaus Museum The Richard H. Driehaus Museum

Occupying a restored mansion built in 1883, the Richard H. Driehaus Museum presents exhibitions relating to architecture, art and design from the 19th century to the present day.

The Nickerson Mansion containing the museum boasts an entrance hall made with so much marble that the building was nicknamed "the Marble Palace." (The museum takes its current name from the philanthropist who founded it in 2003.) Its reception room features intricate woodwork as well as items from the museum's permanent collection, such as a Tiffany Studios lamp that dates back to the early 1900s. Meanwhile, the front parlor displays Renaissance Revival furniture original to the Nickerson Mansion. The dining room, fitted with elaborately carved oak, houses a silver punch bowl first exhibited at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Other highlights from the permanent collection include a gem-encrusted inkstand, a ceramic clock, multiple chandeliers, paintings, sculptures and an array of decorative items.

Chicago Cultural Center Chicago Cultural Center free

The "People’s Palace," a popular destination occupying a full city block in the downtown Loop neighborhood, is a stunning architectural marvel as well as a venue for a great deal of cultural programming, including art exhibits and concerts. Among its features are one of the largest Tiffany stained-glass domes in the world (made with around 30,000 individual pieces of glass) and a marble lobby adorned with mosaics made of gold, glass and precious stones.

Visitors invariably rave about the impressive structure and its elaborate decorations, saying it’s worth it to pop in for free to see the ornate ceiling.

University of Chicago University of Chicago free

Founded in 1890 by John D. Rockefeller, the University of Chicago is an urban research university in the city's Hyde Park neighborhood close to Lake Michigan. Currently, it has more than 7,000 undergraduate students and more than 10,000 graduate, professional or other students as well as nearly 2,400 full-time faculty members.

Impressive as those statistics may be, they aren't reasons to visit. But the university's 217-acre campus, which was designated a botanic garden in 1997, and its mixture of English Gothic and modern architecture are. Some of the newer structures were designed by celebrated architects like Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Eero Saarinen, while some of the older ones are adorned with gargoyles that date back to the 1893 World Columbian Exposition. The university welcomes visitors to explore its campus, and provides information about its architecture on its website. Those who've visited before routinely call the buildings diverse and beautiful, and many recommend stopping by in the spring when flowers bloom across campus, or fall when amber leaves transform the grounds.

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40 Best Things to Do in Chicago, From Iconic Sights to Can't-miss Museums

Planning a trip to the Windy City? Here are 40 of the best things to do in Chicago.

Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal , Departures , TripSavvy , and other publications.

Chicago may not be the city that never sleeps, but there is surely more to do here than you'll have time for. Whether it's world-class art, a cultural experience, or sports you seek, you'll find it in the Windy City. Here are 40 of the best things to do in Chicago.

Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure

See masterpieces at the Art Institute of Chicago.

This downtown museum isn't just an architectural gem, it's one of the best art museums in the United States. It's home to famous pieces, including Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks" and Grant Wood's "American Gothic," as well as the largest collection of works by Claude Monet outside of Paris.

Take an architecture river cruise.

With several buildings designed by greats like Frank Lloyd Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Chicago is an architecture nerd's paradise. And one of the best ways to appreciate the cityscape is from the river. While there are dozens of cruise operators, Chicago's First Lady Cruises stands out for its 90-minute architecture cruise guided by experts from the Chicago Architecture Center.

Tour a submarine at the Museum of Science and Industry.

The largest science center in the Western Hemisphere, this Hyde Park museum is a great place to spend a cold or rainy day. The permanent exhibits focusing on science, technology, and nature are extensive but it's worth upgrading your ticket to include a tour of the only German submarine in the U.S. Check the schedule for special exhibitions, which can also be a treat.

Step back in time at the Chicago History Museum.

Chicago is where Al Capone once played and where Playboy was born. It's a city full of stories to tell, and there's no better place to discover them than one of the city's oldest cultural institutions, the Chicago History Museum .

Meet a dinosaur at the Field Museum of Natural History.

The Field Museum is one of the largest natural history museums in the world, and its permanent collection includes a number of fossils and the remains of Sue, the Tyrannosaurus Rex. Sue is estimated to be 67 million years old and made her debut at the museum in 2000.

Have a few laughs at a comedy club.

Several famous comedians (Tina Fey, Chris Farley, and Jim Belushi, to name a few) got their start at Chicago's well-known comedy clubs, including The Second City . New stages have since popped up, like Laugh Factory and The Revival . Who knows? You might see the next rising star of Saturday Night Live before they hit it big.

Listen to live music.

Chicago is a live music heaven, with venues that host performers of all genres throughout the year. In the mood for classical? Experience the talents of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra . Craving jazz? Head to the historic Green Mill jazz club. The city is also home to several music festivals, including Lollapalooza , Riot Fest , and world-famous blues and jazz festivals.

Go to the beach.

Believe it or not, Chicago is a beach town during the summer. Oak Street and North Avenue beaches are two sandy beaches along Lake Michigan that are close to downtown and will allow you to bask under both the sunshine and the shadows of the city's skyscrapers.

Brave the Skydeck of the Willis Tower.

Formerly known as the Sears Tower, this towering giant was once the world's largest skyscraper. That may have changed, but its expansive observation deck on the 103rd floor still offers some of the best views of the city. Those looking for a thrill can step onto The Ledge, a glass balcony extending out 4.3 feet from the building.

Stop at 875 North Michigan Avenue.

This 100-story building (formerly known as the John Hancock Center) may not be as well known as the Willis Tower, but it's another place for epic city views. There are restaurants, bars, the 360 Chicago observation deck , and occasional events like yoga classes.

Enjoy the free attractions in Millennium Park.

Located in downtown Chicago, Millennium Park is one of the city's largest green spaces. It's easy to spend a few hours here, especially since most of its attractions are free. The Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion hosts free concerts and other public events every summer. On a hot day, many cool off in the whimsical Crown Fountain , an interactive public artwork designed by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa.

Take a photo with "The Bean."

Chicago is full of public art , but this reflective sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor is one of the most recognizable pieces. While the Millennium Park attraction is officially titled "Cloud Gate," most visitors and locals affectionately call it "The Bean."

Admire Buckingham Fountain.

If you've ever watched Married with Children , this fountain set in sprawling Grant Park at the edge of Lake Michigan is one you'll definitely recognize. Opened to the public in 1927, it's one of the largest fountains in the world.

Take an architecture walking tour.

There are few better ways to experience Chicago's world-famous architecture than on foot. The Chicago Architecture Center offers several different walking tours, including some focusing on the skyscrapers that tower high above the city's streets.

See the animals at Lincoln Park Zoo.

This 35-acre zoo , founded in 1868, is one of the oldest zoos in North America. It's free to visit and hosts an annual holiday lights show .

Go to the theater.

Broadway isn't the only place to catch a show. Chicago has more than 200 theaters, including the well-known James M. Nederlander Theatre and Cadillac Palace Theatre in the Theater District. It's also worthwhile to check out the city's independent stages, such as the Tony Award-winning Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier or the innovative Steppenwolf Theatre in Lincoln Park.

Shop the Magnificent Mile.

If you're looking to do some serious damage with your credit cards, look no further than the stretch of Michigan Avenue known as the Magnificent Mile . You'll find a mix of high-end designer stores, sprawling department stores, and more affordable retailers like Marshalls.

Tour a Frank Lloyd Wright house.

If you're a fan of architect Frank Lloyd Wright's work, head to the University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park, where you'll find the Frederick C. Robie House . The house, built in the early 1900s as a single-family home, is a fine example of Prairie School design and is among nearly two dozen homes in the area designed by the famous architect.

See the "Home Alone" house.

You'll need a car to get to this house in the Chicago suburb of Winnetka, but if you grew up on "Home Alone," it'll be worth the drive. You'll recognize it the second you pull up, but remember it's a private residence, so you'll have to appreciate it from the outside.

Go ice skating.

Chicago may get cold in the winter, but the joy of ice skating almost makes you forget about the freezing temperatures. From November to March, the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon in Grant Park and the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park are popular spots for Chicagoans and visitors.

Catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field.

Wrigley Field is one of the most charming stadiums in baseball. It's home to the former World Champion Chicago Cubs, and if you don't happen to be traveling during baseball season, you can still take a tour.

Learn about the history of Soldier Field.

The nearly 100-year-old Soldier Field is home of the NFL's Chicago Bears. Even if you're not into football, you might recognize it from the Clint Eastwood movie "Flags of Our Fathers" or the television show Chicago Fire . The stadium offers behind-the-scenes tours that pass through the locker rooms, interview room, skyline suite, and other areas.

Ride the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier.

If you're looking for a day of family fun, head to Navy Pier in downtown Chicago. The long pier features rides, games, restaurants, public artwork, and other attractions. Be sure to ride the Centennial Wheel for a truly spectacular view of Lake Michigan.

Take a walk in Oz Park.

There may not be a yellow brick road leading to Oz in Chicago, but there is a park that pays homage to the "Wizard of Oz," which author Frank Baum wrote while living in Chicago. Oz Park on the city's north side features sculptures of all your favorites, including Dorothy, Toto, and the Tin Man.

Explore a Chicago neighborhood.

Chicago is a city of neighborhoods — 77 of them, to be exact. Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Logan Square are worth exploring on the city's north side. On the south side, consider Pilsen and Chinatown. Architecture buffs are sure to appreciate the historical gems they'll find in Old Town.

Visit the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center.

This Smithsonian-affiliated museum celebrates Black culture and pays homage to Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, the first permanent settler of Chicago. The museum holds more than 15,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, and historical memorabilia, such as the former desk of investigative journalist Ida B. Wells.

Eat your heart out.

Chicago is a foodie paradise that offers something for every palate and every budget. You'll find everything from hot dog joints like Jimmy's Red Hots to Michelin-starred restaurants like Alinea to deep-dish pizza places like Pequod's . Be sure to pack your stretchy pants, and remember, Chicagoans don't ask for ketchup on their hot dogs.

Visit the National Museum of Mexican Art.

This museum in the Pilsen neighborhood is an ideal place to immerse yourself in Mexican art and culture within Chicago's city limits. It's one of few major museums in the U.S. dedicated to showcasing Mexican, Latino, and Chicano art and culture.

Kayak along the Chicago River.

If you're craving an active adventure in the city, you can't go wrong with kayaking on the Chicago River. Urban Kayaks organizes a range of guided excursions, including tours at sunset and during the weekly Navy Pier fireworks show.

Check out the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.

Chicago has no shortage of museums, but when it comes to boundary-pushing exhibitions, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA) is second to none. The MCA's permanent collection includes more than 2,000 artworks from the 1920s to the present day, while rotating exhibits, performances, and talks are held throughout the year.

Hop between breweries.

Home to more than 160 breweries, Chicago is often dubbed the craft beer capital of the U.S. From cozy brewpubs to bustling beer gardens, there's something for everyone. Several production facilities, including Goose Island , Revolution Brewing , Lagunitas Brewing Company , and Dovetail Brewing , are also open for tours and tastings.

Stargaze at the Adler Planetarium.

You don't need to leave Chicago to see the stars – just head to the Adler Planetarium on Northerly Island. America's oldest planetarium is a destination for sky shows, exhibits, and special events. As a bonus, it stays open until 10 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Bike along the Lakefront Trail.

Chicago’s Lakefront Trail is a scenic 18-mile paved path along Lake Michigan between Ardmore Street on the north side and 71st Street on the south side. For a fun outing, rent one of the Divvy Bikes and explore it from top to bottom — including a break at one of the beaches along the way.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Chicago's Irish pride beams as bright as the green dye in the river every March. Highlights include the annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade , river cruises, and food and drink specials at neighborhood pubs. If you're lucky (or a good planner), your trip might coincide with some of the festivities.

Stroll along The 606.

The Bloomingdale Trail Park (The 606) is an elevated recreational trail built on an abandoned railway. Similar to New York's High Line, the 2.7-mile-long path is dotted with public art installations and scenic lookouts. Access points can be found in four of the city's trendiest neighborhoods – Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square, and Humboldt Park – so you can easily hop on or off.

Marvel at art among trees at the Morton Arboretum.

The Morton Arboretum was established in 1922 as a "great outdoor museum" by Joy Morton, founder of the Morton Salt Company. And with more than 1,700 acres and 22,000 plants, it certainly lives up to its mission. The park features rotating large-scale sculpture exhibitions and wellness events like forest therapy and yoga classes, making it well worth the journey 25 miles west of Chicago.

Spend an evening at the American Writers Museum.

Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, the American Writers Museum celebrates the work of historical and present-day writers, from poets to comics to novelists. The museum regularly hosts concerts and special events, including Get Lit museum nights, which bring together bibliophiles for drinks, special tours, and activities on the second Tuesday of every month.

Stop and smell the flowers at the Garfield Park Conservatory.

Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest conservatories in the nation, with two acres of public greenhouse space and 10 acres of outdoor gardens. The West Side centerpiece opened in the early 1900s and continues to be a destination for lovers of landscape architecture. In addition to permanent display houses, the conservatory often hosts special exhibits and spring flower shows. 

Learn about the city's criminal history.

Joining a crime tour is a fascinating way to learn about the city's prohibition-era gangsters like Al Capone, Bugs Moran, and Hymie Weiss. Opt for the Gangsters and Ghosts Tour for a storytelling stroll around the Chicago Loop, or board a bus for the Untouchable Tours' Original Gangster Tour led by guides in character as 1920s mafia members.

Admire the skyline from a cruise on Lake Michigan.

While Chicago's river cruises get a lot of attention, sailing around Lake Michigan can be just as fun. Tall Ship Windy offers a variety of cruises aboard a 148-foot, traditional four-masted schooner, including pirate-themed tours and skyline sailings that make the most of the Windy City's namesake weather.

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

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Chicago Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 15, 2024

Best known as the “Windy City” because the local politicians blow hot air, Chicago is one of my favorite cities in the entire United States — especially in the summer when the weather is perfect.

Because the winter is harsh here, the city comes alive in the spring and summer as residents buzz about after being confined inside. There’s not one person I know who doesn’t say, “You can’t get better than Chicago in the summer.”

Chicago’s biggest draws include its green space, the most famous being Grant and Millennium Park, home to the iconic Chicago Bean sculpture (officially known as Cloud Gate). The city also boasts world-class food, fun nightlife, lots of activities, outgoing people, and an uplifting atmosphere. There’s a lot to do here for people of any budget or travel style.

This travel guide to Chicago can help you plan a fun and affordable trip without breaking the bank!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Chicago

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Chicago

1. Relax in Grant and Millennium Park

Located downtown, these gigantic parks provide a great place to hang out, have a picnic, or go for a run. People play chess here when the weather is nice and during the summer there are a lot of free concerts. Grant Park stretches along Chicago’s waterfront and is the larger park, while Millennium Park is the subsection where the famous “Chicago Bean” sculpture is located. Officially titled “Cloud Gate,” this iconic work of public art is a must-see while visiting Chicago. Starting at noon on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays April-November, the Chicago Cultural Center hosts walking tours focusing on the art of Millennium Park.

2. Stroll down the Magnificent Mile

Often nicknamed “Mag Mile,” this stretch along Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Oak Street is known for its upscale designer boutiques. In fact, rent here is the 3rd highest in the US (after Fifth Avenue in New York City and Rodeo Drive in Beverley Hills). Even if you don’t want to blow your budget on some expensive threads, it’s still an experience to stroll down the avenue and take in the sights, and the people, and enjoy the view of the Chicago River. There are several landmarks and attractions along the avenue too, including the 360 Chicago observation deck for expansive views over the city.

3. Experience St. Patrick’s Day

Next to Ireland , Chicago is the best place to be on March 17th. To honor its large Irish-American population, the city dyes its river green, hosts a huge parade, and parties until the sun comes up (complete with copious amounts of green beer). The tradition began in 1843 when the city’s first Irish parade was held, but it wasn’t until 1962 that the dyeing of the Chicago River started, at the suggestion of a local plumber’s union. This union is still responsible for the green river each year, though they won’t divulge their secrets on the dye used (it’s environmentally friendly, though). Take a river cruise on the emerald waters or snap a pic from the sidelines and enjoy. This is one of the biggest days of the year here!

4. Have fun at Navy Pier

This 3,300-foot-long (1,010 meters) pier on the shoreline of Lake Michigan started off as a shipping pier but has also been a prison for draft dodgers during World War II, a Naval training center, and a temporary university campus. Since 1995, it has reopened to the public in its current form, and become sort of like a carnival in a city. It’s Chicago’s second-most visited tourist attraction (after The Bean) and contains some rides, a Ferris wheel, lots of restaurants, a Shakespeare theater, boat tours, a large number of beer gardens, mini-golf, and more! It’s a good place to have some silly fun (especially if you have kids).

5. Try deep dish pizza

Chicago developed the deep-dish pizza, as well as the stuffed crust pizza, and no trip is complete without trying both. The deep-dish pizza was invented in 1943 by Pizzeria Uno, which is now a national restaurant chain. For something more local, Chicagoans swear by Lou Malnati’s. Personally, I’m not usually a huge fan of deep dish but I was impressed by theirs! If you really want to indulge, hop on a pizza tour offered by Chicago Pizza Tours, where you’ll get to sample all the varieties of pizza on offer in this city. Tours start at $59 USD.

Other Things to See and Do in Chicago

1. visit the oriental institute museum.

The Oriental Institute (OI) of the University of Chicago is a leading research center for the ancient Middle East. Their museum is home to a huge archaeological collection of objects from the Near East, including ancient Egypt, Israel, Syria, Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. Established in 1919, the museum has all kinds of artifacts, photographs, historical records, and even a giant 17-foot-tall statue of King Tut that weighs over six tons! Suggested admission is $10 USD.

2. See the Chicago Cultural Center

The former site of the Chicago Public Library, this historic landmark is known for its exquisite Tiffany mosaics, especially in its performance venue Preston Bradley Hall. Its rooms were inspired by the Acropolis of Athens , the Palazzo Ducale in Venice , and the Palazzo in Florence . It has changing art exhibits, events, performances, and free guided tours of the historic building (Thursdays and Fridays at 1:15pm). Check the website to see what events and performances are available during your visit. It’s free to visit.

3. Get Shown Around By a Local

Chicago has a local greeter program, which offers free walking tours of various neighborhoods from a knowledgeable local. This is a great opportunity to see more of the city while learning about it directly from an expert local guide who can answer all your questions. You can sign up at chicagogreeter.com (you need to do it at least 10 days in advance). I highly, highly, highly recommend doing this!

4. Stop by the City History Museum

This museum provides a solid overview of the history of Chicago, with an in-depth focus on the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 that burned down most of the city (the fire killed 300 people and left 100,000 people homeless. Abraham Lincoln’s final draft of the Emancipation Proclamation was lost in the fire too). The museum has 22 million items, including President Lincoln’s deathbed and the clothing he and his wife wore when he was assassinated. The rotating exhibitions highlight different events and cultural groups that contributed to the city’s history, like the Polish immigrants that came to the city starting in the mid-1800s and the way art was used to influence societal change during the 1960s and 1970s. Admission is $19 USD.

5. See the Cubs play

Locals are incredibly passionate about their baseball team. Get in the spirit and head out to a game at the Cubs’ home stadium, Wrigley Field. Even if you don’t know a lot about baseball, it’s still super fun. It gets really intense when the Cubs play Chicago’s other team, the White Sox. The season goes from March-November and tickets usually start around $15 USD for the upper deck and go up from there.

6. See Robie House

This Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece, completed in 1909, is a premier example of his Prairie School design. From the overhanging roofline to the expansive interior, the home design balances simplicity with perfectly placed details. The choices of each element, like the limestone incorporated into the exterior and the iridescent glass of the windows, was done with intention to bring a feeling of expansive natural landscapes. Wright helped make Chicago architecture famous and this house is one of his best-known buildings. Today, the house is located on the University of Chicago campus and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site along with 8 other of Wright’s most emblematic works. Admission starts at $20 USD, which includes a guided tour of the interior.

7. Visit the Art Institute of Chicago

This is Chicago’s most famous museum, and in fact one of the oldest and largest art museums in the world. From photography to architecture to textiles, it houses a collection that includes works by Eva Hesse, David Hockney, and Ellsworth Kelly. This is where you can see the Hartwell Memorial Window designed for Tiffany Studios more than a century ago and a famous Vincent Van Gogh painting, The Bedroom. You’ll also find a 12th-century statue of the Buddha and 16th century German armor made for jousting. Founded in 1879, the museum has over 300,000 items in its permanent collection and hosts upwards of 30 special exhibits each year. Admission is $32 USD.

8. Take a food tour

Get to know the city through its culinary scene, from deep-dish pizza to microbreweries to Chinatown’s best restaurants. Get Your Guide offers a huge assortment of tours depending on your culinary interests. Usually, they involve some educational element. You can combine your love of food with architecture, history, or kayaking. Others focus on certain items, like donuts, or specific neighborhoods, like the culturally diverse Westside. There’s even a tour that combines traditional Chicago staples dishes with gangsters like Al Capone. Tours start from $55 USD and go up from there.

9. View some war-inspired art

The National Veterans Art Museum (formerly The National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum) is a great yet seldom-visited museum. It features over 2,500 works of art created by Vietnam war veterans and, more recently, veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. The entrance has 58,226 dog tags hanging from the ceiling, representing the soldiers who died in Vietnam. It’s a stark, somber reminder of our overly-romanticized notion of war. Admission is free, though donations are welcomed.

10. Get acquainted with nature

Established in 1857, The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a beautiful institution with roof-top gardens and plenty of information about the ecosystems surrounding Chicago. The “butterfly haven” is the most interesting — it’s an enclosed space with over 200 species of butterflies, a waterfall, and garden paths. There’s an exhibit about the natural wetlands of Illinois and the endangered species that live there and a resource center focused on sustainability. Outside the building you’ll find the Deb Lahey Nature Trails where you can walk through and learn about plant life native to the area. They also organize dozens of educational programs for both kids and adults. This museum is open daily and it costs $17 USD.

11. Catch an improv show

Chicago is the birthplace of improv comedy and a visit to the city wouldn’t be complete without catching a show. There are tons of companies here — many of which have given birth to comedy greats like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Stephen Colbert, Mike Myers, Steve Carell, Eugene Levy, Bill Murray, and a ton of others. Second City is the most popular venue/troupe. Tickets start at around $25 USD. The iO Theater has been a hotspot for comedy and improv in Chicago for decades, has four stages, and continues to put on shows five nights a week. Tickets here star around $23. The Laugh Factory, ComedySportz, and Zanies are just a few of the other popular venues in the city.

12. Go to the beach

When most people think of Lake Michigan, they don’t imagine sand, waves, and water as far as the eye can see — but it’s there! Downtown Chicago runs right next to the shore and offers a little piece of nature in a city of skyscrapers. North Avenue Beach is one of the most popular because of its location just north of downtown. You can even rent SUPs, kayaks, and jet skis there. Loyola Beach is a little further north and is much quieter, if you want to get away from the crowds. 31st Street Beach is at the edge of Burnham Park, south of downtown, and another place to find rentals for water activities. 57th Street Beach, Montrose Beach, and Ohio Street Beach are other most popular choices.

13. See the Willis Tower

The Willis Tower (formally the Sears Tower) held the title of the world’s tallest building for 25 years. Currently, it’s the third-tallest building in the US and the 23rd tallest in the world. Standing at 1,450 feet (110 stories) tall, visitors can take the elevator to the SkyDeck (the highest observation deck in the United States) for panoramic views over Chicago. For those who don’t mind heights, the SkyDeck’s Ledge is a glass box extending over 4 feet over the city, offering heart-pounding views of the urban landscape below. Admission is $32 USD.

14. Explore the Field Museum of Natural History

This museum was built for the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 to house its impressive biological and anthropological collections. Built in the Neoclassical style, the museum has 24 million objects, including exhibits on everything from mummies to meteorites, and more. Some sections focus on specific peoples, like the Maori of New Zealand. Others highlight flora and fauna, such as birds native to North America, and plant life from around the world. 3D movies are a fun way to learn more about interesting topics, like dinosaurs that once lived in Antarctica. There’s also a library with over 275,000 books. Admission starts at $30 USD. The expansive garden of native plants outside the museum is free to visit.

15. Stroll the Chicago Riverwalk

Do like the locals do and hang out on the south bank of the Chicago River, where you can walk the Chicago Riverwalk from Lake Shore Drive to Lake Street (it’s a little over a mile). Grab a glass of wine at the Riverwalk Wine Garden by City Winery and enjoy some people-watching. It’s a gorgeous place for a stroll in the summer! At night, you can see the projections of Art on theMART, the largest permanent digital art exhibition in the world.

16. Visit the Adler Planetarium

This was the first planetarium in the United States. It boasts immersive theater programs, rotating exhibitions, and other fun events (including lectures). You can virtually experience the depths of powerful black holes and the heights of Voyager 1, the farthest manmade object from Earth. There are also awesome special events, like Adler After Dark which lets you explore the planetarium while enjoying drinks and live entertainment. Admission starts at $19 USD.

17. Take a bike tour

To explore the city’s main sights and cover a lot of ground, take a bike tour. Bobby’s Bike Hike uses expert local guides so you learn a ton about the city. They offer food tours, neighborhood tours, and tours of Chicago’s main attractions, all by bike. The Lakefront Neighborhoods tour is a good way to get familiar with the city and its layout. The Bikes, Brews, & Bites tour combines gives you a chance to sample a few iconic Chicago dishes and learn the history behind them while exploring and enjoying local craft beers along the way. It’s a fun way to explore and you get to see a lot too! Tours start at $46 USD.

18. Float on the Chicago River

Getting out on the river is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. Paddle around in a kayak from Urban Kayaks, bike your way through the water on a Cycleboat (it’s also BYOB!), take an architecture boat tour, or go traditional and take a dinner cruise. Prices vary greatly depending on what you choose, but expect to pay at least $45 USD to get out on the water.

Chicago Travel Costs

Hostel prices – During peak season, a bed in a 4-6-bed dorm costs about $50-70 USD and $35-65USD in the off-season. For a room with eight beds or more, expect to pay around $45-60 USD in peak season and $30 – 45 USD off-peak.

A basic private room starts at $136 USD during peak season and goes up from there. Prices drop to around about $70-120 USD in the off-season. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels have self-catering facilities. Some hostels also offer free breakfast and a few have a bar/restaurant on premises.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels start at $110 USD per night in peak season. In the off-season, prices drop to around $85 USD. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, AC, TV, and a coffee/tea maker.

There are also lots of Airbnb options in Chicago. A private room starts at $40 USD per night while an entire home/apartment averages $130 USD per night. Expect to pay double (or more) if you don’t book in advance.

Food – Chicago has lots of fast food and street food options. The city is famous for deep dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and Chicago dogs, which are simple hot dogs dressed with mustard, hot peppers, tomato slices, green relish, and a pickle spear. Another dish to try in the city is a jibarito sandwich, which was created by Puerto Rican immigrants. It’s typically thin-sliced steak, tomato, lettuce, cheese, and mayonnaise between a “bun” of smashed and fried plantains.

You can get a huge hot dog, a chili dog, or a few tacos for under $5 USD, or a sandwich for under $10 USD. A personal deep dish pizza starts at about $13 USD (Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria is the best place to order it). Fast food (think McDonald’s) is around $11 USD for a combo meal.

You can eat at an inexpensive casual restaurant with table service for around $25 USD. For a three-course meal with a drink, expect to pay closer to $55 USD.

Chinese food is around $9-13 USD and you can find Thai food for around $13-15 USD. Beer is $7 USD, a cocktail is $11-15 USD, and a glass of wine is $10 -12 USD. In terms of non-alcoholic drinks, a latte/cappuccino is $5 USD while bottled water is $2.50 USD.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay around $50-60 USD per week for basic staples like pasta, rice, vegetables, and some meat. There are plenty of grocery stores around, even close to the downtown area. Mariano’s is known for high quality and low prices.

Backpacking Chicago Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Chicago, expect to spend about $80 USD per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, using public transportation, cooking your own food, and free attractions like walking tours, the parks, and the beaches. If you plan on drinking, add $20 USD to your daily budget.

A mid-range budget of about $240 USD includes staying in a private accommodation, eating out for most meals, enjoying a couple of drinks, taking the occasional taxi, and doing some paid activities like museum visits or a bike tour.

On a “luxury” budget of about $430 USD or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink as much as you’d like, take more taxis or rent a car, and do more paid activities. After that, the sky is the limit!

Chicago Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Chicago is an expensive city, especially when it comes to attractions and accommodation. But, like any major city, there are always pockets of affordability if you know where to look. Here are some ways to save money in Chicago:

• Get the Chicago City Pass – There are two different sightseeing passes available for Chicago. The CityPASS lets you choose either three or five attractions from a list of nine. Prices range from $102 USD to $139 USD. Go City passes offer more flexibility with entrance to more than twenty-five attractions. The All-Inclusive pass gives you entrance to an unlimited number of attractions. Prices for this pass range from $124 USD for a one-day pass to $234 for a five-day pass. The Explorer Pass gives you entrance into a specific number of attractions from the list. Prices range from $84 USD for a two-attraction pass to $189 for a seven-attraction pass. The Explorer passes are valid for sixty days. These passes are worth it if you are going to see a lot of attractions. Do the math before you get them though!
• Redeem hotel points – Be sure to sign up for hotel credit cards and use those points when you travel. There’s nothing better than free accommodation and most cards come with at least 1-2 nights free. This post can help you get started with the basics so you can start earning points today and have plenty for your trip.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is the best way to save money on accommodation in Chicago. You’ll not only get a free place to stay but you get to connect with a local who can share their insider tips. It’s perfect for budget travelers who want to make connections.
• Look for the happy hours – The Ultimate Happy Hours website lists all the happy hour drink and food specials around Chicago. It’s updated with new info frequently!
• Go on a free walking tour – This is a great way to learn the history behind the places you are seeing and avoid missing any must-see stops. Free Chicago Walking Tours has several interesting walking tours that can show you the main sights. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Chicago

Accommodations are expensive in Chicago. However, there are a lot of hostels (with private rooms too) and budget hotels that can help keep your costs down. Here are my recommended places to stay in Chicago:

• Found Chicago River North
• Chicago Getaway Hostel
• Parthenon Hostel
• Freehand Chicago

For more hostel suggestions, be sure to check out my complete list of the best hostels in Chicago!

How to Get Around Chicago

Public Transportation – The Chicago Transit Authority operates the L Train (elevated subway train) and the bus system. Their website has a complete list of routes and planning tools. The L Train costs $2.50 USD per journey, which is automatically deducted from your Ventra card (a rechargeable card that you can buy at any L station). The Ventra card itself costs $5 USD, but that amount gets refunded when you register the card.

The train from the airport costs $5 USD. You can also take a city bus, which is $2.25 USD.

There are also passes available, including a one-day pass for $5 USD, a 3-day pass for $15 USD, and a 7-day pass for $20 USD.

Water Taxis – Water taxis are a fun way to get around some parts of Chicago. A one-way ticket between two docks costs between $6USD. You can get an all-day pass with unlimited trips for $10. If you’ll be staying in the city longer, a 10-ride pass is available for $25.

Bicycle – Chicago is incredibly bike-friendly. Divvy is the city’s bike-sharing program. There are 5,800 Divvy bikes and you can get an unlimited day pass for $18.10 USD (for rides up to three hours each). You can also pay $1 USD to unlock a bike and then prices start at $0.18 USD per minute of your ride, depending on whether you take a bike or scooter. You can purchase these passes at station kiosks or via the app.

Taxis – Taxis are expensive here! Everything is meter-based starting at $3.25 USD and then $2.25 USD per mile. Skip the taxis if you can.

Ridesharing – Uber and Lyft are way cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi. I would definitely take them late at night over the bus too.

When to Go to Chicago

Spring (April to the end of May) and fall (September to the end of October) are both excellent times to visit Chicago, thanks to pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.

Fall is especially nice, with daily temperatures averaging 60-70°F (15-21°C). You need to pack a sweater for this time of year, but tourist attractions are less crowded and hotel/hostel rooms are cheaper. The parks around the city are full of trees so it’s a great time to see the leaves changing. Chicago also has unique Halloween celebrations like Fall Fest and the Night of 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns.

Summer (June-August) is peak season in Chicago. It’s hot, with temperatures reaching the mid-80s°F (high 20s°C), and tourist crowds are at their highest. Although it’s nice to take advantage of the weather, keep in mind that prices increase for accommodations and vacancies are low. August can be rainy, so pack a light rain jacket. This is the best time of year for attending outdoor events like the Millenium Park Summer Music Series.

Spring is a good time to visit as well. Temperatures average between 47-70°F (8-21°C), so you’ll want to pack layers. Outdoor activities begin to pick up and you can enjoy time on the river or a day watching a baseball game. There are flower shows and it’s cherry blossom season in the city as well.

Avoid visiting in winter unless you don’t mind some super cold days! The wind can be sharp during the winter months in Chicago. High temperatures average between 31-37°F (-1-3°C), but can feel much colder with the wind. If you want to do a lot of museum hopping or sightseeing indoors, you can save a lot of money on accommodations.

How to Stay Safe in Chicago

Although Chicago gets a bad reputation for crime and violence, it’s still a safe place to backpack and travel. Violent attacks tend to be confined to certain areas (especially where drug and gang violence are a problem) and rarely impact visitors. As a traveler, you’re likely to stick to the Loop, Wicker Park, Bucktown, and the Old Town, all of which are very safe.

Avoid Chicago’s South Side unless you want to see a White Sox game (the L Train stops right outside the stadium).

You might encounter petty crime, like theft, around famous tourist landmarks. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, especially while taking public transportation.

If you’re approached by strangers asking for money or directions, use caution. This may be an attempt to draw you into an unwanted situation. Give brief, firm answers and move away to an area with more people.

At some attractions, like the Art Institute or the Field Museum, you may get approached by scammers who claim they can give you a cheaper tour inside. Avoid these “guides” as it’s all a scam. Read this post on common travel scams to avoid .

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here but the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). For more specific tips, visit one of the numerous solo female travel blogs. They’ll be able to provide better tips than I can.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Chicago Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Chicago Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on United States travel and continue planning your trip:

Where to Stay in San Francisco: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 12 Best Things to Do in Chicago

The 5 Best Hotels in San Francisco

How to Experience Milwaukee Like a Local

The 7 Best Hotels in New York City

The 7 Best Hotels in Miami

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ELLE Escapes: Chicago

As the late, great Frank Sinatra once said, “Chicago is my kind of town.” With its vibrant mix of architectural gems, multidisciplinary art, live music, swanky bars, loyal sports fans, and Michelin-caliber dining, all within a dynamic landscape of culturally distinct neighborhoods, isn’t it kinda everybody’s? Here, you get the best of a bustling metropolis flecked with skyscrapers (that at one point were the tallest in the world!), nooks of burgeoning creative communities in suburban enclaves, and a buzzy, recreational riverfront that comes alive in the warmer months—especially during Lollapalooza in this weekend.

While social media might suggest otherwise, the city is known for so much more than selfies at The Bean (er, Cloud Gate) and deep-dish pizza, though the latter is definitely on this list . Its world-class attractions and historic treasures prove there is truly something for everyone, and the list of must-dos are simply impossible to tackle in just one visit. Think: quirky antique shops, night-long jazz sets in iconic venues, inventive fine dining, and off-the-beaten-path hideouts, all that with a sprinkle of Midwestern hospitality. Here’s how to navigate the Windy City that, despite its nickname, locals will attest is second to none.

What to See

The art institute of chicago.

Known for its sprawling campus and sun-soaked galleries filled with modernist and contemporary masterpieces, the Art Institute of Chicago in Grant Park remains one of the oldest and largest art museums of the world, dating all the way back to 1879. The permanent collections are exceptional, but the Institute’s heavy rotation of stand-out exhibitions make it worth the visit. Open now, “Life and Afterlife in Ancient Egypt” and a groundbreaking retrospective on French painter Paul Cezanne are two pop-up shows that are absolute must-sees.

The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

No visit to Chicago is complete without enjoying some jazz. Situated in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, the iconic century-old Green Mill plays host to live music seven days a week, with Thursday nights specifically dedicated to swing dancing, and the third Sunday of every month to poetry slams. This famed, cash-only entertainment venue was a local haunt to mobster Al Capone, who frequented the establishment during Prohibition. Patrons can still sit in his booth, which has a clear view of both exits (for obvious reasons).

Garfield Park Conservatory

Get lost among the Spanish Baroque-style structures capped with gold rotundas, lagoons, and more, before arriving at the stunning glass greenhouse that ensconces the Garfield Park Conservatory. Traverse through the manicured gardens and wander between themed rooms with spaces dedicated to palms, ferns, desert cacti, succulents, and exotic flora (why not?). Throughout the year, the Conservatory hosts special pop-up events like beer tastings, yoga, expert talks, and, yes, flower shows.

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Wilfred The Melina Cropped Pant

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Bottega Veneta Mini Pouch

Where to eat.

Top Chef winner and South Side native, Joe Flamm brings Italian-Croatian flavor to the West Loop’s Fulton Market district with his debut restaurant, Rose Mary. The buzzy concept offers a modern take on rustic dishes, packed with bold flavors and thoughtful coursing, that encapsulates what Flamm has coined “Adriatic drinking food.” The open kitchen gives dining patrons a glimpse of all the action, and amid exacting sous chefs, you’ll sometimes see chef Joe himself calling the shots. While the menu changes seasonally, the Stracciatella starter is a must, and you can’t go wrong with the Malfaldine or Pork Ribs Pampanella.

Lincoln Park’s crown jewel, Alinea is undisputed for its ingenious molecular gastronomy, led by creative chef Grant Achatz, who has earned the eatery three Michelin stars and a bevy of awards. Enter through an unmarked door and enjoy a multi-course tasting menu with mind-blowing creations like a single-bite black truffle explosion or a complex take on surf and turf with nuanced flavors plated with surgical precision, and a dessert finale that looks like a literal splatter paint right on your dining table. The Alinea experience comes complete with scented vapors, tricks, and tableside theatrics, so you’ll be plenty entertained throughout.

Pequod’s Pizza

If you want the ultimate Chi-town deep dish experience, Pequod’s reigns supreme. It’s been an institution since the ’70s and an undisputed choice amongst locals for traditional pan pizza (hold for those that will try to keep this a secret from out-of-towners). What sets Pequod’s apart from other deep dish joints is the crunchy, caramelized crust that some will say is a transcendent experience, making it the best pizza in Chicago, if not one of the best in the country. (Sorry, New York.)

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Schutz Lenne Nappa Leather Sandal

Where to drink, the palmer house.

Where better to enjoy a martini than under 24-karat gold Tiffany & Co. candelabras and Grecian frescos by French painter Louis Pierre Rigal? The Palmer House is opulence defined—a hotel packed with history and enduring romantic myths that swirl its origins. Enter the lobby through the travertine double staircase and you’re immediately transported to another universe. The French-inspired aesthetic can trace its roots back to Bertha Palmer, the lucky dame who was gifted the hotel as an extravagant wedding gift by her husband, Potter Palmer. After befriending Claude Monet, she began amassing a remarkable amount of Impressionist art that stood as the largest collection outside of France (now on display at the Art Institute). Enjoy a cocktail at The Palmer’s Lockwood Lobby Bar before starting your evening. Pro tip: Live entertainment is offered on weekends.

Three Dots and a Dash

Tucked away in a secret alleyway entrance, Three Dots and a Dash is a whimsical take on an island bar, with exotic craft cocktails and tropical elixirs. Pick your poison by flavor, clever name, or the eccentric mug it’s housed in. For rum connoisseurs, the Bamboo Room inside offers a dedicated experience with a focused menu of daiquiris, renditions of classics, and progressive cocktails made using a modern technique.

Offshore Rooftop

This sprawling rooftop at the edge of Navy Pier has the best perch in town, with sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the coastal skyline. The bright and airy space is open year-round, with fire pits, game areas, and cozy seating ideal for group hangs and intimate get-togethers by day or night. And, if you’re new to Chicago, it’s the perfect place to stop after exploring Grant Park and the Pier.

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Where to stay, chicago athletic association.

Once an elite private club, this downtown boutique hotel is a classic stay, boasting a Venetian Gothic exterior, historic lobby, and design-forward accommodations with custom vintage-inspired furnishings like iron bed frames and pommel horse benches. It’s beloved by travelers and locals alike for its indoor bocce and game room foosball, clubby Cherry Circle Room restaurant, elegant speakeasy-style microbar Milk Room with a neighborhood-favorite bartender, and rooftop bar Cindy’s, with the best views of Millennium Park.

Centered in Chicago’s hip Wicker Park neighborhood, best known for its creative enclaves, vintage shopping, and cozy cafés, The Robey is minimalist and mid-century Art Deco in style, situated in a triangular building that towers over the intersection of Damen, Milwaukee, and North Avenues. The eclectic rooms range from suites to bunk lofts, optimal for group travel. Have a cocktail or take a dip in the hot tub at the rooftop Cabana Club where you’re more likely to mix with locals rather than visitors, then take in the metropolitan view of downtown Chi.

Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Evocative of a Parisian chateau, Chicago’s elegant Waldorf Astoria is nestled in the ritzy Gold Coast neighborhood just steps away from Michigan Avenue shopping. The cobblestone motor court sets the tone for the property’s sophistication and grandeur that would undoubtedly be Coco Chanel-approved. Inside, you’ll find crystal chandeliers, plush velvet furniture, and glossy marble fixtures with large rooms that might as well be suites. And, for the ultimate respite from city bustle, check in to the spa for a massage treatment or a detox in the eucalyptus steam room. Relaxation at its finest.

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Beauty picks.

Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator

Wash away all that city humidity and stay polished with this ultra-sleek exfoliator.

Goop GOOPGENES Clean Nourishing Lip Balm Trio

You’ll need little more than these three shades for city days, nights, and, overall, keeping your lips luscious.

Clé de Peau Beauté Intensifying Liquid Eyeliner

There’s nothing like good eyeliner, and with two precise pens, you can get the perfect sharp wing.

QMS Intensive Eye Care Day & Night Eye Cream

Save the suitcase space (and your under-eyes) with this two-in-one day and night cream.

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What’s New in 2022

From the South Side to the Loop, Chicago’s Innovative Spirit Thrives

Theater, art and music are flourishing, and on the culinary scene, a 13-course Filipino tasting menu and a sleek Black-owned winery in Bronzeville are just a few of the city’s new offerings.

By Elaine Glusac

Lacey Irby and her business partner, Ryan Brosseau, a chef, were planning to open a restaurant when the pandemic hit. It delayed them, but eventually, in early 2021, they opened Dear Margaret , a homey tribute to Mr. Brosseau’s Canadian grandmother in the Lakeview neighborhood, with takeout only, gradually adding patio dining and finally, last June, the snug dining room. It recently earned a Bib Gourmand award from Michelin — signaling quality and value — and reservations are scarce.

“For those of us left standing, it’s a testament to that willpower that’s inherently part of this city,” Ms. Irby said.

Resilience is a point of pride in Chicago, which was nearly erased by the Great Fire in 1871. In 2020, the pandemic chased residents out of the downtown Loop and into their homes, and though many offices remain dark, locals are now returning to reopened clubs, theaters, restaurants and cultural attractions.

For those making the art, the food and the entertainment, introspection mingles with celebration.

“During the pandemic, artists couldn’t help but create and we’re seeing new, exciting shows,” said Katie Tuten, a co-owner of the eclectic performance space Hideout , fresh from a weekend of back-to-back sellout shows. “Plus, who wants to come out of the pandemic and not have a place to dance?”

Back on stage

Watching a performance, let alone dancing, was of course forbidden indoors for at least a year at independent music clubs that form the backbone of the Chicago music scene. Thanks to $16 billion in federal Covid relief distributed to venues nationwide, no local clubs closed permanently, according to the Chicago Independent Venue League , an industry group of nearly 50 performance spaces.

Members of the league represent the spectrum of Chicago-made music, from the Promontory in Hyde Park, with everything from jazz concerts to soca dance parties; to Martyrs’ on the North Side, welcoming emerging garage bands, arty collectives like the marching band Mucca Pazza and free Sunday afternoon country shows.

“Each are anchors to neighborhoods with restaurants and bars and experiences,” said Chris Bauman, a C.I.V.L. board member and the owner of two North Side venues, Avondale Music Hall and the Patio Theater , who credits locally owned clubs as economic engines and talent incubators. “In Chicago, we do it for the love of art and music and creating and retaining this culture,” he added.

Theater, too, is back, requiring masks at major companies, including the Goodman , Steppenwolf and Chicago Shakespeare . The latter two also require vaccine cards.

In Lincoln Park, Steppenwolf has recently opened its new in-the-round Ensemble Theater, where the furthest seat is 20 feet from the stage, with “Seagull” by Anton Chekhov, through June 12. An adaptation of Eve Ewing’s poetry collection, “1919,” about the racist murder of a young Black swimmer in Lake Michigan in 1919, intended for young adult audiences, will follow Oct. 4 to 29.

Harder hit were the hundreds of small theater companies, often occupying storefronts, that have historically set the bar for originality. During Theater Week in February, which promotes productions with discount tickets, the sponsoring alliance League of Chicago Theaters had about half of the entries from small theaters compared to prepandemic festivals, but 80 percent of 2019 sales.

“Audiences were eager to come out,” said Deb Clapp, the executive director of the League, who noted the late spring return of several companies producing plays with social justice themes, such as Story Theaterr’s “ Marie Antoinette and the Magical Negroes ,” which mingles race history and the French Revolution (June 30 to July 17).

Dining and drinking

With pandemic mandates dropped, restaurateurs are still struggling to hire adequate staff, leading to more dark nights than before the pandemic.

A few high-profile favorites did not survive, including Blackbird, a sophisticated West Loop hot spot with tables just inches apart, as well as Spiaggia and Everest.

Still, some irrepressible entrepreneurs took the leap during the pandemic, including the chefs and spouses Genie Kwon and Timothy Flores, who opened Kasama in the summer of 2020 in Ukrainian Village as a takeaway cafe, with the goal of “making Filipino food mainstream,” Ms. Kwon said.

Last fall, the Filipino restaurant added a 13-course tasting menu at dinner — dishes have included oyster and green mango, and lamb belly with bagoong, a Filipino fish paste —available to just 40 diners a night ($215 a person) as a way to guarantee income and ward against possible future capacity restrictions. The restaurant recently earned a Michelin star, and dinner there is one of the hardest reservations to score.

“For Filipinos, seeing rustic foods mom-and-pop served in a 13-course tasting menu is eye-opening,” said Mr. Flores.

The South Side’s new Bronzeville Winery has its own social mission, to catalyze the revival of Bronzeville, the historically Black business and cultural district.

“I live in Bronzeville and I’m a foodie, but I’m always driving” to find fine food, said Eric Williams, a co-owner, who, as a retailer, helped spark the regeneration of the now trendy Wicker Park neighborhood on the North Side. “We should have something on our own block.”

Before the pandemic, the Brewers Association , a national trade group, called the Chicago metro area tops for breweries, and beer fans will find tap rooms strewn across the city and suburbs.

To support a start-up, hit a brew hall with shared production facilities, including District Brew Yards in West Town, featuring the Mexican-accented Casa Humilde , where a hazy I.P.A. might have pineapple notes, and the incubator Pilot Project Brewing in Logan Square, currently home to the Black-owned Funkytown Brewery .

Cultural currency

Early on, museums were places of solace when little was open, offering quiet reflection to the vaccinated and masked. A few protocols remain, including advance ticket sales at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art .

While it was closed during the pandemic, the National Museum of Mexican Art remained a vital member of the largely Latino community in Pilsen on the near South Side, serving as a vaccination center. Reopened, the lively showcase for Mexican art recently debuted “Frida Kahlo, Her Photos,” featuring images owned by the iconic painter that comprise what the museum calls a “photographic collage” of her life and times (through Aug. 7).

On the far South Side, the Pullman National Monument added a new visitor center in the 1880 clock tower of the first planned industrial town in the country, site of a factory producing Pullman train cars as well as hundreds of nearby worker’s homes, leafy parks and the shuttered Queen-Anne-style Hotel Florence. Exhibits examine a seminal worker’s strike and Black employment as Pullman porters.

“The same conversations and debates they were having in the 1880s and ’90s about what is a working wage, unionization and worker safety are still so relevant today,” said Teri Gage, the superintendent of the monument.

Festivals are back

As many workers remain remote, the downtown Loop district is quieter than before, though nearby Navy Pier is poised to keep visitors longer with the opening last year of its first hotel, Sable at Navy Pier , a Curio Collection by Hilton, offering panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the skyline.

A full slate of summer events is poised to renew interest in the city center, including the Chicago Blues Festival (June 9 to 12) and the Chicago Jazz Festival (Sept. 1 to 4). Taste of Chicago will take a hybrid approach with a downsized food event in Grant Park (July 8 to 10) along with a June series of neighborhood pop-ups.

At least one new festival is on the calendar, Pizza City Fest (July 23 to 24). Founded by the food journalist Steve Dolinsky, author of “The Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide,” the event will bring 40 pizza makers to the Plumbers Union Hall in the West Loop to bake on site with additional discussions on topics like the perfect dough and pizza-making at home.

“I got tired of seeing people propagate myths about Chicago pizza that weren’t true anymore,” said Mr. Dolinsky, reeling off 10 styles of pizza, including the famous deep-dish, as evidence of the local appetite to experiment. “Chicago is a city of innovation.”

Elaine Glusac writes the Frugal Traveler column. Follow her on Instagram @eglusac .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.

An earlier version of this article misspelled the name of the Russian playwright who wrote “The Seagull.” It is Chekhov, not Chekov.

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Chicago Itinerary: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Categories Domestic Travel , Travel

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So excited to share my Chicago itinerary with you today!

Chicago is one of those cities in the U.S. that I had been wanting to explore for a long time, and people were always surprised that I hadn’t been there yet.

I finally made it out to Chicago for a work trip, and Omied and I extended it into a play trip as well. We ended up visiting during the perfect time of year when the weather was amazing, in early September.

We absolutely loved this city—Omied of course was gaga over the architecture and even I found it to be super interesting to hear about all the famous architects and their stories.

Pssst, heading to Chicago? Don’t miss these travel guides to help you plan your trip!

Where to Stay in Chicago Chicago 3 Day Itinerary Day Trips From Chicago Famous Chicago Food You Have To Try

There’s so much to do, see and eat in Chicago (be sure to purchase a Go City Chicago pass here to save money on top attractions). Here’s how we packed in everything we wanted to hit up in the Windy City.

5 Day Chicago Itinerary

Chicago itinerary: day 1.

We stayed at The Gwen Hotel, which is part of Starwood’s Luxury Collection.

The hotel is absolutely gorgeous, and I adored its art deco vibes. You can see more pics just of The Gwen in this post .

Its central spot on Magnificent Mile means you really can’t beat the location. We were able to walk or take a short uber ride to most places.

In case The Gwen is fully booked, I also recommend the Western River North Hotel located right in downtown Chicago.

Lunch at Cold Storage

We kicked off our foodie tour with lunch at Cold Storage.

This seafood spot had amazing oysters, delicious spreads, and yummy lobster rolls. We finished lunch with a super decadent ice cream sundae, that they are also famous for.

Millennium Park

After lunch, we went over to Millennium Park to walk around.

Millennium Park is famous for all of the incredible, free concerts and events that it hosts, and there happened to be a jazz festival going on when we strolled by.

We also popped over to see The Bean (formally known as Cloud Gate), which was pretty cool but definitely crowded in the afternoon (we came back early in the morning the next day to shoot the above photos).

Cindy’s Rooftop

We hopped just across the street to visit Cindy’s Rooftop, which I’d heard so much about and everyone told me was a must-do in Chicago, even though it’s a tad touristy.

I can see why it’s such an attraction, with its gorgeous views overlooking Millennium Park and fun drinks (terribly slow service, though).

Architecture River Cruise

An Architecture River Cruise is another must-do if it’s your first time in Chicago.

I promise even if your husband isn’t an architect, you’ll still find it interesting. Plus floating down the river gives you an awesome perspective of Chicago’s beautiful buildings.

We booked ours so that we’d be out on the river around sunset, but be sure to book ahead if you’re looking to do the same, as sunset rides fill up fast.

Blue Chicago Jazz Club

Omied and I love to find local spots for live music when we’re traveling, and we had a few recs for jazz clubs.

We popped into Blue Chicago Jazz Club and loved the vibe there—it was so much fun!

Girl and the Goat

After watching Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations episode in Chicago, I was dying to visit Stephanie Izard’s Girl and the Goat.

She’s the first female winner of Top Chef and has built an empire of noteworthy restaurants in Chicago, with Girl and the Goat being the most popular (and infamously tough to get a reservation, so again, book ahead).

I looooved our dinner here. 10/10 would do again. It’s a super romantic spot and the food was fabulous. Definitely get the green beans, lamb ribs, and ratatouille focaccia with feta and tomato jam.

Ugh, my mouth is watering just thinking about those dishes!

Chicago Itinerary: Day 2

Duck Duck Goat

Back to back Stephanie Izard! Duck Duck Goat is her dim sum restaurant, and we had an incredible brunch here.

Seriously some of the best dumplings I’ve ever put in my mouth. The octopus salad, char sui bao, duck and goat spring roll, crab rangoon were all absolutely to die for.

This was one of my favorite meals of our trip, so I’d highly, highly recommend this place!

Museum of Contemporary Art

The MoCA had an exhibit on Murakami, and Omied and I really like his trippy and weird art so we spent a couple of hours there.

If you’re not into art museums, there’s also the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium to check out.

Petit Margeaux

For an afternoon pick-me-up, we stopped by Petit Margeaux, the cute sister café of Michael Mina’s Margeaux restaurant at the Waldorf Astoria.

We had some insanely delicious snacks, including foie gras (because I can’t say no to foie when I see it on the menu).

The outdoor seating at the café is really cute and pleasant, so it was a nice spot to relax before continuing on with our exploring.

As the sun was setting we headed back in the direction of our hotel and made our way over to the Riverwalk.

I think it’s so cool that Chicago has a river running through it, and apparently it’s the only city in the U.S. with a river. This area is so beautiful, especially as dusk sets in and all the skyscraper lights turn on.

We sat outside along the river watching the boats go by, and it seemed like the perfect evening.

Until we got caught in a torrential downpour that suddenly started and caught us totally off guard.

Pequod’s

I quickly learned that there are only three acceptable places to get deep-dish pizza in Chicago, and they are Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, and Pequod’s.

I also learned that not all three are created equal in each local’s eyes, and everyone has their favorite.

Each Uber driver I had told me I had to go to Giordano’s, the others are terrible. It was pretty funny to see them get all riled up when I told them my previous Uber driver said the opposite, and that I had to go to Giordano’s.

In the end, we decided on Pequod’s, and omg was their deep-dish delicious.

Chicago Itinerary: Day 3

The Highline Bar

I had a coworker who was from Chicago and she used to rave about their Bloody Mary bars. “No one does it like Chicago,” she told me.

“Why doesn’t SF have a Bloody Mary bar with all the fixings? Screw bacon, celery, and cheese cubes. That’s so uncreative.

Think mini sliders, chicken wings, mac and cheese balls. These can all go on your Bloody Mary skewers.

People in the Bay would go ape shit for it!” Clearly, I needed to try one of these fabled Bloody Mary bars, and we found The Highline Bar’s Sunday Bloody Mary brunch to help fill that void in my life.

It was so much fun piling on all the goodies for my Bloody masterpiece (A doughnut? Sure, why not? A bag of flaming hot Cheetos? Hell yes.) and while we left feeling bloated from all the sodium, it was totally worth it.

If you end up loving this spot then you have to explore more of the River North area for great restaurants and bars.

Oak Street Beach

Besides having a river running through the city, I also think it’s super cool that one side of Chicago backs up against the beaches of Lake Michigan.

We went over to Oak Street Beach to watch the volleyball players kill it (and basically be the opposite of us—fat, bloated blobs after Bloody Mary brunch), and to relax on the beach a bit.

Be sure to check out North Avenue Beach too if Oak Street gets too crowded.

London House

After hanging at the beach for the afternoon, we freshened up at the hotel and then walked over to the London House to have drinks at their rooftop bar.

Fair warning, this place draws a crowd that is douchey as hell (too many tight, black v-neck shirts paired with gold chains to count), but the view is pretty awesome.

We watched the sunset from up here and it was worth the long line and other general douchebaggery to get in.

Second City Comedy Show

Everyone told us we had to catch a comedy show in Chicago, and that Second City (where the likes of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler practiced comedy) was the place to do it.

They had several different shows going on and we picked this cast/show , which does a fresh show based on current events (and the bizarre political times we’re living in).

You guys, it was hilarious. Some of the sketches were short and sweet, some required audience participation.

My fav was a cheesy baby-making music song (think the tune of Dick in a Box) about how this guy needed to know if the girl he was on a date with voted for Trump. So good.

Greek Islands

Apparently, the Greek Islands have been around for ~50 years and have been known as THE place to have Greek food in Chicago.

We had a really good meal here, including the flaming cheese, lamb chops, and gyros, but to be honest, I think it may not be as good as it was decades ago since my dad was raving about how insanely delicious it was back in the day, but we left feeling like it was just good.

Chicago Itinerary: Day 4

Lincoln Park Zoo

We spent all afternoon at the Lincoln Park Zoo, which was so much fun. They have so many awesome animals there and I had kinda forgotten how fun it is to go to the zoo!

If you like the zoo, be sure to check out the Shedd Aquarium to see beautiful aquatic animals.

3 Arts Club Café

We had lunch at the uber posh restaurant inside the Restoration Hardware.

This place is an Instagrammers dream, but unfortunately, they asked us to not take photos (you know I still had to sneak one with my phone), because it’s that type of place where they think their clientele is so bougie that they’d be pissed to be captured in a photo.

Be sure to make rezzies in advance, because without it you’re looking at a two-hour wait during the weekend.

Shopping at the Magnificent Mile

You can pretty much shop ’til you drop in Chicago.

The Magnificent Mile is made up of three vertical shopping centers and has basically every store your little heart could desire.

We knew we wanted to go to Au Cheval for dinner, and that they don’t take reservations, so we put our name in and were greeted with a two and a half hour wait.

That’s ok though, we were prepared and had already scoped out some great bars nearby!

Might I recommend The Allis (in Soho house), RM Champagne Bar , and Bad Hunter next door as great spots to grab cocktails while you wait for your table.

Okayyyy first of all, yes the wait is worth it, especially since you have so many fun bars nearby to choose from while you wait.

And second of all, if you go to Au Cheval and don’t get their burger, you’re doing it wrong. SO. GOOD.

We also got the bone marrow because we’re fatties. #noregrets

Chicago Itinerary: Day 5

Willis Tower Skydeck

Gotta do the sky deck! Pro tip: when you’re facing the windows with the glass bottoms, you might be tempted to go to one of the shorter lines for the windows on the left, but they are shorter for a reason.

The window on the very right is the one with the best views, so if you’re going to wait in line and get that shot for Insta, you might as well make it worth your while.

It’s definitely a trip to stand on a glass floor 1,450 feet high!

Kayaking on the river

Omied and I love kayaking, and this is another really fun way to see the Chicago river and buildings from a different perspective.

Portillo’s

Clearly, we had to try a Chicago-style hot dog. After trying it, I’m not exactly sure what all the fuss is about, but if you’re going to try a Chicago-style hot dog, I’m told this is THE place to do it.

If you’re not about that hot dog life, I’d also recommend Little Goat Diner . Yes, another Stephanie Izard restaurant.

Clearly, I love this woman’s food. The chicken pot pie and Rueben sandwich were both killers!

If you are spending more than 5 days in Chicago, I would recommend getting the Chicago Citypass .

You get to visit 7 of Chicago’s best attractions like Shedd Aquarium , Skydeck Chicago , The Art Institute of Chicago, and 360 Chicago Observation Deck in the John Hancock Center Building.

I would also recommend spending some time at Grant Park , the Chicago Cultural Center , Wrigley Field, Chicago Water Tower, and the Navy Pier .

Phew, looking back at our itinerary, that was a lot of things! There’s just so much to do in Chicago, and we had the best time exploring!

I know there are other things (especially restaurants!) that we didn’t get to try so tell me, what else do I need to hit up the next time I’m there?

You can tag me (@ wtfab ) on insta so I can see where in the world you’re traveling from.

Heading to Chicago? Check out my other Chicago travel guides here.

Where to Stay in Chicago Chicago 3 Day Itinerary Gwen Hotel, Chicago Day Trips From Chicago Famous Chicago Food You Have To Try Top 11 Chicago Black-Owned Restaurants 22 Best Indoor Activities Chicago Has to Offer 20 Fun Things to Do in Chicago at Night 18 Most Instagrammable Places in Chicago

It is recommended to spend a minimum of 3 days in Chicago, but a week is best.

The best time to visit Chicago is in late spring, early summer, and early fall since the weather is the best. These months are May, June, September, and October.

Yes, Chicago is a great place to visit! There are so many fun activities to do, amazing places to visit, and amazing restaurants to eat at.

Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab , a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.

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Jazmin Marie

Tuesday 21st of February 2023

Love this itinerary. Thinking about having a staycation in Chicago and staying at the Gwen - that place looks so gorgeous.

Elise Armitage

Wednesday 1st of March 2023

It's beautiful!! You'll love it.

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• Chicago Travel Guide: Explore The Best Sights Of The Marvelous Architectures And Scenic Landscapes!

23 Mar 2023

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the city of Chicago is world famous for its skyline, which is dotted by skyscrapers. It is well known to be an international hub for commerce, trade, and tourism. The city also is the home to many famous museums such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago History Museum amongst others. Whether you are an art lover or an avid shopper or a sucker for architecture, Chicago offers all this and many more reasons to visit it. With world-class tourism infrastructure and numerous tourist attractions, Chicago is one city, you should not afford to miss. Read this Chicago travel guide 2022, which covers everything you need to know about Chicago.

Best Time To Visit Chicago

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Chicago attracts millions of visitors all around the year thanks to its endless attractions. This means every season offers some reason or the other to spend time in Chicago. Seasoned visitors know their way through Chicago, but for a first-timer, it can get intimidating. Follow this Chicago travel guide to find out which part of the year suits you.

• Spring Season (April-May): If you want to avoid the crowds that throng Chicago in the Summer holiday season and the chilly weather that Chicago is famous for, then this is the perfect time to visit Chicago. This way, you get to cover a lot more of the tourist attractions.
• Summer Season (June-August): This is the peak tourist season in Chicago thanks to schools being closed for summer. If you are planning on visiting Chicago with your family, this season is the time to visit, thanks to numerous family-friendly events and happenings at all major tourist attractions.
• Autumn Season (September-October): Chicago records its finest temperatures during this season. The pleasant weather along with lower crowds means you can enjoy Chicago to the fullest. Do not miss out on the famous boat tour of the city at this time of the year.
• Winter Season (November-March): It gets really cold in Chicago during these months. However, the hotels and the tourist attractions offer hefty discounts to tourists during this lean period. Thus, making it the perfect time for those who are on a tight budget.

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How To Reach Chicago

Chicago, being a major metropolitan city, is well connected with all major cities of the world. The city has two major airports – the O’Hare International Airport and the Midway International airport, both receiving thousands of footfalls every day. Direct non-stop flights to Chicago are available from Delhi. Budget airlines like Wow Air also operate from India to Chicago.

The Ideal Duration Of Stay In Chicago

Being a large and diverse city, you will need a lifetime to fully cover Chicago and its attractions. However, all the major places of interest can be covered within seven days, which is generally the ideal length of most vacations. Most of the best Chicago travel guide provide detailed information as to the amount of time required at each tourist attraction. Plan your Chicago trip accordingly to get the most out of the Chicago experience.

Suggested Read: 15 Best Places To Visit In Chicago That Add Charm To Your American Vacay!

Best Places to visit in Chicago

The following three districts of Chicago cover all the major attractions in this city and leave you wanting for more.

1.The Chicago Loop

Being the central business district in the city of Chicago, the Loop is much famed to be second in line when it comes to commercial business districts in the USA. This is where the famed skyscrapers and high-rises of Chicago can be found. There are plenty of shopping opportunities in this area and one can either visit the Loop Retail Historic District or the nearby upscale Magnificent Mile area. The Chicago river that flows by the side of the Loop is known for its boat tours and river-walks.

2.Near North Side

This part of the city is the home to many museums such as the Chicago Children’s Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Loyola University Museum of Art and others. The famous Chicago Shakespeare Theatre is found here and is home to some of the best ever productions made. The Wrigley Building – former headquarters of the Wrigley Chewing Gum Company is another famous landmark whose address can be found in this part of the city. The Near North Side is the place to have a glimpse of the old school architecture.

Suggested Read: 10 Museums In Washington DC For An Insight Into The American History

3.Near South Side

Just south of the Loop, this district hosts many of the Chicago’s major structures such as the Museum Campus, the Soldier Field , and the McCormick Place. Visit the Museum Campus which contains major tourist attractions such as the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium, and the Field Museum. Rest assured, your kids will have a field day at the campus. Largely a residential community area, this part of the city offers you the real Chicago, away from the skyscrapers and the commotion of downtown Chicago.

Best Things to do in Chicago

Confused with what are the sights and the things to do in Chicago, just follow our top three things to do in Chicago.

1.See the Chicago skyline from the Skydeck

The Willis Tower is the most famous building in Chicago. It is the second largest building in the United States and its observational deck is on the 103rd floor. This deck is visited by millions annually to get a view of the entire Chicago skyline. On a clear day, one can see the Illinois Plains across the Lake Michigan.

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2.Take the Chicago Architecture River Cruise

Worried about the traffic on the streets of Chicago? If so, this is the best way to cover Chicago. Learn about how the skyscrapers were constructed and be astonished about the science involved in it. The cruise along the Chicago River offers some amazing picture opportunities.

3.Shop to your heart’s content at the Millennium Mile

This is the ultimate paradise for all shopaholics and is best visited during the holiday season. The stores of all leading brands are present in this stretch and can burn a hole in your wallet too. Accompanied by high-end restaurants and cafés, it is the ultimate shopping destination.

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Best Places To Stay

One of the questions that pops up immediately in your mind while planning a visit is where to stay in Chicago for first-time visitors like you. Here are some recommendations of the best hotels which will make your stay in Chicago comfortable and memorable.

1.The Peninsula Chicago

If you are looking to be pampered by your place of stay, then this is the right hotel for you. Located in one of the posh localities of Chicago, this hotel is frequented by Hollywood A-Listers and other celebrities. This five-star hotel also hosts award-winning restaurants and an exquisite roof-top lounge.

Location: 108 E Superior Street, Chicago

2.Kimpton Hotel Palomar Chicago

This hotel, near the Grand Metro station, symbolizes everything that Chicago is about. With a view of the Chicago River, the rooms are full of colours and come with yoga mats, work desks for the Indian in you. The 17-floor boutique hotel also has a sleek 1940s-inspired restaurant to meet your dietary requirements.

Location: 505 North State Street, Chicago

Suggested Read: 22 Best Things To Do In Chicago In 2022: The City With A Magnetic Charm

3.The Langham, Chicago

Situated just next to the Millennium Mile, this is the perfect spot in the town for your stay. A tad expensive compared to other hotels, it is compensated by their five-star service, a sleek Mediterranean restaurant and a magnificent view of Lake Michigan. Throw in a world-class spa and this is the heaven in Chicago.

Location: 330 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago

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The US Dollar is the currency of the United States of America. People from India can acquire US Dollar from your nearest bank branch or private foreign-exchange dealers authorized by the Government of India.

Visit your nearest US Consulate or Embassy to inquire about your visa eligibility as it differs from one country to another. A tourist visa is encouraged for sightseeing purposes and is easily attainable subject to verification.

What To Pack

The essentials for a trip to Chicago include:

• A travel itinerary
• Sunscreen lotions
• Hiking shoes
• Credit cards and legal documents – passports, visa approval confirmation, and travel insurance.
• The clothes are to be according to the season during which you plan to visit Chicago.
• Beware, the summers and the winters are extremely hot and cold respectively, so pack accordingly.

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We believe that this Chicago travel guide will help your way around the great city of Chicago. This ready reckoner will make you well-informed about the choices you have in Chicago. So, what are you waiting for? Plan and customize your USA vacation with TravelTriangle and enjoy the best time of your life amidst the picturesque locations.

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Chicago Travel Guide - Best of Chicago

Things to know if you're visiting Chicago for the first time

Getting to chicago - chicago o'hare international airport, transportation in chicago, best time to visit chicago, top attractions in chicago, food in chicago, shopping in chicago, local customs in chicago.

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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.

A trip to the United States is incomplete without visiting Chicago, the most American of American cities. But visiting a new city for the first time can be intimidating. Here are some useful tips for first-time travelers. When’s the best time to go? Spring is one of the most pleasant times to visit, but mid-March to mid-April is also the peak tourist time. Alternatively, give Fall a try as the weather is still mild but everything is less crowded. While Winters are freezing, but you’ll get the best deals on hotels and airfares (January and February).

Next up, where to stay in the city? With 50 districts or wards in the City of Chicago, choosing the right location for your trip depending on the purpose of your visit and budget. For first-timers, Chicago Loop or Chicago Downtown is where all the top attractions and countless dining options can be found. If you want to party the night away, the River North area is where the coolest nightclubs are located, plus it’s close to the Magnificent Mile. If you are on a budget or with a family, consider the lovely neighborhood of Lincoln Park.

Lastly, how to navigate around the city? Chicago has one of the largest and most convenient public transportation systems in the US, visitors should take full advantage of these affordable modes of transport to get around town. For a fare of $5, visitors can reach both of Chicago’s airports in under an hour by using the L trains. If you plan to use the public transit system a few times during your visit, save some hassle and money by getting a Ventra card for discounted fares or a multi-day pass for unlimited rides. For those who prefer to drive, download the ParkChicago app for all your street parking needs, rates vary by neighborhood and permit-only parking streets are marked.

Visitors traveling to Chicago have the luxury of choosing between two international airports – Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Both airports operate international flights, are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, and have easy transfer options to the city.

Situated on the northwest side of Chicago and 23 km (14 miles) away from downtown, O’Hare International Airport is the larger of the two airports and one of the handfuls of major immigration gateways into the US. There are four terminals, with Terminals 1, 2, and 3 operating domestic flights, and Terminal 5 for international flights.

By far the easiest and most affordable way to travel between ORD and Chicago city center is via public transit. Blue Line trains provide service to O'Hare Airport via the O’Hare Station, which is located in the lower level of the concourse connecting to T1, 2, and 3. T5 passengers need to first use the free airport shuttle train. Fare costs $5, visitors will reach downtown in 40-45 minutes. Those who prefer to get a taxi should head to the official Taxi Stands at the lower-level curb front at each terminal. Make sure the taxi is metered and an average fare from O'Hare to downtown is $30-40.

Chicago Midway International Airport is located in the southwest part of the city. The airport has only one terminal and is about 16 km (10 miles) from downtown. For transfer options, visitors can use the public transit Orange Line trains which provide service directly between Midway Airport and the downtown Loop. For a one-ride ticket of $5, visitors will reach the city center in 20-25 minutes. For taxis, visitors can head to the official Taxi Stands on the lower-level curb front of the terminals, and an average fare from Midway to downtown is $35-40.

As the third-largest city in the United States, Chicago is an extremely accessible city for tourists. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates the second largest public transportation system in the country with eight ‘L’ train lines and 129 bus routes. Visitors get to ride the trains above-ground, at street-level, and underground too. Two lines operate 24/7, the Blue Line (Chicago O’Hare International Airport to downtown) and the Red Line (connecting North and South Sides via downtown). Visitors can buy a basic fare for $2.50, or get a Single-Ride Ventra Ticket for $3 as it’s good for up to 3 rides within 2 hours of use. To purchase the tickets, opt for a paper Ventra Ticket from the vending machine at every station, pay with a reloadable Ventra Transit Card, or get an Unlimited Ride Pass.

With roughly 130 bus routes, Chicago's city buses cover areas that the L trains don't. The fare costs $2.25, or $2.50 if you want a transfer, and remember if you change from an L train to a bus it costs an extra $0.25. Getting a Ventra card will save you some hassle and time as you’ll need to pay the driver with the exact change. Buses are particularly useful for attractions like Museum Campus, Hyde Park, and Lincoln Park Zoo.

If you want to head out to the suburbs, the Metra commuter trains have 12 routes from four terminals around the Loop. Fares are determined by the number of zones you travel through, so it can range from $4 to $11 for a single journey. Taxis are easy to find within downtown, and the fare begins at $3.25 for a metered ride and costs $2.25 per mile.

Chicago has a typical continental climate which means cold winters, warm summers, and four distinct seasons. Spring and Fall are the best times to visit the city, as in these months (April through May and between September and October) tourists will find the weather to be desirable, and crowds and prices are still manageable. Summer in Chicago is hot with moderate humidity, but it is also the peak tourist season too. Hence visitors should expect the highest lodging rates and packed crowds. In contrast, Winter in Chicago is bitterly cold and snowy, but if you don’t mind the big freeze, it’s also the season with great hotel and airfare deals.

As Spring is one of the most pleasant times to visit Chicago, mid-March to mid-April is also the peak tourist time for the city, the same goes for summer (from Memorial Day to Labor Day) and the winter holiday season (mid-November to early January). To avoid the crowds, give Fall a try as the weather is still pleasant but everything is less crowded. The best period for good deals is in January and February when hotel room occupancy is at its lowest, as result expect great savings and discounted prices.

From towering skyscrapers to renowned public art, from beautiful beaches to enormous greenhouses, Chicago is a metropolis that can keep visitors entertained no matter their taste.

For art lovers and history buffs, Chicago has some of the most distinguished museums in the world, such as the Field Museum, Museum of Contemporary Photography, Smart Museum of Art, and Chicago History Museum to name just a few. And the most admired of them all is the Art Institute of Chicago with its approximately three hundred thousand artworks. Visitors will be immediately impressed by the stateliness of this historic building when they walk past the pair of majestic bronze lions outside the museum. Inside, thousands of paintings, prints, photography, sculpture, and ornamental arts line the walls of various galleries and halls.

One of the best places to enjoy the great outdoors in downtown Chicago is Millennium Park. Not only is this an amazing green space in the middle of the city, but it also is the home to several pieces of famous public arts, such as the iconic Cloud Gate or known affectionately as "The Bean". This photogenic centerpiece has a mirror-like stainless steel surface that reflects the surrounding landscape as well as the tourists who walk through its central arch. Other notable attractions in the park include the Crown Fountain, Pritzker Pavilion, and Lurie Garden.

The urban landscape of downtown Chicago will not be the same without its stunning river and lake. Hence on a nice sunny day, visitors should take advantage of the river cruises, shoreline walks, and water sports on offer. Admire the awe-inspiring architectures along the Chicago River by taking a stroll or grab a bite to eat at the pedestrian-friendly Chicago Riverwalk. Along this scenic promenade, visitors can take it easy in one of the many restaurants and cafes, enjoy some live performance, or hire a boat or kayak and head out for an adventure on the river.

The culinary scene in Chicago is not just world-famous, but it is reputed for inventing some of the most beloved foods in the region and the world. From chocolate brownie, chicken vesuvio to Italian beef, foodie-travelers are in for a treat in the windy city.

The number one signature Chicago dish is the deep-dish pizza or Chicago-style pizza. Reportedly invented in Chicago in 1943, deep-dish pizza has a crust that is so deep, it resembles a pie rather than a flatbread. While visitors can find this local favorite in most pizzerias and restaurants, check out these highly recommended options: Pequod’s Pizza, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, and Giordano’s.

Another local favorite is the Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich. Originated in Southern Illinois, this hearty and delicious sandwich is stuffed with seasoned roast beef, sautéed green bell pepper slices, and giardiniera. These juicy and meaty bread parcels can be sampled at Roma's Italian Beef & Sausage, Al's Italian Beef, and Luke's Italian Beef.

Last but not least, the Chicago-style hot dog. This local creation of the all-American dog is a steamed beef hot dog in a poppy seed bun, topped with yellow mustard, bright green relish, onions, tomato wedges, and sport peppers.

Shopping in Chicago is a treat in itself. Being one of the iconic metropolises in the US, it’s no surprise that shopping fans visiting the city will be in their element with the finest museum shops, eclectic boutiques, and luxury shopping malls. What to get as a souvenir that is undeniably Chicago? Here are some favorite buys: Chicago skyline snow globe, Tiffany Elsa Peretti bean pendant, Frank Lloyd Wright memory game, 2930 Al Capone special edition armored Cadillac model, and Chicago ties.

As far as shopping goes in Chicago, it doesn’t get any bigger or more famous than the Magnificent Mile in the city center. Situated in downtown Michigan Avenue between the Michigan Avenue Bridge and Oak Street, visitors can shop their way through over 460 retailers from prestigious department stores (e.g. Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdales), to world-class shopping centers (e.g. 900 North Michigan Shops, Water Tower Place, and The Shops at North Bridge).

Besides major shopping centers, locals adore their neighborhood independent retailers and boutiques. If visitors get the chance to explore the suburbs and quaint nearby towns, consider supporting the small businesses in Lincoln Park (historic park, zoo, and Victorian row houses), Andersonville (Swedish galore from shops, eateries to museums), and River North (gallery district with top range art, furniture, and home décor).

As the 3rd largest city in the US, Chicago has its public safety problems, but it is generally safe to visit for tourists. With a medium level of overall risk, tourists need to take precautions and be aware that certain neighborhoods need to be avoided. Pickpockets and bag snatching are common issues, so take extra care on public transport and leave your valuables in your accommodation. For emergencies, dial 911 for police, fire brigade, and ambulance services.

Like elsewhere in the United States, the US Dollar ($ or USD) is the official currency. Tipping is hugely important in the US, the standard tip in the country between 15-20%.

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The Ultimate Chicago Summer Guide 2024: 120+ Fests, Fairs And More Fun

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CHICAGO — Summertime Chi is upon us, and the city’s farmers markets, cultural parades, festivals and more are coming in hot.

Want to dance until you drop at one of Chicago’s many music fests? Shop local makers at street markets? Catch free movie screenings at the park?

From food fairs to art bazaars to baseball games, from Pride Month parties to Labor Day weekend festivities, we’ve compiled more than 120 events to enjoy from spring into early fall.

Have an event you want us to add to the list? Let us know at [email protected] .

Here’s a roundup of festivals, parades and other events in Chicago from May through September:

Farmers Markets

May-October

Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., and various locations

Shop produce and other goods from local vendors at farmers markets around the city.

Admission is free. Learn more here .

Bike Out Negativity

3147 W. Douglas Blvd.

The fourth annual bike ride is a 6-mile celebration of Chicago youth. There will also be a pre-ride party with local community organizations and giveaways for West Side youth.

Registration is free online. Learn more here .

Life Time Chicago Spring Half Marathon & 10K

Maggie Daley Park, 337 E. Randolph St.

Run miles along the lakefront and enjoy a post-race party at Maggie Daley Park with live music, flower picking and a Chicago-style brunch.

Registration is sold out, but you can still sign up for the waitlist or show up to cheer on runners. Learn more here .

Patio Palooza

Division Street and Damen Avenue

Crawl around patios along Division Street for the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce’s Patio Palooza. Participants will taste small bites and signature appetizers from participating restaurants.

Tickets are $35. Learn more here .

Paint The Town Red

Pritzker Pavillion, 201 E. Randolph St.

Local music nonprofit Uniting Voices Chicago is bringing together singers and choirs from around the city to perform a repertoire of choral classics, original songs, pop medleys and world music.

Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival

3200 N. Sheffield Ave.

Tribute bands, DJs, food, libations and more will fill the streets during the 39th annual street in the heart of Lakeview.

There is a $10 suggested donation upon entry. Learn more here .

Mole De Mayo

On 18th Street between Morgan and Halsted streets

At this annual Pilsen street fest , local chefs will face off to make the best mole, a Mexican sauce known for its layered flavor profile of hot, sweet and sour ingredients. There will also be art, music and dance, lucha libre wrestling, local artisans and more.

There is a $5-$10 suggested donation upon entry. Learn more here .

Brazilian Festival Chicago

Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Ave.

Celebrate Brazilian culture near the Chicago River with food, music, small businesses and more.

Memorial Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony & Parade

Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., and along State Street

Every year for Memorial Day, Chicago honors U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces with a wreath-laying ceremony at 11 a.m. and a parade that kicks off at noon.

Learn more here .

Mayfestiversary

At the corner of Ravenswood and Belle Plaine avenues

Begyle Brewing and Dovetail Brewery are back with their annual spring party. There will be music, food trucks, pop-ups and more to celebrate warm weather and Dovetail’s ninth anniversary.

There is a $5 suggested donation upon entry. Learn more here .

Randolph Street Market

1341 W. Randolph St.

A biannual European-style fest, Randolph Street Market returns with over 100 vendors selling antiques, vintage art, handmade decor and more. There will also be live music and multiple bars.

Tickets are $5-$15. Learn more here .

Sueños Festival

Grant Park, 331 E. Randolph St.

Rauw Alejandro, Peso Pluma and Maluma are headliners of this year’s Latino music fest, Sueños.

Tickets are sold out, but hopefuls can sign up for a waitlist online. Learn more here .

Norwood Park Memorial Day Parade

Onahan Elementary School, 6634 W. Raven St.

This 101st annual Memorial Day parade includes a flag-raising ceremony, a performance of the National Anthem and a musical prelude by a local band and choir.

Maifest Chicago

May 30-June 2

4521 N. Lincoln Ave.

Celebrate German culture with food, dance, live music and more at this annual fest.

Chicago House Music Conference

Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.

Connect with and learn from Chicago house music icons and experts. Panels will focus on how to cultivate safer and more inclusive nightlife spaces, making money in the streaming age, Latine influence on the genre, songwriting techniques and more.

Do Division Street Fest

May 31-June 2

Division Street between Damen and Leavitt streets

Do Division Street Fest returns to West Town with more than 30 bands across two stages, shopping, food and entertainment. This year’s lineup includes Horsegirl, Avey Tare, Sybris, Divino Niño and more.

Summer Fireworks

9 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 p.m. Saturdays May 29-Aug. 31

Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.

Navy Pier’s annual summer firework shows are back on from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, lighting up the sky with color near the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.

Lincoln Park Greek Fest

St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 2701 N. Sheffield Ave.

This Hellenic fest brings Greek food, music, folk dancing and more to Lincoln Park.

Chicago Gospel Music Festival

Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St.

Kicking off Millennium Park’s 20th anniversary season, this music fest brings together a star-studded lineup of acclaimed gospel artists. Headliners include a variety of Grammy Award-winning artists, with The Clark Sisters, Chicago’s own Todd Dulaney, Chandler Moore and Anita Wilson.

Stewardshipalooza

Ping Tom Memorial Park, 1700 S. Wentworth Ave.

Ping Tom Memorial Park is celebrating its 25th anniversary this summer.

Learn more as the celebration approaches here .

Shedd Pride Night

Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive

Start off Pride Month with a 21-and-older night at the aquarium, DJs and an ocean-themed drag showcase.

Tickets are $14.95-$39.95. Learn more here .

57th Street Art Fair

Between Kenwood and Woodlawn avenues

This 77th annual fair brings more than 180 artists to browse and shop, food trucks, live music and children’s activities to Hyde Park.

Windy City Hot Dog Fest

4000 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Some of Chicagoland’s favorite hot dog stands will compete to make the best wiener at this fest. There will also be a kids’ area, arts and crafts vendors and a community stage.

Queer Fam Pride Jam

Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St.

This LGBTQ+ family-friendly fest is back and better for its second edition. Taking place alongside the Chicago House Music Festival, there will be drag performances, DJ sets, dancing, crafts, face painting, a vendor market and more.

Chicago House Music Festival

Queer Fam Pride Jam will transition into the Chicago House Music Festival, which features artists Lori Branch, Ash Lauryn, Karizma, ANANÉ and more.

Run For The Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St.

Raise funds for the Lincoln Park Zoo while running laps through its gardens and animal habitats at this family-friendly run. There are a variety of races for all levels, including kids’ courses and a 10K.

Registration is $24.99-$110.98. Learn more here .

House On The Plaza

Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St.

Dance around Daley Plaza with house tunes provided by DJ Queen B and more.

Sox vs. Cubs

Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison St.

Watch two Chicago rivals face off in Wrigleyville.

Tickets start at $32 on SeatGeek .

Harper Court Summer Music Series

5235 S. Harper Court

Dance with neighbors at this Hyde Park groove session with DJ “ET” Taylor. Neighbors are also invited to bring folding chairs and explore local shops and restaurants.

Chicago Blues Festival

Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., and Ramova Theatre, 3520 S. Halsted St.

The largest free blues festival in the world is back this summer. The four-day fest opens at Bridgeport’s Ramova Theatre and continues with three stages, 35 performances and more than 250 artists in the heart of the city.

Puerto Rican Fest

2800 W. Division St.

Enjoy four days of music, dance, carnival rides, games, food and drinks, arts and more at the 46th annual Puerto Rican Fest.

Andersonville Midsommarfest

On Clark Street from Foster Avenue to Gregory Street

Andersonville’s hallmark summer fest features more than 50 music and entertainment acts across three nights, two days and five stages.

Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade

Division from Western to Sacramento avenues

The parade is part of Humboldt Park’s Puerto Rican Fest.

Sox Crawl: Stadium Pre-Game

Guaranteed Rate Field, 333 W. 35th St.

Crawl through the White Sox stadium for a pregame ahead of their big game against the Red Sox.

Tickets start at $30. Learn more here .

Old Town Art Fair

Old Town Triangle Center, 1763 N. North Park Ave.

The Old Town Art Fair is back with over 200 artists, a garden walk, live music, a food court and a children’s corner.

Wells Street Art Fair

On Wells Street between North Avenue and Division Street

This art fair is back for its 49th year with over 175 artists, food from local restaurants, music performances and art activities for kids.

Mandala Makers Music Festival

Republic Bank, 2720 W. Devon Ave.

This festival highlighting South Asian-American artists is back for its sixth edition.

Ribfest Chicago

Lincoln Avenue between Irving Park Road and Berteau Avenue

Fifty thousand pounds of pork in three days? Ribfest returns to North Center with more than 20 food vendors serving up barbecue and dozens of whiskey tastings.

Bronzeville Juneteenth Celebration

3521 S. King Drive

With more than 400 expected attendees, this fest bills itself as Bronzeville’s largest Juneteenth celebration. There will be local businesses, vendors, food and a variety of live performances, including music, dance and spoken word.

Still We Rise: Juneteenth Celebration

Dan Ryan Woods, South Western Avenue and West 87th Street

Celebrate Juneteenth and African American culture with food, music, dance and the arts at this third annual event.

Taste Of Chicago Rogers Park

1222 W. Touhy Ave.

Taste of Chicago offers pop-ups in various neighborhoods to showcase local eateries and culinary diversity.

Chicago Italian Beef Festival

3100 S. Morgan St.

This inaugural fest brings Italian beef vendors, beer, live music and more to Bridgeport.

Gold Coast Art Fair

South Lake Shore Drive and East Monroe Street

This 66-year Chicago tradition showcases thousands of art pieces from 250 artists. There will also be treats, live music and beer to enjoy while browsing, painting classes, a kids’ art zone, a gently used art collection drive and more.

Tickets are $10-$15. Kids 12 and younger get in free. Learn more here .

5K San Juan Run

Paseo Boricua, 2459 W. Division St.

Run or walk a 5K through Humboldt Park to benefit Tu Casa Project, a local organization that provides youth programs, entrepreneur opportunities, financial education and more to neighbors.

Registration is $20-$45. Learn more here .

Joffrey For All

This free public performance returns for the second time with fan-favorite dances by Joffrey artists and students.

Rock The Block BBQ: Juneteenth Celebration

Armstrong (Lillian Hardin) Park, 4433 S. Saint Lawrence Ave.

There will be food, music, vendors, a bounce house and more at this family-friendly fest.

Tickets are free. Learn more here .

Juneteenth BBQ & Block Party

DuSable Black History Museum, 740 E. 56th Place

This 12th annual Juneteenth celebration offers free admission to the museum, children’s activities, vendors, food trucks, libations and more.

Motoblot: Motorcycle Street Rally

Cobra Lounge, 235 N. Ashland Ave.

This 11th annual motorcycle and hot rod show features 20 live bands, a beer hall, food trucks, a pin-up contest, a mini grand prix and more.

Tickets start at $18 per day or $45 for three days. Learn more here .

On Halsted Street from Addison to Grace streets

The annual celebration of LGBTQ+ life, culture and community returns with more than 40 performers , 150 merchandise and food vendors, speakers, dance exhibitions, a safe space for youth and more.

There is a suggested $15 donation upon entry. Learn more here .

The Magnificent Mile Art Festival

875 N. Michigan Ave.

This art fest showcases the work of 60 juried artists from around the country, including jewelry, fashion, glass and functional art.

Malt Row On Damen Beer Stroll

Along Damen Avenue between Wilson Avenue and Argyle Street

Stroll between Ravenswood shops and galleries while tasting craft beer, spirits and wines from local breweries and distilleries.

Tickets are $32. Learn more here .

Hyde Park Jazz Festival Benefit & Concert

The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave.

Immerse yourself in South Side jazz and music culture at this annual benefit.

Tickets start at $250 per seat. Learn more here .

Back Lot Bash Chicago Pride

Cheetah Gym parking lot, 5238 N. Clark St.

Celebrate the final weekend of Pride Month with performances by G Flip, Leisha Hailey and Kate Moenning, Siena Liggings, DJ Ca$hEra and more.

Tickets are $26.52. Learn more here .

Logan Square Arts Festival

At the intersection of Logan Boulevard, Kedzie Avenue and Milwaukee Avenue

This three-day neighborhood celebration features bands, local artists, vendors and more to benefit local nonprofits.

Millennium Art Festival

Michigan Avenue and East Lake Street

This fest features thousands of works by more than 100 artists, libations, food trucks, face painting and live music.

Chicago Pride Parade

Montrose Avenue and Broadway Street, south to Halsted Street

The Chicago Pride Parade is back for its 53rd edition with 125 floats, performance groups, marching bands and more. The event draws tens of thousands of people to Uptown, Lakeview and Lincoln Park.

4th On 53rd Parade

Starting at Hyde Park Bank, 1525 E. 53rd St.

A decades-old Hyde Park tradition, the parade leads into a free festival with performances, games, bounce houses, face painting, a petting zoo and more.

African/Caribbean International Festival of Life

Washington Park, 5500 S. Cottage Grove Ave.

Music, food, arts, crafts, games and more will fill the park for the 31st annual fest.

Chicago Craft Beer Fest

Jonquil Park, 1001 W. Wrightwood Ave.

Taste beers from Illinois breweries for the fest’s 11th edition at Jonquil Park this summer.

Registration starts at $25. Learn more here .

Harper Court, 5235 S. Harper Court

Dance with neighbors at this Hyde Park groove session with a DJ and beloved local band Funkadesi. Neighbors are also invited to bring folding chairs and explore local shops and restaurants.

Windy City Smokeout

United Center parking lot, 1901 W. Madison St.

Thomas Rhett, Parker McCollum, Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood are headliners of this year’s beer and barbecue fest, Windy City Smokeout.

Jefferson (Thomas) Memorial Park, 4822 N. Long Ave.

Live music, food, family fun and more are coming to Jefferson Park for its 23rd annual arts and music festival.

Square Roots

On Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Wilson avenues

Square Roots brings together live music, family fun, local restaurants, vendors and craft beer from Lincoln Square and beyond.

Chicago Avenue between Wood Street and Damen Avenue

Popular street festival West Fest will bring live music programmed by Empty Bottle Presents, local shops and eateries, makers and activities for kids and pets.

Millennium Park Residency: Experimental Sound Studio

As part of Millennium Park’s summer residency program, an audio exhibit will explore how nature sounds are part of the “soundtrack of the city.”

The Chosen Few Picnic & Music Festival

Jackson Park, 6401 S. Stony Island Ave.

Alongside the Chosen Few DJs, this long-running house music event features guest DJs like Jihad Muhammad, Sundance and Neil Pierce and guest performers Julie McKnight, Fast Eddie and Jasper Street Company.

General admission starts at $80. Learn more here .

Southport Art Fest

West Waveland and North Southport avenues

Steps away from Wrigley Field, the family-friendly Southport Art Fest brings two days of art, live performances, games and more to the neighborhood.

Millennium Park Summer Film Series

Tuesdays July 16-Aug. 20

Catch “Jurassic Park,” “Coco,” “Barbie,” “American Fiction” and more free film screenings at Millennium Park. Guests can take a seat at the pavilion or lounging on the lawn. Movies start at 6:30 p.m., and double features start at 6 p.m.

Millennium Park 20th Anniversary Celebration

Celebrate Millenium Park’s 20th birthday with ¡Súbelo! headlined by Fruko y Sus Tesos, the Grant Park Orchestra in performance with South Side native Common and more.

Pitchfork Music Festival

Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St.

Black Pumas, Jai Paul, Jamie XX, Carly Rae Jepsen, Alanis Morissette and MUNA are just a few of Pitchfork’s headliners, plus a lineup of dozens of other artists.

Tickets start at $119. Learn more here .

Roscoe Village Burger Fest

2000 W. Belmont Ave.

Burgers, music, arts and crafts and kids’ activities are highlights of this 17th annual patty party.

Tacos Y Tamales Festival

16th and Peoria streets

Pilsen’s Tacos Y Tamales features a variety of food vendors, a beer portfolio, music, an art alley and shopping for its eighth edition.

Taste Of River North

627 N. Wells St.

Taste of River North brings three days of food, art, shopping and family fun.

Chicago Food Truck Festival

2300 S. Indiana Ave.

Taste cuisine from some of Chicago’s top food trucks and tent vendors at this foodie festival.

Admission is free with drink tickets available for purchase online. Learn more here .

Ravenswood On Tap

Ravenswood Corridor, Ravenswood and Berteau avenues

Celebrate local breweries with cocktails, tappings, live music, street food, artisans, axe-throwing and more at Ravenswood On Tap.

Taste Of Lincoln Avenue

2500 N. Lincoln Ave.

Catch Midwest bands, taste food from local vendors, sip on spirits and make arts and crafts at the 40th annual Taste of Lincoln Avenue.

Taste Of Chicago Marquette Park

Marquette Park, 6743 S. Kedzie Ave.

Midway Plaisance, 1130 Midway Plaisance

Celebrate more than 30 countries at the eighth annual Bantu Fest, from South Africa and Nigeria to Haiti and Jamaica to Brazil and Senegal. The two-day event features multicultural cuisine, live bands, artists, music and dance, children’s activities, DJs, fashion and more.

Tickets are $10-$35. Learn more here .

Chinatown Summer Fest

On Wentworth Avenue from Cermak Avenue to 24th Place

Chinatown Summer Fest draws more than 40,000 people each year for a lion dance procession, Asian cultural performances, Chinatown restaurant samplings, arts and crafts and more.

Wicker Park Fest

North Milwaukee Avenue

This neighborhood celebration features eclectic music, local food, arts and crafts and retail vendors.

Dance with neighbors at this Hyde Park groove session with Sam Thousand and The Soul Vortex, The Windy City Ramblers and a DJ. Neighbors are also invited to bring folding chairs and explore local shops and restaurants.

Lollapalooza

Tyler, The Creator, Sza, The Killers and Blink-182 are just a few of the headliners at this year’s highly anticipated Lollapalooza, alongside dozens of other artists across four days.

Tickets start at $149. Learn more here .

Dancing In The Streets

Hubbard Street between Paulina and Wood streets

Dancing In The Streets is a celebration of West Town’s craft beer scene featuring live music, dancing, local food vendors and makers.

1800 S. Blue Island Ave.

Sabor Fest brings tacos, tequila, music and more to Pilsen.

Cubs vs. Sox

Chicago baseball rivals will face off in the ballpark.

Tickets start at $39 online .

Bud Billiken Parade

4500-5500 blocks of Martin Luther King Drive

This year’s Bud Billiken Parade marks 95 years of celebrating Black Chicago with a 2-mile procession and barbecues, picnics and back-to-school giveaways.

Tickets start at $45 online .

India Independence Day Parade

Devon Avenue from Western to California avenues

Chicago’s parade marking India’s independence showcases Indian culture with music, dance and colorful floats.

Chicago Air & Water Show

North Avenue Beach, 1601 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and along the lakefront

The summer staple is preparing for lift-off once again this summer with two days of renowned aerial demonstrations.

Northalsted Market Days

Halsted Street from Belmont Avenue to Addison Street

There will be live music on five stages, hundreds of vendors, food and drink, dance exhibitions, drag performances and more in Northalsted.

Ecuadorian Parade

Montrose and California avenues to Kimball Avenue

Celebrate Ecuadorian culture with floats, folkloric dance, music and more.

Pakistan Independence Day Parade

Devon Avenue from Damen to Western avenues

Along the South Asian pocket that is Devon Avenue, the Pakistan Independence Day Parade features floats, music, dance and more to honor Pakistani culture.

Taste Of Chicago Pullman Park

Pullman Park, 11101 S. Cottage Grove Ave.

Sangria Fest

3021 W. Division St.

This annual fest offers Latin American food and wine, live music, artisan vendors and more.

Millennium Park Residency: Collaboraction and Teatro Vista

As part of Millennium Park’s summer residency program, Collaboraction and Teatro Vista present Sandra Delgado’s “La Havana Madrid,” a tribute to a ’60s Lakeview nightclub where Latine immigrants found refuge and community.

Chalk Howard Street

East of the Howard Red Line “L” stop, between Paulina Street and Ashland Avenue

Each year, neighbors and local artists use Howard Street as a canvas for chalk drawings. There’s also live music, food and drinks.

Millennium Park Residency: Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project

As part of Millennium Park’s summer residency program, 10 dance companies will come together for the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project.

RSVP and learn more here .

Chicago Triathlon

5200 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive

With a traditional triathlon, super sprint and kids triathlon, this competition is open to all ages and levels.

Register and learn more here .

Race Judicata

1700 N. Stockton Drive

Race a 5K through Lincoln Park while raising funds for Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation.

ARC Music Festival

Aug. 30-Sept. 1

The three-day house and techno music fest brings dozens of artists to Chicago and draws thousands of fans.

Passes start at $199.99. Learn more here .

Taste Of Polonia Festival

Aug. 30-Sept. 2

Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave.

This yearly four-day fest takes place Labor Day weekend with live music, food and family fun.

Join neighbors at “A Dope Southside Open Mic” by The Silver Room hosted by Phalair. Neighbors are also invited to bring folding chairs and explore local shops and restaurants.

Taste Of Chicago Grant Park

German American Oktoberfest

North Lincoln and West Leland avenues

Neighbors can immerse themselves in all things German with food, drinks, bands and more.

Taste Of Greektown

315 S. Halsted St.

Hellenic pride takes center stage at the 34th annual culinary fest Taste of Greektown. Alongside food, there will be live bands, games and more.

Pilsen Mexican Independence Day Parade

18th Street from Newberry to Wolcott avenues

The 22nd annual parade draws thousands to the neighborhood in celebration of Mexican culture and independence.

Von Steuben German Day Parade

Lincoln Avenue and Irving Park Road

This North Center parade features German bands and cultural festivities.

Lakeview Taco Fest

3500 N. Southport Ave.

More than 10 local eateries will serve up tacos at the 11th annual Lakeview fest. There will also be beer, two music stages, Mexican wrestlers and kids’ activities.

Printers Row Lit Fest

South Dearborn Street, from Ida B. Wells Drive to Polk Street

The largest free outdoor literary event in the Midwest returns in September for its 39th edition.

El Grito Chicago

Sept. 14-15

280 S. Columbus Drive

To celebrate Mexican Independence Day, this fest brings food, dance, merchandise, games, crafts and more to Downtown Chicago.

Lakeview East Festival Of The Arts

Belmont and Broadway Avenue

Lakeview East Festival of the Arts features more than 120 artists, food, live music, children’s activities and more.

Ravenswood ArtWalk

Ravenswood Industrial Corridor, Lawrence Avenue to Irving Park Road

Ravenswood ArtWalk features open studios and galleries, an outdoor makers market, live music, a pop-up beer garden, kids’ activities, food trucks and more.

26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade

26th Street from Albany to Kostner avenues

This year’s parade theme is “Celebrando Nuestras Tradiciones” and showcases Mexican culture through brightly colored floats, mariachi bands and folkloric dancing.

Annual Mexican Patriotic Parade

87th Street and Commercial Avenue

The Mexican Patriotic Club is hosting its annual parade on the Southeast Side.

Millennium Park Residency: Vocalo Presents

As part of Millennium Park’s summer residency program, Chicago’s only urban alternative station, Vocalo, will present a special concert with local talent, including Pivot Gang, Marquis Hill and KAINA.

Sept. 20-22

Douglass Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Drive

The annual three-day Riot Fest is bringing punk rock, alternative, hip-hop and reggae to North Lawndale at the end of the summer.

World Dumpling Fest

3150 W. Logan Blvd.

Enjoy diverse cultural “dumplings,” like Latin American empanadas and Chinese wontons, as well as music and dance in Logan Square.

Millennium Park Residency: Old Town School Of Folk Music

As part of Millennium Park’s summer residency program, the Old Town School of Folk Music is hosting a Global Carnival to celebrate Carnival traditions from the Caribbean Basin and Latin American to Brazil, New Orleans and Trinidad.

Oktoberfest Chicago

Sept. 27-29

1429 W. Wellington Ave.

All things Bavarian are coming to Lakeview for Oktoberfest, an annual celebration of German culture and cuisine.

Hyde Park Jazz Festival

Sept. 28-29

Free jazz improvisers, large ensembles and more performers take the stage for an ultimate celebration of jazz.

Chicago Taco & Tequila Fest

September (TBD)

2600 N. Cannon Drive

Chicagoans can try taco and tequila pairings at this new festival.

Guatemalan Independence Day Parade

Montrose from California to Kimball avenues

The parade is the last one of September.

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14 best travel credit cards of May 2024

The best travel credit cards offer an array of premium perks and benefits . For both occasional travelers and frequent flyers, adding a travel credit card to your wallet is a great way to earn rewards and save money on every trip you take. At The Points Guy, our team has done the legwork and curated a selection of the best travel credit cards for any globe-trotter, whether you prefer to backpack through mountains or settle into a luxury villa for some relaxation. From generous travel credits to premium lounge access, we’ve chosen the cards packed with the best benefits to elevate your next travel experience.

Check out our list below and discover which travel credit card from our partners makes the best addition to your wallet for all of your adventures.

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for earning miles
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for premium travel
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for beginner travelers
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Best for maximizing business purchases
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for lounge access
• American Express® Gold Card : Best for dining at restaurants
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card : Best for no annual fee
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for business travel
• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card : Best for unlimited point earning
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for travel credits
• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card : Best for variety of bonus categories
• American Express® Business Gold Card : Best for flexible rewards earning
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for travel rewards beginners
• Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card : Best for Alaska Airlines miles

Browse by card categories

Comparing the best credit cards, more details on the best credit cards, credit pointers with brian kelly, what is a travel credit card, helpful tools, how we rate cards, how to maximize travel credit cards, how to choose the best travel credit card, ask our experts, pros + cons of travel credit cards, frequently asked questions.

• Airport Lounge Access

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

When it comes to simplicity and strong rewards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice for most travelers. You’ll earn earns 2 miles per dollar on every purchase with no bonus categories to memorize, making it an ideal card for those with busy lives. Read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card .

• This flexible rewards card delivers a solid sign-up bonus of 75,000 miles, worth $1,388 based on TPG valuations and not provided by the issuer.
• You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories.
• Rewards earned are versatile as they can be redeemed for any hotel or airline purchase for a statement credit or transferred to 15+ travel partners.
• Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
• Capital One airline partners do not include any large U.S. airlines.
• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

If you can maximize the  $300 credit toward Capital One Travel, the Venture X’s annual fee effectively comes down to $95, the same annual fee pegged to the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ). Add in a 10,000-mile bonus every account anniversary (worth $185, according to TPG valuations ) and lounge access, and the card may become the strongest option out there for a lot of travelers. Read our full  review of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

• 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary
• $395 annual fee
• $300 credit annually, only applicable for bookings made through Capital One Travel portal
• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel rewards credit card on the market. Offering an excellent return on travel and dining purchases, the card packs a ton of value that easily offsets its $95 annual fee. Cardholders can redeem points at 1.25 cents each for travel booked through Chase or transfer points to one of Chase’s 14 valuable airline and hotel partners. Read our full  review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card .

• You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases, 2 points per dollar on all other travel and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
• Annual $50 Chase Travel Hotel Credit
• Premium travel protection benefits including trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance and lost luggage insurance.
• The card comes with a $95 annual fee.
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card’s sign-up bonus is among the highest we’ve seen from Chase. Plus earn points across the four bonus categories (travel, shipping, advertising and telecommunication providers) that are most popular with businesses. The card comes with travel protections, shopping protections and will also have primary coverage when renting a car for business purposes for you and your employees. Read our full  review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card .

• One of the highest sign-up bonuses we’ve seen — 100,000 bonus points after $8,000 worth of spend in the first three months after card opening.
• Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for points redemption.
• Reasonable $95 annual fee.
• Bonus categories that are most relevant to business owners; primary car insurance.
• Perks including cellphone and purchase protection; extended warranty; trip cancellation/interruption insurance; trip delay reimbursement.
• Yearly cap on bonus categories.
• No travel perks.
• Subject to Chase's 5/24 rule on card applications.
• Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Amex Platinum is unmatched when it comes to travel perks and benefits. If lounge access, hotel elite status and annual statement credits are important to you, this card is well worth the high annual fee. Read our full  review of the Platinum Card from American Express .

• The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
• This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, and more than $1,400 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. (enrollment required)
• The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway.
• The $695 annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
• Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning bonus rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories.
• The annual airline fee credit and other monthly statement credits can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards.
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.
• See Rates & Fees

American Express® Gold Card

This isn’t just a card that’s nice to look at. It packs a real punch, offering 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar). There’s also an up to $120 annual dining credit at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com ,  Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations, plus it added an up to $120 annually ($10 per month) in Uber Cash, which can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. All this make it a very strong contender for all food purchases, which has become a popular spending category. Enrollment is required for select benefits. Read our full review of the Amex Gold .

• 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar)
• 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel.
• Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of account opening.
• Weak on travel and everyday spending bonus categories.
• Not as effective for those living outside the U.S.
• Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits.
• Few travel perks and protections.
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of travel rewards, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a great way to get started. With no annual fee and a simple 1.25 miles per dollar on all your purchases, you won’t have to keep up with multiple bonus categories — just earn rewards on everything you purchase! Coupled with the 20,000-mile sign-up bonus, you can use your rewards to book travel, transfer to Capital One’s loyalty partners and more. Read our full review of the  Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card .

• No annual fee.
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 within the first three months from account opening.
• Use your miles to book or pay for travel at a 1-cent value, or transfer your miles to loyalty programs to gain potentially even greater value for your rewards.
• Earn 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Other credit cards can offer you higher rewards for your common purchase categories.
• Capital One airline transfer partners do not include any large U.S. airlines.
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card from American Express is a great card for frequent travelers looking to add a touch of luxury to their business trips. While the card does come with a high annual fee, you’re also getting a ton of valuable benefits in return. They include generous annual travel credits, unparalleled lounge access that includes Amex Centurion Lounges and more. Read our full  review on The Business Platinum Card from American Express .

• Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry every 4 years or $85 TSA PreCheck credit every 4.5 years (enrollment is required)
• Up to $400 annual statement credit for U.S. Dell purchases (enrollment required)
• Gold status at Marriott and Hilton hotels; access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program and Hotel Collection (enrollment required)
• Steep $695 annual fee.
• High spend needed for welcome offer.
• Limited high bonus categories outside of travel.
• Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
• Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
• Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card®, here.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
• $695 Annual Fee.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey credit card offers healthy reward earning rates on top of uncapped point-earning meaning the sky's the limit — especially if you strategize and spend in popular categories.

• No foreign transaction fees
• Uncapped earning potential
• $50 annual statement credit
• Solid point earning rates in popular categories
• This card features an annual fee
• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
• Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases.
• $95 annual fee.
• Book your travel with the Autograph Journey Card and enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
• Earn a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase.
• Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of our top premium travel cards. With a $300 travel credit, bonus points on dining and travel purchases and other benefits, you can get excellent value that far exceeds the annual fee on the card. Read our full  review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card .

• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access to Chase Ultimate Rewards hotel and airline travel partners.
• 10 points per dollar on hotels, car rentals and Chase Dining purchases through the Ultimate Rewards portal, 5 points per dollar on flights booked through the Chase Travel portal, 3 points per dollar on all other travel and dining, 1 point per dollar on everything else
• 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel directly through Chase Travel
• Steep initial $550 annual fee.
• May not make sense for people that don't travel frequently.
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $1125 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph card packs a punch for a no-annual-fee product, with an array of bonus categories plus solid perks and straightforward redemption options. Read our  full review of the Wells Fargo Autograph here .

• This card offers 3 points per dollar on various everyday purchases with no annual fee. It also comes with a 20,000-point welcome bonus and an introductory APR offer on purchases. Plus, you'll enjoy up to $600 in cellphone protection when you pay your monthly bill with the card. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Despite the lucrative earning structure, Wells Fargo doesn't offer any ways to maximize your redemptions — you're limited to fixed-value rewards like gift cards and statement credits.
• Select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
• Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
• $0 annual fee.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.

American Express® Business Gold Card

The Amex Business Gold card is a solid choice for high-spending small businesses with the flexibility to earn 4 points per dollar in the two categories where you spend the most. The card is ideal for businesses who value simplicity above all. Read our full  review of the American Express Business Gold Card .

• You'll earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar in the top 2 spending categories each month (on the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year).
• Hefty $375 annual fee.
• There may be better options for small businesses who don't spend a lot.
• Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
• Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
• Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
• Your Card – Your Choice. Choose from Gold or Rose Gold.
• *Terms Apply

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a great starter card thanks to its no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees when you travel internationally. Earning and redeeming is effortless, with no confusing bonus categories to keep track of and the ability to redeem your points for all of your travel needs. Read our  full review of the Bank of America Travel Rewards  card.

• 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases
• No annual fee
• Bank of America does not offer airline or hotel transfer partners like other banks such as American Express, Chase or Capital One.
• No travel and purchase protections.
• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

There’s a lot to love about the Alaska Airlines credit card, in part due to its highly valuable loyalty program: Alaska Airlines MileagePlan. Whether you’re a loyal Alaska flyer or a points maximizer looking to diversify your rewards portfolio, this card has a lot to offer. For starters, you’ll receive Alaska’s Famous Companion Pass each year from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year, free checked bags for you and up to six guests on your itinerary, 20% back on in-flight purchases and more. Plus, Alaska has joined the oneworld alliance, opening up endless redemption opportunities. Read our  full review of the Alaska Airline credit card.

• Free checked bag for you and up to six guests on your reservation.
• Alaska discounts, including 20% back on in-flight purchases.
• Limited Time Online Offer—60,000 Bonus Miles!
• Get 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
• Get Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year. Valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.
• Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. And earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don’t expire on active accounts.
• Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account.
• Free checked bag and enjoy priority boarding for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation, when you pay for your flight with your card — Also available for authorized users when they book a reservation too!
• With oneworld® Alliance member airlines and Alaska’s Global Partners, Alaska has expanded their global reach to over 1,000 destinations worldwide bringing more airline partners and more ways to earn and redeem miles.
• Plus, no foreign transaction fees and a low $95 annual fee.
• This online only offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

With the Capital One Venture, you’re earning 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which makes it easy to rack up rewards without having to juggle different bonus categories or spending caps. And with flexible redemption options and a manageable annual fee, this card is an excellent choice if you’re looking to keep just one credit card in your wallet for all spending.

Those looking to earn flexible rewards should use the Capital One Venture card as it allows you to redeem miles for a fixed value or transfer the miles you earn to 15+ airline and hotel transfer partners , including Avianca, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines and Singapore Airlines.

“The Capital One Venture is a great card that can add value to pretty much anyone’s wallet. I use it to earn 2 miles per dollar on the purchases that fall outside of my other cards’ bonus categories. The annual fee is low, Capital One miles are easy to redeem and the card does come with a few nice perks — including TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee reimbursement.” — Madison Blancaflor , senior content operations editor

Even if you’re a casual traveler, consider jumping to the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card  (see  rates and fees ). The card’s up to $300 annual credit for purchases made with Capital One Travel immediately covers the higher annual fee — and that’s not even considering the added perks you’ll enjoy.

At $395 per year (see rates and fees ), this premium card is cheaper than all of its competitors without sacrificing the breadth of valuable perks it includes. Cardholders will get unlimited visits to Capital One’s premium network of lounges and 1,300-plus Priority Pass lounges worldwide  and able to bring up to two guests for no additional charge.

For frequent travelers, the Capital One Venture X is a must-have and is well worth the $395 annual fee. If you travel frequently with your significant other, family or friends, you can even add some authorized users for no additional cost. This will grant them their own lounge access (and the ability to bring up to two guests for no fee), among many other benefits, making this a huge cost-saver for those who travel in groups.

“With an annual fee that is $300 less than The Platinum Card® from American Express (see Amex Platinum rates and fees ), the Capital One Venture X card is my favorite travel credit card. The card comes with an annual $300 Capital One Travel credit, which I use to book flights. That effectively brings the annual fee down to $95 per year (see rates and fees ). Cardholders enjoy a Priority Pass Select membership. Authorized users — you geta number of them at no cost — also enjoy their own Priority Pass Select membership. I use my Venture X card to earn 2 miles per dollar (a 3.7% return at TPG’s valuations ) in spending categories where most cards would only accrue 1 mile — like auto maintenance, pharmacies and medical bills.” — Kyle Olsen , former points and miles reporter

Those turned off by the Venture X’s annual fee could opt for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card , which has a $95 annual fee (see rates and fees ), identical sign-up bonus and similar earning and redemption options.

You’ll earn a solid return on dining and travel (6% back and 4% back, respectively, based on TPG valuations ) on top of your generous sign-up bonus, and you also have access to some of the best travel protections offered by any travel rewards credit card.

We’ve long suggested the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card   as an excellent option for those who are new to earning travel rewards because it lets you earn valuable, transferable points  with strong bonus categories and a reasonable annual fee.

“The Chase Sapphire Preferred has remained a top card in my wallet for years. Between the consistently strong sign-up bonus, low annual fee and continual improvements that have been made over the years, it’s hard for any other mid-tier rewards card to compare. I love that I can earn bonus rewards on travel, dining, streaming and online grocery purchases — all with just one card. Plus, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valuable and easy to use whether you’re new to points and miles or an expert.” — Madison Blancaflor , senior content operations editor

To add more luxury to your travel experience, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve® . Though it comes with a higher annual fee, you’ll enjoy Priority Pass lounge access plus a $300 annual travel credit.

The Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 in combined travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone services and advertising purchases made on social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. TPG’s most recent valuations  peg the value of Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents apiece, so you’ll get a fantastic return of 6% on purchases in these categories.

If you spend a lot on business travel or social media advertising, you’ll be able to earn significant points using the Ink Business Preferred card .

“I originally signed up for the Ink Business Preferred primarily for its sign-up bonus. But, over the last year, I’ve found myself making it my go-to card when booking travel. After all, the Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel and provides excellent travel protections, including trip delay protection and rental car insurance.” — Katie Genter , senior writer

If you don’t want to worry about maximizing specific purchases and are looking for a lower spending requirement to earn a sign-up bonus, consider the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card , which offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases and carries no annual fee.

The Amex Platinum is a stellar premium travel card that can provide amazing redemptions . Besides the welcome offer, it comes with more than $1,400 in credits each year and various lounge access options. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Anyone looking for luxury travel benefits will find that the ton of annual statement credits make the annual fee worth it. Plus, you’ll get unparalleled lounge access , automatic Gold status with Hilton and Marriott, and extra perks with Avis Preferred , Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and National Car Rental Emerald Club . Enrollment is required for select benefits.

“While this card has a high annual fee, it more than justifies itself for frequent travelers like me. The lounge access options that come with the Platinum are unrivaled by competitors. I put all of my flights on this card to earn 5 points per dollar spent and trip protection insurance. I make sure to take full advantage of the Uber, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hulu/Disney+ and Clear credits (enrollment is required). And, honestly, pulling a Platinum card out of your wallet to pay for something does feel pretty fancy.” — Matt Moffitt , senior credit cards editor

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card  can be a great alternative to the Amex Platinum, with a notably lower annual fee, similar perks and a more rewarding earning rate on everyday purchases.

The Amex Gold earns 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants, with no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees ), meaning you’ll get an 8% return on purchases (based on TPG’s valuations ). While a few other cards temporarily offer higher return rates on dining, this is the best option for long-term spending, making it one of the best dining cards and best rewards cards .

Those looking for a great return on dining and purchases at U.S. supermarkets will get a lot of value from this card.

“Groceries and dining at restaurants are two of my top spending categories, and I love that the Amex Gold rewards those purchases with 4 points per dollar. When you factor in the $10 dining credit and $10 in Uber Cash each month, the $250 annual fee is a net cost of $10.” — Senitra Horbrook , former credit cards editor

For those who dine out a lot and also want additional bonus categories and other valuable perks for a lower annual fee, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card .

The no-annual-fee Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (see  rates and fees ) has the same redemption options as its sibling card (the Venture Rewards card) but with a lower rewards rate and fewer perks. The miles earned on the card can also be transferred to airline and hotel partners, a benefit not usually seen with a no-annual-fee card.

The VentureOne is a strong card to have in your arsenal and great if you are budgeting. After all, there aren’t many no-annual-fee cards with the ability to transfer points and miles directly to travel partners, so it’s a big bonus that this card offers that (see rates and fees ).

“I wanted a credit card that earns Capital One miles without an annual fee, and this is a winner (see rates and fees ). It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of some other cards, but I’m happy earning 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases without paying a fee to keep this card year after year. I’ll never cancel this card.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

For a small annual fee, many travelers could benefit from the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . You’ll earn at least 2 miles per dollar on all purchases and receive a statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership.

There are certain ways to earn bonus points for spending on the Amex Business Platinum Card, but it’s the array of perks on the card that make it a great option. Beyond airport lounge access and automatic hotel elite status, there are a number of statement credits that are specifically targeted to common business expenses.

If you travel for business frequently, this card could help you upgrade your experience in the air and on the ground while saving you money on select business-related services. And the current welcome bonus is just the icing on the cake.

“I find that the annual perks and credits vastly outweigh the large annual fee. And that’s even without using some of them. By using the benefits with Priority Pass and Amex lounges, the airline incidental credits, plus the statement credits for Clear, our cellphone plan and restocking my home printer with ink and paper from Dell (enrollment required), I get more value out of the card than it costs to keep it. Plus, it earns my favorite points — American Express Membership Rewards — earning 5 points per dollar on flights and hotels booked with Amex Travel.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

For less-frequent travelers, consider the American Express®  Business Gold Card , which offers 4 points per dollar spent on your top two spending categories each month on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1 point per dollar thereafter).

The Autograph Journey offers cardholders the chance to earn elevated rates across travel categories including 5 points per dollar spent on hotels, 4 points per dollar on airline purchases and 3 points per dollar on restaurants and 'other travel' which includes timeshares, car rentals, cruise lines, travel agencies, discount travel sites and campgrounds. On top of this, cardholders also get the added benefit of earning a flat rate of 1 point per dollar on other purchases for a $95 annual fee.

If you travel frequently and are looking for a card to help you rack up points you can redeem for future travel, this card is a decent option. Additionally, those looking for a way to fill gaps in their points earning strategy will benefit from the flat 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases outside of the main travel categories.

Another great perk the Autograph Journey features is an annual $50 statement credit triggered by an airline purchase of at least $50. This is on top of elevated earning rates in the certain travel categories and a solid welcome offer for new applicants. There's also no foreign transaction fees on the Autograph Journey card making it a good first travel card as well as a decent supplemental card to add to your travel credit card roster.

If you're looking for a more general use credit card with no annual fee, consider the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see  rates and fees ). It earns a flat rate of 2% cash rewards on purchases making an excellent choice to help fill gaps in your reward earning strategy. The best part? Like the Autograph Journey card, the Active Cash Card doesn't put a cap on the amount of cash back you can earn.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve comes with an annual $300 travel credit to offset a variety of expenses — such as airfare, hotels, rental cars, transit and more. You’re also getting an up-to-$100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit  once every four years along with Priority Pass Select membership. And Chase’s slate of transfer partners allows plenty of opportunity to get the maximum value from your points.

Those looking for elevated earning rates and extensive travel protections should have this card in their wallet. The 50% redemption bonus when you use your points to pay for travel through the Chase portal  is also a nice perk.

“I’ve had the Sapphire Reserve for years, and it’s going to stay in my wallet for the near future. I get $300 off travel every year along with great earning rates on travel and dining (3 points per dollar) and various trip protections that can reimburse me when things go wrong. And by leveraging other cards in the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, I’m able to maximize the earnings across all of my purchases.” — Nick Ewen , director of content

If you just can’t stomach the Sapphire Reserve’s $550 annual fee, go for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card  instead. It has similar perks, redemption options and travel protections — for a much lower $95 per year.

The Wells Fargo Autograph is a great no-annual-fee card that offers quality earning categories and travel and shopping protection.

Travel card beginners who are looking to get into points earning should consider the Wells Fargo Autograph, which offers a welcome bonus, 3 points per dollar on a variety of everyday spending categories and cellphone protection.

If you’re just getting into the travel credit card world and are not sure travel cards are for you, consider the Wells Fargo Autograph, which will allow you to earn bonus points on travel spending without the commitment of an annual fee.

If you’re looking to earn transferable reward points but still maintain a similar earning structure, consider the Bilt Mastercard® (see rates and fees ). The card earns 3 points per dollar on dining and 2 points per dollar on travel purchases for no annual fee. Plus, Bilt points can be transferred to any of its multiple travel partners. 

The American Express Business Gold card comes packed with perks and benefits, but its most unique feature is the ability to shift your monthly bonus categories. Cardholders will automatically earn 4 points per dollar in their top two spending categories on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1 point per dollar thereafter), so if your business spending varies month to month, you won’t have to commit to a bonus category.

The American Express Business Gold card is an excellent choice for business owners who are looking for a premium business card with premium business perks like monthly office supply statement credits, travel and shopping protection and access to The Hotel Collection.

The American Express Business Gold is an excellent choice for small businesses that have changing bonus categories but still want more premium business perks and benefits.

If you still want to earn Membership Rewards points without paying an annual fee, consider The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express (see rates and fees ), which earns 2 Membership Rewards points on all business purchases (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card operates similarly to the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . You’re earning flat-rate rewards across all spending, and then you can use those rewards as a statement credit to cover eligible travel purchases.

It’s perfect for low-budget beginner travelers  who want a card with no annual fee and a simple way to earn and redeem points.

“I’m happy earning 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases on a card without an annual fee. I can’t pay for everything in life with transferable points, and it’s nice to have a card with fixed-value points for those situations. I use this card for travel purchases where I need to pay in cash, then I can reimburse myself with the points.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

If you’re interested in a card with transferable miles that still has no annual fee (see  rates and fees ), consider the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card .

The Alaska Airlines Visa earns 3 miles per dollar on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases; 2 miles per dollar on eligible gas, EV charging stations, cable, streaming services and transit (including local ride share purchases); and 1 mile per dollar on everything else. You get a free checked bag on Alaska flights for you and up to six guests on your reservation, an annual Companion Fare on your account anniversary and 20% back on all inflight purchases.

Whether you live on the West Coast or not, the Alaska Airlines Visa is a good cobranded airline card to consider adding to your wallet. The Seattle-based airline is mostly limited to North American routes, but international destinations through Oneworld partners make this card valuable for all travelers.

“With new benefits, this card is even more valuable to me — even with its higher annual fee. It provides a free first checked bag, discounts on inflight purchases and priority boarding. My favorite feature, however, is the annual Companion Fare. I get hundreds of dollars in annual value from this perk.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

If you’re not looking to collect airline-specific miles, a general travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card might be a better option.

Travel rewards credit cards earn points, miles or cash back that are redeemable for travel expenses or are geared toward travel spending. The cards on this list are some of the best credit cards to book flights , hotels and more with their many perks and rewards . 

Travel credit cards offer rewards on different purchases that can help you book flights, hotels and more for little to no out-of-pocket expenses. Some cards also provide valuable perks and benefits that upgrade the overall travel experience — from Global Entry application fee credits to lounge access to complimentary elite status . If you have the right card (or cards) in your wallet, the sky is the limit on where your travels can take you — literally.

Additionally, it’s often advantageous to travel with more than one credit card for a variety of reasons. Carrying a backup credit card when you travel can provide peace of mind in the case of bank or issuer problems or if you have a card flagged for fraud while you travel. (In this case, knowing if your card requires you to set up travel alerts for lengthy travel could be worthwhile).

Are you new to travel rewards? Check out our beginner’s guide to all things points and miles . You’ll learn about top loyalty programs, how to maximize your credit card strategy to reach your travel goals and so much more.

Related: The complete history of credit cards, from antiquity to today

We have researched various types of travel credit cards to help you figure out which one is best for you.

Travel vs cash back credit cards

A travel credit card is a card that is geared toward travel spending and a cash-back credit card is a card that earns cash back on purchases made with the card.

Generally, when we are talking about travel credit cards we refer to cards that earn points and miles like the Platinum Card from American Express or the Hilton Honors Aspire card. The Platinum Amex earns transferable points which can be used with any of Amex's travel partners while the Hilton Honors Aspire card only earns Hilton points which can be redeemed at Hilton properties. These cards do not earn cash back on any purchases.

Cash back cards generally offer cash back as a flat rate or feature bonus categories that earn an elevated cash back rate. Select cash-back cards can also be a great travel card such as the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express which offers 3% cash back on transit including rideshare, trains, buses, and more. Even though it is a cash-back card, the Blue Cash Preferred offers an elevated return on select transportation which potentially makes it a solid travel card option.

How do travel credit cards work?

Travel credit cards work like other reward credit cards: They help you earn rewards, primarily points and miles, on your purchases. This section will primarily focus on transferable rewards credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card® from American Express, as they are what are typically considered travel credit cards.

Related: How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value

How to earn transferable points

Transferable points credit cards earn points or miles when you make a purchase on the cards. These points and miles can then be transferred to travel partners for rewards like flights, hotel stays and more. Different cards will have different currencies, but they are generally called either “points” or “miles” (depending on the issuer). All transferable reward credit cards, airline credit cards and hotel credit cards will have their own currency that is redeemable for travel rewards. 

Travel cards have varying rates for different purchase categories. For example, the American Express® Gold Card card earns 4 points per dollar spent on restaurants but only 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or Amex Travel. While the Amex Platinum may be a better card for travel as it earns 5 points per dollar spent on flights (booked directly with airline or Amex Travel and up to $500,000 per calendar year), the Amex Gold can be a good addition for Platinum holders who spend a lot of money on dining out.

Related: How to redeem American Express Membership Rewards for maximum value

How to redeem points and miles  

Once you’ve decided on a travel credit card and earned a welcome bonus, it’s time to put those points or miles toward free travel. There are many ways to redeem your rewards with travel credit cards. Many cards feature an online booking portal through which you can use your rewards to book things like flights, hotels and car rentals. Before booking your flight, you should consider doing a  flight portal comparison to ensure you're getting the best redemption. Others allow you to transfer your points or miles to individual loyalty programs. Depending on the redemption, this could unlock even more value.

There are plenty of ways to ensure you don’t make mistakes with your travel rewards . For instance, be sure you do your research with your rewards to get a high-value redemption and make sure your accounts are in good standing so you don’t risk losing them.  

Related: Tips and tricks to get maximum value from your Capital One miles

It’s up to you to decide whether a specific trip is worth spending your rewards. You can use TPG’s monthly valuations to help you determine if the price of your flight or hotel room is worth your points and miles. Some travels are more affordable in cash, but you can always save your points to splurge on a business-class flight to Europe or an overwater bungalow at a luxury resort. 

How to use travel credit card portals  

In the world of travel credit cards, the four major players are American Express, Capital One, Chase and Citi. These issuers also have their own travel portals which can be used to earn and redeem points for travel. 

Some issuers, like Capital One and Chase , offer an incentive to book travel through the bank’s portal but it is not always worth booking through a portal. 

We do not recommend booking hotel travel through card portals as it typically does not honor elite-status benefits or elite-qualifying stay credits. 

Luckily, flights typically allow you to earn bonus points through a card issuer’s portal and with the airline. Keep in mind that this does not apply to all cards. When purchasing in cash, there generally is little variance in booking through a portal or on the airline’s website so if your travel credit card offers incentives to book through the portal , it can be a great way to earn extra points. 

Related: Ultimate guide to the Citi travel portal

Points and miles redemptions will have a fair variance, especially if there are incentives to book through the travel portals. Overall, travel portals can be a great addition to your points redemption journey if properly used. Always remember to compare the price or redemption value of booking through a portal or directly with an airline. 

Booking through a portal may make matters complicated if you ever need to change or cancel your flight. 

Related: Battle of the credit card travel portals: Which is the best for booking flights?

Types of travel credit cards

Travel credit cards are cards that are geared towards travel spending. Luckily, there are many types of travel credit cards which means there is a good option for any traveler. Typically, when talking about travel credit cards, we are referring to transfer rewards credit cards, airline credit cards and hotel credit cards. There are additional types of travel credit cards that are less popular but can still be a good option for the right traveler.

Transferable rewards credit cards earn points and miles that can be redeemed through a card’s rewards program directly or by transferring them to a travel partner . Many of our best travel credit cards fall under this category because they are the most valuable type of points you can earn. Transferable rewards give you the flexibility to redeem your rewards in a way that will be most beneficial to you. Examples of top transferable rewards cards are the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express .

Airline cobranded cards earn a specific type of airline miles. These cards also generally come with perks specific to that airline. For example, an airline card may offer free checked bags , a certain number of elite-qualifying miles to help you reach status, priority boarding privileges, inflight discounts and more.

Hotel cobranded cards work like airline cards. You’ll earn rewards that are redeemable for a particular hotel program, such as Hilton or Marriott. Hotel cards come with their own benefits, such as complimentary elite status or free award-night stays. In addition, hotel cards can help you stack your earnings on hotel stays with the hotel’s program.

For example, if you have a Marriott credit card , you’ll earn bonus points for every dollar spent at participating Marriott properties on top of the 10 base points you get as a member of the Bonvoy program. This can really amplify the rewards you can earn when you use your hotel card to pay for your booking.

The points and miles world can be confusing for new credit card users but it doesn’t have to be. While transferable rewards cards are arguably the best way to earn points and miles for travel, they can also be incredibly confusing. Fixed-value credit cards and cash-back credit cards are good alternatives for beginners who are looking to get into the travel credit card world.

Fixed-value cards earn points or miles that are always redeemed for the same value. For example, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card earns points worth 1 cent each. These cards are great for beginners who haven’t quite gotten the hang of maximizing transferable points or casual travelers who are looking for their first travel credit card . Fixed-value credit cards are often the best travel credit cards for beginners. 

As more hotels and airlines move to a dynamic pricing model where award pricing shifts dramatically, fixed-value rewards programs are becoming more popular.

Another great credit card option for casual travelers or credit card beginners is cash-back credit cards. You don’t have to worry about points, transfer partners or maximizing your rewards with these cards. Cash-back cards provide a percentage of cash back on your spending and provide a simple way to save on your upcoming travels. 

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ) is a great option for beginners to travel rewards. It earns unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and has no annual fee.

Travel credit card benefits

Some travel cards offer automatic elite status with various programs when you sign up and can also accelerate the journey to elite airline status by converting points to air miles. If you are loyal to a particular hotel brand, status with that brand will be valuable. You’ll be entitled to room upgrades, resort credits, early check-in, late checkout and more. If you’re not loyal, it won’t. The same goes for elite status with an airline — you’ll get lounge access, upgrades, increased baggage allowance, etc. When comparing the perks of various cards like elite status, be realistic about which ones you will and won’t use.

One of the coveted perks of premium travel credit cards is complimentary airport lounge access. Many premium travel credit cards come with Priority Pass lounge access , a membership that allows access to airport lounges across the world. These lounges are a great place to relax before your flight or have a snack during a long layover. Amenities will vary between lounges but most lounges provide wifi, private seating and refreshments. Be sure to check the priority pass guest policy as many lounges allow you to bring a complimentary guest (or guests).

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both expedited screening programs for travelers. TSA PreCheck is reserved for expedited security screening for domestic flights and Global Entry provides expedited customs screening for international travelers when entering the United States. 

The application fee for TSA PreCheck is up to $85 and $100 for Global Entry. If you are approved for the program, the membership is valid for 5 years. Many travel credit cards will offer statement credit for the application . 

• Awards vs cash calculator Compare the cost in points or miles to cash.
• CardMatch™ Get prequalified offers in less than 60 seconds.

Earn the welcome bonus

One of the best ways to maximize your travel credit cards is to earn the welcome bonus . Most travel credit cards will offer a welcome or sign-up bonus that allows cardmembers to earn points or miles that would otherwise require a very high spend. Welcome bonuses are a crucial part of a card’s value, so before you apply for your next travel card, be sure to plan for how you will meet the spending requirement. Ideally, you would align large purchases with your card opening so that you don’t need to spend frivolously to earn that lucrative welcome bonus .

Use a travel card that matches your travel style

There is a travel credit card for everyone, but not every travel card is the best fit for your wallet . Consider what type of traveler you are, whether you have any brand loyalty and what perks you are looking for from your next credit card. If you travel often and in luxury, consider premium cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express or Chase Sapphire Reserve® . These cards are loaded with tons of luxury perks like lounge access and automatic elite status . 

Alternatively, if you’re a more thrifty traveler who likes to maximize your travel earnings, consider a mid-tier travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . These cards allow you to earn points on your travel, and while they don’t come with a long list of luxury perks, they’re much more cost-effective for a traveler on a budget .

And even beginners don’t have to veer away from travel cards, since many products out there offer an introduction to the travel rewards world without incurring an annual fee.

It’s important to consider where you’re looking to go when you book trips, as certain cards are especially useful for international travel . Plus, if you’re someone who frequents the skies (such as a digital nomad), there are certain credit cards best for long-term travelers .

Knowing what your travel style is like will help you determine what type of travel card you need.

Use loyalty programs to stack your rewards

You don’t have to limit your earnings to just travel credit cards . Many airlines and hotel chains have loyalty programs that can be used in conjunction with your travel card to unlock added perks when doing business with a specific brand. In addition, many travel credit cards allow you to transfer points from your card to your eligible loyalty programs . This can open up nearly endless redemption options, including award chart sweet spots that can get you the most maximized redemptions for your points and miles.

• 1 Sign-up bonus Choosing a card with a healthy sign-up bonus will help jumpstart the possibility of unlocking elite status across different areas, including airline and hotel loyalty programs.
• 2 Annual fee Premium travel credit cards typically feature higher annual fees. Double-check that the card you choose suits your spending habits and travel needs before applying.
• 3 Bonus categories It also helps to check which bonus categories a card offers to ensure that they align with your spending, whether it’s at restaurants, at grocery stores or on streaming subscriptions.

What's your favorite travel credit card — and why?

• Using credit cards responsibly can help build your credit score
• Travel credit cards can earn cash back, points or miles on every dollar you spend.
• Travel credit cards can provide purchase, theft and fraud protection.
• Travel credit cards provide perks like travel insurance, complimentary hotel stays and more.
• Credit cards can encourage overspending.
• Carrying a balance and using your card irresponsibly can damage your credit score
• The cost of borrowing on credit cards is higher than traditional loans
• Having too many card applications can negatively affect your credit score
• Travel credit cards may be too complicated (or expensive) for those who aren’t frequent travelers.

Generally speaking, you need at least a very good credit score in order to get many popular travel credit cards. According to FICO, the scoring model used by most lenders, this is a score of at least 740. However, there’s no hard-and-fast rule, as each individual credit card issuer looks at a variety of factors in addition to your credit score when deciding whether to approve or decline your application.

Thankfully, there are a number of ways to check your credit score for free , so you can get an idea of where you stand before wasting an application (and a hard inquiry on your credit report) for a card for which you’re unlikely to qualify.

Points and miles are simply two different ways to describe the same thing: the rewards you earn on a credit card. As an example, many popular Capital One credit cards earn miles, whereas cards that participate in Chase Ultimate Rewards accrue points. There’s no appreciable difference between the two words.

This gets a little more complicated when you begin discussing cash-back credit cards. Some of these show earnings with a dollar amount, while others show cash-back rewards in points. However, here too there’s no significant difference. It’s simply how the card issuer chooses to describe the rewards you’re earning.

It depends entirely on your typical travel habits. Many popular travel credit cards feature rewards, benefits and redemption options that only come into play when you’re actually on the road. This includes perks like airport lounge access,  rental car insurance  or statement credits for certain travel purchases. Ultimately, you should look at how much value you expect to get out of a given travel card in one year. Then, compare that to the card’s annual fee to make sure you’re getting at least that much value.

It depends. Generally speaking, you should aim to use your rewards from travel credit cards for travel-related purchases – like flights or hotel rooms. However, everyone has a different version of what “value” looks like here. Some travelers are perfectly content redeeming 25,000 miles for a $250 economy flight. Others would rather save up and use 100,000 miles for a $5,000 business-class ticket. The important thing is to avoid redemptions like gift cards or merchandise, since those typically offer poor value for your points and miles.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine whether you want to keep cash in your pocket by using rewards for a particular purchase instead.

Many of the luxury travel cards on this list offer hundreds of dollars in annual travel statement credits. However, not all annual travel statements are created equal. While some cards feature easy redemptions, other cards feature redemptions that come with more restrictions. 

Out of the various cards that offer annual travel credits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve has the easiest redemption process for travel credits . The Chase Sapphire Reserve's travel credit covers a broad selection of charges, including flights, hotels, campgrounds and more. Additionally, the travel does not have to be booked through Chase’s travel portal, and the statement credit will automatically post when you make an eligible purchase. 

• our chicago

Our Chicago: Memorial Day weekend and summer travel

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kick-off to summer. AAA expects 43.8 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more over the holiday.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

But what about the rest of the summer? Airlines for America, an industry trade organization, forecasts that U.S. airlines will transport 271 million passengers between June 1 and Aug. 31.

That's up more than 6% from 2023, which was a record breaking year. But what will travelers find when they go to buy plane tickets?

"If they plan early, they will help themselves because flights are full this summer. nd the ones that are nearest in are going to cost you the most," said AAA Vice President of Travel Debbie Haas said. "The other thing they can do is work with a travel advisor because travel advisors have access to inventory that an individual might not find on their own and travel advisors know ways to bundle hotels and flights to get extra value."

Ja'Vonne Harley is the owner of Advantage International and hosts the radio program Traveling Culturati. She said domestically, Chicago is a popular travel destination, along with Las Vegas and New York.

Our Chicago: Part 2

International flights aren't too behind on demand.

"You're talking about London, you're talking about Paris, of course, Rome and Japan." Harley said. "Japan was very slow reopening after the pandemic. They actually opened in October of 2022, so many people are still traveling there. It's only been about a year-and-a-half since they reopened."

Another destination that some might have considered is Scandinavia.

"Folks are increasingly gravitating towards Scandinavia, particularly in summer because of the cooler weather up there," Haas said.

Harley added that it's not too late to plan an international trip.

"You can still get some good prices now, but don't delay. Because not only are we looking at record travel numbers for the summer, but also understand that air traffic controllers are still short about 3,000 and that has caused airlines to limit some of the flights that they would have otherwise had. So, there may be a shortage of some flights and that's why so many are full already," Harley said.

Related Topics

• MIDWAY AIRPORT
• O'HARE
• OUR CHICAGO
• MEMORIAL DAY
• AIRPORT NEWS
• TRAVEL TIPS

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